In the spring of 2022, the artificially impounded waters behind Glen Canyon Dam reached a low Pool Elevation of 3527 feet (and it was continuing to drop). This meant that for only the second time in 50+ years, the drowned waterfall that many aficionados of the Colorado Plateau know as the heart of the plateau was released. On this date, the pool level stopped about 1/4 mile from the Cathedral.
The canyon’s surrounding sands had been cleaned of lake residue by flash floods, and plant life, once normal to these canyons, had been naturally restored. Having heard this and knowing it was time for a visit, I invited my friend and fellow photographer Colleen Miniuk on the trip.
We rented a powerboat for two days, filled it with cameras and camping gear, and motored down the reservoir (commonly and grossly called Lake Powell). It’s a RESERVOIR, as it’s behind a damn dam!). We arrived in late afternoon, as the last boat had left. We paid our respects and photographed for a few hours, then camped on a nearby beach.
We returned in the morning, and as we were packing our gear, the first day visitors arrived. This was perfect timing and a perfect partnership. Colleen and I both consider this sacred space, and we behaved accordingly. We both felt like the only ones there. I have titled this image “Walk Into My Heart.”
