After the 10 mile hike down yesterday, we were treated to a relatively easy day today. Didn’t have to start too early, although the sun was the alarm clock. Our morning hike took us to an abandoned mine high above a dry creek bed. There had been galena, a type of iron, mined there, and traces of silver but in the end it simply wasn’t profitable enough to continue the effort. We were able to climb around in the caves and experience total black out when we turned off our head lamps. From there we walked along the creek bed looking for, and discovering fossils in the limestone. Back at camp for a delicious lunch, and a bit of a rest before our afternoon hike to New “50 foot” Falls and Rock Falls for a swim.
The New Falls, are so named because it was created at the last big flood of the area, in 1992 (I think). It’s powerful and the water was so cold, but most of us braved it and swam around the base of the falls. There’s a cave beneath the falls, but only the guides took the plunge to explore it. I swam over to a rock ledge at the base of the falls just to experience the awesome power of the water. At about 68 degrees, I had a limited window of comfort, so was glad to have my towel and some dry clothes to continue on.
Our next step was Rock Falls (also called Little Navajo), and there were lots of younger people there sitting on the low rocks, and a few brave souls jumping off a ledge into the pools below. Again, the guides demonstrated, but none of the group were takers this time. Just listening to the roar and watching the water, and admiring the colors of the pools was awesome. From there, it was about a mile back to camp and settling in for the afternoon and evening.
Each day, Gary and Anna had appetizers to keep up fueled while they prepared excellent food. There were two camp stoves powered by propane and the coolers kept all the food cold until prep time. We were not roughing it when it came to food. Alcohol is not permitted on the reservation, but we did smuggle a little down, so while not enough for raucous evenings, it was nice. Once again, early to bed, as the next day would be another long hike to some other parts of the canyon.
Nothing like good food after a long day of exercise.