A few years ago, we had a fantastic Grand Canyon backpacking trip. We spent seven days exploring the Clear Creek area. The group was strong and experienced. We had hiked with them many times before.
Ed and I take a moment to view Zoroaster Temple. The Brittlebush blooms were amazing. Our most experience team member, Ginger (who helped build the Deer Creek Trail), called the Brittlebush an exotic native, and that was edging it's way into the Grand Canyon from the Mohave side.
Almost to Sumner Wash. Here are the troops: Mike, Jim, Gary, and Ginger.
After nine long, Grand Canyon miles, we are finally looking down into the Clear Creek Canyon.
You can see the deep green of the Fremont Cottonwood Trees, waaayy down in the canyon bottom. When you see Cottonwoods in the desert, you know there is water there.
The hillsides are painted yellow with the best Brittle Bush bloom that I have ever seen.
This is a text-book example of fossilized mud-cracks. Thanks for being our 'hand model', Ed.
On our layover day, we bushwhacked up to Cheyava Falls.
Cheyava is a Hopi word for 'on again-off again', describing the intermittent nature of this waterfall.
Pouring out of a vast cavern system, deep within the Redwall Limestone, Cheyava's 800' drop makes it the Grand Canyon's tallest waterfall.
Signs of ancient life. These Ancestral Puebloan granaries are a highlight of the hike to Cheyava.
Nestled high up on the cliff side, granaries were a way the ancient ones ensured themselves seeds for the next years crop.
WHOA,,,, who is this Canyon Beauty.... oh, it's my lovely wife, Ryanne Sebern.
This place was so great that my wife, Ryanne Sebern, made me promise not to disclose the exact location. Our hidden paradise was just north of Laughlin, on the way to Las Vegas. It was Mohave camping at is best.
Here is Ryanne hauling our gear into the desert wilderness.
We wanted to give the boys a "back packing" experience, so we hiked about a quarter mile in from the road. Our secluded camp was tucked in among some granite domes.
Orin and I are heading back to camp, after a bit of exploring.
Orin peaking out of a hueco cave.
The granite domes had weathered, hueco caves that were fun to explore.
While on a family trip to Oregon, we took a trip to the Coast to see the famous Peter Iredale shipwreck. I remember seeing it, as a kid. So, I was really interested to find out what it looks like after forty years.
On our way to the coast, we stopped off at the Jewell Meadows Elk Sanctuary. The boys had a blast seeing all the big, antlered bull elk.
Eagan Ford spends some time sitting on a fence rail watching the elk go by.
While at the elk sanctuary I noticed this super tiny mushroom, growing on a mossy tree. The mushroom cap was approximately 2 mm wide.
Micro Mushroom
What a rarity to have a sunny day on the Oregon Coast. Here is a view to the south.
Looking down the beach. Sunny days, Hurray!!!
Queen of the Mountain
My beautiful wife, Ryanne Sebern, climbs to the top of a nearby sand dune.
Here is our first view of the Peter Iredale shipwreck.
Remnants of a once mighty ship, the Peter Iredale. Foundered off the Oregon Coast.
Here is a perspective picture to show just how big this ship was.
The Peter Iredale, bow to stern
Vintage picture of the Peter Iredale, shortly after the wreck.
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