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| Backpack | 25.00 Miles |
2,400 AEG |
| | Backpack | 25.00 Miles | 3 Days | | |
| 2,400 ft AEG | | | | |
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| partners | | I went on this trip with 4 other people from FRIENDS hiking group: Kurt, Sally, Chris and Randy. Many thanks to Kurt for doing all the driving which allowed the rest of us to get in a good snooze. Also thank you to all my partners for their valuable pieces of advice about backpacking. I am just getting into it and this is only my second trip. I have been an avid day hiker since I was a teenager (up to 17 miles in one day), but until recently I didn't have the funds to buy all the gear and pick up back packing. Thus, I know I have a lot to learn and everyone was very helpful!
We left on Thursday afternoon around 1:30 pm and didn't stop until it was dinner time. We ended up eating at this place on old Route 66. I forget the name of the little town, but it was really quaint with all of its historical Route 66 shops. It felt kinda like we had stepped back in time. For dinner I ate my first buffalo burger. It was yummy and the only difference from beef that I could detect was that it was perhaps a little more lean. After dinner, Kurt drove us to a spot off of Indian Road 18 and we set up camp and made ourselves a great little fire. Thursday night is when the group had me eliminate about 10-12 pounds of gear from my pack which left it at about 40 pounds, lol! Looking back, I am so glad they made me reorganize my pack. The hike out of the canyon would have been that much harder with the added weight.
We started down the canyon early Friday morning and made it to our campsite at around noon. We ended up picking a spot that was across the creek, which made it a little more secluded due to the reduced foot traffic. While the rest of us were setting up, Kurt and Sally were nice enough to take their packs and go fill up our water. Thanks guys! The only gripe I had with crossing the creek is that there was no bridge to our site which made things a little tricky. I fell into the creek both nights when coming back from the bathroom.(Lesson to me would be go to the restroom BEFORE it gets dark, lol).
After setting up, we all went down to Havasu falls to enjoy the water. I tried swimming behind the falls but the water got deeper closer to the rocks and there was a strong under current, so I didn't get behind it. The water was pretty shallow in front of the falls though, so with a lot of effort battling the current I managed to get under the water to feel the fringes of it pound down upon me. The power of it was amazing! Then I joined the rest of the group and spent some time soaking in the travertine pools that were just downstream.
We headed back to camp close to sunset. Once back at camp, I saw a pack of cards I had brought all chewed up on the ground. I went to inspect my BRAND NEW tent, and found that a squirrel had chewed a hole right through the mosquito net door that I had zipped closed. I had forgotten about the food (that was secured away in dry sacks mind you) which I had left in my tent. The squirrel chewed up the dry sacks trying to get to the 3 bars of Trader Joe's dark chocolate that I had brought. He wasn't successful, so I guess he got mad and decided he would tear up my playing cards instead...butthead lol! Anyway, we named the squirrel Rocky. Rocky was persistent! The remainder of the trip he kept coming back to our camp to scope for any possible vittles. I learned my lesson though and put my food in a rat pack that Kurt had strung up on a line between two trees. Then we all made dinner and played cards to finish out the evening. Props go to Sally for kicking everyone's butt at "Oh Hell!"
Saturday we rose early, made breakfast, packed a lunch and headed out to spend some time at Mooney and Beaver falls. This was my favorite part of the trip! The hike down the creek was AMAZING!! First the climb down to Mooney was a bit of thrill having to grip onto the chains that had been drilled into the rock. I was speechless at the sight of Mooney. The mist and roaring sound of this waterfall took my breath away. WOW WOW WOW. I kept saying WOW. That is the one word that describes my whole 3 day experience.
After Mooney we continued downstream to Beaver falls. I took a ton of pictures! Every time I turned around we were coming across these gorgeous little sets of cascades. Also, the green belts full of grape vines were so beautiful. The water though slightly white still had a gorgeous aqua blue color to it. About 1/3 of the way to the falls we discovered a little rope swing and we took a break to be goofy and play in the water.
On our trek downstream we came to a point where we had to choose to cross or climb up the rocks on this makeshift ladder made out a single log and a little bit of rope. We decided to go up. Once at the top of the rock outcroppings we had a nice aerial view of the creek with all its travertine pools. We stopped for a few pictures and were back at it. We reached Beaver Falls, but were above it and had to find our way down. It took a little bit of time, but I managed to find a safe route down to the water.
Then just downstream of the falls there was an area that was full of white water where the trail kind of ended. The choice was: cross the rushing water or go UP and out of the way and then hike down to get to the swimming hole just beyond where we were at. Kurt was brave and decided to try crossing the rushing water, so I followed him. The others decided to wait. We got across the water and Kurt started to do a bit of rock climbing so I followed, but he changed his mind. He decided he was going to go back and work his way down the other side of fast flowing water using the rock wall for support. I didn't like that idea because the current was strong, so I continued up the rocks. Kurt managed to make it to the swimming area before me and I had him test out the depth of the water below me to see if I could jump. He gave me the go ahead and I jumped about 10-12 feet down into the beautiful aqua pool.
At this spot, we met a group of people who were on a rafting trip down the Colorado that had hiked up stream to enjoy a day of swimming just like us. After chatting it up with them for a bit, Kurt went back to the cross point to act as guide for Sally, Randy and Chris who were still waiting back at the bank. We spent a few hours cliff diving, swimming and sun bathing and then decided it was time for lunch. The spot where we ate was awesome! It was at to the top of Beaver Falls overlooking the creek.
On the way back to camp we stopped at an area right before Mooney Falls and took a waterfall shower. It felt great to rinse off some of the sand and dirt from the day. At Mooney, the group paused for 20 or so minutes. At this point I decided I was going to try to get behind the waterfall. I got up on the rocks and got only about halfway behind the water. It was really powerful and I was by myself while the others waited back at the shore. It felt like too much of a risk to attempt to battle the surging deluge of water alone, so I decided to turn back. On my next trip my goal is to get behind Mooney and Havasu...darn it!
That night back at camp we had some more fun playing cards and talking to a couple who were from Minnesota that were set up across the creek. We met them because the guy had seen Rocky snooping around in Randy's pack earlier that day. He had come over while we were gone to move his pack. When we got back at camp, Randy noticed his pack had been moved but couldn't figure out why because nothing was missing. The gentleman from Minnesota came by while were we playing cards and told us he had rescued Randy's pack from a nosy squirrel. We invited he and his girlfriend for cards but they politely declined. Shortly after they left, we decided to go to bed so we could wake up early for the tough hike out. While getting ready for bed, I was brushing my teeth when I heard a scuffle on the rocks next to me. To my surprise I turned and my headlamp lit up a ringtail!
In the morning, I woke, and broke down camp as quickly as I could. I was slightly behind the others. I should have packed most of my stuff the night before but I didn't because we were playing cards until after dark. I didn't have time for breakfast if I was going to stay with the group, but I needed to fill up on water before I headed out. Randy helped me lash down my bag of trash to my pack and accompanied me to the spring. He said farewell once there and I filled up my two water bottles, and camelpack.
I hurried to meet Kurt at the start of the camp grounds. Randy Sally, and Chris were already gone. Kurt and I started out and within minutes he was well ahead of me. I was behind everyone. That is when I realized the importance of packing light!!! I eventually caught up to Randy and stayed with him until we got to the cafe/store. Randy decided to stop, but I kept going in hopes I would catch up with the rest of the group. I passed many people on the way, but never caught up to the Kurt, Sally or Chris until I reached the top. I did however pass a rattler when I took one of the "short cuts" on trail. He was curled up under a bush and let me know that I had come too close. I jumped back and continued on. At about four miles from the top I realized I had brought my Ipod. It was in my camera case that was buckled to my pack straps. Out came the music. The music was a great motivator! Some songs that I won't forget from this trip: 500 miles by The Proclaimers, Buffalo Soldier, Stir it Up, and Three Little Birds by Bob Marley and the Wailers, Born to Fight by Tracy Chapman, Calling All Angels by Train, and Ants Marching by Dave Matthews Band.
One mile from the top, I finally took a break. After my break I started up again but was feeling pretty shaky from the lack of food. I didn't have anything I could eat, no granola bars, nothing. About 3/4 of a mile from the top a very nice lady saw how weak I looked and she offered me some of her trail mix. That handful of trail mix was just what I needed. My body perked up and I was off again. It was getting hot though and the incline kept increasing and the pack felt heavier with each step. I stopped for a break and went to grab my last bottle of water only to find it had fallen out of it's side pocket! "Oh no!" I thought. "Well just take it slow Shannon. No need to rush. You are almost there." I tried not to think about the blisters on my right foot, the lack or water, or my grumbling tummy, but it was hard not to. I prayed for strength. Then along came a beautiful breeze that continued that rest of the way to the top. "Thank the Lord for small miracles!" I said to myself. At one point I found myself wishing my pack was on the horses passing me on the way to the top. The helicopters that kept coming and going were also a bit of tease. "Darn if only I could be on one of those right now!" I thought. On one of the many quick breaks I took during that last mile, I talked to some people who were with a group from Midwestern University (Peter, Brandon and Diane). They were so nice. Peter offered me some of his water and I gladly accepted. I was really starting to feel the lack of hydration. Still, I pressed on...just me and my 40 pound pack! UGH!
Peter from Midwestern kept going and made it to the top before I or and the rest of his group. He brought 3 bottles of gatorade down and offered me one. How nice! I was shocked at his helpfulness and thanked him for the cold liquid. "Ahhhh. Yummy blue Gatorade how good you taste. Mmmmmm. Almost there." I thought.
"Finally I reached the top! Now where are Kurt, Sally and Chris?" I heard the signature "Yiiiiiip!" that Kurt uses to locate the rest of the group on hikes. I smiled, and responded with my own "Yiiiiip!" I scanned the parking lot but didn't see Kurt, so I kept walking. I heard the "Yiiiiip!" again. There was Kurt, waving his arms and yelling for me to run the rest of the way to where he was. I gathered up the last of my strength and ran the last 40 feet with that 40 pound pack on my back. I had done it! "Screw pack horses! Screw helicopters! Screw blisters and lack of water! I've done it!" I said to myself. Back at the car, Sally, helped me off with my pack. Chris gave up his chair, and Kurt offered me some Gatorade and fresh cantaloupe. As Sally started to unlace my shoes and wash the dust off of my legs, I started to wonder if this is what I should expect on every trip with these guys. Then Kurt pipes up "Now don't expect this kinda treatment every time!" Smiling and laughing, I said, "Don't worry, I won't." Kurt told me I had won on the "OVER/UNDER" time they had set for me. About five minutes later Randy arrived. We all rested for another 15 or so minutes, changed our clothes and then headed back to Phoenix.
Our last stop before the valley was at the Roadhouse restaurant right next to the Harley Davidson Factory (I think that was in Williams). It was pretty cool because you grilled your own meat right there in the restaurant. They have a nice selection of spices for you to use. You do the cooking so only you are to blame for a bad meal, lol. Kurt also drove by this motel that is famous in some movie (I forget what movie now). The motel had this "No Vacancy" sign that made it famous in the movie with Peter Fonda and Jack Nickelson.
All in all it was an AMAZING trip with lots of fond memories and fun people!
Currently I am feeling lazy about posting photos, so here are the links to the two Havasupai albums posted Facebook page. I have made the albums public (unlike everything else on my page). I also have a video that I took that is on my Facebook page if anyone cares to see.
http://www.facebook.com/privacy/?view=p ... aid=242175
http://www.facebook.com/privacy/?view=p ... =634743354 |
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Route Editor
Route Scout
Then we found a carving within the rocks that looked to be old, but I wasn't sure. Later that day, when describing our adventures to my mom she told me that the Camp Verde area had a lot of Anasazi, so it is possible the that carving was "real." 
:yuck: However, there was a 3/4 full bottle of Jose Cuervo tequila that made for great drinkin'. Andy had concocted some Agave margaritas earlier and the bottle added a lot more punch!
I made sure to take the battery and memory card out and the thing came back to life after it had time to dry out. Thank goodness! My little Sony Cyber-shot has been through so much. It should be dead. It is like a cat with nine lives. I think it's on the 4th life right now 
I took it up to Grasshopper point over a year ago and it got wet then. It survived though. Then most recently I had it in my sports bra (for easy access) during my hike through the Mazatals and my sweat got to it. It was acting pretty crazy after that and I thought it was dead, but the little camera survived. I thought for sure that this time was the last life, but I was wrong. I will have to send Sony a nice little letter thanking them for such a great product 
Our imaginary campfire was a mini little ring of stones with some twigs in the center and a redlight from Carmen's headlamp. Karl even provided a little lego guy to sit next to it, and Lorrie made a tiny marshmallow out of bread. She even put it on a twig for the little lego man to hold. We had some good laughs over our tiny imaginary fire. Then it was off to bed 
We rose early, packed up and hiked the four miles up out of the canyon to the cars. Once at the top, a fellow camper, Paul was nice enough to provide some ice cold Fat Tires in the bottle and homemade chocolate chip cookies, MMMMMMM. 
). The time spent on this hike also includes the climbing off trail.
The glug, glug, glug sounds of the water sloshing up against the hollow parts of the cave walls didn't make it any easier to gather up the courage to get into the chilly water. 
