Before heading out on our trip to Havasu Falls, I had to make one final stop at the local CVS to pick up a couple last minute travel items. While I was there I happened to meet this woman named Pat. Pat was an older woman, but young enough for me to be surprised that she needed specialized walking assistance. Pat an I caught each other’s eyes in passing, and when she saw me picking out my travel sized items she wanted to know all about my upcoming trip. Asked where I was headed, for a description of the place, who I was traveling with, and how long we would be staying. Our conversation slowly came to an end as she wished me safe travels along with an obligatory “be careful”. I helped her grab a couple items off a shelf out of her reach, and before we parted ways she asked me one last favor. She turned to me and said, “When you finally get to your destination, complete your hike, and settle for the week, can you think of me and all the other ‘Pat’s’ out there that can only make a strenuous trip like that in our dreams?” I was caught off guard to say the least, but she couldn’t have picked a better time.
Waterfalls never get old. Their beauty and raw power are endlessly inspiring. I have been fortunate enough to see several towering falls across many regions and landscapes, and each one has been unique in their ability fascinate me. Despite having three stunning waterfalls within a few miles of each other at Havasu Falls, my happy places were not the waterfalls, but instead the miles of creek between them. The contrast between the red rock canyons with the blue water and lush trees was a sight I made sure to remember. You don’t find contrasts like that out here in New England. The luxury of clear water is one thing, but combine that clarity with a beautiful blue-green shimmer of color? I felt like I was walking through a river of diamonds. Around every bend there were new cascading waterfalls, but never overpowering. The current was always at just the right strength to safely explore and cross wherever we chose. Heck if you wanted to sit right on the edge of a few you could do that too! Every step I took I expected to find myself fighting for balance over slippery rocks, but to my surprise I was met with rough rocks and secure footing. Did I mention there were no people around? Sure there were plenty of people at the campsite and congregated around the major waterfalls, but when it came to exploring the creek, there was only an occasional passer-by. I can’t remember many times I was THAT stress free.
As we explored one hidden area after another along the creek, we took some time to just sit and enjoy. With not a stress in sight and my body on sensory overload, I did what Pat asked. I thought about her and how privileged I was to be able to enjoy such a perfect destination I thought about her wide eyes and eagerness to learn more about my trip in CVS that day. And perhaps that is what made this trip feel a little more magical than ones prior. Taking a little extra time to be grateful for my health and the health of my wife. Taking the time to be grateful that we are physically able to reach destinations we choose, and have the funds to help us get there. I am potentially living someone else’s dream that they may never fulfill, and we owe it to them and to ourselves to never take that for granted.
One of several spots along the creek we took the time to enjoy. This particular spot was on the hike to Beaver Falls.