Travels since Sedona---LOTS of country crossed

Hello All interested ----
My posting has been complicated by 'puter problems and doing too much to have spare time to keep up with this 'posting' chore--or opportunity--whichever you want/wish to call it. Anyway, Cameran joined me and the past 18 days have been 'her' trip, so she had priority on my time. The rafting trip down the Grand Canyon, Colorado river, was a HUGE success---well worth it for anyone interested in a glorious way to see a totally unique angle on the canyon and learn about the geology of this earth at the same time.

In the last 18 days, we've moved north from Sedona,AZ up the plateau(Colorado plateau that covers portions of 5 states, geologically speaking)above Flagstaff to Page, where the 'dam' system begins--of the Colorado river. Lake Powell, created by the Glen Canyon Dam, was very low--they're coming out of a 6 year drought--and the hope is this year will bring enuf rainfall to begin a recovery of the water table. The spring rains have created an incredibly beautiful spring/early summer blossoming season, which I've been capturing on camera, and can only hope will be followed by a 'normal' summer rainy season.

Page,AZ, is where our river adventure began--and ended--8 days later. The motorized rafts are WWII equiped with all our gear(including food,etc)for the entire trip. They have a 30-32 person capacity, including our 4 'rivermen'--3 of which were women! Since the rafting company I chose is run by women, it's not too surprising to find 3 of our crew were women--one the wife of our only male guide! With 8 and 9 years experience, our 2 lead guides kept us feeling very safe---and we were--no overturned rafts for our group! If you don't mind being very cold, very hot, very wet, very dry, sleeping on the sand(sleeping bags provided, as well as pads and tents)and occasionally sand in your 5 star meals--yes, great food--then river rafting should be on your vacation 'musts' list. This was my 2nd trip and each one was unique--different weather, different side hikes, even very different people---both VERY great experiences. May even try it again, but need to find another 12 year old companion first!

From the river we drove north to Utah, through Zion Nat'l Park( and its incredible tunnels created out of the sandstone mtns)to St George. Then down to Las Vegas(and off the plateau) to find heat--110 degrees--one night and day were enuf for me! Continuing on to the CA coast--we began in San Diego(Sea World and family reunion) then up to Ventura(more family and a 4th of July parade too)and on up the coast to the bay area and San Ramon, where Cameran's family (my son) live. I'll interrupt my travel adventures for a time to visit more family and familiar places here in the bay area, where I used to live.

I'll post some representative pics of our trip but you really needed to be there to appreciate the beauty. ENJOY