Day 4 Supai; Navajo, Havasu, and Mooney Falls; wildlife and flowers

I believe that these are water tanks for the village. I also believe that all their water comes from Havasu Creek; the water tanks would provide water pressure and storage for processed wate ...

2008-06-09T08:04:46Z

elf1
I believe that these are water tanks for the village. I also believe that all their water comes from Havasu Creek; the water tanks would provide water pressure and storage for processed wate ...

It is possible to get to and from the village by horseback rather than by walking. The only tourists we saw on horseback were two women leaving the village very early in the morning.

2008-06-09T08:04:46Z

elf1
It is possible to get to and from the village by horseback rather than by walking. The only tourists we saw on horseback were two women leaving the village very early in the morning.

As I've noted, most of the village dogs were sweet and friendly and liked a scritch.

2008-06-09T08:04:46Z

elf1
As I've noted, most of the village dogs were sweet and friendly and liked a scritch.

Flowers.

2008-06-09T08:34:04Z

elf1
Flowers.

Sacred Datura, also called Jimsonweed or Loco Weed.

2008-06-09T08:04:46Z

elf1
Sacred Datura, also called Jimsonweed or Loco Weed.

Flowers.

2008-06-09T08:34:04Z

elf1
Flowers.

A view over the village to the cliffs that surround it.

2008-06-09T08:04:46Z

elf1
A view over the village to the cliffs that surround it.

These little carts are popular with the locals. They must have come in by helicopter; I don't think that even these could get down the trail we came down.

2008-06-09T08:04:46Z

elf1
These little carts are popular with the locals. They must have come in by helicopter; I don't think that even these could get down the trail we came down.

Supai has its own multigrade school.

2008-06-09T08:04:46Z

elf1
Supai has its own multigrade school.

The village store (left) and post office (right) with horses being loaded up for the morning trip up the hill. Here, they're carrying empty baskets--maybe from grocery deliveries?

2008-06-09T08:04:46Z

elf1
The village store (left) and post office (right) with horses being loaded up for the morning trip up the hill. Here, they're carrying empty baskets--maybe from grocery deliveries?

A field in the middle of town is multipurpose; also serves as the heliport several times a day. Other than foot and horseback, this is the only other way for people and supplies to come into ...

2008-06-09T08:04:46Z

elf1
A field in the middle of town is multipurpose; also serves as the heliport several times a day. Other than foot and horseback, this is the only other way for people and supplies to come into ...

The helicopter.

2008-06-09T08:04:46Z

elf1
The helicopter.

Another calm village dog. This early in the morning, it's not yet hot enough to seek out shade.

2008-06-09T08:04:46Z

elf1
Another calm village dog. This early in the morning, it's not yet hot enough to seek out shade.

A nondenominational bible church sits in the center of town with a beautiful backdrop.

2008-06-09T08:04:46Z

elf1
A nondenominational bible church sits in the center of town with a beautiful backdrop.

How'd you like to wake up to this view every morning?

2008-06-09T08:04:46Z

elf1
How'd you like to wake up to this view every morning?

Front doors on the lodge are carved wood.

2008-06-09T08:04:46Z

elf1
Front doors on the lodge are carved wood.

The cottonwoods were in full cottony splendor; with every breeze, "cotton" danced through the air.

2008-06-09T08:34:05Z

elf1
The cottonwoods were in full cottony splendor; with every breeze, "cotton" danced through the air.

The yard between the lodge's guest rooms (left) and offices/manager's residence (right, out of photo).

2008-06-09T08:04:46Z

elf1
The yard between the lodge's guest rooms (left) and offices/manager's residence (right, out of photo).

"The Watchers" above Supai.

2008-06-09T08:04:47Z

elf1
"The Watchers" above Supai.

Oooh, look, it's almost Boost! This puppy looked like he was going to get a lot bigger. He was also well-groomed and wearing a harness.

2008-06-09T08:04:47Z

elf1
Oooh, look, it's almost Boost! This puppy looked like he was going to get a lot bigger. He was also well-groomed and wearing a harness.

When it got hot, the dogs found shade.

2008-06-09T08:04:47Z

elf1
When it got hot, the dogs found shade.

All of these building supplies came in by helicopter.

2008-06-09T08:04:47Z

elf1
All of these building supplies came in by helicopter.

Cottonwood trees line the main street through town. They're used for shade, fencing, firewood.

2008-06-09T08:04:47Z

elf1
Cottonwood trees line the main street through town. They're used for shade, fencing, firewood.

Helicopter lifting off.

2008-06-09T08:04:47Z

elf1
Helicopter lifting off.

Helicopter near the canyon walls.

2008-06-09T08:04:47Z

elf1
Helicopter near the canyon walls.

This dog was snuggling up to me like a long-lost friend until I asked a passer-by to take our picture, at which point he just keeled over in the dirt and wouldn't sit up again.

2008-06-09T08:04:47Z

elf1
This dog was snuggling up to me like a long-lost friend until I asked a passer-by to take our picture, at which point he just keeled over in the dirt and wouldn't sit up again.

Dogs varied from very tiny (one that looked perhaps like a miniature pinscher or manchester terrier) to this St. Bernardy-type.

2008-06-09T08:04:47Z

elf1
Dogs varied from very tiny (one that looked perhaps like a miniature pinscher or manchester terrier) to this St. Bernardy-type.

The St.-Bernardy-type dog again.

2008-06-09T08:04:47Z

elf1
The St.-Bernardy-type dog again.

Did I mention that most of the dogs were very cute, too?

2008-06-09T08:04:47Z

elf1
Did I mention that most of the dogs were very cute, too?

Most of the homes in the village seemed to have a paddock with one or more horses, mules, or cattle.

2008-06-09T08:04:47Z

elf1
Most of the homes in the village seemed to have a paddock with one or more horses, mules, or cattle.

A young man and his puppy were delighted to pose for me at the lodge. Too bad I had the wrong lens filter on and so the shutter speed was too slow.

2008-06-09T08:04:47Z

elf1
A young man and his puppy were delighted to pose for me at the lodge. Too bad I had the wrong lens filter on and so the shutter speed was too slow.

OK, I'll admit it, there's just nothing cuter than a boy and his puppy.

2008-06-09T08:04:47Z

elf1
OK, I'll admit it, there's just nothing cuter than a boy and his puppy.

I just kept taking pictures and they just kept playing around for the camera.

2008-06-09T08:04:47Z

elf1
I just kept taking pictures and they just kept playing around for the camera.

They seemed inseperable.

2008-06-09T08:04:47Z

elf1
They seemed inseperable.

Linda carried the pack with food and water so that I could concentrate on taking photos. Or at least, that was her story to save me the embarrassment of looking like a wimp.

2008-06-09T08:04:47Z

elf1
Linda carried the pack with food and water so that I could concentrate on taking photos. Or at least, that was her story to save me the embarrassment of looking like a wimp.

Not every junction in trails or roads was this neatly marked. Sometimes it was a hand-scrawled piece of scrap lumber.

2008-06-09T08:04:47Z

elf1
Not every junction in trails or roads was this neatly marked. Sometimes it was a hand-scrawled piece of scrap lumber.

Sometimes the signs were on their last legs--barely.

2008-06-09T08:04:47Z

elf1
Sometimes the signs were on their last legs--barely.

My turn to pose with a sign and my new "trekking pole" which doubles as a monopod for my camera. It's pretty cool.

2008-06-09T08:04:47Z

elf1
My turn to pose with a sign and my new "trekking pole" which doubles as a monopod for my camera. It's pretty cool.

The path continues further into the canyon.

2008-06-09T08:04:47Z

elf1
The path continues further into the canyon.

Another trail/rocks/sky photo.

2008-06-09T08:04:47Z

elf1
Another trail/rocks/sky photo.

There were canyons within the canyon, and apparently the estupido touristas aren't always smart enough to avoid the edges of the crumbly sandstone. This edge had barbed wire and a big warnin ...

2008-06-09T08:04:47Z

elf1
There were canyons within the canyon, and apparently the estupido touristas aren't always smart enough to avoid the edges of the crumbly sandstone. This edge had barbed wire and a big warnin ...

In addition to the big falls we were searching for, the canyon presented dozens of smaller falls and cascades, all of them beautiful.

2008-06-09T08:04:47Z

elf1
In addition to the big falls we were searching for, the canyon presented dozens of smaller falls and cascades, all of them beautiful.

We thought that the overcast would cool things down a bit from the previous day's 105 degrees. Well--it did. A bit. Which is something much smaller than a byte...

2008-06-09T08:04:47Z

elf1
We thought that the overcast would cool things down a bit from the previous day's 105 degrees. Well--it did. A bit. Which is something much smaller than a byte...

Another small cascade.

2008-06-09T08:04:47Z

elf1
Another small cascade.

Linda descends the path going down a short cliff (15 feet?) in what would be generous to call "steps".

2008-06-09T08:04:47Z

elf1
Linda descends the path going down a short cliff (15 feet?) in what would be generous to call "steps".

I'm standing at the top of the path/steps, looking straight down at where I now have to go if I want to get to Navajo Falls.

2008-06-09T08:04:47Z

elf1
I'm standing at the top of the path/steps, looking straight down at where I now have to go if I want to get to Navajo Falls.

Huh, to get to Navajo Falls, you have to actually cross the creek, which seems fairly rapid and fairly deep. I'm not encouraged.

2008-06-09T08:04:47Z

elf1
Huh, to get to Navajo Falls, you have to actually cross the creek, which seems fairly rapid and fairly deep. I'm not encouraged.

This is how you do it--scramble across or between these downed trees, walking through the water.

2008-06-09T08:04:47Z

elf1
This is how you do it--scramble across or between these downed trees, walking through the water.

And plus you have to wade through this section of the stream to get to where the downed trees begin.

2008-06-09T08:04:47Z

elf1
And plus you have to wade through this section of the stream to get to where the downed trees begin.

I am in the process of wimping out on crossing the stream, so I look for photo ops such as this small cascade with ferns.

2008-06-09T08:04:47Z

elf1
I am in the process of wimping out on crossing the stream, so I look for photo ops such as this small cascade with ferns.

Linda leaves her pack and heads out. I really don't want to do that crossing with my camera, and I really don't want to leave it behind, so Linda goes and I'll try to document the journey.

2008-06-09T08:04:47Z

elf1
Linda leaves her pack and heads out. I really don't want to do that crossing with my camera, and I really don't want to leave it behind, so Linda goes and I'll try to document the journey.

Linda evaluates her options.

2008-06-09T08:04:47Z

elf1
Linda evaluates her options.

You can step on the trees a little bit, but really--

2008-06-09T08:04:47Z

elf1
You can step on the trees a little bit, but really--

--it's much easier and safer to wade through the rapids while clinging to and scrambling over the trees.

2008-06-09T08:04:47Z

elf1
--it's much easier and safer to wade through the rapids while clinging to and scrambling over the trees.

Do you see me doing this? I am not envisioning it.

2008-06-09T08:04:47Z

elf1
Do you see me doing this? I am not envisioning it.

This is all that I can see of Navajo Falls (which are not named for the Navajo Indians but for a Havasupai named Navajo). You can see how wide they are compared to little tiny Linda.

2008-06-09T08:04:47Z

elf1
This is all that I can see of Navajo Falls (which are not named for the Navajo Indians but for a Havasupai named Navajo). You can see how wide they are compared to little tiny Linda.

I just liked this shot of Linda standing and admiring the falls. Here's the Wikipedia photo of the falls.

2008-06-09T08:04:47Z

elf1
I just liked this shot of Linda standing and admiring the falls. Here's the Wikipedia photo of the falls.

One more shot of me trying to give an impression of the amazing cascades through the trees. I never could see the whole thing from my side of the creek. I'm the only one that wimped out--ton ...

2008-06-09T08:04:47Z

elf1
One more shot of me trying to give an impression of the amazing cascades through the trees. I never could see the whole thing from my side of the creek. I'm the only one that wimped out--ton ...

Linda said that the swimming in the pool under the falls was phenomenal--the falls are dramatic but not high, so the water wasn't as turbulent as it would be at later falls.

2008-06-09T08:04:47Z

elf1
Linda said that the swimming in the pool under the falls was phenomenal--the falls are dramatic but not high, so the water wasn't as turbulent as it would be at later falls.

Linda at Navajo Falls (why did I upload this one?)

2008-06-09T08:34:05Z

elf1
Linda at Navajo Falls (why did I upload this one?)

Linda at Navajo Falls (why did I upload this one?)

2008-06-09T08:34:05Z

elf1
Linda at Navajo Falls (why did I upload this one?)

Linda at Navajo Falls.

2008-06-09T08:34:05Z

elf1
Linda at Navajo Falls.

Linda comes back across the creek.

2008-06-09T08:34:05Z

elf1
Linda comes back across the creek.

Linda comes back across the creek.

2008-06-09T08:34:05Z

elf1
Linda comes back across the creek.

Linda comes back across the creek.

2008-06-09T08:34:05Z

elf1
Linda comes back across the creek.

Beautiful fern.

2008-06-09T08:34:05Z

elf1
Beautiful fern.

After a refreshing swim, Linda's ready to go again.

2008-06-09T08:34:05Z

elf1
After a refreshing swim, Linda's ready to go again.

Flowers, covered with trail dust.

2008-06-09T08:34:05Z

elf1
Flowers, covered with trail dust.

Another small but lovely casce.

2008-06-09T08:34:05Z

elf1
Another small but lovely casce.

Another angle on the small falls.

2008-06-09T08:34:05Z

elf1
Another angle on the small falls.

The color of the creek could hardly be believed.

2008-06-09T08:34:06Z

elf1
The color of the creek could hardly be believed.

This dragonfly really desperately wanted his photo taken.

2008-06-09T08:34:06Z

elf1
This dragonfly really desperately wanted his photo taken.

Linda admires the creek while waiting for the photographer.

2008-06-09T08:34:06Z

elf1
Linda admires the creek while waiting for the photographer.

Me on a little bridge across the creek. It's a pretty new bridge. They've had catastrophic floods every few years that wipe out things like bridges.

2008-06-09T08:34:06Z

elf1
Me on a little bridge across the creek. It's a pretty new bridge. They've had catastrophic floods every few years that wipe out things like bridges.

The creek was home to many finger-length fish.

2008-06-09T08:34:06Z

elf1
The creek was home to many finger-length fish.

The creek had several travertine deposits like this, adding to the local beauty.

2008-06-09T08:34:06Z

elf1
The creek had several travertine deposits like this, adding to the local beauty.

Our first view of Havasu Falls from the trail above. Wow. Doesn't it look like it's been colorized?

2008-06-09T08:34:06Z

elf1
Our first view of Havasu Falls from the trail above. Wow. Doesn't it look like it's been colorized?

I could not get all of Havasu Falls and its surroundings in one photo--not even in two or three. I had to take a bunch of shots and photoshop them together later. I think there are some spo ...

2008-06-09T08:34:06Z

elf1
I could not get all of Havasu Falls and its surroundings in one photo--not even in two or three. I had to take a bunch of shots and photoshop them together later. I think there are some spo ...

Havasu Falls as we approach closer to the botton.

2008-06-09T08:34:06Z

elf1
Havasu Falls as we approach closer to the botton.

This sign explains the water color and the travertine "dams".

2008-06-09T08:34:06Z

elf1
This sign explains the water color and the travertine "dams".

Havasu Falls and some of the travertine pools. It was a popular place, particularly on a hot day like today. It was hard to get photos that didn't have waders or swimmers everywhere.

2008-06-09T08:34:06Z

elf1
Havasu Falls and some of the travertine pools. It was a popular place, particularly on a hot day like today. It was hard to get photos that didn't have waders or swimmers everywhere.

The water pouring over the edges made the creek look fiercer than it actually was. It was fairly easy to wade through and even sit in to cool off, as these folks did.

2008-06-09T08:34:06Z

elf1
The water pouring over the edges made the creek look fiercer than it actually was. It was fairly easy to wade through and even sit in to cool off, as these folks did.

The rock around Havasu Falls looks as if it had just poured over the edge of the cliff, too.

2008-06-09T08:34:06Z

elf1
The rock around Havasu Falls looks as if it had just poured over the edge of the cliff, too.

Close-up of the water over the travertine--an experiment with shutter speed.

2008-06-09T08:34:06Z

elf1
Close-up of the water over the travertine--an experiment with shutter speed.

Same falls with a different shutter speed.

2008-06-09T08:34:06Z

elf1
Same falls with a different shutter speed.

This service dog hiked down with his mistress and took a swim to cool down.

2008-06-09T08:34:06Z

elf1
This service dog hiked down with his mistress and took a swim to cool down.

The rock and the water and the white travertine--lovely. (These falls are maybe 2-3 feet high.)

2008-06-09T08:34:06Z

elf1
The rock and the water and the white travertine--lovely. (These falls are maybe 2-3 feet high.)

I dare to wade out. Places were slippery in bare feet, but I didn't have shoes with me that I wanted to get wet. Most people just hiked in with whatever they were wearing.

2008-06-09T08:34:06Z

elf1
I dare to wade out. Places were slippery in bare feet, but I didn't have shoes with me that I wanted to get wet. Most people just hiked in with whatever they were wearing.

Here I am, checking out the falls from a manmade dam, built to replace some of the natural travertine dams washed away in one of the big floods.

2008-06-09T08:34:06Z

elf1
Here I am, checking out the falls from a manmade dam, built to replace some of the natural travertine dams washed away in one of the big floods.

Linda in a pool.

2008-06-09T08:34:06Z

elf1
Linda in a pool.

Linda.

2008-06-09T08:34:06Z

elf1
Linda.

The water and rocks just made all these shots nice.

2008-06-09T08:34:06Z

elf1
The water and rocks just made all these shots nice.

IMG_9064LindaSwims.JPG

2008-06-17T16:37:56Z

elf1
IMG_9064LindaSwims.JPG

Linda swimming.

2008-06-09T08:34:06Z

elf1
Linda swimming.

Linda in a pool.

2008-06-09T08:34:06Z

elf1
Linda in a pool.

Linda ventures further out towards the main pool.

2008-06-09T08:34:06Z

elf1
Linda ventures further out towards the main pool.

I like this one because you get a feel for the scope of the falls, which are 120 feet high.

2008-06-09T08:34:06Z

elf1
I like this one because you get a feel for the scope of the falls, which are 120 feet high.

The falls are just amazing.

2008-06-09T08:34:06Z

elf1
The falls are just amazing.

Linda enjoys herself.

2008-06-09T08:34:06Z

elf1
Linda enjoys herself.

Close-up of the rock that looks as if it has run down the face ofthe cliff and frozen.

2008-06-09T08:34:06Z

elf1
Close-up of the rock that looks as if it has run down the face ofthe cliff and frozen.