Category: Havasu Canyon

20 May 2010

SWF – Dark clouds over Havasu Canyon

Havasu Falls

After three glorious days enjoying the waterfalls of Havasu Canyon Jake and I made a hasty hike out with reported bad weather on its way.

We left the campground about 6:30am and made the two miles back to the Village for breakfast by 7am.

Then we absolutely hustled the remaining eight miles up as the clouds built overhead and it lightly rained on and off.

By the time I topped out six hours later, and about 45 minutes behind Jake, the wind whipped the sleet so hard I thought I might be blown back into the canyon. Then it snowed on the way back to Flagstaff. All in all, a great hike.

To view more skies from around the world, or to share your own, go to Sky Watch Friday by clicking here.

Arizona, Havasu Canyon, Sky Watch Friday 25 Comments

19 May 2010

Hiking Havasu Canyon Day 3 Part 5 Following the Creek

After the harrowing experience of climbing down to the base of Mooney Falls we decided to explore further downstream.

The trail followed along Havasu Creek for a bit going down canyon…

…then slowly climbed uphill for a different perspective of the creek.

Skirting next to the canyon walls we noticed a very long set of ladders to some caves. But we passed on by knowing we still had to climb up the way we’d come down.

The trail returned to the creek where we waded a while in search of a trail through the brush. Damage from the 2008 flood in evidence all around us.

Then we came across this awesome swing. I gave it a try but there’s no documentation, just these other hikers enjoying the fun.

As we continued downstream we encountered one waterfall…

…after another.

Until we lost the trail so returned for the treacherous climb back out of the canyon.

With stops for just a few more photos…

…of Mooney Falls.

And finally we could see light at the end of the tunnel.

Then we bid farewell to Mooney Falls from the very top at the point of drop.

The next day we hiked out of Havasu Canyon in a bit of a hurry as storm clouds built quickly.

Arizona, Havasu Canyon 18 Comments

17 May 2010

MWT – Hiking Havasu Canyon Day 3 Part 4 Return to Mooney Falls

OK, so we chickened out the first day making the treacherous climb to the base of Mooney Falls. Hope you didn’t think we’d blow it off completely.

Jake climbing down behind me

We returned the next day to meet the challenge.

Top of Mooney Falls

Just wait until you see this.

Mooney Falls from the, trail

After walking down stone carved steps into the dim light of travertine cave formations the sun shone on a narrow chain-protected, shall we call it, trail, for about 15 feet (4.57 meters) before climbing through another dark and slippery space.

Someone else where I was for the previous photo

Jake below me

I couldn’t decide whether to turn around and go backwards almost straight down very slippery carved stone steps with the assistance of chains and metal pegs or face my certain death straight on.

These folks chickened out

All this made the ladders seem easy, at least once negotiating getting on them.

And finally on the bottom looking back up where we just came from.

Was it worth it? You decide.

The water was 70F (21C) which felt nice, but not for too long.

We wandered downstream sometimes following a faint trail on dry land but mostly walking in Havasu Creek.

To visit more people and places from around the world go to My World Tuesday by clicking here.

BTW, this is my 500th post!

Arizona, Mooney Falls 22 Comments

The gypsy life spring-summer 1998 - "You were a real pioneer. RV'ing before it was cool." ...Yogi

How do you process photos? - “Your photographs create an Emotional feeling in the viewer...that they become One with You.” …Cindy

Life’s transitions between travel and work play - "I know you love your job as much as you love travel -- it shines through all your posts." ...Sallie

Lions at Kruger National Park - “Wonderful post, thank you. I was hooked start to finish!” … Peter B

11 lessons looking back 2013 - “A great post -- made me think, made me smile, made me want to cry." ...Sallie

Wildlife video Kruger National Park - “Gorgeous, this makes me want to go straight to South Africa now.” … Ayngelina

Living nomadically & connecting to nature documentary - “What an experience you had and gave to the "crew." Sometimes I think you don't realize how unique and inspiring you are.” …Alan

Category: Havasu Canyon

SWF – Dark clouds over Havasu Canyon

Like this:

Hiking Havasu Canyon Day 3 Part 5 Following the Creek

Like this:

MWT – Hiking Havasu Canyon Day 3 Part 4 Return to Mooney Falls

Like this:

Category: Havasu Canyon

Push my buttons!

Like this:

Push my buttons!

Like this:

Push my buttons!

Like this: