The day started early. We rolled out of Vegas a little after 2 and got to the trail head at 6 or so. Sometime in the 4 AM hour the sun started to rise. My sleep in the car on the way plan didn't go so great but I caught some zzz's now and again. The parking lot was packed, really packed. I think we were all surprised at the number of people. The land, beautiful. I love canyon hiking so looking down from the trail head got me excited.
I made the hike with walking sticks. I quite like those, they saved my ankles which I rolled repeatedly. I don't know if that is the point of those but that's what they do for me. Another apparent benefit is that my hands did not swell up at all. Others were commenting about the swelling of their hands. No problem for me.
The hike itself was not bad. The trail was in good shape but you've got to be on your toes with the mule trains. They have the right of way. After 7 miles the trail turns to a soft sand. That isn't the funnest to hike through. My shoes filled up quick. You do see and hear water and that is nice.
Supai itself is an interesting village. It reminded me of some of the townships in South Africa. The Indians seemed indifferent to us being there. I tried to smile and say hi to everyone. Some gave a small smile and a hello in return, others were not as interested. Oh well, I'll continue to be friendly regardless.
I did stop in at the store and purchased a Sunkist. It was a must per Sara and Jay. It was a good suggestion and quite tasty.
The hardest stretch of the hike was from Supai to the campground. It was 10:30ish when we got back on trail after checking in. It was hot with not much shade. It was also all soft sand. My feet were miserable in that sand. The exciting part of that stretch was seeing the falls. Beautiful.
Getting to the campground was a relief. Finding a campsite, not so much fun. After hanging out for a while as others were in looking for a site I started to head in. I saw a couple fellas in the group and they mentioned a spot at the end of the campground, I pressed forward to get there and knew that I was fading fast. I got down to the end, almost to the campsite and they had decided to go back to a different spot. I was spent.
I stood by the last bathroom area in the shade and an Indian named Twidel asked me how I was doing. I told him I was tired. He suggested I head in by the river in the shade. As I crossed the bridge others from the group were heading back. I said I needed to rest and that I would find them.
I found a rock, took off my pack and sat down on the ground. I tried to drink, forced myself to eat something and fought the urge to puke. I thought at that point that I might die. I definitely had a hard time appreciating the beauty that surrounded me at that moment. I was sitting there with my head resting on my hand when suddenly there was Twidell there to see how I was. Perhaps it was just his job but I like to think it was something more. He suggested I cool off for a bit and said he would let the others know when he saw them. I thanked him and that is when he extended his hand and told me his name. I gave him my name and felt that I had made a friend.
I shoved my pack against the rock, laid back and took a nap. It was a good nap. When I woke up there was an entire camp set up just down from me. I felt good. I took an empty bottle down to the water and poured it over my head a few times. When I looked up I saw Vince and Duane from my group walking towards the bridge. They were looking for me, concerned that I had not made it to camp. It was good to see them and as I reflected on it later I thought about the Savior and the good shepherd who would leave the ninety and nine in search of the one. I was grateful for their concern for me.
When I got to the camp it was good to see everyone. The location is great. Not a lot of shade but right by the river with our own personal pool. I set up my tent, changed my clothes and got in the water. It was rejuvenating. At one part of the pool the water rushes over a rock area in what looks like a Jacuzzi. I decided to get in it. It was fantastic. The water was cold but it created a natural water massage. I enjoyed that for a while.
As I began feeling better my appreciation for where I was increased. Grateful to be here.
I do have to say that a few of us went up to Havasu Fall. It was amazing and powerful. I got in with my water camera and snapped some pics. Then we began playing around and started climbing up the cliff and jumping in to the pool below. It was great fun. I'm looking forward to going and playing around more tomorrow.
Here are some pics from the days adventures.
No comments:
Post a Comment