Pipe Spring and Lake Powell

Another day, another unplanned stop. Today we followed the signs to Pipe Spring National Monument. Showing our park pass at the visitors center, the ranger said that the guided tour of the fort was starting in 5 minutes. If you come, the tour makes the visit much more meaningful.

Our guide was local to the area and knew the history of this Mormon outpost inside and out. He even played a little on the old pump organ.

Cacti and flowers we hadn't seen before popped up beside the trail up the hill beside the old fort.

Built to protect the mormon families here, the owner was disappointed to find it was in New Mexico, not Utah where he had planned!

After driving for a few hours in the desert, water looks out of place. Finding room at the campground, we decided to spend the night and explore the area.

Intrigued by large projects like the Glen Canyon Dam, we stopped at the visitor center to see about tours. The elevators are being upgraded, so the tours don't currently go down inside the dam. While we discussed whether to go on an abbreviated tour, an announcement came over the loudspeaker that tours for the remainder of the day are cancelled due to high winds.  The visitor center does have good views and a huge 3D relief map of the area.

Returning to the campground we opted for a walk down to the boat launch and marina. Cacti were bloomng near the shore.

Rain was all around, but didn't get us today.

Jack rabbits were thriving in the campground.

Moored houseboats on Lake Powell in the evening light.

This is the second time we wished we were pulling our sailing kayak.

Even the highest campsites had a view of the lake and cliffs beyond. The facilities at Wahweap Marina & RV park were modern and clean, but a little expensive at $48 for full hook-up or $26 for none.