Friday, April 7, 2017

3-26-17


So on Monday, March 20th Bob, Jacey, Whitney & I drove 5 hours to the west part of the Grand Canyon. We camped on the South rim in tents & essentially got no sleep because of a very windy night. At 3:30am we got up to follow our plan for a day hike to Havasuapi waterfalls.
We failed at our 4am & again at our 4:30am start due to new rules of "No hikers on the trail before 6am." We had been stopped by a Supai ranger. But at 6am sharp we passed the trailhead & briskly walked down the switchbacks.
We were now giddy to be below the rim & on our way! Phew.
Our smiles got even bigger when the sunrise put on a beautiful show.
The Colors! The Canyon! Wow!
We took several sunrise photos & then marched down the 2 miles of switchbacks.
We continued on the 9 mile trek towards the village over a more gentle decent but rocky path. 
There were canyon walls and rock overhangs.
We saw horses with tribe locals directing their journey. We also put on our best "endurance athlete" faces (inside joke). ;-)
This was a beautiful section & a familiar area to Bob & I who have hiked this trail a lot over the years.
The Village of Supai has a population of 208. It's an interesting look into life in this very remote location. The only access to this village is by foot, horse or helicopter. I love that there are no roads down the canyon. Even though there are no cars or trucks in the village we did see a few ATV's that are used by locals to get around the village & to the waterfalls.
Jacey the horse whisperer. I like this pic!
We continued hiking past the village & had 2 more miles before we'd see the 1st waterfall. We got really excited when the streams along the path were flowing with clear turquoise water.
And then there IT was!!!! Havasu Waterfall...so beautiful.
This was Whitney's first look. 
Happy campers! We made it! Love this!
More pics of our full day of playing in the waterfalls of Havasupai in my next post.

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