Ambrose and I have been going up to Big Creek for many years now, but we had never hiked up the Hogsback trail. It’s not a huge hike, but it does take one up high above the air strip, and offer views of Big Creek that can otherwise only be seen from the air.
The day before, we’d checked out the side road up to the start of the trail, just to see how it was. The side road was very easy to hike on, and it was pretty clear which way we had to go from there.
So, after breakfast on Saturday morning, we left from the campsite and hiked along the road to side road. The well graded side road led us easily up to a water spout where the road ended.
From there, I lead the way. And I chose one of the harder paths to take. We wound our way through downed trees, including a few that were close to my hip height, before finding the game trails that laced the top. After that small section of downed trees, the trails were pretty clear and easy to follow. I had to choose high road or low road a few times, and I tended to go for high.
Ambrose and I marveled as we hiked at how easy it felt, especially for him. I mean, I’m still a bit faster, but when we first came up to Big Creek, there’s no way he’d have even tried hiking up the Hogsback. It would be too difficult without sufficient reward. Being at Big Creek meant not doing much physically for us. But now, we’re both stronger and more fit.
It wasn’t long before it was time for our break. We managed to claim a spot overlooking the lodge, far below. I’d heard that folks on the lodge porch could hear people speaking up on the Hogsback, but while we tried a few times to get people’s attention, no one seemed to realize we were making any noises.
After a break for water and a bit of a snack – not much, since we’d just had hearty breakfasts at the lodge – we started hiking again. I wanted to make it to the end of the runway before turning back, but Ambrose preferred to head back once we reached the dip in the ridge. He didn’t want to lose elevation only to have to regain it on the way back. I conceded, reluctantly, and had him lead the way back.
He tried to insist that I was the leader for this hike, and I informed him that, as leader, I was designating him to route find our way back.
The way back was pleasant. Ambrose sometimes chose the same trail we’d used on the way there, but not every time, so we got to see a bit more of the area. And when we got back to the road, it was almost a surprise. Somehow, on the way out, I’d chosen a very complicated route, but on the way back we only had to step over like 3 fallen logs and voila! We were back at the road.
So, now we know that an easy way exists to get past the logs. The trick will be remembering it next time! I’m hoping to get my nieces up to the Hogsback when I bring them out to visit, but it will depend on some factors, like what time we arrive and how much smoke is in the air.
