April 14-16 Oh you should see red rock canyon country during a calm spring rain, but see it from the warmth of a small room with a cup of coffee in your hand. It’s more soothing that way. Kanab has been my perch for the last two days–two days that I’ve spent in steady reflection … More Hayduke Day 34

April 13 Just like that, I woke up and the world was blue. The big storm showed itself out overnight and the morning sky was without a single blemish. Not even 20 miles to cover today, so it’s a lazy morning on the sandy bank of a dry streambed. By the time I take my … More Hayduke 33

April 12 I slept with my vestibule door open overnight, and by morning frost encased both tent and portions of my sleeping bag. A water bottle, left out in the open, was frozen nearly solid. A fine morning for a late start. Once I did extract myself from my warm little cocoon, I had the … More Hayduke Day 32

April 11 After two full day off, complete with BBQ, pizza, ice cream and a couple of avocados and bananas, I was anxious to get back out again. The ankle sprain that’s been following me around appears to have improved, but still calls out from time to time and the worst of the winter storm … More Hayduke Day 31

April 8 Time goes too slow, I walk to fast, and the Grand Canyon–rigid permit requirement and all–remains fixed in place. In two weeks, no more no less, I must be in the Grand Canyon or risk the ire of the National Park Service for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. So … More Hayduke Day 28

April 7 Wouldn’t you know it, almost a month in and I finally meet another Hayduker on trail. I’d just turned north into the Paria River, whose waters I would spend the rest of the day walking through, when I man hollered out from beyond some bushes. “Hayduke?!” I called out, and when he answered … More Hayduke Day 27

April 6 Before the sun was even a quarter across the sky, I was under the earth. Round Valley Draw is the first slot canyon on the Hayduke (the short one I went through yesterday was half a mile off trail), so I’d been anticipating this for some time. When I got to the edge, … More Hayduke Day 26

April 5 I completed the seventh Hayduke section this evening, a day ahead of schedule. I’d buried a cache of food and water for myself near Round Valley Draw, and it has waited there patiently for me, nearly a month later. I’ll eat well tonight, for sure. This morning I happened along the first slot … More Hayduke Day 25

April 4 The day went and went and went. And when it was over I’d covered nearly 30 miles of ground. First thing in the morning–post haste!!–I take a giant spill while making my way into the first wash of the day. You’d think I’d be tumbling gracefully by now, but no, just…no. Poor sorry … More Hayduke Day 24

April 3 I never cease to be amazed by the transformation that takes place within a person after a full night in the wilderness and prospect many more days and nights thereafter. This portion of the Hayduke spends most of it’s time in one of the most vast roadless areas in the lower 48, and … More Hayduke Day 23