Lake Powell 101

 We were disappointed when we learned that Lake Powell might not happen this year due to the Wright's houseboat not passing inspection. Luckily the Wright's were able trade weeks so we could make it work for both families. Unfortunately, our original date fell during Aysia's moratorium when she could have enjoyed the full 5 days in Lake Powell since she missed our Lake Powell trip last year. So when she heard that we were going in the middle of summer dance season she was crushed. So mom promised her that she would make it happen even if it was just for 2 nights. About 3 weeks before heading to Lake Powell, our trusty old Chevy Tahoe that we just paid $4000 to get fixed started to have a very high pitched screeching noise come from the back. We were trying to hold on with this SUV since we ordered a brand new one 9 months ago from the dealership and they said it would be in within 4-6 months. Unfortunately they said there was no end in sight. So Mom took the SUV into the dealership and found out it was the rear differential the same week as our trip. So when mom came home from work, there was a new SUV in our driveway. It was actually a 2 year old SUV dad just decided it was time to get something reliable since we weren't sure we would ever get our new vehicle. So now we could trust getting down to LP and back without a problem.

We ended up leaving on a Friday morning and Grandma Pikus was so sweet to offer to meet mom with Aysia and her friends in Price so that she could enjoy a couple of days enjoying the hot Lake Powell Sun. Aysia brought her friends Savannah Carpenter (Carpet) and Savannah Peterson (Peter). Mom felt bad for Peter since she was fried like a lobster and blistered even though mom warned her several times to lather on the sunscreen. But kids these days would rather go for the tan and burn than be pale. We usually borrow the leap pad for the kids to lounge on and play king of the pad from our friends, but unfortunately they were using it this year so we decided to buy our own which is always a highlight of the trip.

We ended up staying the first night in the houseboat slip at the marina since the second boat, the Bayliner wasn't functioning properly. Uncle Jared used it 2 weeks prior and mentioned it didn't sound right. Well, dad and Bart tried ordering a part and fixing what they believed to be the problem but soon realized it was a deeper issue than they originally thought so they called it quits and we decided it would be just a 1 boat trip. Luckily it holds 16 people so we could all get cozy if we needed. The Wrights friend Russ and his little family came along and they brought their newly built small houseboat and wave runner which was nice to have since we were down a boat. The kids hung out around the marina, swam, played games and danced to music on top of the houseboat that night. So we woke up early to Russ's clanking his swing chains on the houseboat at 6am, including all of the marina. We ate a quick breakfast and headed to find a perfect camping spot. Luckily we found an alcove not too far from the marina in case we needed extra gas. It was a perfect spot with our own little island and no one that could come in and be near us meaning we could be as loud as late as we wanted which is exactly what we need at Lake Powell. Skyler brought Braden Nault to hang with us for the week. All of the kids get along so well and had a great time.

We had our annual glow stick dance off which seems to be dying in the excitement so we will have to come up with something different next time, but still fun for the first few minutes. Tubing is always a must. We dragged the kids to a hike that was a little difficult to get to, but once we made it back into the riverbed, we had good time looking for tadpoles and Indian ruins. We found a different route back which was much easier. It was then swinging off Russ's boat, cliff jumping, swimming, running in the auqa ball (or at least trying to) scratch art, boondoggling, and of course the yearly tradition of a big bon-fire and smores. Bart brought Roman candles for all of kids to try to aim for the large pile of wood and garbage to erupt into a fire (a little gas goes a long way). Yes, Bart's fires are always a sight to behold. The kids loved playing mofia and games. 

We kept hearing what sounded like a duck, only to realize it was Russ's dog, a French bulldog who was living longer than he should. When it would bark, it sounded like it was quacking and even the ducks were drawn to his bark. The poor dog was left in a little box and was too weak to get out. So in order to use the bathroom they would have to pick him up and take him out and help him stand in order to empty his bladder. He couldn't eat since he didn't have teeth. So he would sit and moan and whimper. Russ and his wife said they would just continue to let him live and had no intentions of putting him down although he was obviously miserable. He was sure cute though and the kids gave him plenty of attention. 

After more tubing and knee boarding, it was then off to Halls Crossing for our annual ice-cream run. Dad didn't realized he didn't have enough gas and since the water was so low, the gas pumps weren't open at this particular marina. So a nice service woman gave him a ride to a gas station where he was able to buy a few gallons of gas to get us to the Bullfrog marina. The kids along with mom and Shonnie were able to hang out in the shade and enjoy our ice-creams while dad went to get the gas in a golf cart. Each Lake Powell trip is a different experience and although we usually have an issue or two, it is always an adventure and one we can't wait to experience year after year. It was a great trip and can't wait for Jayden to join us next year!