Time to reflect, I took the day off today to do just that.

I was beyond tired, smelly and literally brain dead last night, I am ready to share more today.

Amazing journey it was.

By the way... has anyone been down into the Grand Canyon? Please tell me of your experience if so.






We started our hike down the canyon about 9:30 a.m., the decline was not too bad... and the walk through the canyon was somewhat level. It was a breeze, even if we walked for nearly 4 hours= 10 miles to our final campsite destination.










There were so many interesting formations among the rocks and canyon walls... I was literally overwhelmed. Avid hikers, do not have much patience for people who love photography and capturing all the beauty they see and feel. I kept telling the few in my group... "Go on... I will catch up, and I did."


Cute little catepillar, making it's way through a stream.


Supai is the Indian Village and only civilization near Havasu Falls, the true name is Havasupai Falls, I believe.


The water is amazingly clear... even after all these years of abuse, travelers and usage. Impressive and literally enlightening.



The mule train (although they use horses as well) coming through... the key source of transportation, such as mail, personal necessities for the village people and transporting camping gear for hikers overnight camping trips. For me, I will highly reconsider using the Mule train... as I see it to be overly used and somewhat cruel. I know this is their life and they are bred to do this kind of work. As an individual, I just would choose to pack my own items in next time, I will just go light... no big deal, it can be done. Many do just that.

I say this... for, as I was reaching my final destination back up the canyon yesterday, I witnessed a horse (loaded/carrying and tide up with camping gear) loose it's footage and literally fell over the edge of the canyon. I was horrified. I had just sat down... and made a conscious effort to obtain my last moment of serenity and personal reflections as I overlooked the canyon and breathed it all in. The strange thing was... my thought of serenity envisioned something tragic about to happen. I get so beside myself... even now, to remember how I envisioned a horse going over the edge. Moments later it unfolded right before me,just 12-15 feet directly in front of me. There were only two other girls by that time who witnessed this moment. I was so scared to look over the edge, I did not want to see a horse dead... or even worse, suffering. Miraculously, the horse was standing on all four (I could not believe my eyes) after it rolled I would say... 40 feet down to a ledge which just several feet further would of been an ultimate drop. The native who was leading the horses up the trail handed the reins of his horse to us and successfully guided the injured horse back up to the trail. You can tell he was a bit shocked by the incident, the horse was in shock as well, although I am sure it has happened many times before. To see it happen, is something I hope to never witness again, nor personally contribute to the overworked livestock. Incredibly insane the way they pack those horses for societies luxuries.




[b]Supai Village. I love this dirt road that begins our final 2 miles toward Havasu Falls.[/b]


So green and lush... just beyond the trees/foliage resides Navajo Falls. I did not track back to see the beauty of these Falls although I have seen pictures. I must return and I know I will.


My first view of Havasu Falls... my goodness, I immediately went to heaven. WOW, was the only word I knew for the next two/three days.











[Edited 5/16/05 11:55am]

FIRST YESSSSS

Remember to take pictures of your shower too!

Freespirit said:

you so have not showered in days.

I've always wanted to go to the Grand Canyon and hike. What state where you in?

I am so tired... I can't write about my trip right now although I wanted to share some pictures... Havasupai Falls are spectacular! Mooney Falls, later... gets even better, I believe. I will have to continue tomorrow, I need some 's.

Nite.

Beautiful Julie...I wish I had seen it when I was over there...simply stunning

You are so lucky to be living near such beauty, Julie! Great pictures!

Ocean said:

If only you can see/feel/smell... and fully intake being down there.
~Absolutely Breathtaking!

This picture was taken at Mooney Falls... the green moss/algae gives this place an unbelievable hue.


Mooney Falls

TMPletz said:

Mind you, it took 4-5 hours to hike to. You can only reach these places by foot, horse/mule or helicopter.

Totally remote between the Canyon Walls and what a gem!



Beautiful Nite Kylie and Todd.

Freespirit said:

wow!! sweet dreams hun

Thanks for sharing these pictures. They are absolutely beautiful.


M

Julie..What an experience this must have been!! Looks beautiful!

WOW, I really miss the southwest

I keep promising my brother that we will do THE walk, down one side, camp at phantom ranch and up the other side on day 2. These photo's just about got me packing my rucsack.

Hopefully comeing back this summer :fingerscrossed:

Thanks for sparking the memories.

beautiful ... was there when i was 13 ... didnt decend in

need to go back


thanx for sharing

Mach said:

No you don't.
You need to come back to Sarasotta.

AsianBomb777 said:

true dat ... too

Freespirit said:

ya startin ta look a lil nappy there julez

TheRealFiness said:[quote]

Freespirit said:

That is not nice.

That is what I get when I go all natural, no hairdryer/electricity and moisture, water galore. I love it!

Back to society... eating Cheetos Puffs and waiting for my coffee to brew.

Please come back to see more pictures... I believe I can write some this morning.



Ps~ I am playing hookie from work today. Shame.

Freespirit said:[quote]

TheRealFiness said:

u know u love my abuse

TheRealFiness said:

I am close enough to kick your ass. But no... you are too scared.

Freespirit said:

i aint scared of you.. psssssh like u'd wanna hurt me any way.. HAH im too cute to harm

I wish you would have given me a call!

I so want to do a trip to the Grand Canyon. Very spiritual..

Those pictures are beautiful Julie.

I went to the Grand Canyon when I was 19. My friend attended ASU so I went to visit her and we made a trip to the Canyon. We got caught in a blizzard and had to stay in Flagstaff for 2 days. Once we got there my friend said "It looks like this from all the points, let's go home". I was there for a total of 20 minutes and it took me more than 2 days to get there

Next time I go back I'll do one of those tours that you did, and go with someone fun!

CarrieLee said:

Same story here. I was on my way to Fiesta Bowl with my high school marching band back in the 80's. We were going to perform. They decided to take a detour so that we could see the Grand Canyon. We got there and it was snowing. I was literally there. A few feet in front of me was a huge drop and the beginning of the Grand Canyon and I couldn't see a thing. It was all white. I was soooo angry because we couldn't return on the way back to Cali.



M

Yes that place is beautiful. I took my ungreatful famliy there on the way to las vegas from New Orleans. I am planning on taking my sinificant other there soon probably next year when i start traveling again.

sag10 said:

You have to reserve such a trip a year in advance. I was lucky to grab a spot someone could not fulfill.

Lucky/Blessed me.

Just you wait... I am just about ready to show more pictures Yolanda love.

great photos


and the hair is just fine

saintsation said:

Did you trek down and within? Yes, it does damper the experience some when you are surrounded by ungratefullness or ones who fail to be aware of life's true natural gifts... gifts that surround us entirely and are truly within our reach if we choose to see/feel.

I went alone... although with a large group of Register Nurses and Dietiticians from work, I did not have a partner with me. However, I made some powerful new connections with many who see/feel the world in similar ways. I just entered their hiking group, they have been hiking together for years... like 15 years or more. My avid hiking days are just beginning.
[Edited 5/16/05 10:22am]