Hiking to Havasu

When Britni & I were talking about when I should come down for my annual Cali trip, she came up with the brilliant idea of actually going somewhere and doing something, rather than just hanging out in Loma Linda the whole time.  So she quickly laid plans for us to hike down to Havasu Falls in the Grand Canyon.

As soon as Britni got off work on Tuesday afternoon, we - Britni, Darin, Dannon (Darin's brother), and Mr. & Mrs. Rampton (Darin & Dannon's parents) - loaded up the cars and embarked on the long drive to Peach Springs, Arizona, where we stayed the night.  

Early the next morning, we drove another hour before finally arriving at the trailhead.  Since Mr. & Mrs. Rampton were hiking down with us, they decided to rent a mule to take down some of the gear.  By the time we waited to drop off our gear and realized that Arizona is an hour ahead of California, we were 2 hours behind schedule.  However, by 9:30, as the sun was starting to get warm high above us, we finally started our descent into the Grand Canyon.

Britni, at the trailhead, ready for the adventure!

The view from the top of the trailhead

A mule train on their way up the last part of the trail.  Every time we encountered a mule train, we had to get off the trail and wait for them to pass.

Half way down, looking back up at the 17 switch-backs that we had just decended

Looking down the canyon in the direction we would go once we got down to the bottom

Finally, at the bottom, walking along the dried-up river bed (for about 7 miles)

So many nooks and crannies to explore!

Another of the many mule (horse) trains we encountered along the way

Brit & I, indulging in some shade!

Placing our rocks to mark that we had been there

The canyon walls seemed to tower high above us, and yet, this was nothing compared to the walls that towered beyond them, and the ones beyond them!

 

Prickly Pear!!  Dannon peeled some and I got to try it - yum!!

 "Supai - You're Almost There!!"

Supai is the village that we had to pass through before going to the campground - this was an encouraging sign!

First sight of the village!

The village was quaint and cute!

Helicopter pad in the middle of the horse pasture

There's even a Mormon church down there!

There's an elementary school too!!

 After making it through the village, we had another 2 miles down to the campground (totalling just over 10 miles from the trailhead).

 The first set of waterfalls on our way down to the campground

Continuing on.....

Crossing over the river - the colour of the water was amazing!!!

Our destination - Havasu Falls - so breathtakingly beautiful!!!  

(Our campground was just beyond this)

Our camp

A great tree for hanging our day packs!

Britni being....... Britni!  :D

We hung out that evening around our campground, cooling off on a random picnic table in the middle of the river!

The next morning, we continued on the trail past our campground towards Mooney Falls.  It wasn't long before we saw the majestic waterfall cascading down the canyon wall.

Our first glimpse of Mooney Falls

 

 It's nice to look at it from up here, but how to get down there?

......through a cave........

 

.......and straight down the canyon wall!

Finally down at the bottom!!!

 

After playing around Mooney Falls for awhile, we followed the river, and around every corner was another waterfall - AMAZING!!  We played in and around the river for quite awhile!

 Heading back up the canyon wall toward our campground

 That evening, Dannon taught me how to use a camp stove while whipping up mac 'n cheese with big franks - yum!!

As the sun set that evening, it caught one outcropping of the canyon wall - it looked like a burning ember!

 The next morning, we woke up at 4am to pack up camp so we could be on the trail before it got hot.  We hiked in the dark for over an hour.  The darkness was so thick you could feel it on your skin and the stars were incredible!!  It reminded me of the song "Indescribable" by Chris Tomlin:

"Indescribable, uncontainable,

You placed the stars in the sky

And You know them by name,

You are amazing, God!

"All powerful, untameable,

Awestruck we fall to our knees

As we humbly proclaim,

You are amazing, God!"



Daylight starting to emerge from the darkness

Even though I had already seen it all on the way down, it was just as amazing on the hike back up!  Here are a few more cool shots from the hike out:

Besides hiking or riding a mule/horse, the only way in or out of the village is by helicopter.  As we were hiking out, the helicopter was making trips back and forth.  It started to get annoying how long it was taking me when he was making such quick return trips!!!

 Almost back up at the top, looking back down at the canyon floor and the switchbacks from where I had just came

Triumphant!  I came. I saw. I conquered!!

Hiking buddies!  We did it!!  :)

Group photos after everyone was out!

 

Tired?  Not really actually - I felt so refreshed and rejuvenated after being away from the fast pace of life and experiencing all that beauty!!

Headed back to Loma Linda.....literally! ;)

Spectacular sunset along the way!

What a fantastic trip we had!!!  I enjoyed camping, hiking, swimming, and exploring, but most of all, I enjoyed the opportunity of spending so much quality time with one of my favourite people in the world!!  Thanks Britni & the Ramptons for including me on this awesome adventure!!!