part three

 

    The excitement is accumulating and we take off in various groups. It is like the beginning of a bike race and soon we are spread out according to hiking speed and waterfall-sighting intent. The trail is a smorgasbord of fascination, weird rocks, watery tunnels, palm trees, snakes and scratchy cliffs.  It is well marked, running alongside river right, then river left, then river right again and so on and so on. Even before the first crossing I jump in to cool down in the lusciously wet water. It is so warm compared to the icy Colorado, so clear, just perfect for a warm day's hike. There are no bothering bugs.

    Soon we see Beaver falls, incredible! Travorntine teacup clusters create turquoise-green pools with foamy white drops.... but gentle... everything looks and feels so gentle. We jump off the cliffs into the deep pool.  I ask Matt to take my picture while I am waist deep in the middle of the stream, a waterfall as the backdrop. I remember a scene from Blue Lagoon where Brooke Shields looses her virginity, well this scene looks kinda like that one. I can't really describe the true peacefulness and beauty of this little valley tucked away in the depths of the great Grand Canyon desert. We wade through acres of wild grapes not being able to see below out waists. I imagine all the little gnomes and other creatures down there just watching our legs and feet tromp by.

      Around noon we start to meet other hikers on the trail. They are coming down the trail from the Supai Village. A funny mix of people. We ask how far to Moony Falls and they ask how far to Beaver Falls.  I notice some sleeping pads and bags tucked away in tiny cave near the cliff. Someone will camp here tonight even though it is not permitted.

    By 1:00 we arrive at the spectacular Moony falls. WOW. Only photos can help me now. We eat our packed lunch and marvel for awhile.  The sky is still blue with a pretty white cumulous cloud building near the horizon. Its 2:00 and we all decide to head back. Seven of us have made it this far. The wind begins to blow and the temperature drops noticeably. Within 20 minutes the sky darkens and we feel the spatter of raindrops, we hear thunder.