HDT: Reflections

The morning after I finished my HDT hike at the South Rim, I had breakfast at the El Tovar Lodge. Prime rib hash with eggs, the same breakfast I had here on the AZT in 2012. What a memory and what a tasty meal!

Mrs. Haze got me safely back to Tucson with a refueling stop in Flagstaff. Had the official weigh-in and lost the usual 25 pounds – will try to keep some of it off this time. I had a nice reunion with our lab, Ellie – she always thinks I’m coming back from the dead!

The Grand Enchantment Trail somewhat prepared me for the Hayduke Trail. But I would say that this one is in a class by itself. Raw nature and beauty, remote, all the solitude you can stand, land of extremes, physically and mentally challenging, adrenaline rushing, sometimes like solving a difficult puzzle and lastly, rewarding.

My favorite parts of this trail:

1. Halls Creek Narrows/Stevens Canyon – what a magical few days in a beautiful slot canyon, up and over the Waterpocket Fold into a deep, wild, colorful Stevens Canyon. This was an alternative route to avoid a long, slog down the Escalante River. With this one, just a short wade down the Escalante. Don’t forget to turn around and look at Stevens Arch far above and then exit out gorgeous Coyote Gulch.
2. Buckskin Gulch/Paria Canyon – this was a planned alternative that requires a permit in advance. A very unique, narrow slot canyon that opens up into Paria Canyon with jaw-dropping views around every turn. Top it off with a challenging, near vertical climb out at Bush Head. Made extra special by a beautiful night high on the side of the canyon wall.
3. Youngs Canyon/Dark Canyon – wow, what a tough but rewarding few days in these remote canyons!

Goes without saying the Grand Canyon is just the best and on a different scale. I unfortunately didn’t make it to Tapeats or Kanab Creek. But getting down the Nankoweap Trail and the Colorado River on the Beamer, Escalante and Tonto Trails was a definite highlight despite my ankle pain at the time.

Don’t expect to get pampered in trail towns or a trail angel at every road crossing on the Hayduke. Having said that, I met some real nice people on this trail and almost always got a quick ride when I needed it.

Speaking of ankle pain, I have made an appointment with the orthopedic surgeon to discuss details and schedule the surgery. Six weeks in a cast, six weeks in a boot and 4-6 months recovery. In time for next season? We’ll see. My short list includes the Pacific Northwest Trail, the Oregon Desert Trail and a new one in familiar territory, the Mogollon Rim Trail. Mrs. Haze says do the AT and get your Triple Crown before you get too old. She hasn’t yet given me the definition of old.