May 5, 2017

May 5, 2017

Today our goal is to explore Havasu Creek downstream.  After hiking the mile to the other end of the campground we arrive at the top of 210-foot Mooney Falls.  Unfortunately, the only way to reach the base is a wet, muddy, scary climb down the cliff wall.  It has been made safer with the addition of cables and ladders but Aimee is not impressed.  I scamper down the wall, and take some photos for her.  On my way back up, I find Aimee coming down with some hunky guy who says he does Search and Rescue work.  I should be jealous but at least he was able to cajole her down the cliff.

From Mooney we continue several miles downstream.  On three occasions we had to shift to ‘water shoes’ and cross the swollen creek. The trail seems to never end. We persevere and are rewarded with Beaver Falls, a spectacular series of cascades.  The spring-fed water of Havasu Creek gushes from the bottom of a cliff wall after filtering for generations through limestone strata. On the journey it picks up a high mineral content. On exposure to the air, the limestone drops out of solution, giving the water a turquoise color.  The minerals also build up on every surface.  Over time river rocks become encased in white Travertine bridging gaps, building a descending staircase of water-filled terraces.

It is a long hot trek back to camp. We relish every time we have to cross the cooling creek.  By the time we return we are exhausted and need a few hours rest.

Not having camped for many years, I found out my skills and equipment leave much to be desired.  Our dinner last night was a dehydrated meal I bought many years ago.  It was not good.  Fortunately, we had enough snacks to hold us over. Also the air mattress Aimee used developed a leak making her bed not so comfortable. I also neglected to tell her not to store our food garbage in the tent. After returning from this hike, we found a mouse had chewed through the tent and into her peanut sauce remnants. I did get a small reprieve tonight. Despite being almost 20 years old, our lasagna and blueberry cheesecake was delicious!