I am actually writing this having not long arrived at the Fairmont in San Francisco, but we have been so busy in Vegas, this is the first chance I have had to blog - is that the right expression? Anyway to catch up............

We were up early the next morning to catch the boat for our cruise on Lake Powell, the world's largest man-made lake. There is an interesting odour in the air which my increasingly stern warning glares and frantic eyebrow wagging at Tony didn't abate. I finally realise that the whiff is simply the local "fresh" air and feign innocence when Tony challenges me about the fierce reprimand I have been mentally sending him for the last 10 minutes.

The boat is huge for the 9 of us signed up for the trip and with a crew of 3, we were guaranteed a good view. We leave Wahweap Bay and motor up to Glen Canyon Dam. Following the construction of the dam, involving 3 years of almost constant concrete pouring, it took 17 years for the dam to fill to capacity, flooding the canyon to a height of 500ft - this should give you some idea of the size of the lake (can't remember the exact figures - give me a break, there is a lot of information to absorb). The lake acts as a reservoir meeting the water needs of California, Nevada, Utah and Arizona.

The boat then follows the original path of the Colorado River to Antelope and Navajo Canyon, located on the Navajo Nation. Antelope Canyon is a high walled and narrow Navajo Sandstone side-arm of Lake Powell. It is hauntingly beautiful as we listen to the story of the "Longest Walk". Then, it is on to Navajo Canyon where we are able to see an example of "Navajo Tapestry", the mix of colours found on the canyon's sandstone walls. The colours, deep purples, burnt reds and oranges and shiny blues are created by a natural mineral process which takes centuries to form and is in a constant state of change.

Whilst still very warm, this is "out of season" to the locals and we are pretty much the only boat on the lake. In the summer, however, the lake (a national recreation park) is a playground for all manner of boats and jetski's.

We return to Wahweap Bay and it's back in the car for another 3 hour drive to Monument Valley. All in all, whilst maybe a little underwhelmed on arrival, the visit to Lake Powell was well worth it for the boat trip alone.

PS. Following a message left on the site requesting more information on the wildlife we are encountering, here is what we have seen so far since leaving Florida.

Zion - Mule Deer, Chipmunks, California Condor, various variety of lizard - all up close and personal

Bryce - Mule Deer, Chipmunks, Ravens, various variety of lizard

Lake Powell - Rabbit, big fish, red tailed hawk,