Well, actually, now is the time to do some of those things, especially at one of my favorite places in the world. Lake Powell.

Ah, those glorious days of boating when the water is glassy and you have the time to soak up the sun. Makes you long for summertime, doesn't it?

Well, forget it. You don't need to wait for the hottest days of the year to enjoy this. We're talking Lake Powell. We're talking houseboating. And we're talking now.

Winter and spring houseboating is the way to go. The rates are down, the lake is a lot less crowded, and the reflective water is at its best. Some of these houseboats are as fancy and well equipped as a nice apartment in the city. Take a hint from Wahweap Marina's Steve Ward.

"I think it's a great time of the year. It's so uncrowded, you have some fantastic reflections and for miles and miles you're just driving on top of a mirror."

Ah, Lake Powell is a vast jewel of water set in another sea of red sandstone in a land that was the last to be explored in this country.

It is barely touched and it is a place where you can still go and truly get away.

NOTES:

Lake Powell is about 5 1/2 hours north of Phoenix on the Utah state border. In fact, most of Lake Powell is in Utah. Most people access the lake from Page, Arizona, where there are a number of very nice motels. Check the internet, though, for Wahweap Lodge's boat and hotel packages (see below).

In the summer it's almost impossible to find accommodations and rent boats. Right now, however, the place is practically abandoned and the lake is as beautiful now as it is in the summer. Photography is especially rewarding. The sun is in the southern sky and the sheer canyons and high monoliths cast long shadows.

Houseboat rentals are available for 3, 4 and 5 days. This time of year you can save up to 40% over summer rates.

For info about rentals, call: 888-272-8131. Check the website for special deals.