"Escape to the beautiful bottom" Grand Canyon by brookdreamsoftravel

So when my dog passed away in the summer of 2007, I was left with a lonely feeling deep inside. I had her as my my friend and travel buddy for ten years. Her death was hard on me and I realized at some point that she would want me to go do things that I was unable to do having her to care for all those years. So, I made plans to hike the Grand Canyon that Fall and packed my car and headed West baby! I drove out to Santa Monica, Ca - for a quick visit. On the way there, I went to Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico, I enjoyed that little cave hike, kinda commercialized but interesting. Then, once I got to Cali I stayed there a few weeks then backtracked to Arizona. We had reservations at the Havasupai village @ the bottom of the Canyon. While in Arizona we made a camping trip to beloved Locket Meadow. One of my favorite places I've camped there before. I have some great photos to share of locket meadow. Ok, so after LM camping we headed to Grand Canyon and it was a trek to drive but we made it. We had all our gear and headed down. The locals say it takes folks an average 4-5 hours to hike down but man I was out of shape it took me about 6 I think. I was passed the point of exhausted when I finally reached the camp site. I have to say that I was a little embarrassed walking thru the natives backyards feeling like a tourist. I just felt like this uncomfortable feeling like they probably don't like us but need our tourist business b/c they are so poor there. They were nice to us but it was an awkward hike through the village in my mind. Once we reached the village an area opened up to the 1st waterfall that was beautiful and then we kept walking. Then we get to our campsite that had the stream running thru it - so amazing. The ions were so intense there. What a spiritual place- it was I would definitely like to go back sometime. We had barely enough energy to pitch our tents make a quick meal and pass out. The next day we rose early to get some hiking in. Ouch my muscles didnt want to move at all. I so recommend staying 4 nights because we only stayed two nights and our muscles were killing us the whole time. The 1st day hike we plopped in and out of waterfalls and the water was chilly but great. The next day we did some more hiking and went to this primitive area where there were some danger signs recommending hazardous ladders and collapsing rock signs. We continued on and I was a little nervous but didnt hesitate to just go on down because after all I made it this far and I wanted to experience it to the fullest. The bottom of the danger zone led to this great beautiful waterfall that was tranquilizing. Off the beaten path with not so many tourists. So glad we found it. Thanks Tina for getting us there. So man before we knew it our trip was up and it was time to hike out. My body was hating me for this quick hike up and down but somehow I managed. I was very grateful when it was over for the ability to make the trip and have the experience I then headed back to Santa Monica and stayed the next 2 years. grand canyon pics to come soon - they are great u will want to see them

• Pros:grandure and solitude
• Cons:I felt like a tourist in the native americans backyard. I wonder if they like us treking upon their soil. prby not. i'm sorry I did but you guiys are so lucky to live near /in such a beautiful place
• In a nutshell:everyone needs to see the canyon at least once in their life.