Category: Hayduke Trail

Wednesday, February 28th 2024 Fossil Camp mile 125.4 to Opposite Deer Creek Camp mile 136.8 11.4 miles, elevation 1962′ (hiking 8.6 miles, minus 2.5 miles missed along the river) This day was all about getting our hiking game up to speed. But first we had to make it past two Class 7 rapids, Bedrock and Deubendorff Rapids. I rode with Cleve for the first time, which I enjoyed very much. Bedrock is an intimidating rapid, with a giant building-sized boulder splitting the river into 2 halves. Rafts need to nail the right line, otherwise they can get pushed up against the rock and become high-sided (flipped) or stuck. Worse yet, they can go down the left channel, which has huge[…]

Sunday, February 25th 2024Granite Camp mile 93.8 to 110 Mile Camp 16 miles, elevation 2188′ The day was off to a splashy start with some very big rapids. This was the start of the ‘Gems’ section, which is one of the most challenging days on the river. Many of the rapids are named after gems, starting with Crystal. First was a scout of Granite Rapid, easily done from our campsite. I set off with Charlie on his raft, while his usual crew/mate Lana stayed on shore to photograph our group with her nice camera. This was one of the most fun rapids yet, with a big wave train but not too much peril. Lana got some really great photos of[…]

Thursday, February 22nd 2024 Upper Nankoweap Camp mile 53 to Tanner Camp mile 68.7 15.7 miles, elevation 2691′ I woke to yet another migraine, even tough I tried to hydrate really well the previous day. I was officially out of my own meds this day, so someone gave me some of their extra. At this rate, I might still have to hike out of phantom Ranch in 2 days. I helped with breakfast in the morning while some of the rest of the group that didn’t get to do the hike at night went up in the morning. I saw a bunch of other people from the other 2 groups heading up as well, so I was glad I went[…]

Wednesday, February 21st, 2024 Nautiloid Camp mile 35 to Upper Nankoweap Camp mile 53 18 miles, elevation 2800′ I woke feeling well rested but unfortunately still with a migraine. I knew it was the result of having such a severe one the night before and experiencing a ‘rebound’ effect from the medication. I sometimes got locked into these patterns of migraines for up to a week. I took another precious pill, with my personal supply down to just 1. I had identified 2 people that had the same meds the day before, but hadn’t gone so far as to officially borrow from them yet. I really hated having to lean on other people for such things and was just hoping[…]