Lake Powell: Incredible, Beautiful, and Unforgettable

Four days after embarking on a journey to Lake Powell with four great friends (and two very cool chaperons), I came home with facial scruff, a new hairstyle, several sunburns, and wonderful memories. My time there was unforgettable.

I had never been to Lake Powell before this last week. For those of you that are unfamiliar with it, Lake Powell is a huge reservoir that fills a series of canyons in southern Utah and northern Arizona. The sight of a canyon flooded with water is, without any exaggeration, majestic. Steep and smooth red rock canyon walls hundreds of feet tall fall perpendicularly and contrastingly into the lake's deep blue, shifting waters. Zooming on a speedboat over endless waves with the wind blowing through my hair as the spectacular scene completely encompassed me was breathtaking in the word's fullest meaning.

This vision of beauty was nearly constant. In the morning, we were greeted by the new day as the sun rose softly over the canyon and water, casting rays of pink and orange throughout the sky. During the daytime, the magnificent work of both man and nature was clear under the sun's bright gaze until it disappeared behind the red rock mountains at night, gracing us with colorful and vibrant sunsets. After the sun had departed, stars would poke themselves through the clouds while the moon shone as brilliantly as a lantern in the midst of nightfall.

As gorgeous as the canyon-enfolded lake was, the trip was made truly special by the people I experienced it with. Rarely have I felt so close to a group of people as I do to the four friends with whom I spent those four days. We water skied, skipped rocks, named ducks, swam and floated in the water, roasted marshmallows and Starbursts, explored Native American ruins, and belted out a Capella renditions of songs. We talked about everything from personal mannerisms and country music to our thoughts on life and the future. A dynamic of complete openness allowed for both the funniest and most thoughtful of moments.

This trip was unbelievable, exemplifying a perfect blend of the beauties of nature and friendship. Even only three days removed, I can tell that I will always reflect on my time at the picturesque Lake Powell as an incredible time spent with great friends.