Arizona Outdoor & Travel Club

Transcription

1 Arizona Outdoor & Travel Club February 2015 Monday, February 2 - Loop Hike on Unnamed Trails in the Southeastern Goldfield Mountains RATING: C LENGTH: 4-5 mi ELEV GAIN: ~800 ft PACE: Medium CO-LEADERS: Jim D hikingstickjim@yahoo.com and Bev blkoslow@yahoo.com Meet at 9:30 am (depart at 9:45) at the Holiday Inn east side parking area, just south of US 60 on Country Club Dr. in Mesa or Jim for directions to the trailhead. This is a Loop hike in an interesting wash, dirt road, and horse trail. Variety of trail conditions - sandy in the wash to sometimes rocky on the trail. Enjoy many scenic views of the beautiful Goldfield Mountains. The hike starts near a neighborhood at the end of Idaho Rd., but you soon disappear into the Goldfields. Bring water, sunscreen, hat, boots, and a snack. Non-members - $5 fee and always call the hike leader before the hike. Wednesday, February 4 - Happy Hour at Carlsbad Tavern RATING: Fun! TIME: 4:45 pm to 6:15 pm Join fellow AzOTC members for happy hour prior to our monthly meeting at the Granite Reef Senior Center. Carlsbad Tavern offers New Mexican cuisine, including a great selection of food and drinks, in their bat cave. The Tavern has won Trip Advisor s Certificate of Excellence for the last three years. It s located on the east side of Hayden Road, just south of Osborn (across the street from Office Max), and about two miles north of the Senior Center. Wednesday, February 4 General Membership Meeting NOTE: The new location of our monthly membership meeting is the Granite Reef Senior Center, located in Scottsdale on Granite Reef Road just north of McDowell Road. Greg Hawk, captain of the Phoenix Fire Department, will discuss trails around the valley, basic first aid steps we need to take before, during and after our activities, and items we need to carry with us while on an outing - things we 'should' know, but as active people we can always use a refresher course. Greg will discuss falls,

2 strains, breaks, heat related illnesses, stings and bites, the importance of hydration, and other medical emergencies we could encounter while being out and about with our fellow club members. Please join us for this informative presentation. Another great program you don't want to miss! Thursday, February 5 - Perl Charles Trail Hike (Phoenix Mountain Preserve) RATING: C+ LENGTH: 6 mi ELEV GAIN: <1500 ft PACE: Medium LEADER: Ralph Engler (H) or (C) Meet at 7:45 am (depart at 8:00) at the Dreamy Draw parking lot (north end); east of Rte 51. This is a hike through the Phoenix Mountain Preserve along Trail 1A. The pace will be adjusted for the group and the temp. Bring plenty of water and sun-screen. No dogs or children. Non-members - $5 fee and always call the hike leader before the hike. Thursday, February 5-12:30 PM Butterfly Wonderland (9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale) RATING: Wonderful! Leader: Bonnie Tasch Meet fellow AzOTC members at 12:30 PM at the Butterfly Wonderland café for lunch. The café has entrees, snacks and sweet treats ranging in price from $1.50 to $6.95. Following our lunch, our Butterfly Wonderland experience will begin in a state-of-the-art theater describing the fascinating life of butterflies as told by a 3D version of Flight of the Butterflies. After leaving the theater, we will witness one of nature's most amazing transformations metamorphosis -- and stroll inside a 10,000-square-foot atrium as thousands of butterflies enchant with their grace and beauty. This dramatic, glass-enclosed atrium shelters a breathtaking rainforest environment with lush tropical plants, trees, waterfalls and a large Koi pond. We will also visit a live ant colony, a large beehive, large freshwater aquariums that house intriguing fish from the Amazon and a 1,800-gallon Touch Tank where you can touch a couple different varieties of stingrays. Admission is $17.95 (seniors 62+); $19.95 (adults) and $11.95 (children 3 to 11) Friday, February 6 to Sunday, February 8 - White Mountains - Ski Sunrise CO-LEADERS: Bev ( blkoslow@yahoo.com) and Steve (alberssk@hotmail.com) There's snow in them thar hills, so let's go skiing!!! I've booked 7 rooms at the Hon Dah Casino in the White Mountains for Friday and Saturday nights (Feb 6 and 7). You can either downhill ski, cross country ski, snow shoe, go sledding, take photos, gamble, or hang out in the lodge all day Saturday and Sunday (Feb 7 and 8). If you want to go for the night life with music and dancing, they have it! If you want to eat good food, they have that too! Cost is $ per person (double occupancy) for lodging only. There's an additional cost for ski rental (either at the lodge or Sunrise) and for lift passes. Cost for lift passes is $68/day for downhillers

3 under the age of 65, $45 per day for ages 65-69, and $30 per day ages 70+. Please contact either leader if interested and to also receive a copy of the trip budget and cancellation policy. Sunday, February 8 - Beverly Canyon/ Javelina Trails Hike (South Mountain) RATING: C LENGTH: 5+ mi ELEV GAIN: 800 ft LEADER: Howard Shapiro Meet at 10:00 am (depart 10:15) at Fry's Electronics parking lot (east side), just west of I-10 on Baseline Rd. This leisurely paced hike will involve parts of the Beverly canyon, Pima, and Javelina Trails. The hike will involve elevation gain at the start. Bring plenty of water and something to eat. We will try to find some shade when we break for a snack. Call the leader to verify that the hike has not been canceled. Members - there is no sign up, just show up. Non-members - $5 fee and always call the hike leader before the hike. Wednesday, February 11 - Prospector Park in Apache Junction to Goldfield Ghost Town Walk RATING: C- LENGTH: ~7 mi ELEV GAIN: ~100 ft PACE: Slow LEADER: Lil Cross Meet at 8:30 am (depart at 8:45) at the Burger King/Home Depot parking lot on Power Road, just south of US 60. This is a walk on equestrian trails, jeep roads, and a short portion on paved road. At Goldfield, we will stop at the bakery for a treat/latte if desired before returning on a slightly different route. Bring plenty of water and food for snacks and lunch. Non-members - $5 fee and always call the hike leader before the hike. Please call hike leader to confirm. Friday, February 13 to Sunday, February 15 Fireworks Extravaganza at Lake Havasu RATING: FUN - hiking, group happy hours, fireworks shows CO-LEADERS: Jeanie & Van Join us for the best fireworks show you will ever see at the Pyrotechnics Convention in Lake Havasu. We will be trailer camping at Cattail Cove State Park. Motels are available in Lake Havasu. Make your reservations early, as this weekend fills up fast. We will hike on Saturday morning. We will go out to the very unique Desert Bar. Call leaders to sign up and for more information. Nonmembers - $5 fee and always call the leader in advance.

4 Saturday, February 14 - Loop hike in San Tan Regional Park RATING: B- LENGTH: 9.3 mi ELEV GAIN: 700 ft PACE: Medium LEADER: Bev blkoslow@yahoo.com Please or call leader for meeting time/location as weather will determine our start time. I found a hike in Queen Creek with no rocks!!!!! Join me for this 9.3 mile loop hike in San Tan Regional Park that encompasses 5 different trails. Most of the terrain is hard packed gravel/sand, except for a 3-mile stretch in a sandy wash. If you've never been to the San Tans, it's a beautiful park. Get some exercise before going out to dinner with your Valentine! If you don't have a Valentine, consider a late lunch at San Tan Flats after our hike - a fun, outdoor restaurant with great food. Bring 3 quarts of water and snacks. There is a $6 per vehicle entry fee into the park. Non-members - $5 fee and always call the hike leader before the hike. Sunday, February 15 Palomino Mountain / Aylor s Arch Hike (Superstitions) RATING: A- LENGTH: 12 mi ELEV GAIN: 2000 ft PACE: Fast LEADER: Dan Rothman ( ) Meet at 7:30 am (depart at 7:45) at the Holiday Inn by the Country Club Drive exit of Rte 60 in Mesa. We ll carpool to the First Water Trailhead and from there head out on this beautiful but challenging loop hike in the Superstitions. We ll follow the Dutchmans Trail to the seldom visited Palomino Mountain. The ascent involves some off-trail hiking, with a few steep ascents and some rock scrambling, but the view from the top (and along the way) is worth it, including Aylor s Arch which sits at the top of Palomino Mountain, as well as great views of Black Top Mesa, Weaver s Needle, the Ridgeline, and many other Superstition landmarks. All those making it to the top will be required to prove it by signing in at the mailbox on the top of Palomino Mountain. After the descent, we ll loop our way back to our starting point via the Black Mesa and Second Water Trails. Please wear sturdy hiking boots, rain gear if appropriate, and bring plenty of water and food for snacks and lunch. Non-members - $5 fee and always call the hike leader before the hike. No dogs or children please. Wednesday, February 18 Thompson Peak Hike (McDowells) RATING: B+ LENGTH: 10 mi ELEV GAIN: 2250 ft PACE: Medium LEADER: Grace Chen Meet at 7:45 am (depart at 8:00) at the Fry's at 90th St. and Shea Blvd, just east of the 101. Park on the east end of the parking lot closer to Chase Bank. Join us for this "bun burner" hike. The first part of the trail (going to Dixie Mine) is relatively flat. After reaching the mine, we'll begin our ascent straight up the mountain. The last two miles are extremely steep, as the road builders decided to charge directly up the mountain - and you will feel it! Views from the top of Thompson Peak are of the entire Phoenix metro area, south to the Catalinas, east to the Superstitions, and north to the Mazatzals. Hiking poles are highly

5 recommended to save the knees. Bring snacks, water, and layer your clothing, as it could be very windy and cold on the top. Bring money for entrance fee at trail head. Non-members - $5 fee and always call the hike leader before the hike. Saturday, February 21 - Wild Burro Trail Hike (Lake Pleasant Regional Park) RATING: C- LENGTH: 4 mi ELEV GAIN: 350 ft PACE: Slow LEADER: Larry A. ashcrofbks@yahoo.com Meet at 8:30 am (depart at 8:45) at the Park-and-Ride on the south side of Bell Rd., just west of I-17. Some of us will meet next door at Denny s, approx. 7:30 am, for breakfast. This is a casual hike on one of Lake Pleasant s newest trails (opened November, 2014). This in-and-out trail is well groomed beginning with a moderate descent and then it partly follows a wash, the lake s edge, and ending at Two Cow Cove with unique views of Lake Pleasant. You will be able to take occasional stops for views or photo ops. On the prehike I heard distant mule braying and fresh signs, but no live burros were spotted. We plan to stop on the return for libations and food at Wild Horse West Restaurant, 8400 W. Carefree Highway. The adventure will be canceled if the weather is bad. Bring sunscreen, hat, boots, plenty of water, snacks and $$ for carpool. $6 per vehicle park entrance fee. Children and well-behaved outdoor dogs are welcome. No need for members to call Leader to sign up, just show at the appointed time. Non-members - $5 fee and always call the hike leader before the hike. Sunday, February 22 - Jacob's Crosscut Trail Loop Hike Hike (Superstitions) RATING: C+ LENGTH: 4-5 mi ELEV GAIN: 460 ft LEADER: Howard Shapiro Meet at 10:00 am (depart at 10:25) at the Holiday Inn parking lot (east side) of Country Club and US 60. This leisurely paced hike starts out flat and then at the end there is a loop section with the majority of the elevation gain. Bring the usual stuff: water, hiking shoes, and something to eat at the half-way point. Call leader to verify that the hike has not been canceled. Members - there is no sign up, just show up. Children - okay. Non-members - $5 fee and always call the hike leader before the hike. Wednesday, February 25 - First Water Trailhead to Canyon Lake Hike (Superstitions) RATING: B LENGTH: 10 mi ELEV GAIN: ~2000 ft PACE: Medium CO-LEADERS: Cathy Schuyler cschuyler@q.com and Jim D hikingstickjim@yahoo.com Cathy for meeting time and location and to discuss shuttle arrangements. Wilderness hike limit is 15 hikers. This one-way hike starts at First Water Trailhead and we will follow the Second Water Trail (236) to the Boulder Canyon Trail (103)

6 and then head to LaBarge Canyon. Gorgeous views! There is a old mine that we will pass before getting to Labarge beach and some interesting stone benches in the LaBarge area. Bring hat, good boots, plenty of water, sunscreen, snacks and/or lunch. Non-members - $5 fee and always call the hike leader before the hike. Friday, February 27 - Two Ridges Loop Hike (Pima Canyon Trailhead at South Mountain) RATING: B LENGTH: 9.5 mi ELEV GAIN: 1800 ft PACE: Medium CO-LEADERS: Marilyn Harkins and Brian Hill Meet at 7:30 am (depart at 7:45) at the Pima Canyon Trailhead at the covered picnic area. Directions from I-10: take EXIT 157 Elliot Rd. Go west to 48 th St. Turn RIGHT, north on 48th St. Watch for the POINTE PKWY/BASELINE sign at about 1 mile! After the 2 nd sign, BASELINE use the left turn lane onto Pointe Pkwy and make the immediate left turn at the guard house onto Pima Canyon Rd. This goes directly to the trailhead where there are pit toilets and water. Trails out: Ridgeline Trail, Mormon Trail, and National Trail to the Buena Vista Overlook. Trails back: Midlife Crisis Trail and Marcos de Niza Trail. We'll hike up and down on the ridgelines enclosing the Pima Canyon for interesting views of the east and west side of Phoenix. Midway we ll hike on the National Trail amidst the young igneous rock masses (only million years old), wildflowers, and cactus gardens with hundreds of little saguaros. The Midlife Crisis Trail has some rock scrambling so check your boot bottoms and bring gloves. Bring plenty of water and lunch or snacks. Non-members - $5 fee and always call the hike leader before the hike. LOOKING AHEAD March 7, 2015: Tour and Hike Tonto National Monument RATING: C LENGTH: ~4 mi ELEV GAIN: <1000 ft PACE: Medium CO-LEADERS: Grace Chen chenia@aol.com, and Don Mowry dgmowry@gmail.com, Meet at 7:30 am (depart at 7:45) at Wendy s on Shea Blvd just west of Hwy 87. Join us for a tour of the Tonto National Monument, home to two spectacular Salado cave dwellings. We have reservations for a 3-hour ranger-led tour of the 800-year old upper cave dwelling with 40-rooms. We will tour the lower cave dwelling on our own. This will be a best time to visit with beautiful spring flowers and awesome view of Lake Roosevelt. The ranger-led tour is limited to 15 people.

7 This is an opportunity not to be missed. So contact Grace Chen to reserve and secure your spot. Bring camera, snack, water and sunscreen. Non-members - $5 fee and always call the hike leader before the hike. April 2, 2015: Aravaipa Canyon Hike, BLM Wilderness, Winkleman, AZ RATING: B LENGTH: 11 mi ELEV GAIN: 800 ft PACE: Slow LEADER: Bud Tasch This is perhaps the quintessential water hike in Arizona's last free-flowing river ecosystem and birdwatcher's paradise. Although rated slow for PACE, this is a moderately strenuous 8-9 hour hike to Horse Camp Canyon from the west entrance. water depth may be up to 24" in places. Bud has purchased 10 permits, at $5 each, for AzOTC members only. Registration details will be announced at the March 4th General Membership Meeting at the Granite Reef Center. April 24-26, 2015: Slot Canyon Hike in Utah (Wire Pass, Buckskin Gulch and Paria Canyon) RATING: A+ (21 mi, < 200 ft EG) or C+ (6 mi, < 200 ft EG) CO-LEADERS: Dan Rothman , dwrr1@yahoo.com Howard Shapiro , howardmesa2@gmail.com Join us in hiking some of the most famous and beautiful slot canyons in the world, and also visiting a few famous landmarks around Page, Arizona, like Horseshoe Bend. We ll drive to Page on Friday, April 24 th ; hike on Saturday; and return on Sunday. Howard will lead a 6-mile hike through Wire Pass and a section of Buckskin Gulch. Dan s group will also hike Wire Pass, then proceed all the way through Buckskin Gulch to Paria Canyon and up the Paria River to the White House Trailhead. The scenery on both hikes is truly spectacular. Although there s a very low probability of flash flooding at this time of year, we ll be monitoring the weather carefully and postponing the trip for two weeks (till May 8-10) if the forecast is threatening. IMPORTANT NOTE!!! Remember that our meeting location has changed to the Granite Reef Senior Center. This beautiful, new facility is located on Granite Reef Road just north of McDowell Road in Scottsdale. It s easy to get to using either Route 101 (exit McDowell Road) or any of the major north-south streets in Scottsdale, like Hayden or Scottsdale Roads.

8 This is a reminder that our embroidered AzOTC logo polo shirts are available in both men's and women's sizes. They may be purchased at club meetings and are offered at cost to members and non-members in a dazzling array of 14 color choices in both non-pilling 100% cotton ($29) and cotton/poly blend ($25). Club caps can also be ordered. The beautiful AzOTC logo has been brilliantly reproduced in all its 12 colors in a classy style that will show your pride in our club. Please see Jim Dickover at the monthly club meeting.

9 2015 AzOTC Officers President: Bud Tasch (H) (C) Vice President: Dan Rothman Treasurer: Felix Puskaritz Secretary: Susan Kish Past-President Bud Tasch Member Representatives Mark Ashley Don Mowry Howard Shapiro Webmaster Greg Cravener Database Administrator Don Mowry Membership Meeting Program Director Bev Koslow Public Relations Committee Chairperson Larry Ashcroft Activity Committee Chairperson Dan Rothman Coordinators The following are Volunteer Activity Coordinators. Contact them if you need information or help arranging your activity. Please coordinate your activity schedule through the appropriate Volunteer Activity Coordinator. Hiking: Jim Dickover Adopt-a- Marilyn Schrab Highway: Bicycling: Karl Weinrich Social: Bonnie Tasch Mary Parke All activity write-ups MUST be submitted to the proper Activity Coordinator for review and approval before they are sanctioned events. Activities can be submitted to Activity Coordinators by . They are submitted to an Activity Coordinator, not to the Webmaster. Visit us on the web at Activity Rating Guide AzOTC activities are gauged by the following chart. Please consider the rating below and also the pace prior to signing up for an activity. "MEDIUM" (or unlisted) hikes have a pace of mph. A "FAST" pace is greater than 2.5 mph. A "SLOW" pace is less than 2.0 mph. Hike Ratings Rating Miles Elevation Gain A ,000+ ft. A ,000-4,000 ft. A ,500-3,500 ft. B ,000-2,500 ft. B ,500-2,000 ft. B ,100-1,500 ft. C ,100 ft. C/D ft. Bicycle Ride Ratings A miles on flat terrain or miles with hills. Road may have heavy traffic. B miles on flat terrain or miles with hills. Roads may have traffic. C miles on flat terrain, or 10 miles with hills. Quiet streets or bike paths. Equipment for A & B rides consists of a lightweight bicycle with multiple gearing, water bottle, tire pump, extra tube, repair kit, helmet and riding gloves. We also suggest bike shorts. Riders will not be left by the wayside, but are expected to be self-sufficient. A buddy system is in effect for the last two riders. Equipment for C rides consists of a bicycle in good, safe repair, water bottle, tire pump, extra tube, repair kit, and helmet. C rides will have a leader and a sweep. Members, please pay attention to the activity rating given a hike or bike ride. The ratings were designed to give participants an indication of the difficulty of an activity in advance. Some hikes and bike rides sponsored by AzOTC are arduous and can be dangerous for less experienced members. It is extremely important that members wear suggested clothing and carry required equipment (hiking boots, helmets, gloves, etc.). If you have any questions or doubts about the difficulty of the activity or your ability to participate safely, please contact the activity leader. We want everyone to have an enjoyable and safe time on AzOTC sponsored activities. Consumption of alcohol during an AzOTC bike or hike activity is prohibited. REMEMBER! A free membership can be earned by leading 8 activities per calendar year. Sign up 3 new members in a calendar year and earn a free AzOTC tee-shirt.

10 APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP ARIZONA OUTDOOR AND TRAVEL CLUB Name: Address: City/State/Zip: Phone: How did you find out about AzOTC? The annual membership fee is due on September 30th each year, good through September 30th the following year. New Member The prorated amounts listed below are for new members only Join Date Individual Family Prior to 12/31 $20.00 $ /1 to 3/31 $15.00 $ /1 to 6/30 $10.00 $ /1 to 9/30 $5.00 $7.50 Renewal Member Individual Membership $20/year Family Membership $30/year Change of Address I would like to lead/co-lead an activity: Yes Interests: Hiking Biking Backpacking Camping Canoeing Travel 4x4 Other I/We, intending to be legally-bound members of the Arizona Outdoor & Travel Club (AzOTC), do hereby, for myself, my family, and my heirs, release all rights and claims for personal injuries or damages I/we incur while participating in AzOTC-sponsored activities. Applicant: Other family member: Date: Mail to: AzOTC, PO Box 21951, Mesa, AZ Guest Policy We welcome guests! Please give us a try! We encourage guests to participate in activities (rules and space permitting). Non-members are charged $5 for all activities that are free to members. Selected activities are open to members only. For paid activities, non-members will be assessed an additional fee based on the cost of the activity. Guests must sign a liability release and be aware of the ACTIVITY RATING.