A Desert Oasis: Havasu Falls

Who would have guessed something so beautiful could exist in the middle of the desert? Feast your eyes on the natural wonder that is Havasu Falls, a.k.a Havasu Creek,

located near Supai, AZ.

"Havasu Creek is a stream in the U.S. state of Arizona associated with the Havasupai people. It is a tributary to the Colorado River, which it enters in the Grand Canyon. Havasu Creek starts out above the canyon wall as a small trickle of snow run-off and rain water. This water meanders on the plains above the canyon for about 50 miles (80 km) until it enters Cataract (Havasu) Canyon. It then reaches Havasu Springs, where an underground river feeds the creek."

Havasupai is the ideal hiking destination for all hikers from beginners to seasoned veterans. The 10 mile hike is not as bad as it sounds, as only the first mile and a half consists of steep switchbacks. The remainder of the trail is mainly a winding wash that gradually turns into a canyon with gentle incline. 

Swimming, wading, and playing in the gorgeous pools below the falls - or in the stream flowing through the campground - are well worth the hike!

The creek is ever-changing,  because any items that fall into the stream mineralize very quickly, causing new formations and changing the flow of the water. This causes the creek to never look the same from one year to another.

For more info about this one of a kind destination, visit: http://havasuwaterfalls.net/index.html

If you've ever visited the falls, please, leave a comment below and tell us about your journey. 

Top 10 Island Getaways

Sometimes at work, while in my cube, I daydream about all of the amazing places I would some day like to go. Here's a quick picture list of 10 islands I would like to visit, while I am still young :) Which island would you like to travel to?

 1. Providenciales, Caico Islands

2. Maui, Hawaii

3.Roatan, Honduras

4. Santorini, Greece

5. Ko Tao, Thailand

6. Madeira, Portugal

7. Bali, Indonesia

8. Mauritius

9. Bora Bora, French Polynesia

10. Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

Paradise: South of the Border

I recently made a trip south of the border. A few years ago, my mother packed up, sold her house in the states, and became a full time resident of the beautiful San Felipe in Baja California, MX.

San Felipe is a town on the bay of San Felipe in the Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez) in the Mexican state of Baja California, 190 km south of the United States border and within the municipality of Mexicali. 

Although a long drive for me to see her, I have no problem making the trip, she lives in paradise. Let me start off by saying every day is a beach day. Not only is the scenery absolutely stunning, most days, you'll only encounter two or three other groups on the beach, so consider it your own private beach.

It can tend to get hot out there, but have no worries, there usually is a guy driving his truck down the beach that will hollow out a pineapple and blend up a refreshing pina colada for next to nothing, he'll probably also ask, "Con rum?" if you like to get your head right on the beach.

When the tide goes out, I enjoy clamming, and cooking them up right there in my portable barbecue while enjoying the beach. Scavenging for seashells, hunting for crabs (not for eating, but temporary pets), and other sea creatures makes it an awesome journey all around.

The guy below didn't fare too well....

I'm not sure of the exact species of dolphin, however every once in a while when the weather is a little rough at sea, you may come across something similar. I've previously seen giant whale sharks washed up on shore.

Above is the view from the roof of my Mom's house, looking east towards the beach. Her house is tucked away in El Dorado Ranch. There are places to rent all over the place, I suggest checking out their website if you ever plan on making a trip to San Felipe.

A view of the mountain range to the west, almost every evening provides an epic sunset.

There's plenty to do in the town of San Felipe. It's a quiet fishing town, however they are always having events that will fill the streets of the Malecón. The picture above is during the SCORE 250. There are amazing places to eat, tons of shops filled with souvenirs, and you can even schedule some fishing time on a panga boat to bring home your own catch.

Lastly, here is a picture of my girlfriend enjoying an ice cold cerveza on the beach. As you can see, we had the place all to ourselves. I plan on making many more trips to San Felipe, but am always looking for more fun and exciting getaways, preferably near water. Leave a comment below if you have any questions, or let me know where I should go next!