Those avid readers of my blog might remember that one of the swims I was most looking forward to this year was Lake Powell. I've been back a couple of weeks now and I have found myself longing for the warm sunny weather and the striking harsh beauty of sandstone cliffs and buttes. However I'm now back in my element, cold water, the summer is definitely over and the winter swim season has started.
Lake Powell is the 2nd biggest man-made reservoir, behind Lake Mead. Work started on constructing the dam in the late 1950s with the last bucket of cement being poured on the 13th of September 1963. It is named after John Wesley Powell who was not only an explorer but a one-armed American Civil War veteran. He set about exploring the river in 1869 in three wooden boats, a momentous task even in this day and age.
Lake Powell is the 2nd biggest man-made reservoir, behind Lake Mead. Work started on constructing the dam in the late 1950s with the last bucket of cement being poured on the 13th of September 1963. It is named after John Wesley Powell who was not only an explorer but a one-armed American Civil War veteran. He set about exploring the river in 1869 in three wooden boats, a momentous task even in this day and age.
This was the first multi-day swimming trip I'd been on and I wasn't really sure what to expect. I was fairly sure that water temperature wasn't going to be an issue but every time I jump into a new stretch of water I have butterflies. Lake Powell is so vast it is hard to believe that it hasn't been there since the dinosaurs ruled the earth. Luckily nothing attacked me this trip except the sun which once again meant that I looked like a burnt panda.
One thing that I have learned throughout my many years swimming is that there is usually someone who can swim faster, farther or in colder water than you. The trick is not to be disappointed when you swim with them and to learn from the experience. This trip was no different, the first time we all swam together it was apparent that everyone was a good swimmer.
Jumping off the boat into the stunning Lake Powell reminded me of the Channel relay and the instant fear of jellyfish and other creatures. The water was quite warm for me but I was amazed at how clear it was. The more worrying thing was that most of the time you couldn't see the bottom unless you were close to the canyon walls. Sheer rock faces of Navaho sandstone towering above you is quite a sight to see. The hardest thing for me was not knowing how far we were swimming, something that is mentally becoming an issue for me after Windermere. It was rather tough following the walls of sandstone round as what you think is a solid wall suddenly turns into an interesting cove or narrow canyon. Unfortunately this means that just when you think you are about done it turns out you have another half km or so to go.
One thing that I have learned throughout my many years swimming is that there is usually someone who can swim faster, farther or in colder water than you. The trick is not to be disappointed when you swim with them and to learn from the experience. This trip was no different, the first time we all swam together it was apparent that everyone was a good swimmer.
Jumping off the boat into the stunning Lake Powell reminded me of the Channel relay and the instant fear of jellyfish and other creatures. The water was quite warm for me but I was amazed at how clear it was. The more worrying thing was that most of the time you couldn't see the bottom unless you were close to the canyon walls. Sheer rock faces of Navaho sandstone towering above you is quite a sight to see. The hardest thing for me was not knowing how far we were swimming, something that is mentally becoming an issue for me after Windermere. It was rather tough following the walls of sandstone round as what you think is a solid wall suddenly turns into an interesting cove or narrow canyon. Unfortunately this means that just when you think you are about done it turns out you have another half km or so to go.
It was a great trip and we had some good laughs with everyone. It was another great example of how friendly swimmers can be and how welcoming they are. It is also a little humbling when you think you are doing a massive challenge like swimming the Channel to find out that the great Martin Strel (our boat captain) is going to be swimming the world next year. Makes my small 22 mile swim look rather insignificant, but as I said earlier there is always someone who can swim farther, faster etc...
If you want to experience Lake Powell I can highly recommend it. I don't think that I have seen anywhere quite like it - as a swimming location it is simply breathtaking. Nina did a great job leading the tour, especially as it was her first time flying solo.
On a slightly different not it turns out that I'm not the only person who screams like a little girl when they get touched by a fish or should I say think a fish is touching them. Sorry Chris, it was a poor joke to play..
If you want to experience Lake Powell I can highly recommend it. I don't think that I have seen anywhere quite like it - as a swimming location it is simply breathtaking. Nina did a great job leading the tour, especially as it was her first time flying solo.
On a slightly different not it turns out that I'm not the only person who screams like a little girl when they get touched by a fish or should I say think a fish is touching them. Sorry Chris, it was a poor joke to play..