Day 4

Day 4

The Colorado River hike was a beautiful trek through some of the most spectacular landscapes I have ever set foot on. Most of us carried day packs except for Dave, who volunteered to carry a 30+ pound pack - with enough supplies to last a night for two should someone get injured along the way. What a stud! It was also awesome that Lila, despite her injured knee, was able to come along.

	A view of the canyon we are about to hike as seen from atop Mooney Falls.
	Here is another picture of Mooney Falls (for Allen).
	Grace makes time for a quick picture as we press on.
	Our first river crossing, with Emily in the lead!
	Grace makes the final stretch up onto a ledge.
	Another river crossing.
	Grace poses for a quick picture in a nice, sunny spot.
	The river gets a little muddy and slippery here, but we all make it safely.
	A sample of the grand landscape in which we hiked.
	The water is a little swift here at the "football crossing" - where Dave and Callie stand alertly by.
	Bevedier Falls (spelling, anyone?) marks the half way point to the Colorado River.
	Gingerly we make more crossings.
	Crawling and creeping along.
	Careful, here is a deep spot.
	We must be certified river crossing pros by now!
	Taking a last break before the final leg to the Colorado River.
	Behind in the lagoon are huge fishes that are at least 3-4 feet long (trust me!).
	Allen at the mouth of the Havasu River (where it joins the Colorado).
	Grace at the mouth of the Havasu River (where it joins the Colorado).
	We took a 1 hour lunch break at the river bank.
	A group of us after lunch before we head back.

5:45 AM was the wake up time, and Dave wasn't kidding! The hike to the Colorado River was a 16 mile roundtrip trek through forests, meadows, marshes, cliffs and rock ledges - involving non-trivial scrambles and multiple stream crossings (over 10 each way). Dave reminded us to "remember where we are...this is not boot camp!" I am glad he did because it would have been a shame to have to rush through a hike in such an amazing and spectacular setting! As we approached the Colorado River, we saw, from high atop a cliff, a group of huge fish (that must have been 3-4 feet long) wading in a small lagoon far below. We reached the swift, muddy Colorado River around noon and enjoyed an hour or so of lunch there. The hike back was rather rhythmic, and sections of it - especially the part through the meadows and prairies - were very tranquil. The only sad thought, if any, to cross my mind the entire day was to see our beloved, blue-green river so unceremoniously swallowed up by the Colorado.