grand canyon hike :: exploring the falls.

without a doubt, i enjoyed our hike as much as i did because of d. looking back, he handled everything just right. didn't push, but gently encouraged. despite my not wanting to spend any time or money at REI, he made sure i had good gear. this is so key - once you're in the middle of the wilderness and all you've got is your stuff - you're really glad when it's lightweight, easy and awesome. i thought it was insane to spend hundreds of dollars on hiking shoes, wool socks, liners, awesome water shoes, "moisture wicking*" clothes and underwear.... the list goes on and on, but i escaped the weekend without a single blister or problem so i guess you get what you pay for. and in that situation - your comfort is key. i'm glad he splurged. (he even gave me his super awesome sleeping bag inflatable pad to make sure i got the good night's sleep). #truehikerlove

and then there was the actual time we were there - boy oh boy did d take care of us. i was basically along for the ride and just had to make sure my legs worked - he even checked in regularly to make sure i stayed hydrated. the man took care of everything - purifying our water, setting up camp, making sure i had instant coffee in the morning, making our meals - and was so happy to do so. he loved it and i loved him right back for it. i can't imagine being with someone "winging it." i felt so comfortable knowing everything was going to be set up and just right. it definitely made a huge difference.

*when the REI lady asked me what i was planning to wear during the hike and i said, "uhh... a cotton tank top and shorts?" i thought she was going to pass out. apparently both big "no no's" - shoulder protection and moisture wicking clothes are "duh" items in granolaland. and then she said, "what about your undergarments?" i now own $20 patagonia briefs. sexy. and totally ridiculous. i swear, REI people are the most convincing sales people ever. 

our 2 person "plus" tent. pretty rad. there was some tent envy happening. 

good morning grand canyon! three full days without make up. 

it's been a while since the last time that's happened.

just chillin' streamside. we loved our spot. 

good morning! our view when we woke up (nice & sore).

the view out the front of our tent.

our campside neighbors, James & Heather, getting ready for the day.

i was the last one to wake up on sunday morning. after i was moving, we hiked to Havasu Falls. Gorgeous.

Me and Heather found a little lagoon to chill. waving at the EXTREME boys.

one... two... three.... JUMP.

of course D has a much cooler entrance than i did.

james coaxing heather into jumping in.

the boys planning their EXTREME (the word of the weekend) to get behind the falls.

one by one they did it. and got pounded.

the "canyon babes" in sexy water shoes watching the boys do extreme things. 

a little slice of heaven to ourselves.

EXTREME adventures.

the fifteen. 

the broken lens on my point and shoot made for a cool snap. i'll take it.

pouch meals and naglenes. #camplife

danny's wound from going through the waterfall with the "Go Pro" camera on.

yes, that's a bag of wine tied to a rope chilling in front of our tent. my husband rules.

happy camper. literally.