Havasu Falls

Havasu Falls

April 13-17, 2018

It’s time to fly to Las Vegas to meet up with Laura’s mother and our great friend Ike. Winds are strong and we’re stuck at the Colorado Springs airport. Ike is stuck in Denver. We know from our recent Patagonian experience with wind that current conditions are actually quite mild, but understandably, US airlines are far more cautious with their flights and therefore delay for less severe conditions. After an hour wait, we finally board the plane and get on our way to our next adventure.

Landing in Vegas we headed to Laura’s sisters home to catch a few hours of sleep before heading for the Havasupai Indian Reservation and our start point for the hike.

10 miles to camp with 2,500 feet of elevation change; we left the parking lot in gusty winds and cool conditions.

3 hours later we were at a small Indian village taking a break before walking the last two miles to camp. Upon arrival, I searched for a good camp spot without success until a contractor who was there building additional restrooms directed me to a prime spot right on the river flowing through camp.

I secured the space, then went back for Ike, Big Momma and Laura who had stopped to carry our 5 gallon water container she filled at the spring a half mile before camp. Exhausted, Big Momma rested at camp while Ike and I set up hammocks and cooked dinner.

The following morning we woke early and got moving for Mooney Falls, Beaver Falls and the confluence of Havasu river with the Colorado river. Climbing wet ladders and hiking through the river a few times, we all helped Laura’s mother to move swiftly through the difficult terrain. Sometimes pushing, sometimes pulling or helping her to balance - she did amazing! At over 70 and with a reconstructed ankle and knee, she was a trooper and an inspiration to everyone.

Reaching Beaver Falls at 10:20 am, and after 4 miles, Laura and I wasted no time and took off on an 8 mile trail run down to the confluence of the rivers in the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Big Momma and Ike stayed behind so we did our best to make good time. Round trip including an hour at the bottom, we did the 8 miles in 3 hours. When we returned to the falls, I took the opportunity to cool off while throwing Laura into the cold water and splashing around like a kid in a pool.

We hiked out, once again navigating the slippery ladders and steep terrain without issue. At camp, I prepped our second night’s dinner. We all had a relaxing evening at camp - Laura and Big Momma headed for the tent while Ike and I people watched and bs’d before both crashing out in our hammocks.

Refreshed again, the following morning we hiked up to Navajo Falls and 50 foot falls to do some exploring for hidden caves. I attempted to swim under the falls to the cave but the pressure of the water was intimidating - especially since I am not a strong swimmer! We ended up relaxing at Havasu Falls for the afternoon while eating some fry bread and jumping in the water a few times.

Laura’s mother had trained for the hike out but after 3 long days in a row, she was worried that she’d slow us down a considerable amount on the way out, so she chose to take the helicopter ride from town, saving 8 miles of uphill hiking. Luckily, she was able to secure the last seat before the service shut down for the day and met us at the trailhead parking area. Laura, Ike and I made the 8 mile trip in a leisurely time of 3 hours with the pace being set by Ike hiking out front with his recently reconstructed ankle!

Arriving at the parking area, we were relieved to see that Big Momma had made it and we celebrated as it was a great trip for everyone and Ike’s first big hike since destroying his ankle in a rock climbing accident over a year ago. On our drive back to Las Vegas, we stopped at the Hoover Dam. Ike and I jumped out and walked across while Laura and her mother stayed in the car. Making our way to the airport the following day, we learned that Colorado Springs airport had a major fire and had cancelled all flights until further notice. We re-booked and decided we would spend the day on the Vegas Strip. We rode the high roller, the highest ferris wheel in the world, played some top golf, went to dinner and gambled some money away. Would I trade this trip with such amazing people for anything in the world? Probably not, but I will look forward to more of the same kind of fun in the future!