HDT Day 40: Paria Plateau

Daily Miles: 25.5, Total Miles: 557.7

Summit bid! The remaining climb up to Bush Head and the Paria Plateau was even steeper than yesterday. Just tried to find the path of least resistance and kept reminding myself about three points of contact. Hiking poles were extra baggage at this point. A few false summits but finally cleared the last sandstone cliff band and this old man did another happy dance!

Now a much more gentle climb to get to the very top of the plateau.

I refilled water bottles at Bush Head Tank and Joe’s Ranch while crossing the broad plateau. These were built to service cattle ranches that have now been abandoned.

The wind blew all day long. For much of the day, just tried to make better timed on the frustratingly deep sandy roads. Towards sunset, I attempted to set up my tent on deep sand with gusty winds. I should have known better but I was tired and cranky. The tent instantly became a hang glider trying to take off and my ultralight tent stakes were flying everywhere. With four tent stakes missing in action, I packed everything up again and trudged on for another mile. I spotting a rock outcrop and the loose rocks I needed to secure the stakes I had left.

This last leg has really tested my gimpy ankle – it’s stiff and sore.