Day 7 Hayduke – Good Luck

Hayduke Trail
Early morning moon – pretty spectacular

Shall I not have intelligence with the earth? Am I not partly leaves and vegetable mould myself?
~Henry David Thoreau

March 25
4WD road in Poison Spring Canyon to Hwy 95, amazing hitch by BLM Law Enforcement to Hanksville – 16 miles

There is sand literally in every nook and cranny of my gear, food, really everything. The Hayduke does that. One must accept it or go mad.

Tonight we are in Hanksville for resupply and a reassessment of Bubb’s blisters and new snow in the mountains.

This morning we hiked through rain, wind, and some snow showers for a couple of hours, then everything opened up. Our goal was to hike 16 miles to Hwy. 95 (crossing it again), then hitch to Hanksville.

Just a few minutes after sticking our thumbs out after reaching the highway, a very nice law enforcement officer kindly offered us a ride for safety purposes. We gladly jumped in the fully armed truck.

I am now thankful, clean, well fed, and warm.

After really examining the plethora of blisters on Bubb’s feet, she needs time and some new shoes. She has ordered new ones that will be here in Hanksville in a couple of days. That means a redirect and new plan. My car has the next resupply and water waiting in Capitol Reef. If I hiked on, that would mess everything up.

Drop n’ Roll and I have decided to hitch to my car, cache all the gear, food, and water for their next leg, and then I will drive home.

I have managed to talk a group of off-road motorcyclists from Wyoming to give us a ride early tomorrow morning. Super cool and generous, because it is way out of their way.

Hayduke Trail
Rain and snow ready!

 

Poison Spring Canyon
Dressed up in ziplock baggie socks, trash compactor skirt, and umbrella – Photo by Drop n’ Roll

 

Hayduke Trail
Poison Spring Canyon
Hayduke Trail
and the skies opened…new snow on Henry Mountains in the distance

 

Hayduke Trail
Road walk out of Poison Spring Canyon

 

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11 Comments

  1. We must’ve just missed you in Hanksville! We did see DNR, Bubs, Carrot, and Dan.

  2. ALICIA BAKER

    Looks like an awesome adventure! I just heard about this trail from a friend…love that you posted your adventure day by day, it really helps a planner out! -Alicia

    • Christy "Rockin'" Rosander

      Hey, great to hear and thank you! The Hayduke IS a great adventure. I hope to return and finish more sections.

  3. Rockin,
    A question…. What degree of sleeping bag did you carry on this trip? I
    just read Drop-N-Rolls lattest posting and with the disparity in temps I was curious.
    Brian

    • Christy "Rockin'" Rosander

      Great question and I didn’t address this.The desert this time of year is very unpredictable. I was too cold most of the nights. If I were to go again on an early season trip, I would bring a warmer pad like the Neo Air XTherm (I just bought one for this summer’s trips), my down pants, and thicker socks. A 15 degree bag would be a good choice.

  4. True dedication. Total admiration.

  5. Sorry to hear you will be driving home ahead of schedule, still this trip looks to have been a grand time and I admittedly ent you a bit.

    • Christy "Rockin'" Rosander

      Hey Jason, Thank you for your comments during this trip and following along. I am already planning the next one!

  6. Great hike! I always enjoy your perspective on a trail, especially combined with the blogs of the Shenanigans Crew, but this one was really good. Sometimes you drive a long way, plan, pack and it just doesn’t go with the schedule. It is still a great time. Real life, real hiking. Thanks for sharing!

    • Christy "Rockin'" Rosander

      Right now I am just so thankful I was able to keep up with the team while having fun. It was a great trip and worth every minute of preparation. I just love week long adventures that feel like a month. You come back to real life, stronger, refreshed, and changed. A win, win. Thank you for your thoughtful comments.

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