Glen Canyon

Another fantastic day in the southwest! We spent a hot, sunny day at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Lake Powell (the body of water in Glen Canyon) is the result of the dam that controls the Colorado River. It’s a crystal blue lake sitting within red/orange rock walls just east of the Grand Canyon. We started the day with nutrition surveys at the Wahweap Marina – and had lunch overlooking the lake (two thumbs up – way better than lunch at my desk). The afternoon was spent at a second marina – Antelope Pointe – where we were greeted at our car by a young man offering to drive us to the restaurant in his golf cart. We thought this was strange, but quickly discovered that all of the employees move around, nearly exclusively, by golf cart. While the dock was very long (from the visitor center/parking lot to the actual marina) – we were flabbergasted by the sheer amount of golf car traffic! We nearly got plowed down trying to walk it. We did manage to dodge the carts – and enjoyed completing nutrition surveys of the world’s largest floating restaurant and store – right here in Page, Arizona.

Just before sunset we finished our work and took a .75 mile walk to a gorgeous scenic overlook called Horseshoe Bend. The Colorado River flows into the area, then turns 320 degrees around the canyon wall and flows in the other direction. The result is a near island of orange-red rock with the beautiful blue river flowing about it. Gorgeous.

Dinner of BBQ chicken pizza (take-out from our new AZ favorite restaurant, Canyon King) was eaten by the pool – and we had delightful conversation with a family (4 girls between ages 7-11!) from Nashville in the hot tub. They’re youngest is a cancer survivor (Ewing’s sarcoma) and we very much enjoyed learning from/hearing their inspiring story. The mom shaved her head to raise money for child cancer research (check out the program at http://www.46mommas.com/ – so cool!).

Tomorrow we’re off to Bryce Canyon – can’t wait!