Windy Warm Bay Video

In 2011 Alastair Humphreys pioneered the concept of the microadventure. The concept is simple. It is basically an overnight outdoor adventure that is “small and achievable, for normal people with real lives.” Out of necessity, it is a concept Sharon and I embraced far before it had a name. It is a concept that I wholeheartedly encourage.

With the weekend looming and Sharon out of town playing grandma, I pondered my options. I could put up the backer board in our new shower project. I could hang the new bathroom door, or any number of other home projects that have languished since we moved into the Tree House four years ago.  But then I realized – Sharon would feel massively guilty if she spent the weekend playing with Oliver while I slaved away on the house. Wishing to spare my lovely bride any undue emotional trauma, I chose instead a suitable microadventure.

Lake Powell in February has water temperatures in the upper 40’s. The weather forecast for the weekend, upper 40’s…and sunny. Perfect boating weather. I reckoned my chances of running into a thumping party boat wanting to camp 30 feet down the beach were somewhat lessened this time of year. Perfect. Grab camping gear, throw the boat on the Suby, leave work a bit early and hit the Wahweap launch ramp by 3:30pm. Stow gear, park car and launch by 4:15 pm. That left a little more than 2 hours to travel the five miles to my prospective campsite.

Good news, less good news. The less good news was that a brisk wind was kicking up some pretty good waves and whitecaps. The good news, the unbelievable, unheard of, almost never before in the history of mankind news was that the wind was at my back!! According to my gps, it only took a little over an hour to travel five miles…which left plenty of daylight to find the perfect spot on a lovely (DESERTED) stretch of beach on the eastern end of Warm Bay.

Saturday dawned clear, cold (upper 20’s) and perfectly still. I hiked and went exploring away from the beach until the temps climbed a bit. My original plan had been to continue on up lake another 5-ish miles, camp and then paddle all the way back on Sunday. My beautiful (did I mention DESERTED?) beach/bay was just so perfect, I opted instead to simply enjoy the perfect day. I relaxed in my camp chair and read a good book. That’s it. Nothing death defying. No ultra anything. Nothing more strenuous than grabbing the requisite food and drink to avoid starvation and dehydration and an occasional leisurely stroll down my own, personal, deserted beach. I just sat and enjoyed the view, read my book, and considered how blessed I was.

By 2pm the clouds were beginning to thicken, so I saddled up and paddled the long way home, exploring some of the nether reaches of Warm Bay on the way. Overall, I felt I had a sufficient amount of fun to avoid placing any guilt trips on Sharon.  You’re welcome dear!