June 2021 • Nebraskaland 49
hardest things I've done. I thought we were going to die."
We have since considered petitioning the county for
changing the name of Deadhorse Road to Deadhiker Road.
Day one, 47,939 steps and 17.2 miles down.
Day Two: Coff ee Mill Trailhead to East Ash
Creek
At sunrise, we fi red up the mini stove to heat water for
freeze-dried meals and, of paramount importance to this old
hiker, Folger's instant coff ee.
With camp packed up, we hit the trail at 8:30 a.m. for what
was surely the most scenic day of the journey. On a related
note, it also had some of the most sizable climbs and descents.
The day began with an immediate 350-foot ascent to
the Coff ee Mill Overlook, the fi rst of numerous compelling
vantages of the day.
This stretch of the journey would provide plenty of drinking
water, as we encountered both windmills and coldwater
streams. The trail passes over Turkey Track Spring, Trunk
Butte Creek, Indian Creek and Cunningham Creek. Each
off ers peaceful places to take a break and enjoy the soul-
soothing sounds only a babbling brook can provide.
The most memorable climb was the one that took us from
Trunk Butte Creek up about 400 feet to the base of Turtle
Rock — a landform that you will not fi nd on most maps, but is
so distinctly chelonian in appearance that it should be noted.
At 5:52 p.m., we arrived at our campsite at the trailhead
on East Ash Creek. Just as the night before, we did not have
much of a rest before storm clouds cleared the canyon walls.
We raced to set up camp to beat the storm. While staking
my tent, it blew from my hands and wound up tangled in a
barbed-wire fence nearby. After careful removal — and a few
swear words — I was more successful on the second attempt.
Sawyer, in contrast, stayed calm and methodical the entire
time.
For the second night, we got inside just before the
downpour started. Thankfully, the storm soon yielded to a
beautiful sunset with a chorus of birds echoing in the calm
of the canyon.
Day two, and another 34,757 steps and 12.9 miles down.
Day Three: East Ash Creek to West Ash Creek
Despite my sore legs and blistered feet, Sunday morning's
hike was enjoyable, and we seemed to have a spring in our
step knowing the end was near. A better night of sleep also
helped.
The long, steady climb from East Ash Creek off ered
attractive views. Once atop the ridge, only one sizable
drainage, which dips about 300 feet, stands between trail
users and the descent to West Ash Creek.
Day 2 – photo taken between Coff ee Mill Butte Trailhead and East Ash Creek.
