Monday, June 15, 2015

Hiking Arizona with "One of the Five"

I often say that, outside of my family, I can count on one hand the number of friends for whom I would take a bullet. I recently had the opportunity to spend an extended weekend with "one of the five," my friend Merry. This also meant I got to finally meet her husband and their daughter - both very cool people. And every single minute was amazing.

Here are pics from our hiking excursions. Click on any image for a larger view...





Took off early to the Grand Canyon the first day. Did a half-day hike. This is the beginning of our descent.


beginning switchbacks of Yaki Point Trail


Merry and I at beginning of Yaki Point Trail


further down into the next formation


OhhAhh Point, our destination


Merry and Viv at OhhAhh Point


view from OhhAhh Point


view from OhhAhh Point


Viv's first of many times where she'd run up and hug me. Girl is the sweetest.


the ascent back up



the ascent back up


Merry on the ascent back up


we set up camp outside the rim and then quickly went back for sunset.









5:30am at the camp next morning


Merry, Vivian, and Beau - next day at the Canyon's east rim. Colorado River in the background.


next day at the Canyon's east rim.


Viv wanted to pose with these flowers i was photographing

Rain squall. We drove to Camp Verde to do up the waterfall but it was too crowded and the rangers closed the road to keep it clear for emergencies. Switched gears and went to Black Canyon Trail.


Black Canyon Trail - it was 2:30 when we arrived and there were zero other cars in the parking lot because it was about 105 degrees.

Black Canyon Trail


Black Canyon Trail - a pretty strenuous hike due to the heat, but this is the reward - cold, clear swimming holes.


Black Canyon Trail - the ascent back out, early evening


Black Canyon Trail - the ascent back out, early evening


Black Canyon Trail with Viv - the ascent back out, early evening


Merry and Beau's sweet pooches

their pomegranate tree

their chickens. fresh eggs for breakfast every morning.