Our Epic Adventure {Day Two}

Day two was a long one. We started out at the crack of dawn. (And as you can see below, looked awesome that early in the morning.)

We got to the beginning of the trail and loaded our packs on our backs, visited the porta-potties, (since it would be a while since we saw another one) and I downed as much Diet Coke as I could before I had to say goodbye to my precious caffeine. (My name is Caitlin, and I'm an addict.) I'm not proud to say that I contemplated putting Diet Coke in my camel back instead of water.

We set out on our very long, very pretty hike.

 

Along the way we were kept company by a variety of animals.

 

The hike was long. The packs were heavy. (very heavy) So when we saw a gorgeous blue stream we kicked off our hiking shoes and jumped in. The water is amazing in Havasupai. It is otter-pop blue and really clear. Seriously gorgeous.

We finally came to the sign saying the village was close and we got excited. Unfortunately that sign was a liar. A dirty little liar. We walked and walked. We crossed bridges, we saw plenty more signs.. but the village was nowhere to be found.

 

Finally we stumbled upon the long dirt road into the village. I would have ran to the village store that had diet coke in it if I could have. Alas, my feet were swollen and sore, so I hobbled to it.

 

We rested, had lunch at their cafe. (Lunch was insanely expensive. 45 dollars for a cheeseburger, grilled cheese and Navajo taco. They helicopter everything in so I assume that is part of the reason why it's so expensive. We were so starving that I think I would have given them a kidney if they asked for it.)

We finally got a little energy, and pushed ourselves the last two miles to the campgrounds. We passed two gorgeous waterfalls along the way.

When we finally found a place to camp, we jumped in the stream running along side our campsite and bathed. Then we made our MRE's (which were not the best tasting things ever) and collapsed in our tiny tents to rest our sore bodies.

 

  On a side note, please feel free to mock me for the stylish knee brace. I was referred to as the "pro volleyball player" that day.

Our Epic Adventure {Day One}

About six months ago we (Bob, me, Ami, and Jon) decided we wanted to go to Havasupai. It's this amazing hike down the Grand Canyon that ends up at paradise. Otter pop blue waterfalls, amazing scenery, adventures galore.

So we booked it, and at the end of September we embarked on our adventure. Day one was mainly just driving. We stopped along the way and ate Japanese food and got yummy vegan donuts. (Who knew vegan donuts tasted just like regular?) We saw strange towns. (Santa Claus, and Hackenberry.) And drove into camp at the top of the Grand Canyon right at sunset.

We set up camp in the dark, and tried to get a little sleep before we started our hike at dawn the next day. It was freezing, and not super comfortable, but I awoke with a startling amount of energy for the hike. But more on day two tomorrow.

Back from the Grand Canyon

30+ miles hiked. Many adventures had. Seriously one of the coolest places on earth. Happy to be back sleeping in my own bed. More pictures and stories to come.

A quick summary of our anniversary trip..

Day 1: We got up early (painfully early) and headed to the airport. We landed in Reno, rented our car, and headed towards Mammoth Lakes (where we stayed that night) We relaxed, looked around, and ate in Mammoth. And got to bed super early so we could wake up and head into Yosemite early.

(Reno Airport)

Day 2: We woke up so we could see the sun rise as we drove into the park. Um, Yosemite is one of those places everyone needs to see. It is truly breathtaking.

Once in the park we hiked to three different waterfalls. Vernal Falls was seriously only of the most amazing hikes I have ever been on. Just being in Yosemite was such an experience, but the hike to Vernal Falls was probably the highlight of our trip.

(On the way out of Yosemite we both spotted a weird cave in the middle of a tunnel. Which Bob made me go explore with him. I was scared of bats and weird homeless men. But it ended up being really cool. With an awesome view at the end.)

Day 3: We left and drove to Tahoe. We stayed in a darling little place right on the lake in these cute little cabins. We swam in the lake, and Bob made us some amazing dinner on the bbq. (The cabins had a cute little common area with bbq's and a fire pit.)

Day 4: We explored all of Tahoe. We visited Emerald Bay, and went to a gorgeous beach where we swam, and Bob paddle boarded. It was an awesome day.

Day 5: We drove to Reno to spend our anniversary. We stayed in a suite at a really cool hotel. Bob insisted I go to the salon and get a mani/pedi. We then went bowling, to dinner, and ended the night driving around the city.

Day 6: We flew home. The trip was so relaxing, so fun, and a great way to spend our 5 year anniversary. I feel so lucky we have been able to keep our tradition of traveling each year. Next year I'm hoping we can swing a trip to Alaska. We'll see how 2012 goes.

Yosemite & Tahoe {through the eyes of Ms. Holga}

As usual my Holga camera was in tow for our anniversary trip. It came in handy when I didn't want to get my nice camera wet when we were hiking up Vernal Falls and getting misted by the waterfall. Yosemite was literally breathtaking, and Tahoe was a ton of fun. Another successful adventure for the BobCat.

Alex & Courtney's Wedding

On a warm day in June these two got married.

This is my cousin Courtney and her {now} husband Alex.

Everything was beautiful. From the sweet treats to the touches of green.

There was dancing, and celebrating, and happiness.

I was so glad to be a part of this day, and flattered that they trusted me to document it for them.

Congrats Court, it feels like yesterday I was babysitting you. Days ago I was checking you out of school to "moon" passing cars. And minutes ago we were talking to bums.. or was that babes out in alleys? Love you. xo cait

..and they lived happily ever after.