Page, Arizona - March 8 & 10, 2007 (Re-run)

 Medical Update

Over the past ten days, I've undergone the two tests that are prerequisites for having ostomy reversal surgery.  The first was a sigmoidoscopy performed by my surgeon, where a scope is inserted so she can look around internally.  I could also observe the screen where the image appears.  The doc said everything looks good , although I don't understand how anyone could say that.  The second test was done as an outpatient at the hospital, in the Radiology Department.  Basically, they pump you full of liquid and take lots of X-rays while you are in different positions.  I could go into more graphic detail about the procedure's downside, but that's uncalled for.  Suffice to say the test results were favorable, so the next step in the process is reversal surgery on June 29.  I'm looking forward to it.

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 Page is an interesting town in the Navajo Nation, originally built to house workers building the Glen Canyon Dam.  The resulting Lake Powell is a major attraction, of course, but there are so many other things to see and do in the general vicinity.  Many of these attractions are extremely popular now, so crowds are a big issue.  That was not the case back when I was visiting the area.  For example, the natural wonder that's known as Horseshoe Bend now charges for parking and has man-made viewing platforms.  I'm sure it's still a great experience.

It's an easy drive to the Vermilion Cliffs south of town.  To get there requires crossing the Colorado River on the Navajo Bridge.  When the new bridge was built, the old bridge was left to allow pedestrian traffic and provide good views into Marble Canyon.  This area is where California Condors born in captivity are released into the wild, so they are frequently seen hanging out here.

Nearby is Lee's Ferry, which was the only means of crossing the Colorado anywhere close in the early days.  Now it's used for several activities, but mostly as the put in spot for rafters going through the Grand Canyon.

Another scenic area near Page is Paria Valley, home to both Paiute Indians and Mormon settlers in the early days.  The Mormons eventually abandoned the area due to recurring floods that severely damaged their homes.  Hollywood built a movie set here, but it was destroyed by vandals.  The people in Kanab re-built the set to attract tourists, but once again vandals burned it down.  This is how we found it in 2007.  I don't think it has ever been re-built.