Descent to the canyon's bottom is quite short - mile and a half. However, we lost about 1000 feet in that distance. Wow, that will be quite steep on the way back. Would we make it? Landscape is breathtaking, classic Arizona attributes: rocks of yellow, orange, and red color, desert flora and some fauna. Couple of ravens showed up immediately after we stopped for lunch.
High noon. We made 2-3 miles, not tired, but delighted to see what we see around and to realize that we indeed broke the routine, managed to cover 1800 miles to put the backpacks on and to come to the different reality reminding of Marcian, at least by the color of soil and rocks.
In about 3 miles we see first cactus. Natasha is especially happy, and Masha is pondering whether she can take a cactus home. Taking a break by the small pool made by trickling creek. Letting another caraven to pass by, now they are coming back to the village, loaded, we see some soda cans in the cargo bags. Sprite!? Looks very wierd on a horseback.
14:30. Supai, AZ - Supai Indian village. There aren't too many people on the street, so we even wondering whether we are on the right path, but then we see tourinst office. We pay and register there, so we are official now. However we have to go another to miles to reach the campground. Oh well, 2 is better than 8. All are tired, kids are somewhere behind, but it seems that it's simply the chatting that slows them down..
17:30. First waterfall - Navajo Falls. It's hidden from view by trees, can not see to well and we are to tired to get closer. Maybe on the way back? Following the trail down toward the roar of Havasu Falls.
Make the turn, start descending, look right... No way. This cannot be! Wow..! Seriously, this is hard to put in words...
Managing surpise taking the trail to the campground and setting the tents up.We made it! There is a nice creek here and a spring with drinking warm water. 70F I reckon - interesing. Creek is much colder, maybe 55-60F, I don't think we will be swimming in it.
Refreshing ourselves with dinner and tea falling asleep, thinking not to go anywhere tomorrow. But before sleep Princess and I are taking kids to see Havasu falls in the starlight. Not too much light though and the moon isn't out yet. Stars are spectacular - no light polution at all. I guess the closes light pole is 50 miles away. Constellations are hard to find, because there are so many stars which we don't usually see, that's distracting :)