Scenic Sunday

I came upon this family of deer on the road to the Widforss Trailhead this week. The deer up here are wild, but they don't seem to be as skittish as other deer as they didn't run off as soon as they saw me. Instead, they seemed to pose for me. 

For more Scenic Sunday photos, click here.

Hiking The Widforss Trail

One day every two weeks I have a “project day” on my schedule. Yesterday was my first project day. I chose to go on the Widforss Trail hike, to familiarize myself with it so I can tell guests about it. Now, my supervisor told me I did not have to go the entire way, that I could turn back at any time. But, no, I chose to go the entire 5 miles out to Widforss Point, which meant it was a 10-mile hike there and back.

(The first incline on the Widforss Trail)

For one thing, not many people get a chance to take this hike. Not many people get to see the view from Widforss Point. And I wanted to be one of those people. But, I have a confession to make. It was one of the most stupid things I have ever done. I put myself in danger, because I am not in good enough shape to take that hike.

(The first glimpse of the Transept Canyon from the Widforss Trail)

The Widforss Trail is a 5 miles one way, 10 mile round trip, trail that takes you from meadow through forest and along the edge of the Transept Canyon, up and down hills, ending at Widforss Point with a panoramic view of Bright Angel Canyon and Oza Butte.

I learned a lot from my project day, about hiking in general and about myself. Here are a few of the things I learned:

(A view of the forest from the Widforss Trail)

1. Take more water than you think you will need. I did not take enough water, and that fact became apparent on the trip back. It was very embarrassing for me, to be in my uniform out on the trail, and have to ask other hikers if they had extra water. I will repeat this point, both for your sake and for mine: Take more water than you think you will need.

(A real balancing act on the Widforss Trail)

2. Take more food than you think you will need. You use an awful lot of energy when you hike 10 miles, no matter what shape you are in. I had an apple, some applesauce, some cookies, some beef jerky, and some Fritos. I ate every bit of it, and needed more. I should have had at least twice what I took.

3. Know when to turn back. I should have listened to my legs, to my entire body. I should not have let my heart and pride be in charge. They could well have killed me. Yes, that does sound rather dramatic, but it is very true.

4. Walk slower, and rest more often. Don’t go out there trying to prove a point. I wanted to succeed, and in my desire to succeed, took on more than I should have for the shape I am in. Twice I had to lie down on the ground and sleep for half an hour because my feet would just not go another step. And in those times, I was terrified that I wouldn’t make it.

(Deer on the Widforss Trail)

5. I learned that I can walk 10 miles in one day, but that I should not have, and that it was a terribly stupid thing for me to do.

(The end of Transept Canyon on the Widforss Trail)

Now that all that was said, I have to say that I was greatly rewarded for my efforts. I saw some really awesome views.

I met some very nice people on the trail. I ate my meager lunch with a hiker from Alaska. I saw a flock of western tanagers, swooping down into the canyon, and perching in the trees to put on a fabulous bird fashion show of yellow and red just for me.

I had my picture taken by a stately ponderosa pine that is more than 13 feet in circumference.

And I sat on a rock and soaked in the view from the end of the trail.

Most of all, I made it back out, much the wiser for the experience.

Today, on my day off, I am taking it pretty easy. My feet hurt, and I have a blister on the bottom of one of them. My legs hurt, all the way up to my hips. I am unusually thirsty, so I am drinking more water than usual. And I am hungry. I have already eaten breakfast, but I am still hungry. And, I am very thankful that I was able to make it out of the Widforss Trail.