DAY 3 MY HAVASUPAI ADVENTURE

We all started to rise about 5 :30, it was still dark outside so we used our headlamps to get around. It was time to start getting everything back into the bags and packed up on the mules. We had to have everything that the mules were carrying out by the mules station by 7:00 a.m. in order to get them out so they would be at the top when we got there. We decided to break it up into two groups of four, so that the bags would not be unsupervised before the mules arrived. With all that new REI equipment, it would have been a shame to have some of it stolen:(

We cooked a very quick bowl of oatmeal while taking all the tents, sleeping bags and camp down. While I was sitting there I noticed a plastic bag by the canyon wall. Yes, it was the bag of Charity's. The plastic bag Dana and I heard last night was Abraham and Sarah eating to their hearts desire! They had torn through the bag and had a heyday with the trail mix. I am not sure if they liked the coffee, but Charity was so happy to see what she could salvage for the trip home.

We all loaded our feet up with the proper attire so the trip out would go smoothly. I washed my socks in the water when we got there so I could wear them home again. I had other pairs, but this pair fit so well with the liners I decided not to try something different. They were my favorite hiking socks and for $20 socks I thought I should really get my use out of them.

The first group of four left at 8 a.m. (Noel, Tari, Susi, and Jeanne) and we thought we could catch up after the mules arrived. The last four (Charity, Missy, Dana and myself) waited at the mule station, which was close to the bathroom. We chatted and laughed, meanwhile I was very deep in thought about the way out. I wished I had another day down there to explore, it was so beautiful. I think one thing I needed was to have some alone time to just pray, journal and talk to God. It was not enough time to do everything. I think reflection time, to just soak up the Masters handiwork would have made it more memorable.

The mules showed up about 8:50, we tipped the drivers so that our stuff would hopefully all make it back up safely. We started back up the trail at a very quick pace in order to catch up with the other girls. I was surprised to see that this part of the hike was at an incline. I did not remember that on the way down. I think because it is right by all of the falls and I was captured by the beauty that I did not notice the climb. It was an incline of about a 3.0 (on a treadmill) the whole way to the village. Missy and Charity were in the lead and kept a great pace. Dana and I were in the rear just trekking away.

This day was Sunday and we had passed by two different church's on our way down. A small little LDS church and a little Christian steeple church. The services did not beginning until 11:00, so there was no way of sneaking a peek. There were kids playing in the road who ignored us as we passed. We tried saying hello, but they were not exactly friendly. I did get to hear a couple of men discussing something in their native tongue. It was beautiful as they talked away. A couple of kids were playing basketball at the local school court. We did not stop in at the store and the post office was closed.

This part of the trail was sandy and through trees. Just out of town we caught up with Tari and Jeanne. Susi and Noel were not with them. They thought they might have waited for us back in town, but we did not see them along the way. Charity and Dana went back (ran back) to find them. They had decided to get a sandwich and snack at the store and got talking to all the locals. They are the chatty ones and were enjoying the company and did not realize how long they had been gone:) Supai was there with Tari. The sweet little thing followed us the whole ten miles out of the Canyon. I still love that dog!

This part of the trail looked so different going out. I noticed so many unusual things that I missed the first time, it could have been because the lighting was earlier. The rocks in the Canyon were so interesting, they were shaped and colored like they were meant to compliment the red background. This way out seem much faster than the way in.We ran into about 10 people who were making their way in.

We did not stop as much going out, a few moleskin, band aid breaks and for lunch. During lunch we were in the canyon between two walls with some brush and a few trees. One side was shaded and the other in the sun light. When we would stop and take off the packs, we could feel how sweaty our backs were. This would cause us to cool off and get cold quickly. As we were eating Noel had gone behind some brush where we could not see her and played her flute. The combination of the echo, the sights and sounds of the beautiful music and landscape was stunning! It made me think of Psalms where David had hid in caves, played music in the outdoors and layed out his heart to his God. The sounds were sweet and lulling as we ate and reflected on the vast canyon. When God know how many grains of sand there are, He truly is a personal Lord!

After lunch we had about 3 1/2 miles left. The next part I was gearing myself up for mentally. I would get a pit when I thought of the switchbacks. I knew it would be difficult, not impossible. Dana and I started off while others were behind us. My thought was if I could make it to the switchbacks ahead, I knew everyone would catch up. The incline was the weakest thing for my body. I did not think any of the hike was hard except this last part. When we were walking ahead, we were in a motion. It is as if your legs are moving at a pace and you are not thinking about anything. I wanted to get some momentum before the step ups.
About at mile 81/2 the hard part started. It is like being on a stair master for 11/2 miles at level 8 or 9. This is where my lungs kicked in and my heart rate went up. The step ups seemed so much higher than on the step downs. Missy came from behind and passed us. She is in amazing shape and had such a great pace, she said she hit her momentum and did not want to slow down until the top. At about mile 91/2 the mules carrying our stuff passed us. They were very tired, one even had to be pushed along manually by an Indian. Supai was with us, he would find a piece of shade, lay down until we got to the next step, then catch up and lay down again. I gave him water from my camelback and he drank it every chance he got! He was such a trooper.

I was tired at this point and my legs felt like jello. I could see the top and was so excited to be there. I could look back and see where everyone else was. we were in a line but spread out by distance. I just keep thinking "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" over and over as I felt my legs would give out on me. I could see Missy at the top with Dana not too far behind. I usually like to sprint at the end of a hard hike or run, just to seal the deal. There was no sprint here, just a feeling of accomplishment in finishing. Missy was at the top taking our picture as each one of us came to the last climb. As soon as Supai finished, he layed down at our feet and waited for all of us to finish.

It was now 1 p.m. and we all made it out without injury (except for loss of a few toenails and blisters) or even sickness. we headed over to the port-o-potties, these were not as nice as the ones in the bottom of the canyon. Our stuff had just got unloaded from the mules, so we pulled the van up to it to start loading again. Everyone changed clothes and shoes in the van, we were pretty sweaty, sandy and dirty. A few baby wipes to try and freshen up so that we could not stink so much. Supai came over to the van layed down right by our feet and gave us the saddest eyes I have ever seen. Tari and I took a few last pictures of him as we were getting ready to drive away. I wished I could have put him in my lap the whole way, but 7 hours in a van is a long time. I just cried a few tears as we drove away, my heart just hated leaving that little guy!

The drive out was filled with exchanges from everyone about their own personal journey. Each of us had a different story to tell and everyone was cheerful and excited. We were traveling to Flagstaff to a little restaurant that had healthy Greek food(Greek is my favorite). It was cold in Flagstaff and Charity pulled Big Clifford like he was a VW Bug in the smallest parking spot, we were all impressed at her Andretti skills. The dinner started off with garlic brushetta. The waiter was laughing at how fast we ate our food. I even heard him tell the kitchen that his table was VERY hungry and to put a speed on our order. Tari and I ordered the best raspberry hot tea I have ever had, or maybe we were just so hungry everything tasted heavenly. We sampled each others again and talked about how much we all love food. Tari had the most colorful salad, Dana a garlic dinner she kept with her for the next few days (at least that is what her husband said), and everyone loved their dinner. No dessert because we ate our food so well, but hot tea and coffee for the ride home.

By this time in the van the lactic acid was filling up the legs, so when we got out of the van there would be a lot of stretching, groaning and limping. The ride home after the food devouring, brought on the naps. As bellies were filled, the tiredness set in. It was dark by now and we tried to keep Charity company so she would not get sleepy. We decided we needed a rock out sing fest. The game was to guess who was singing the song on the radio the fastest. It was a tie between Noel and Dana, who seemed to know every rock song from the 70's,80,s or 90's with only a few notes. I think they missed their calling from "Name that Tune"

We got to the church about 10 p.m. and there were some husbands waiting for their brides. I think one of the funniest things was when we opened the van and everyone started getting out, Pete Crimmons was waiting for Missy and Dana's' bra flies out and landed at his feet. She was very embarrassed as he said "No worries, I know this was a ladies trip." Classic girls trip!

We loaded all our stuff in our own cars and drove away. I am still processing my trip, but I feel it was a wonderful experience that I can not wait to do with my husband. He has done this hike many times, but this being my first I would love to share it with him. The weather was perfect and the company even better. To have seven other ladies who share a love of the outdoors and and can push themselves physically was a treasure. We are bonded in Christ as well as through this trip in a different way. When I see these ladies at church, I see them in a new light.

When I think about God through the lens of His canyon, I know He created that beauty for my delight.