MESA 4 WHEELERS HORN NEWSLETTER

Transcription

1 MESA 4 WHEELERS HORN NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 2010 Mesa 4 Wheelers, PO Box 107, Mesa AZ MESA 4 WHEELERS STAFF President Darrel Wallace Vice President Bill Mihailov Secretary Pat Jenkins Treasurer Ray Jenkins Corres.Secretary Debra Wallace Membership Lori Moore Editor Mike Drawsky Rememberance Gert Leible Trophies John Guthrie Safety Chairman Lee Coppage Next Meeting October 15, 2010 Third Friday of every month, 7:30p..m. Location: Brown & Brown Chevrolet, Downstairs under sales room 145 East Main Street Mesa, AZ PRESIDENT S CORNER REMEMBER WHEN? 30 years ago The October issue of the 1980 Horn stated in the "PRESIDENT'S DESK" that the monthly meeting would be held at the ASA4WDC JAMBOREE on October 18th. A trip report on the Harroun July 26th, Steak Fry trip was written by Val Harroun and Donna Ramsey. 'Dr. Deek' wrote the Walt Jenkins September Steak Fry trip. The Williamsons rode along with Doc Staff while their 4x4 was in the body shop. Bob and Val Harroun wrote about the August 28th trip to the Pink Coral San Dunes which was led by Willard Kodatt. Pat Jenkins had revived the Editor's Corner during that issue. AZ LONGSHOREMAN TRIP REPORTS Cottonwood Basin Trip leader: Mike Drawsky, Date: September 25, 2010 Deb and I are on vacation in Kentucky spending and enjoying the fall colors! time with family See you on the trail, Darrel...

2 Cottonwood Basin (Continued) Club member Steve Fleming rediscovered the road to Cottonwood Basin last year. Because of its unique desert scenery, lush green vegetation, sense of remoteness and class 3-trail rating, the club has taken a liking to this trail. A few reasons why people avoid this area Tonto National Forest closes this area during eagle nesting season (December thru May) The Verde River is only crossable when the flow rate coming from the Bartlet Dam is down around 250 cubic feet per second. Most people prefer to avoid river crossings. The weekend before the run, Steve & Maggie, Kevin & his son, Clete & Randy and I conducted a pre-run. On the way, we found plenty of new desert foliage over hanging the road in need of trimming. One thing we did not see, was any signs of tire tracks. Most likely, no one else had driven this road since our club ran it last September. Pre-run "Clean-up Crew" By 8:30 we were at the Verde River airing down in preparation for the morning's river crossing. The river rocks are covered with algae and even when the Verde is low; it feels like you are driving on marbles. Forward progress would be impossible without the assistance of 4-wheel-drive. While making our way through the mesquite jungle, just a half mile east of the river, I had the opportunity to have a face off with a roadrunner. At first he took off running, but instead of retreating into the brush he stayed on the trail. After following him in the Jeep for about a hundred yards, he stopped just yards in front me and allowed me to get a close look at him. Ten seconds later he finally took off into the brush. Due to the day's forecasted high of 108, we got an early morning start. Fortunately, the majority of trimming needed was at the beginning of the trail. By 10:00 am most of the hard work was completed and by the time the heat rolled in it was our motor's cooling system that had to work overtime! Luckily, by noontime a steady breeze rolled in to help cool things down a bit. Colin and Jim are working their way up through the most challenging stretch of trail, the "Rock Garden". During the prethe following Saturday our group met at Denny's in Fountain run it was at this spot that I had the misfortune of cutting open Hills to fuel our stomachs in preparation for today's run. Those in my sidewall. With all the help I received, we had the tire changed attendance were: Jim Kawa, Bob & Anne Nyberg, Lee Coppage in just a matter of minutes. To prevent this from happening to the & Bev Trende, first time guest Colin Harrington and tail-end rest, I made them aware of what sharp rock to avoid. Marty & Nancy Eichhorst.

3 Cottonwood Basin (Continued) Marty and Nancy with their full size Chevy Silverado made the "Rock Garden" look easy. The challenge they faced throughout the day was the narrow road bed that was more suited for Jeeps and Samurais. prickly pear cactus inside the pin is evidence that it has been quite some time since the last cattle round up. The shade from the mesquite trees along with the slight breeze o we were receiving provided just enough relief from the 105 heat. After a relaxing one-hour lunch at Cottonwood Tank we turned around and headed back to the Verde River. Bob and Anne near the summit. From here it was a short downhill desent to Cottonwood Tank, our final destination. Off in the distance you can see the road we drove in on. Jim and his Samurai have driven tougher trails, but very few provided as much lush desert vegetation and were as clean and unspoiled as today's route. This spot name Cottonwood Tank received its name from the man made earthen dam, across the road from cattle pen. The Back at the Verde River I got everyone lined up for a group photo. Nearby a nice young lady, who was picnicing with her family, came over and volunteered to take the photo.

4 Cottonwood Basin (Continued) Lee and Bev along with the rest of us could not wait to cool ourselves off in the Verde! Any day is a good day when you are sharing it with your M4W friends! Nancy was as happy as a Meadowlark! One of her favorite past times is bird watching and the river provided great opportunities. By the smile on Ann's face it was not hard to tell what part of today's run she enjoyed most! One large waterfowl that caught everyone's eye was the Blue Heron hunting for fish on the other side of the river.

5 Cottonwood Basin (Continued) Another option is the Patagonia mountain range which hosts a number of trails (2,3,4,5); however, it is a little ways from Tombstone. One example trail in the Patagonias is Soldier THE FUTURE FOR MOTORIZED TRAVEL TO Basin (3.5 => because of one long climbing boulder area with COTTONWOOD BASIN DOES NOT LOOK PROMISING! no bypass) also known as FR4695 or Guajolote flat this is an all day trip with stockers (spotters, tows, etc) but a beautiful and Last year Tonto National Forest presented their preliminary fun day with several old gold mines to explore. travel management plan and invited the public to comment. The routes to Cottonwood Basin, FR160 and FR407 were on the list *Note: While beautiful, we do not consider a number of the trails of roads to be closed. Steve Fleming and I responded by listed in BA s South Region starting on pg. 464 to be 4WD sending in letters explaining the reasons why this route, along roads (there are many other fun trails in the area that are not with a couple of others slated for closure, should remain open. listed). In any case, we will have fun regardless of the what and where. The new travel plan was suppored to go into effect back in August, but so far it is still under review. Those of you, who have Just a couple of notes: 1) Be sure to have your Driver s License, proof of insurance, and registration in case we wheel on Ft. not yet taken the opportunity to visit this unique area, should Huachuca; 2) Weapons are welcome in *this part of Arizona make plans to go before the end of November. Eagle nesting st season begins December 1 closing off public access. The forest when the Range Riders of Cochise County wheel/camp we look a little different than many wheelers that you may see up in service may then decide not to reopen it... Central Arizona. Mike Drawsky FUTURE TRIPS & EVENTS Southeast Arizona 4-Wheeling With Paul & Joanna Trip Leader: Paul & Joanna Hutchinson Contact phutch@cox.net _ When: Sept & Oct Where: Southeast Arizona *Note: Nearly everyone is armed (21 and over sinners and saints) In closing, it is impossible to experience it all in a weekend or a week but we can give it one Hell of try! Your wheeling friends, Paul and Joanna Hutchinson Thanksgiving in Death Valley Trip Leader: Mike & Linda Drawsky Contact # Hello Mike and M4Ws, th th When: Nov Where: Stagecoach Hotel & Casino, Beatty, NV As a FYI, Fall and Spring are the best seasons for wheeling Details: Linda and I invite you to spend your Thanksgiving with many of the trails around SE Arizona winter is great but us in Death Valley! Come join us at the Stagecoach Hotel & unpredictable at times. Just to give you an idea of what is meant by the opening sentence: Sierra Vista s elevation is 4623 ; Casino, in Beatty, NV for a memorable Thanksgiving dinner. Tombstone is 4540 ; and Bisbee s elevation is So with Friday and Saturday join Linda and I as we retrace some of our those numbers in mind, just tag another 1000, 2000, or a little most favorite historical and scenic routes, or you can map out more feet of elevation to a favorite trail and when you get your own trip from the parks visitor's guide. precipitation you usually get snow sometimes a lot of snow. Since our first visit back in 1979, Linda and I have made over a Don t get me wrong, you and all are welcome to come and visit dozen trips to the park to explore its many treasures and still us any time of year and we will definitely give it a go we just there are a number of well known geographical and historical may not have all the options available to us. As for the winter season in general, it certainly is beautiful seeing all the snow on sites we have yet to experience. the local mountain ranges (Dragoons, Huachucas, Whetstones, What is there to see? Patagonias, Chiricahuas, and more) in SE Arizona. Friday - We plan to explore the Northwest valley, making stops at the following sites for photos and short walks: Ubehebe Since Dave, Paula, Jim, and Wendy visited us last, Joanna and I Crater, Teakettle Junction, Lost Burro Mine, Hunter have been on a number of other trails that fit in the mild (medium Mountain with a final stop at Panamint Springs Resort for a 2,3) to wild (4,5) categories and, with the exception of one cool refreshing drink and possible dinner. (Gunsight Pass), *none of them are in the two common 4WD trail books (Backcountry Adventures.. BA / Az Backroads & 4WD Trails AB4T ). Another point to consider about the October time period (that Joanna and I prefer) is that this period plays into Helldorado Days in Tombstone. So if you were interested in staying the weekend and participating in Helldorado Days we could plan a trail run (or runs) around Tombstone which could include the Dragoons (medium trails 2/3) and/or the Huachucas (medium trails 2/3) or even the Chiricahuas ( a little further out with mild/medium trails). When in Tombstone, you just have to remember to check your guns in (real or replica) at the Smoke Shop before going into any of the saloons Bring your old west attire (not required just fun). Google/Yahoo/Webcrawl Helldorado Days. Ubehebe Crater was created by a powerful volcanic steam explosion.

6 Thanksgiving in Death Valley (Continued) Lodging Stagecoach Hotel & Casino The Stage Coach Hotel & Casino is the largest and friendliest casino in Beatty. We are located at the far North end of Beatty on Highway 95. We have two wonderful restaurants. Rita's Cafe is delightful and the food is delicious. Alexander's is our romantic steak house, the environment is incredible and the food is even better! Room with (2) Queens or (1) King $64 Reservation # Stovepipe Wells Village (Resturant currently closed due to fire) Lost Burro Mine - In 1907 Bert Shively's burro decided he'd had The Stovepipe Wells Village concession offers resort accommodations and limited recreational vehicle camping with it and went to get himself lost. Bert caught up with him in a full hookups in the Stovepipe Wells area. Phone (760) remote canyon and picked up a rock to get his attention. He Effective 1/1/10 never threw the rock at the animal, it was laced with gold. The Deluxe - $ mine was worked off and on through the decades according to Standard - $ the price of gold into the 1970's. No one seems to know what Patio Rooms - $80.58 happened to the burro. Saturday - Come with us as we travel through Echo Canyon in the Funeral Mountains making stops at Eye of the Needle, Inyo Mine and Native American Petroglyphs. On our return we will stop at Furnace Creek Resort for refreshing drinks and possible dinner. The Ranch at Furnace Creek: Death Valley Originally built as a working ranch in the 1880's and later the home of the famous twenty mule teams, the Ranch at Furnace Creek today offers a complete resort complex in the heart of Death Valley National Park. Phone (760) Oct. 8 - Dec. 31, 2010 Cabin - $132-$157 Standard - $164-$189 Deluxe - $185-$211 Sugarloaf & Sycamore Cleanup Event Sponcer: Copperstate 4-Wheelers Contact Chad Chaney When: Nov.13th Where: Northwest of 4-Peaks, off Highway 87 Hi all, Echo Canyon My name is Chad and I'm a member of the Copperstate 4wheelers. We have planned a trail cleanup for the Sugarloaf & Sycamore area off highway 87 for Saturday November the 13th. I believe the cleanup was mentioned at the last ASA quarterly meeting but I wanted to take the opportunity to give you the details for the cleanup. The cleanup meeting time is 7AM on the morning of the 13th. We will be meeting approx 1/2 to 3/4 miles in on the dirtroad on the right side after leaving the highway. Currently, ADOT has a staging area on the sugarloaf road for highway construction but this will not affect entry to sugarloaf. We will be having a raffle for those who attend. Things to bring: Shovels, rakes, gloves, sunscreen, water, food, and any other Inyo Mine - Gold was first discovered in Echo Canyon by Maroni equipment that may be helpful. I am currently trying to arrange for dumpters to be delivered from The Tonto National Forest. Hicks and Chet Leavitt in January of By December, they sold their claims to L. Holbrook and associates, a group of Utah Any donations will be gladly accepted including trash bags, mining promoters, who incorporated the site, naming it the Inyo water, or donations for the raffle, etc. Gold Mining Company. The Inyo Mine represents both the This area has a significant need for cleanup. This area is heavily earliest discovery on the west side of the Funeral Range, and travelled and there are several large areas that need attention. also the only mine on that side which ever produced more than We would really like to see as many people out there as possible an occasional sack of gold. to help clean this area up and meet some new faces. Thank you, Chad Chaney

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12 M4W Christmas Party When: Saturday December 4th, 2010 Time: 11:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Where: Dobson Ranch / Cactus Clubhouse 1666 S. Dobson Rd., Mesa, Az Entrees: Chicken Breast w/ Marsala sauce and wild rice $17.00 Salmon Filet w/ Basil cream sauce and wild rice $20.00 Prime Rib served w/ Baked Potato $24.00 Includes: Salad, Vegetables, Rolls, Chef Dessert, Tea or Coffee Kids Menu: Hamburger and French Fries $ 8.00 Chicken Fingers and French Fries $ 8.00 Includes: Tea and Dessert All Charges Include Tax And Gratuity. Gift Exchange. Each person bring a wrapped gift...$15.00 maximum. If you bring a youngster, bring a personalized wrapped gift for them also. SEND THE FORM We need to have the reservations in by November 15, Please fill out this form, include a check made out to the Mesa 4 Wheelers and mail to: Debra Wallace 701 South Dobson Rd. #429 Mesa, Az Names: Number of Guest: Dinner of Choice: Quantity Subtotal Chicken $17.00 Salmon $20.00 Prime $24.00 Kids Menu: Hamburger & $8.00 Chicken Finger's & $8.00 AMOUNT ENCLOSED:

13 FUTURE TRIPS & EVENTS (Continued) ARIZONA'S NATURAL WONDERS! Lower Ajax ANTELOPE CANYON NAVAJO TRIBAL PARK Trip Leader: Marty Eichhorst Contact # When: Nov. 27th Meet: Cottonwood Canyon Road (Staging Area) Start Time: Meet 9:00, pull out 9:30 Rating: 3.5 Antelope Canyon is one of the most breathtaking and tranquil places on earth. Gently carved from the Navajo sandstone over the course of countless millenniums, the slot canyons are majestic and narrow passages, just enough space for a small group to walk the sandy floor - and for the occasional shafts of sunlight to shine down from above. Doc Staff's Annual Snow Run Trip Leader: Doc Staff Contact # When: December 12th Meet: Strawberry Lodge, in Strawberry Start Time: 8:00, pull out 9:00 Finish Time: 2:00 Rating: 2 Fun Days 2011 Fun Days Chairman: "Mr. Bill" Bill Mihailov rd nd Scheduled Date: March 31 thru April 2 Where: Wickenberg area. Location: Details to follow. Thanks to everyone for being so willing to help get the planning for our next Fun Days off to a great start. Please let me know what areas you would like to help with next year. Being a Chairperson means you head up a committee and delegate some of the duties to others. Here is what we have so far; Fun Days Chairman & Vice President: Bill Mihailov Registration Chair: Wendi Kawa Raffle Chair: Lori Moore Ticket sales person Goody bag assembler and distributor Games Chair: Darrel Wallace Adult game 1 Adult game 2 Adult game 3 or obstacle course Meal Chair Main course Walter & Gert Lieble Dishes to share coordinator Mike Drawsky Food serving tables/cloths/<utensils if desired> Entertainment Chair: Nate VanKeuren Lights/extension cords/generator Firewood Chair Obtainer Deliverer Trip Chair: Lee Coppage Friday night Sunday main Porta-Potties Chair Deliver and return Clean-up Chair Let me know what you want to help with.. Mr. Bill It is really two separate canyons - Upper and Lower Antelope. Each contains the hidden "slots" carved from the swirling sandstone, and both drain from the south into Lake Powell (once the Colorado River). The canyons are so narrow in places that one can stretch out his or her arms and touch both sides. The Navajo name for Upper Antelope Canyon is Tse' bighanilini, which means "the place where water runs through rocks." Upper Antelope is at about 4,000 feet elevation and the canyon walls rise 120 feet above the streambed. Lower Antelope Canyon is Hasdestwazi, or "spiral rock arches." Both are located within the LeChee Chapter of the Navajo Nation. Though dry most of the year, Antelope Canyon runs, and sometimes floods, with water after rains. It is the water, slowly wearing away the sandstone grain by grain, that has formed the beautiful and graceful curves in the rock. Wind has also played a role in sculpting this fantastic canyon. You must have an authorized guide to Upper and Lower areas of Antelope Canyon. You can contact one of the outfitters below, to make reservations.

14 ANTELOPE CANYON NAVAJO TRIBAL PARK (Continued) Entrance Fee Station Hours (Mountain Standard Time year round) Summer (March-Oct) 8:00am - 5:00pm Current Hours until 11/25/09 9:00am - 3:00pm, 7 Days a week Entrance Fee Station is closed only for the winter season (Nov - Mar) but Lower and Upper Antelope Canyon are both OPEN, with guided tours. LOWER ANTELOPE CANYON Ken's Tours WATER HOLES CANYON Slot Canyon Hummer Adventures (please call for reservations) PHOTOGRAPHY TOURS or HOGAN BED & BREAKFAST Carol Bigthumb and Pearl Begay REFRESHMENTS October Nate & Judi Van Keuren Rory & Lori Moore November Bill & Sue Willison Bob & Ann Nyberg (1 hr. tour) (928) (928) (4 hrs. tour) (928) Vance Sawartz (928) or (928) Office located near LeChee Chapter House Open Mon - Fri 8:00am - 5:00pm (MST) LeChee Chapter House is three miles south of Page, Arizona on Coppermine Rd. (Navajo Route 20). Entry Fees General Admission - $6.00 Ages 7 or younger - Free History A long time ago, herds of pronghorn antelope roamed freely in Antelope Canyon, which explains the canyon's English name. It is not known exactly when people first discovered Antelope Canyon. According to local Navajos, who have lived here for some time, the canyon and the LeChee area were places where cattle grazed in winter. To older Navajos, entering a place like Antelope Canyon was like entering a cathedral. They would probably pause before going in, to be in the right form of mind and prepare the protection and respect. This would also allow them to leave with an uplifted feeling of what Mother Nature has to offer, and to be in harmony with something greater than themselves. It was (and is) a spiritual experience. Special Note: ALL ACCESS TO UPPER & LOWER ANTELOPE CANYON WILL BE BY GUIDED TOURS ONLY. Tour fees are extra and not included with general admission fees. UPPER ANTELOPE CANYON (1.5 hr. tour) Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours visit website - Antelope Canyon Tours visit website - Grand Circle Adventures visit website - Overland Canyon Tours visit website - (928) (928) (928) (928) Tse Bighanilini Tours (928) BIRTHDAYS October 10/5 Ernie Boyko 10/7 Ralph Carnes 10/8 Bob Biegel 10/10 Leonard Staff 10/14 Pat Jenkins November 11/11 Darrel Wallace 11/13 Lori Moore CLUB ANNIVERSARIES Dick & Geneva Williamson 9/77 Mike & Linda Dreckman 9/84 Darrel & Debra Wallace 9/05 MESA 4 WHEELERS WEBSITE To log onto the M4W website go to: What you will find on our new website: Photo Gallery (Club Runs & Events) Club Information (About Us, FAQ, Membership, Newsletters, Links) Calendar (Posted Runs & Events) Forum (General Category, Travels, Marketplace) Contact Us (Contact form for new members)