Day 26 – 4/8/16
15.4 map / ?? (Forgot to turn on) GPS miles
375.7 / 403.0 miles total
For being on a 30 mile water carry, today was very wet. It was also entirely off trail, dropping down Monday Canyon which dumped into Rogers Canyon before we trend up Navajo Canyon, narrowly avoiding Crotch Canyon.
The going was generally slow, with a bunch of bushwacking, boulder hopping, and skirting large drop/offs.
Our maps noted possible seasonal water in Monday and Navajo Canyons, but very low reliablilty. However, there was no mention of water in Rogers Canyon, which we found to have a gushing stream along the entire 4+ miles we followed it. So much water we all ended up with wet feet. It was really annoying to be hauling so much water for miles along a perfectly nice creek.
The rest of us also ended up pretty wet, with 2 good long rain showers in the afternoon and early evening. Everything turned to mud, and it was a painful slog up Navajo Canyon with an extra 5 pounds of mud clinging to each shoe. Thankfully the rain let up in time for us to set up camp and cook dinner, though we expect more rain overnight.
Nothing is shiny and new for long on trail. Sigh. The mud looks sloggy. The rain and stream while carrying water is ridiculous! But that transition into Navajo Canyon looks awesome. You all are earning your Hayduke honor badges.
I have been precipitated on more time in my one month on this desert trail than in the entire 5 months PCT or CDT!
Such glorious nonsense! Here’s to a grand next leg of the HDT!
Looks like Joey and Bubs are sharing a pair of trekking poles.
And like Rockin’ is postin’ in the middle of the night!
I see SO MUCH mud in the crystal ball. Damn.