We decided to take a quick walk down to the water (Lake Powell) this morning. Probably a quarter mile from our Wahweap campsite in loop C (Glen Canyon National Recreation Area) we got to this sign telling us the beach was still three-quarters of a mile further. It looked like it was just at the end of the sidewalk. That's where the walk headed downhill and I think it might have been even further than the sign indicated since the water level was so low.
Fairie Dusters were in full bloom all around the park.
I think Joani will forever be looking for interesting rocks underfoot. Of course, we would never think of picking up rocks in a National Park! All Sam cared about was sampling the water as the waves lapped at his feet.
There were narrow passages in the lake but there were also wide open spaces where people could open up the throttle. We found out the lake is more than 100 feet below full so there was a lot less surface for boating than they could have. In the marina, it seemed nearly every houseboat included a few jet skis at the stern but it was still too cold to see any of them out and about.
On the five mile drive between the park entrance and our campsite, we were treated to beautiful vistas that changed constantly with the variation in clouds and lighting. Tower Butte reminded us so much of Devils Tower in Wyoming and was one of our favorite landmarks - it made its way into a lot of our pictures.
Near the dam, a short hike took us out to the Hanging Gardens. Water seeping from above kept the grotto cool and damp - ideal for the Maidenhair ferns that grew there in abundance.
The Hanging Gardens trail is an easy one-mile roundtrip that takes you past some beautiful Navajo sandstone formations.
Who wouldn't want to hike to the top of an ancient sand dune to get a better view!
A side trail led to the top of a fossilized sand dune that gave us a nice view in every direction. Make no mistake, that was really steep but the sandstone gave us excellent traction. Of course, Joani spotted these strange formations we later learned were Moqui Marbles. One of the rangers said it is not known how or why they form.
"The Navajo Sandstone was once the biggest expanse of dunes on Earth. Its color comes from flakes of iron-rich minerals blown in and buried with the quartz sand." livescience.com
It's not "known" how they form, but there are many theories. Most Moqui Marbles are iron coated with goethite (younger) or hematite (older) - These are not, but the Carl Hayden Visitor Center still called them Moqui Marbles.
"Moqui" is a Hopi word that means "dear departed ones."
As the sandstone wears down, the marbles are released and roll down to form puddles of marble debris.
I've been seeing these circles all over the sandstone. They have ranged from one inch to five or six inches. A ranger had no idea, so I've hit the internet and the best thing I've found that matches are "reduction spheroids."
A large Moqui Marble with a cool spiral in it and a mystery spot all in one shot.
The sun was still high but clouds would leave vast areas in the dark.
The light from the lowering sun mixed with the mesa behind Tower Butte in the shade of a cloud made a surreal combination.
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