Five months ago a picture, similar to the one above, came across my Facebook newsfeed. I was immediately drawn to it. As I looked closer I realized that it was a picture for a swim trip. A swim trip? I couldn’t believe something like this existed! Not only is it a tour for open water swimmers but it is in one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. I booked the trip that day!
This past week the trip that I have been looking forward to for five months finally arrived. And it did not disappoint! For three days I enjoyed my favourite things – open water swimming, hiking, boating and the sun! There were five other amazing people in the group who made it that much better… not to mention our awesome guides! We swam in the narrow and twisting canyons for an hour in the morning, had lunch, hiked the red rocks and then swam in a different canyon for another hour in the afternoon. It was incredible swimming in this lake. The water was crystal clear and the perfect temperature – for me anyway, those who don’t swim in Lake Ontario regularly thought it was a bit chilly!
Chapter 14 of Robin Sharma’s book – The Greatness Guide is titled “How to be a Happier Human”. He says “As we leave the wonder years of childhood, most of us stop doing the things that make our hearts sing.” While I was in Lake Powell my heart was singing! “When you get back to doing those things that lifted your spirt and sent you soaring, you reconnect with that state of happiness that you may have lost.”
What would make your heart sing again?
This trip was truly extraordinary. I am appreciative to the Strel family for creating this tour company. It’s difficult to explain as most people think of open water swimming as torture rather than something they would fly thousands of miles and pay money to do. For me though, this is one of the most amazing trips I have ever been on. To be in the water and look up at the beautiful red canyons and the incredibly blue sky is such a unique and remarkable experience.
The pictures, while beautiful, don’t do justice to the beauty and massive size of the lake and the rocks. Lake Powell is on the border of Arizona and Utah. It is 186 miles long with many canyons. We would be lost somewhere in there if I was driving the boat! Our hike on Day 2 took us to Rainbow Bridge which is the largest natural bridge in the world. It is only accessible by boat or a 14 mile hike. It was spectacular! 290 feet from the base to the top, and spanning 275 feet across the river.
Next year… Montenegro, Turkey, Croatia or maybe Lake Powell again? I can’t wait!
We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we see them with our eyes open. ~ Jawaharalal Nehru
Make your life an EPIC adventure! 
Incredible pics and description! Looking forward to hearing more about your amazing trip !
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What an incredible vacation! The pictures look fantastic.
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Thats fantastic Lisa!! i remember you talking about looking forward to it with excitement on our Women’s Warrior Weekend. Way to live life full out! The only way to make that happen is with great vision time and action. Well done and it looks amazing. I would love to see more pictures in Florida at the seminar. Please have some with you.
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Great story about a great trip. I’m hoping to be in Scottsdale for March Break with my kids and will check out the possibility of enjoying the excursion.
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Lisa, you continue to inspire me, with both your words and deeds. Thank you for bringing us along!
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Ditto to what Lynn said!!!
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