Rock, Mayflower and I returned from our little adventure over a week ago and I have struggled to not only find the time to post on my blog, but to also come up with any descriptive superlatives that really do it justice. So, instead, I am just going to fall back on my list of "favorites".
1. Watching my daughter, nieces and nephews do SO WELL! I was amazed!
2. Not only is Havasu Creek beautiful, but the canyon is as well.
3. The pleasant realization when we got to the village that there were only 2 miles more to go and I didn't feel all that bad!
4. The incredible blue-green water.
5. Sleeping on top of my sleeping bag, under the stars.
6. Grandpa Bob playing his harmonica.
7. Did I mention the incredible blue-green water?
8. Marveling at the searing heat of about 105*.
9. Being pleasantly surprised at the composting facilities:)
10. Laughing at myself and Cowboy Bob trying to have a conversation near the roar of Mooney Falls. He without his hearing aids, and me without a voice. Hilarious!
11. Napping in the shade at Havasu Falls.
12. Tossing my Tevas to the bank of Havasu Creek after they both lost their souls (there might be some kind of metaphor here) and watching one land on shore and the other float on down the stream, imagining it forever caught in the tumbling turbulence of Mooney Falls. This was also my biggest disappointment. Wardrobe failure. It kept me from hiking below Mooney and hiking back up to the New Falls where everyone was jumping and playing. Hmmm...guess I'll just have to go back!
13. Watching the kids accomplish hard things! Yea! Like making the descent to Mooney Falls!
14. Oh, and the beautiful blue-green water!
15. Getting a lukewarm hamburger and hot dog at trail's end back on Hualapai Hilltop from native villager "April".
We "slept" at the trailhead the night before hiking in. "Slept" is really a rather broad description of laying in the back of the car (for Mayflower, it was sitting in the front seat) listening to the wind and the loud boy scouts for most of the night. We started hiking before 6 am.
Bethany, Mitchell & Parker reach the bottom of the switchbacks and take a break and take in the view.
Kassidy!
8 miles down. 2 to go!
New waterfall created by the flood of 2008
Bright blue-green water of Havasu Creek right by our campsite.
JT enjoying the soak.
Cindy, Joe, Tristano, Nicoletta, Desertbound, and Rock @ Havasu Falls (photo by Lil' T).
The Emster playing in the falls!
Mayflower @ Havasu Falls
Hanging out at camp!
This is what a vacation is all about.
Some of the crew heading to Mooney Falls.
One of our favorite things to see on a hike! Warning signs!
Breathtaking Mooney Falls!
Mayflower, Emily & Kassidy posing just below Mooney Falls.
Early morning At Havasu Falls.
The hammock @ Havasu.
Aunt Carol & Uncle Kevin taking the plunge near the new falls!
Blue-green water I tell ya...
Last night in camp. Mayflower loved sleeping in her hammock! We got up at 4 am the next morning and hiked the 10+ miles back out.1.5 miles to go!
Back to Hualapai Hilltop in 4 hours 40 minutes! Thanks to those who offered "mule space" and lightened our loads!
15. But the absolute best part of this adventure was, of course, sharing it with my family, the new people of the blue-green waters.
Special thanks to Tristano for all the coordinating efforts!
....OK .....Now. When can I go back?
