5-5-17

May 5, 2017: The start of a GRAND adventure in Havasupai.

Stacy, Sarah, Mike, Tracy, Joan, Carol, Jane, Bob

At 4am our group of 8 drove from Seligman to the rim parking lot; the Havasupai trailhead. The starting area was buzzing with hikers prepping their packs for the hike down. 1st timers & even those who have been here before get a certain degree of butterflies for the trek ahead. Our group had a good mix of those nerves & excitement. This would be Joan's & her friend Tracy's 1st trip to Havasupai and their biggest hike to date. This would be Carol's 3rd time to Havasupai but it's been 20 years since the last trip. All 3 smiling before their big endevour.

6:15am - Our group selfie at the start! :-)

To round out our group of 8 we had our nephew Mike & his friends, Sarah & Stacy. This was all their 1st time to Havasupai & a long awaited adventure. Thanks to Carol for getting 8 tickets at cost ($125 each) for 2 nights camping by the falls. It's nearly impossible to get permits these days, especially at the fair price. We are all so lucky!!

Down we go!

A beautiful day for a 12  mile walk.

We didn't get far before Bob & I had to confess to Joan that we put a big rock in her backpack. It's a joke that you play on rookie hikers. Tip: Never leave your pack unattended or someone just might put a heavy rock in there. LOL! 

Taking in the view!

Loved that there were still many colorful blooms & flowers along the trail! 

 The 1st mile and 1/2 are pretty steep switchbacks. Looking good down there, Carok, Sarah, Mike, Stacy & Tracy!

 It already felt special to be sharing this adventure with my sister Joan & my sister Carol!

Bob, Mike, Stacy & I carried full backpacks weighing between 30 & 40 lbs. Joan, Carol, Tracy & Sarah carried day packs (10-15 lbs). We rented 1 mule to take their heavier backpacks with tents 12 miles to the campsite. You never know if your knees can handle the pack weight & terrain. After our 3 day adventure our group had no knee or ankle injuries! #thankful

Another switchback on the trail.

We took breaks to eat, rest our backs & soak it in.

Our jolly crew posing for a pic near mile 2...

More pics in the next post. :-)