Lake Powell and PNW

A 50-day adventure by C-Traveler Read more

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Trip start
April 10, 2025
Lake Powell and PNW Traveler
Loaded up
April 10 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 37 °F
C-Traveler is all loaded up and ready for her next trip. Headed out tomorrow morning. A little over two weeks on Lake Powell with a few friends and then off to Friday Harbor for a C-Brat gathering, then a couple weeks cruising on Puget Sound, Heading out solo this trip as Rosanne has a busy schedule of her own. I’ll take four days driving out and then plan to launch on Lake Powell near Page Arizona. After cruising there, I’ll have another three days drive towing C-Traveler up to the Pacific Northwest.Read more
Gorgeous Area you're from. Best wishes on your trips... [Don Tyson]
4/11/25Reply
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Lake Powell and PNW Traveler
Council Bluffs, Ia
April 11 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 64 °F
Got on the road today around 9:30am. 422 miles later I had supper and I’m “boaterhoming” at Cracker Barrel in Council Bluffs. Cracker Barrels are one of my favorite places while traveling. Good food, RV spaces in the parking lot, and they allow overnighting. Tonight I took several regular spots out back next to (but below) a highway. Lots of other restaurants and stores around here as well, so I took a short walk to burn off the DQ sundae I walked over for! lol. Not much wind on the nose today, but just enuf to still bring my F150’s average mileage down to 9mpg. Burned 45.3g at a cost of $121. Avg gas price $2.66/gal. That average will likely go up as I head west, C-Traveler’s fuel tank is full at 100g, along with potable water of 20g. Then all my provisions. Total weight with trailer is around 8,200 lbs from earlier scale checks. Ok that’s the stats, if I remember, day after tomorrow when I cross the Rockies I’ll pull the numbers for comparison. Late note. I should add some of today’s gas stops involved Unleaded 88 or gas with 15% ethanol! One station called it U88. However Loves truck stop just has a sticker posted that says up to 15% ethanol. (No problem in the pickup as it can burn E85,)Read more
Yay, Cracker Barrel(turnip Greens)! 14.3mpg, in my 150 W/Cotote engine, pulling from Hontoon to Richmond and up 64 to 81 and home to Easton. Wishing you folks well! [Don Tyson]
4/12/25Reply
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Lake Powell and PNW Traveler
Devils Canyon National Forest Campground
April 13 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 52 °F
On the road today at 7a and pulled into Devils Canyon campground around 4:30p, after driving 447 miles. Mileage did well climbing the Rockies! Never saw less than 8.3mpg on the gauges, but average from Hudson to Avon (just west of Vail), was 9.1, and then from Avon to Grand Junction, average was 11.3, although for a while I was seeing high 14’s. Wind picked up again on the west side of the Rockies as I was seeing around 8.3. I’ll get the overall average tomorrow when I fuel up in the morning at Blanding, Ut, 6 miles away. So basically the head winds hurt me more than anything. Gas at Avon was 3.149/g and at Grand Junction, 2.959/g (3.05 without my Love’s app.)Read more
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Lake Powell and PNW Traveler
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Stateline Auxiliary ramp
April 14 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 54 °F
Easy day with just shy of 200 miles. The landscape and geology of southern Utah and northern Arizona is breathtaking. As I tell Rosanne, this is what really recharges my faith in God. Interesting as well to see the homes of the native Americans. My mileage between Grand Junction and Blanding Ut came out to be 8.5. Gas was $3.15/g. From Blanding to 60 mi SE of Page Az was 9.8. Gas on the res near Inscription Az was $2.98. Launched today at Stateline around noon, after stopping briefly at Walmart to buy a few more fruits and make my lunch. The ramp was pretty shallow and a bit of a bitch to get the heavily loaded C-Traveler off her trailer. But alas with full reverse and turning the outboard back and forth, she came off! First stop after that was at Wahweap Marina to top off my water tank and take a shower. 😊. I found a nice tiny cove to beach the boat in near the ramp. Two of my friends I’m cruising here with are in Page tonight and will launch tomorrow. Cell service away from Wahweap is spotty, so I won’t be updating this blog daily for the next two weeks.Read more
Traveler Compare the water line on the hull to where it was while trying to launch!
4/14/25Reply
I/O must be in trouble here, lol. [Don]
4/15/25Reply
TravelerLooking Good. Have fun
4/16/25Reply
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Lake Powell and PNW Traveler
Antelope and Navajo Canyons
April 15 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 55 °F
Tuesday April 15. (No cell service this evening, so will upload this later.) Mike and Christy on Little Joe, and Bill on Mystery Girl, arrived at the ramp this morning and after getting their boats prepped, launched. Mike and Christy proceeded over to the Wahweap marina to top off their water tank. Eventually Bill and I got underway, caught up with them, and then continued towards the Glen Canyon Dam for some photos. Then on to Antelope Canyon, where we joined a whole lot of kayakers from the Antelope Marina. Getting to the end of the canyon, we turned around and headed back out. While Lake Powell is quite low, there is still over 350’ water depth in much of the main channel. But the ramp at Antelope Marina, where the kayak concessioner is, you can see why some of the ramps are unusable for launching motor boats. This ramp ends at least 30’ above the current water level! Continuing on, we passed all the large houseboats at Antelope Marina, and after a few miles got to Navajo Canyon. We turned in there, and found a nice beach to stop for the night down towards the end. Little Joe and Mystery Girl, bow anchored and stern tied to shore. I beached the bow, and then came off the stern at 45 degrees with lines to shore. Both ways work. Bow facing out allows the boat to stay more level in the water and also helps take any waves coming to shore. Also, you can back in close enough to just step off the back of the boat into the shallow water to get on shore. Having my stern out allows me to fish off the back of the boat. The shore is steep enough to climb off the bow onto shore, but I also have a bow ladder that I can use.Read more
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Padre Point
April 16 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 75 °F
Wednesday, April 16. Once again no cell service where we stopped this afternoon, so will upload this later. Departed our nice beach spot in Navajo Canyon and returned to the main Lake Powell channel. Along the way, Mike and Christy stopped to swim a bit. A little too chilly for me, as the water temp was 61F. Bill and I continued on, and they caught up to us later. Out on the main channel, I was able to get some cell service, so uploaded yesterday’s blog, after calling and checking in with Rosanne. (On the water, and away from Page and Wahweap, usually you can get a signal if you have line of sight with Navajo Mountain, where the cell tower is.) The next canyon we turned into was Labyrinth Canyon. Much shorter than Navajo Canyon, and most of it much narrower. In fact there were a few areas where two boats could not have passed each other. Nowhere to anchor or beach for the night, so we just went in, and came back out. Actually, Mike and Christy stopped in one location where they could temporarily anchor, to take their Kaboat up the canyon a little farther than we could get our boats. Winds really picked up late this afternoon, so we spent some time looking for an adequate place to stop for the day. Found a fairly protected cove and beach near Padre Point. With the winds, it took Bill a little while to get set up. As he was anchoring I just bowed into the shore and kept the motor running to keep C-Traveler in place until Bill was situated. The winds kept blowing him sideways so I left C-Traveler to grab his stern line. He was then able to shut down his outboard and trim it up, so we could finish pulling him closer to shore. Little Joe (Mike and Christy) caught up, and came in, anchored and got situated as well. I had planned to back off the beach, and then back in also, but couldn’t get my stakes pounded into the area due to sandstone rock under the sand. Bill found spots between Mystery Girl and Little Joe, that my stakes would go in, so I ended up backing in there, and then throwing them my lines to hook on to the stakes. All three of us are bow anchored and stern tied to shore, fairly close together. After supper I decided to hike up the hill behind us some to take some pictures of our boats and the background scenery. Then decided to walk over to the higher butte to the right in front of us to get some photos. Mike saw me, and hiked up as well. Today was another 80 degree day, with plenty of sunshine. By the end of the week, forecast shows a couple days only in the 50’s. And windy tomorrow…Read more
Gosh, 3D. [Don Tyson]
4/17/25Reply
Traveler Awesome picture!
5/5/25Reply
Traveler top of the world
5/5/25Reply
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Lake Powell and PNW Traveler
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West Canyon
April 17 in the United States ⋅ 🌬 66 °F
Thursday, April 17. Back in the canyons, cell service is pretty much non-existent. On the main lake channel, if in line sight with Navajo Mountain, where the cell tower is, cell reception is limited. Fortunately I’ve had enough cell strength at times during the day in the main channel, to get a call off to Rosanne, and to upload the previous day’s photos. The winds that have come up in the afternoon, tend to die down at night. Last night was another calm night with a low temp of around 55F. Today it was a little cooler, and only got up to 72F. This evening is forecast to be 44. The Webasto Heater will be running tonght! After departing Labyrinth Canyon this morning, we made a quick pit stop at the floating toilet in Padre Bay. For those of you that have never been to Lake Powell, or seen one, I added two photos. They consist of two toilets, a pump out station and also a dump table for porta potties. There are several located in various locations on the lake. Continuing on, we turned into and explored Face Canyon. This one was very narrow much of its length. The Boaters Guide to Lake Powell, mentions that this canyon is best seen when water levels are below 3,600 ft. We are at 3,558, and the canyon did not disappoint! Long stretches with less than 15-20’ of width. And the walls tower a couple hundred feet above us! We are dwarfed by the tall canyons. While Little Joe and Mystery Girl turned around just a couple hundred yards from the end, I elected to go all the way to the end. In between the narrow towering walls, and with wind pushing me farther in towards the shallows and mud at the end, it was a bitch to get turned around. I should have just backed out to the wider spot to turn around. My mistake caused a canyon sandstone rash to my bimini top. Our next canyon to explore was West Canyon, where we are now anchored/shore tied near the end. This canyon is much more open. The winds came up and were blowing again this afternoon, making for another tricky job of getting anchored and tied up to shore. Once again, I just bowed in and tied lines off my stern at an angle to shore. Much easier than trying to bow anchor and then back in with the winds pushing you sideways! Also, many times here the river bed is sandstone, and unless you catch a rock ledge, or find some mud or thick sand, the anchor won’t hold. (And if you do snag a rock ledge, hope you can get your anchor up. For this reason, occasionally I will use a trip line if I think there is any possibility of snagging my anchor…) Yesterday I had to make a couple attempts to get my anchor to hold. Today it was Mystery Girl’s turn to make several attempts before getting a good set. Looks like the wind is bringing in a cold front, as the next couple of days the high temps are only forecasted in the mid 50’s.Read more
Traveler Memory tattoo.
5/5/25Reply
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Lake Powell and PNW Traveler
Mile 43 Tiny Cove
April 18 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 54 °F
Friday, April 18. The winds howled most last night. In fact, both Little Joe and Mystery Girl had to reset their anchors and/or adjust their shore ties during the night. C-Traveler stayed put. Another advantage of bowing in to shore. The winds did die down sometime this morning, but then picked up again this afternoon. Before leaving West Canyon, Mike took his Kaboat to check out the end of the canyon. We explored several canyons today after leaving West. Into Dungeon Canyon, then Grotto Canyon, and several hours in Wetherill Canyon. We stopped near the end of Wetherill Canyon for lunch, and then Bill, Mike and Christy, took their Kaboats to check out the very end of Wetherill, and also another fork that I had gone down, but wasn’t able to get all the way to the end in C-Traveler. Mike, Bill and I have cruised together a number of times. My wife calls us the Three Musketeers. LOL! We all enjoy slow cruise and taking our boats into many nooks and crannies! Bill and Mike extend into smaller places with their motorized Kaboats, that our bigger boats can’t go. I’ll either hang back on C-Traveler to read or fish. Or sometimes will get my kayak down. (I haven’t inflated my kayak yet this trip.) So far my fishing hasn’t provided supper!  Our last canyon to explore today was Mountain Sheep Canyon. We had hoped to find somewhere to anchor or beach for the night, but nothing found. All sandstone, with very little sand anywhere. After leaving Mountain Sheep, Mystery Girl headed across the main channel to check in Balanced Rock Canyon, while Little Joe and C-Traveler continued on the south side to check out Little Arch Canyon. Again, no luck. I decided to poke my bow into a small hidden cove between Little Arch and Cathedral canyons, and found a nice spot for the night. Today was cloudy and chilly, with a high of 55. By this afternoon it was dreary with some rain. Suppose to start warming back up as we go through the weekend.Read more
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Lake Powell and PNW Traveler
Little Oak Canyon
April 19 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 52 °F
Saturday, April 19th. It was a quiet night in our tiny little box canyon last night. Chilly, (45F) but my Webasto heater keeps C-Traveler warm! Today was a nice day. Sunny, not much wind, and 64 I believe. Perfect hiking weather! We explored Cathedral Canyon, and then Forbidding Canyon, which forks off to Bridge Canyon and Rainbow Natural Bridge. We tied up to the docks at the trail head for Rainbow Natural Bridge, had lunch, and then hiked the mile and a half up to the Arch. When we first arrived at the docks, we ran into a group of hikers that had come from the other side of Navajo Mountain. They had started their back country trip last Friday, and arrived here today, and were waiting for the tour boat that would then take them to Wahweap. (The tour boat was there when we returned to our boats. It comes in and then stays for a couple hours, bringing passengers to hike up and back to Rainbow.) They had quite a few questions about our boats and travels. And I think happy to know that they had some other options if their tour boat didn’t arrive. Lol! After returning to our boats, we explored the rest of Forbidding Canyon, before heading to Little Oak Canyon, (which actually looks more like a bay with a lot of little islands), where we are anchored/shore tied for the night. Mike and Bill used their Kaboats then to go explore Oak Secret Canyon.Read more
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Hole in the Rock and Register Rock
April 20 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 48 °F
Easter Sunday, April 20. Happy Easter. As I explore the desert canyons here, I think of Jesus and his disciples as they trekked through the holy lands. And I also wonder what this area looked like before the dam was built and flooded the canyons. I think of the settlers that traveled down Hole in the Rock and what life had to be like for them. This morning, Bill and Mike did some exploring with their Kaboats before we departed to explore the next couple of canyons. Anasazi Canyon (the longest one for today), Music Temple Canyon, Cottonwood Canyon, and then a small unnamed canyon that had a window arch and for my fellow Star Wars fans, a sand shark! Lol. Also came across an old sunken boat about 50’ above the water level. While Little Joe and Mystery Girl then headed into the Register Rock area, I crossed over to take a look at Hole in the Rock. Hard to visualize the settlers bringing their livestock and wagons down that steep ravine! Entering the Register Rock area, with a clear view of Navajo Mountain, I was able to catch up with Rosanne and the internet. We ended up stopping at a beach just behind another canyon wall that blocked any cell signal from Navajo Mountain tower. Probably just as well. Read more
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Lake Powell and PNW Traveler
Escalante River
April 21 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 57 °F
Monday, April 21. Another nice sunny day in the 70’s. A little breezy in the afternoon. Today we headed into Ribbon Canyon and found another sunken boat. Sunken at one time, but now a good 50’+ above the water line. After Ribbon, we turned up the Escalante River and then explored several named and unnamed canyons. After turning into the Escalante, we saw some caves up high along the canyon walls. (These are marked on the charts.) Named canyons we explored were Indian Creek Canyon, Clear Creek Canyon with Cathedral in the Desert, Davis Gulch, 50 mile Canyon and Willow Creek Canyon. Saw several “hanging gardens”. This is where there is quite a bit of vegetation high up on the canyon walls along a ridge. We also came across several other boaters today. Two fishing boats, a large dinghy, and two kayakers. That’s almost more boats than we’ve seen since departing Wahweap Stateline a week ago! Best part of the day was seeing Cathedral in the Desert. My photos don’t do it any justice! It’s a large cavern that you can take your boat into. Inside, the water wasn’t very deep, and half the area was filled with a sand mound. There is a waterfall within, but it was barely a trickle today. Last time I was here with Bill a few years ago, there was no sand mound and we could easily get both Mystery Girl and C-Traveler inside. If Lake Powell’s water level goes much lower, this cavern will not be accessible by boats. We made it up the Escalante River, to just shy of Three Roof Ruins, or just a bit past Willow Canyon, before we ran into mud flats. Turned around and came back to a nice sand beach we saw south of Davis Gulch. Which reminds me, we could not make it all the way to LaGorce Arch in Davis Gulch due to the low water levels. Once we got anchored here at this beach, I decided to change my prop. The other day while pulling into a beach, it shallowed up sooner than I expected, and I hit some sandstone. I didn’t realize I had bent the prop blades a little, but was getting some vibration. I checked the prop the next day and tried straightening the blades a bit, but apparently that didn’t work. It doesn’t take much of a ding or bend to affect the prop’s performance! I do carry two spare props with me. Fortunately. Read more
TravelerHope you’re having a blast
4/22/25Reply
TravelerFun! Had an outpatient total hip replacement today, not fun but not bad. Cruising will be great in 6 weeks. Safe Travels, John.
4/22/25Reply
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Lake Powell and PNW Traveler
The Rincon
April 22 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 55 °F
Tuesday, April 22. Will hell. Lake Powell got another one of my crocks. A few years ago I was here with Bill and some other folks. At one of our beach stops, I stepped off the back of the boat only to go up to my thighs in quick sand or muck. Pulling myself out, one crock stayed on, the other came off, never to be found. Well this afternoon after hiking around our beach site a bit, Bill found a crock near his stern shore line, and as what he thought was a joke in regards to that incident a few years ago, tossed it up on my bow. Hey wait, that is my crock, as I realized the wind gusts blew them off my bow where I had them drying while we were hiking… The other one, nowhere in sight. Fortunately I have another pair of water shoes I can wear when entering the water, but I will miss my crocks the rest of this trip…. This morning while making and eating breakfast, I had a young Raven (or Crow) try to get in my windows. He sat on the bow for a while, before flying off. Mike and Christi departed in Little Joe for their return to Wahweap. Bill and I left the Escalante River, continuing to head upstream, exploring more side canyons, including Bowns and Long canyons, and few other unnamed canyons. As we exited the Escalante River, we could see some NPS crews working on the floating toilet there. We made it a short day today, stopping early afternoon at The Rincon. As we were out hiking we met another guy who was exploring the area with his wife, in a small inflatable boat. They were camping on the other side of the beach from us. We saw them a few times in Escalante yesterday. A bit windy again this afternoon; otherwise sunny skies and mid 80’s. (For those that have already seen my last upload for Escalante River on April 21, I just uploaded some video from the Cathedral in the Desert to that upload.)Read more
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Lake Powell and PNW Traveler
Lake Canyon
April 23 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 64 °F
Wednesday, April 23. Another pleasant sunny day in the 80’s. Winds were pretty gusty this afternoon, but we were already anchored/beached when they really got gusty. I think they get channeled right down the canyons! Departed the Rincon this morning, and didn’t go far before turning into Iceberg Canyon. Didn’t make it to the end due to all the dead Cottonwood trees sticking out of the water, and just below the surface. Would be like threading a needle! Slick Rock canyon was also fairly short due to the low water levels. Farther up Lake Powell, we crossed over to the other side and entered Annies Canyon. Went as far as we could in it. Came back out and several miles later, entered Lake Canyon. Got back a ways, and found a beach we could call it a day on. Timing was good arriving at 3p, as about 3:30 the gusty winds started. Bill took his Kaboat in to the canyon a little farther, until he turned around among a bunch of Cottonwood trees. We are seeing a lot more dead Cottonwood trees in the canyons in this area of Lake Powell. We are only about 5 miles from Bullfrog Bay now.Read more
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Lake Powell and PNW Traveler
Bullfrog Bay
April 24 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 66 °F
Thursday, April 24. Another nice day. Breezy, but nice. Mid 80’s I believe. Mike texted me a photo he took back on the 21st when we were on the Escalante River. A picture of both Mystery Girl and C-Traveler at an alcove in Indian Creek Canyon.
As we progressed upstream from Lake Canyon, the land becomes a little flatter, and the canyon walls along the main channel are not quite as high. Before getting to far along, we spotted what looked like a round fender in the crevice of some rocks along the shore. I very carefully eased C-Traveler up to the area, and recoverd a very large fender! Too large really. Anyone want to trade it for a smaller round fender? Lost Eden Canyon still has the high narrow canyon walls, and is at the entry to Halls Creek Bay. Halls Creek bay use to be connected by a channel over to Bullfrog Bay, but with the low water levels, they are now separated by land. Not far into Halls Creek, I spotted something in a ravine. I beached C-Traveler to go walk up and see what it was. Just an old paddle board. Continued and caught up with Mystery Girl as the bay opened up to just a flat shallow lake. The end was through some more Cottonwood trees. Leaving Halls Creek Bay, and heading for Bullfrog Bay, we pass Halls Crossing Marina. We saw that the old Dangling Rope Marina is now floating at Halls Crossing. Not sure what the NPS plans to do with it. The removal of the Dangling Rope Marina from its position half way between Wahweap and Bullfrog has left a 100 mile length of river with no fuel in between the two other marinas. That has kept a lot of boats away from the middle of the lake. Arriving at Bullfrog, Mystery Girl and C-Traveler took on some fuel and water. I only put 20 gallons on. At $6.739/gallon!!! Traveling at slow speeds, I’m getting between 5.5-6 mpg. I probably didn’t need to put any fuel on, but better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it. In a few days when I turn around to head back to Wahweap, I’ll continue to travel at slow speed and will only need about 20-25 gallons anyway. (With today’s addition, I have about 70 gallons on board.) The additional will allow me to run a little faster if I need to. Bill found a nice spot for us to beach/anchor this afternoon. We are on the back side of a small beach with the canyon wall behind us, and can see over the beach to watch other boats going by.Read more
TravelerNot only fuel, but potable water and ice were almost essentials for small boats. Houseboats are OK. Say "HI" to Bill, we sure miss going to Powell, but will cherish our days there, and our photos. Have fun, and enjoy!
4/25/25Reply
TravelerThat is just the fuel dock in the photo. I wonder if the mechanics, the store, water resources and other docks are still at Dangling Rope. The channel is deep enough to survive low waters.
4/25/25Reply
The rest of it is on the shore at Bullfrog. [Jody Kidd]
4/30/25Reply
TravelerThanks for sharing
4/26/25Reply
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Lake Powell and PNW Traveler
Forgotten Canyon
April 24 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 79 °F
Friday, April 25. Once again, a sunny, very breezy day, in the 80’s. However, later this afternoon, the winds were really howling. Seems to be the usual weather pattern this week! Yesterday late afternoon, a large triple decker houseboat came into Bullfrog marina. Was more like a floating mansion. I was up in time to see a nice sunrise this morning. Before leaving Bullfrog Bay, I went over to see where folks were beach launching next to the main ramp. Looks like the park service put down some asphalt next to the main ramp while the water levels are so low. Leaving Bullfrog and going by Halls Crossing Marina, I went over to get a closer look at the Halls Crossing Ferry (Charles Hall), and could see why it’s not likely going to run this year. Its ramp for cars is high and dry. We turned in to explore Moki Canyon, and found several houseboats already set up or setting up camp for the weekend. Also saw the underwater cave, that’s no longer under water! Several more miles and turned into to explore Crystal Springs Canyon. Crossed over to the other side of Lake Powell’s main channel to Hansen Creek Canyon. This canyon was more like Bullfrog Bay and Halls Creek Bay. Found a nice beach there, but some fisherman were on it and we didn’t want to wait for them to leave. Crossed back over to Forgotten Canyon, and found a nice beach not far inside the canyon. It is in a larger cove with a floating toilet, but we have a big butte between us and the toilet! Bill took his Kaboat the rest of the way into Forgotten Canyon and explored the three branches at the end. The winds really came up gusting to well over 30 mph for a good part of the late afternoon. Good thing we are securely anchored and beached.Read more
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Lake Powell and PNW Traveler
Maps and Fish
April 25 in the United States ⋅ 🌬 81 °F
This is just an upload of some photos of the Stan Jones Map of Lake Powell, so you can get an idea where the various canyons are that I’ve been posting about. Wahweap is the bottom left corner of the first map, and Ticaboo Canyon is just beyond Good Hope Bay, in the bay’s top left hand corner, on the second map. If we get farther, I’ll try to remember and reference where we are in relation to Good Hope Bay. As long as I’m doing this upload, I guess I should share my excitement now. Hot damn, I finally caught a fish. Two of them, but I only boated one. I have been dropping some lead core line behind the boat while slowly cruising up the main channel. A 10 color and a 6 color. Both with the lures everyone uses here. Haven’t had any luck, until today. I got tired of having to reel in all that lead core before entering canyons, so I put the 6 color rod away. Coming through Good Hope Bay today, I decided to also use my regular fishing line with another lure that Bill found me when he was Kaboating up one of the earlier channels. After trolling it for awhile, I had a bite. A big bite! I got it to within about 50-75’ of the stern when it made another run. Instead of letting the line run out like I should have, I held it. About 5 seconds later the line broke. So much for that fish. I rerigged that pole with another lure and didn’t have it in the water long when I had another bite. Boated this one, just a 15” Striper. Supper for Bill and I tonight! So I can now say my $51 fishing license finally paid out. Lol!Read more
nice size for the table... [Don Tyson]
4/28/25Reply
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Lake Powell and PNW Traveler
Ticaboo Canyon
April 26 in the United States ⋅ 🌬 77 °F
Saturday, April 26. Same weather... sunny, warm and windy. This morning we pulled out of Forgotten Canyon and crossed the main channel over to Smith Fork Canyon. Then back across and upstream a mile or so to Knowles Canyon. Saw a houseboat and tent camper. It’s the weekend, and several of these canyons are within 10 miles of Bullfrog Bay. Next canyon was Cedar Canyon. More houseboats and tent campers. (Most the tent campers are very likely some of the numerous fishing boats we’ve seen.) Further upstream into Warm Springs Canyon. After that came Sevenmile Canyon. Went all the way to the end where it required a tight turn around. As you look at some of my earlier photos you may have wondered how we get turned around when we get into a narrow space and can’t go any farther. Well, we either back out until it’s wide enough to turn, or as I’ve done a few times, I’ll stick my bow into the bank and spin the stern around, if I have at least a boat length of space. Also, winds can be useful, or play havoc! Not good if they are pushing the boat farther into the shallows. In that case, it’s best to back up until you have the space to turn without getting blown into the rocks or shallows! Passed through Good Hope Bay, which is a part of Lake Powell towards the north end that opens up into a wide bay. We anchored/beached at the mouth of Ticaboo Canyon. However, the winds were not dying down much, and tired of the sand blowing off the beach, I came over to a small cove just beyond where we were, while Bill just pulled his beach stakes holding Mystery Girl’s stern. So we are both just bow anchored for the night. Tomorrow’s plan is to see how much farther we can get on the main channel. I don’t plan to enter any of the last couple of canyons along the way, to conserve fuel and time. Trachyte Canyon is 13 miles upstream, and we suspect we will run out of lake before there. That is only 4 miles from Hite, which was dry five years ago. The current Lake Powell water level is 3558. (You can check Lake Powell’s water levels here: https://lakepowell.water-data.com/) Sometime tomorrow I’ll turn around and start my trip back to Wahweap, to pull out on Wednesday.Read more
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Lake Powell and PNW Traveler
And now there is one.
April 27 in the United States ⋅ 🌬 57 °F
One Mystery Girl and one C-Traveler. Sunday, April 27. Cool 70, cloudy and gusty! The roughest water we’ve encountered this trip was after leaving Ticaboo Canyon until rounding the Horn. Just very choppy and guessing the wind gusts were around 30+ mph. The winds pretty much blew all night. Maybe around 10-15mph. We departed our Ticaboo anchorage right at 8am, and pretty much found the upstream end of Lake Powell around 10:15. We were down to 6’ of water near Twomile Canyon, or river mile 134. We decided to call it quits there, as the water was very dirty in color, with no depth of clarity to see any rocks or hazards. This ends my trip here with Bill. We’ve been running around 1200 rpm and 5mph. After turning around, Bill continued to run that speed, while I picked it up to 1600 rpm and about 6-6.5mph. Bill went back to Ticaboo Canyon for the day, while I made it to Bullfrog Bay at 4:30 this afternoon. Bill will stay here up to another month, checking out all the canyons we skipped on the way upstream, while I’m just staying in the main channel to get back to Wahweap in two or three days. Probably won’t be taking or uploading as many photos on the way back, unless I find some spectacular shots. The winds are still blowing this evening, with forecast for 10-15mph. I’m in somewhat of a protected cove, but the winds change direction in here, like they do when sitting at a campfire! I’ve had a few gusts that are more likely 15-20 mph, or higher! Currently I have about 47 gallons of fuel on board. With about 100 miles to Wahweap. Running 1600 rpm I get around 4.5 mpg. Since fuel here is nearly $7/gallon, I will continue to run off plane, as going fast I’d burn about 2mpg.Read more
TravelerMy husband and I are picking up our Tomcat in August so enjoying seeing what some of our future adventures might look like. Safe travels
4/28/25Reply
TravelerYou’ll love it. A little heavier than a 25, but very trailerable! 🙂
4/28/25Reply
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Lake Powell and PNW Traveler
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Dangling Rope Canyon
April 28 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 52 °F
Monday, April 28. Started out sunny and just a slight breeze. Got up to 70. Then later in the day cloudy and cooler. A little more wind later in the afternoon, and of course gusty early evening while trying to beach the boat. Had hoped to be going by 7or 7:30 this morning, but it was 8 when I pulled out. Then ran until stopping this evening at 6:00pm. (Actually pulled into Dangling Rope Canyon at 5p, then explored around the area with the boat.) Passed the Halls Crossing ramp , which is still in use, but at your own risk. Minimum safe lake elevation for use is 3556. Current elevation is 3558. The ramp ends at a cliff under water. I found this to be a good ramp when the water was higher, due to its slope. Passed the point where I had earlier found that big round fender. It’s right across from Iron Top Mesa at river mile 91. Saw a few arches, including Rooster Arch, and paid more attention to the scenery on the main channel this time. So many overhangs or alcoves, in the sandstone walls. While I had hoped to get a little farther, it was still a long day with 55 miles traveled, at just under 6kts, or just over 6mph. I pulled into Dangling Rope Canyon to see what was left of Dangling Rope Marina. Lots of cables still strung out everywhere across the land, and some across one of the small coves. The tramway and employee housing is still here. Would love to have hiked up to see what condition the housing is in, but I’m sure it’s off limits. First place I found to beach C-Traveler, the sand covering the sandstone wasn’t deep enough to hold my stern tie stakes. I did fine another spot at the bottom of a high sandstone dome that worked.Read more
I have thoroughly enjoy these great photos. Thank you so much. I don't think I'd like to be there when all of those houseboats are unleashed. It is their absence that enhances your great photos, unique. [Don Tyson]
4/30/25Reply
Nice write up Colby. Mike Moser [MM]
5/8/25Reply
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Lake Powell and PNW Traveler
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End of Lake Powell part of trip
April 28 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 57 °F
Tuesday, April 29. Pleasant day, mostly sunny, hit 72, and a little breeze. At night fall, there was an eerie glow to the west of Dangling Rope Canyon. Got an early start this morning, departing at 7:15a. Enjoyed the scenery and took a few scenic photos. Antelope Point Marina doesn’t leave a lot of extra room in the channel to go by. And has many large house boats. I’ve never been there, but looks like one of the nicer marinas on the Lake. They even have valet launching. That was another option I was too cheap to consider. Lol. Interesting to see a lot of cables on the other side of the channel that I assume are to anchor their docks. The cables lie well beneath the water so do not risk tangling with passing boat props. Looked like a crow convention going on at one of the rock points. Coming into the Wahweap Bay channel, the shore looks much different. The rocks are quite jagged. Behind, to the north of the Wahweap Bay the canyons are more white in color. Castle Rock is very prominent just east of the bay. This also marks the Castle Rock cutoff that can be used at higher water levels, to short cut Lake Powell at the western end. I stopped at the Wahweap marina to top off my water tank and get a real shower! Then over to the Stateline Auxiliary ramp to pull out. Much easier loading the boat on the trailer, than to launch it. Probably helps also to only have 24 gallons of gas on board rather than 100. Total stats for this trip, 96.3 gallons of fuel burned, and a total distance of 441nm or 494 (statute) miles. 14 days on the water. After getting everything loaded between the boat and pickup, I stopped at the Page Laundromat to do my laundry. Then here to Walmart to buy some groceries, supper, and park for the night. Quite a few other campers also over nighting.Read more
TravelerThanks for sharing, and safe travels!
4/30/25Reply
Great pictures and videos! I have been enjoying following along on your travels. Looking forward to meeting you at the Friday Harbor Gathering! Ken and Stacie on Sjøhest [Ken Haman]
4/30/25Reply
Traveler 😂
5/7/25Reply
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Lake Powell and PNW Traveler
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Cracker Barrel, Layton, Ut
April 30 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 59 °F
Late start from Page this morning, but still made my planned stopover for supper and “Boaterhoming”. Did a little more shopping at the Walmart this morning as I forget to get some fresh veggies last evening for snacking on during the drive. A bit of rain south of Provo, and I managed to hit Salt Lake City area during rush hour! 😟Read more
I think I’ve stayed there. I sold to the garden centers there. And there is a new Temple about to open there. I love Layton. Lil further north is the Ogden air museum. [Don Tyson]
5/1/25Reply
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Lake Powell and PNW Traveler
Wildhorse Casino
May 1 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 75 °F
Today was a new day! New in that new road and landscape that I don’t think I’ve ever been on or have seen! I’ve seen so much of the USA that I get excited when I’m in new territory! Got an early start today heading out at 7:15. Original planned stop was at a Walmart in La Grand, Or. (481 mi). But another C-Brat suggested I drive another 45 miles and stop here at the Wildhorse Casino. Free parking and several restaurants available. So here I am! Got the boat washed today. Well sort of. Watercraft inspection for invasive species at the second rest stop on I84 in Idaho. Since I was in infested waters (Lake Powell) and only came out two days ago, the inspectors said they’d like to spray the boat down with hot water. With a smile, I said sure! lol. Forgot to mention in yesterday’s post, I ended up fueling the boat before I left Page. Using my gas buddy app, that appeared to be the cheapest place along my route to the PNW. Digital gauges indicated I had 24 gals still on board in my 100g tank. 78 g filled it, (at 3.11/g) so the gauges are pretty darn accurate!Read more
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Lake Powell and PNW Traveler
Port Orchard, Wa
May 2 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 72 °F
Got another early start this morning, but only had 300 some miles to go today. So far my most expensive gas was at the truck stop next to the casino last night. I think it was $4.59/gal. Today I managed to keep it under $4.00/gal. The cheapest being at a Safeway in Auburn, Wa. for $3.89/gal, and came with a show. Turning onto the side street to enter the station, I saw a fire truck and a whole lot of smoke, and it smelled like burning plastic. Then I could see a lot of flames. It looked like one of those coffee corner shops was burning. Someone inside the gas station said it was an empty building. Another twenty minutes of travel, I arrived here in Port Orchard, where I'm leaving the pickup and trailer with a new C-Brat friend while on the water up here. The ramp I'm launching at needs at least 5' of tide, and it was at low tide this afternoon. So I'll spend the night here and launch in the morning.Read more
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Lake Powell and PNW Traveler
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Poulsbo
May 3 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 54 °F
Launched C-Traveler this morning at the Port Orchard Boat Ramp. Then left her at the marina while I took the truck and trailer back to the C-Brat friends I’m storing it with. If you zoom in and look closely at the ramp photo, behind C-Traveler, across the water, you can see some military war ships. There is a lot of military in this area. Along my route today, there was a restricted area where torpedo testing is done. Also passed by the Discovery Bay, in Liberty Bay, that is a torpedo trial support vessel. Just before coming to the marina’s at Poulsbo, I also passed what looked like an old USCG cutter. One side the familiar USCG colors, but the other side somewhat dark. Doing a little research, I found that this was in fact an old USCG tug. The dark side is called a Dazzle pattern, and is basically camouflage to confuse enemy targeting. Currently, it appears that a non-profit group owns it. You can google USCGC 202 Comanche, to learn more about it. But this is some recent information (May 1) I found that goes beyond just the cutter!
“Sewage Spill in Liberty Bay Forces Historic Ship to Delay Departure and Impacts Volunteer Operations
POULSBO, WA — The volunteer crew of the historic U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Comanche (ATA WMEC 202) has been forced to delay its scheduled departure from Liberty Bay following a 15,000-gallon sewage spill that has contaminated the surrounding waters and compromised the safety of our crew and operations. The spill, as reported by the Kitsap Daily News (https://www.kitsapdailynews.com/.../15000-gallo…), has rendered it unsafe for our all-volunteer team to handle the retrieval of the anchor chain, which requires physical contact with seawater and sediment. Direct exposure to contaminated water could pose a serious risk of illness, particularly as our volunteers lack industrial sanitation equipment to handle polluted waters.
USCGC ATA WMEC Comanche 202, a living piece of maritime history and public education, was preparing for a cruise to Port Ludlow on May 3rd, 2025. In addition to lost time, the delay threatens mission-critical outreach programs, incurs financial costs for resupply and moorage, and disrupts the travel schedules of dedicated volunteers who have already made significant personal commitments to support this voyage…”

Checking in at the marina office, I noticed a lot of folks in a park just above the marina. Turns out there was a big resist rally happening! After the park rally, they all marched around town.

I did my part in helping the local economy with the purchase of some salt water taffy and Huckleberry fudge! I would have bought some breakfast treats at the locally famous bakery, but wasn’t willing to stand in line for it! There is also an interesting second hand marine hardware store that I spent some time in. I did find a unique rope brush to add to my boat cleaning supplies. Also checked out the Maritime Museum. Some interesting stuff in it. After returning to the boat, I went to look for a geocache at the end of the dock. Found it!Read more
Traveler Could almost pass for ME.
5/4/25Reply
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Lake Powell and PNW Traveler
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Port of Everett Marina
May 4 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 50 °F
After breakfast this morning, I walked up the hill to the First Lutheran Church of Poulsbo to attend their service. Wish I had known before I fixed my own breakfast, that the Sons of Norway were having a pancake breakfast this morning. (Saw the sign at the top of the marina ramp next to the park on the way to church…) The church is a historic building, and is used as a prominent landmark for boaters looking for the marina. We live in a small world. I learned that Pastor Paula at my church in Stoughton, was at one time the pastor of one of the pastors at Poulsbo.
It was rather rough crossing Puget Sound today in 1-2’ chop. I did mostly have a slight tail current, except for the last couple hours when I was bucking a slight head current. Crossing Puget Sound, I had to dodge logs, tows and freighters. Actually, only one of each. Lol. But logs in the water up here is a common hazard. Also have to watch out for the Washington State Ferries, and other passenger ships.
Coming into Everett, there is a naval ship yard, and then I also passed a USCG cutter. Everett is the largest public marina on the west coast, and it is a sprawling facility. It’s more like a marine business park, with several hotels, restaurants, yacht dealers and a marine repair yard.Read more
Traveler Cool
5/5/25Reply
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