Arizona Hike day 1

It was a great night of sleep . . . seriously . . . I heard the train a few times but fell right back to sleep.  However, one of the guys in the group had a room on the back side of the hotel and said it was awful.  So if you ever stay at this hotel be sure to ask for a room facing the road.  We made a quick stop for the free breakfast which was good and then on the road we went.  So exactly where am I going?  Supai, which is on the Havasupai Indian Reservation.

It was still about 65 miles to the Hilltop Parking Lot where the trail head was located.  It was a drive as if you were going to the middle of nowhere which we would find out was exactly where we were going.  We arrived to a lot of cars and not many parking spots.  So we pulled up, dropped our bags, and parked on the side of the road.  Our group of 30 had arrived and off we went!  I must admit that I am cheating a bit.  I paid for a mule to take a duffel bag to the campground.  I packed my tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bags, and few other small items . . . about 12 pounds of essential stuff.  I was still carrying a pack with food, clothes, and water that weighed about 15 pounds . . . most of it being water!  I started the hike at 9:05am and it was a cool 52 degrees.  Here I go . . .

From time to time I would find someone to snap my photo along the way.  It was a hard walk down the first mile or two and then was just walking in a flat wash with a lot of rocks.  It was pretty and was surprised at the green vegetation along the way . . .

 . . . and then we saw this guy!

Isn't he pretty!  He sure could maneuver those rocks so easily.  I ended up walking most of the trip alone which was fine.  I took my time and enjoyed the beauty . . .

Time sort of went by quickly and then would slow down.  I stopped from time to time for a drink or snack but was in no hurry.  We could not check in for the campground until our entire group arrived at the same point.  I was in the middle of the pack so knew I had plenty of time.  I caught up with Simon and Matt for a bit of time too.  Simon was on the hike last year and takes some really good photos.  It is nice to chat from time to time but also to be alone.  Almost there . . .

. . . well that is what we told ourselves which in reality we were at around mile 6.  My body was holding up pretty good.  My hip was hurting a bit which didn't surprise me because it has been bothering me on normal days the last few months.  I have also had a nagging sinus infection but thankfully got some antibiotics a few days before we left . . . hopefully I feel great the next few days.  But when we saw this sign we knew we were getting closer . . .

Our first sight of water . . .

. . . it was so clear!  We arrived at the office at 12:00pm.  The way this hike works is you check into the office at mile 8 and get your permit.  Yes, you must walk 8 miles to officially check in for the overnight stay.  Not to mention the reservation for the hike was made back in April after hundreds of phone calls by many people in our group.  It is not an easy reservation to get but so glad I got to tag along!  We get our wrist band and set out for the last 2 miles.  The village was small but had a very well stocked store where you could buy anything you would need . . . all I wanted was a post card and of course they were all sold out.  As we walked you could hear the water and then you get your first glimpse of Navajo Falls . . .

It really is beautiful and after walking for many hours you really just want to go sit in the water.  We continue on and see Havasu Falls . . .

WOW, this is why you do this hike!  Thankfully the campground was just around the corner and was in no hurry since I had not seen the mule or my bag today.  It wasn't scheduled to arrive until at the latest 4:00pm.  We picked a camping spot and marked it by leaving our packs and poles.  Hopefully no one take it because it is right on the water!

We made the walk back to the bag drop area only to find our bags were still not there!  We were concerned because it was getting dark and setting up a tent at night is no fun.  So we pay the Fry Bread Hut a visit . . . wow isn't that yummy!  After burning all those calories a fresh fry bread with cinnamon and sugar was a pure delight!  The wait was long and we were already planning what if our bag doesn't arrive?  Thankfully at 5:30pm the last mule train of the day pulled up and there was my bag!  We quickly grabbed it and headed out to set up camp before dark.  Home Sweet Home for the next two nights . . .

All was well and time to sit down and eat dinner . . . in the dark!  Thankfully, it is easy to operate a Jetboil . . . and quickly boils water too!  I was in my tent at 7:00pm.