Havasupai - April 16-19, 2019

Havasu Falls

Gaining permits and backpacking down is no easy feat but once you see the first view of the falls it makes it all totally worth it.  Breathtaking...surreal...magical.  Last July we were set to make this trek with a group of people for Audrie and Jake's wedding.  Due to the massive flooding the week before we arrived the campground was closed for 6 weeks for repair.  9 months later we made it with the married couple and several other special friends.  What a truly amazing place this is. 

All set for our 10 mile (and 2,400 ft. elevation change) trek down to the campground - chilly weather made for perfect hiking!

steep switchbacks for the first few miles 

several bridges cross the creek for camping on the other side - you better have good balance on some of these!

popular and well deserved stop for Frybread and other treats

Camp Life!  Jake & Audrie made us a dinner feast.

 

our most awesome site on top of Mooney Falls 

We took a 14 mile hike to the confluence of the Colorado River.  First you scale down a wall then hike/scramble along the Havasu Creek until it dumps into the CO River.  

heading down through the tunnel to the chains and ladders

our tent is the little gray dot at the top right of the falls!

1st of at least 10 creek crossings down to the CO River

Desert Big Horn Sheep right on the trail

we made it to the CO River

where the Havasu Creek (blue water) enters the CO River (brown/green water)

the narrows

We hiked with another couple we met in the campground, Mary and Johnny

our final farewell to our campsite

last view of Havasu Falls on the hike out

last views of the canyon

What an amazing trip.  We WILL be back to this place again!


Til next time...Happy Trails!

Baja - February, 2019

My annual trip with Rita Morgan was in February to Baja, Mexico.  It was nice to not have the multi-day plane ride to New Zealand or Indonesia like the last 2 trips (although they were incredible!).  I felt like we just hopped on the plane in Phoenix and instantly landed in Mexcio.  Ahhh!  This was a 2 part trip:  1) Adventure trip with OARS to Espiritu Island and Magdalena Bay and 2) R&R in Cabo!  What a spectacular combination!

OARS trip to Espiritu Island and Magdalena Bay - kayaking, whale watching and snorkeling.  Rita's niece, Jennifer, was on this trip as well and we had a great time with her.

We had a day to spend in La Paz before heading out to the island

low tide - walking out stuff into camp

the space in the rock looks like the shape of Baja

we got to snorkel with these cuties

the dolphins put on a nice show for us on our boat ride

our morning hike started with a climb and walking the plank - doesn't look bad but this is the stuff I hate!  Walking over open drop offs!

our boat ride to swim with the whale sharks

Swimming with the Whale Sharks was a highlight to this trip.  I had no idea what to expect.  The captain finds the whale sharks in the water by the dark shadow, we hang off the side of the boat ready to jump in and swim swim swim.  They look like they are gliding along so slowly but we are struggling to keep up!  Such an adrenaline rush!

Humpback Whale sightings!

Humpback whale breaching 

 After a few nights of camping on the island we headed back to town for 1 night then out to Magdalena Bay for the serious Gray Whale watching! 

Syphopping

our camp on the hill

Yes, they really did come this close.  It was incredible! 

Happy 40th, Jennifer!

After the fun on the water it's time to head to Cabo for some R&R and adventure of course!

The view from our room - Thanks, Rita!  Awesome timeshare!

ATV ride through the desert and on the beach

Jennifer's farewell/birthday dinner at The Office on the beach

they say the fish eat all of the dead skin off your feet - they didn't tell you how WEIRD it feels!  But I did have really smooth feet after this!

Thanks for another great adventure, Rita!  Where shall we go next time?!  :-)

Til next time...Happy Trails!