Lake Powell Part 2: Hole-in-the-rock

On a January day in 1880, a pioneer wagon party with 250 people and 26 wagons came down a steep ravine and crossed the Colorado River at a place they named "Hole-in-the-Rock."  Amazing stories are told of their experiences--stories of bravery, hardship, and endurance.  Years later, when the Colorado River was dammed, Hole-in-the-Rock became part of Lake Powell.  One very hot summer day, we decided to make the climb up the steep ravine so we too could say that we have made it through Hole-in-the-Rock.

This is what it looked like as we boated up to it early in the morning.  The days were around 115 degrees, so we knew we needed to go early before it got too hot.  But then again, we were on vacation, so we didn't want to get up that early.  

It was a treacherous climb, even from the beginning. 

 Looking up at that ravine was daunting. 

 Looking down was a beautiful view. 

 William was an amazing little hiker.  He loved clamoring over all the big boulders. 

 Ben, Seth, and Thomas led the way. 

 

 Resting in a shady spot. 

Getting closer.

 Fruit snack energy break.

Amazing views.

 It was a really long way to the top. 

 Sometimes we weren't sure if we were going to make it.

 I think this view right here is why it is named "Hole-in-the-Rock."

These boys made it to the top first.  We could hear them calling to us, telling us they made it, their voices echoing off the canyon walls, sounding--unfortunately--closer than they actually were. 

 But soon it was our turn.

 We proudly signed our names in the register.  We made it!

I was so proud of everyone.  It was a super hard hike--one of the most physically demanding thing some of these kids have done.  But we did it!

 David and his brother Steve hiked this as teenagers.  It was fun for them to do it together again.

The hike down went faster, but was still grueling, especially since by this time the temperature was soaring.  The thing that kept us going was knowing we could jump in the cool water as soon as we reached the bottom--we had hiked in our swim clothes for exactly that purpose.  These guys made it down before me, so I jealously snapped a picture before hurrying down to join them.

Not much has ever felt better than splashing into that lake.  We swam and floated in the refreshing water and rested our fatigued bodies.

What an amazing experience!