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Arizona Outdoor &
Travel Club
February 2015
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 480-415-7147
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 email 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,
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 602-996-7312(H) or 480-855-7062(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 480-802-2836
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 (480-415-7147 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 $140.95 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
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 480-962-9321
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 480-861-0204
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 928 252-3322
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.
Saturday, February 14 - Loop hike in San Tan Regional Park
RATING: B- LENGTH: 9.3 mi ELEV GAIN: 700 ft PACE: Medium
LEADER: Bev 480-415-7147 blkoslow@yahoo.com
Please email 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 (480-773-5197)
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 480-767-1727
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
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 602-789-9548
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 480-962-9321
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
Email 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)
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 480-883-7173 and Brian Hill 480-802-1050
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 48th St.
Turn RIGHT, north on 48th St. Watch for the POINTE PKWY/BASELINE sign at
about 1 mile! After the 2nd 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 15—40 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, 480-767-1727 and
Don Mowry dgmowry@gmail.com, 480-209-7963
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.
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 480-802-2836
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 - 480-773-5197, dwrr1@yahoo.com
Howard Shapiro – 480-962-9321, 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 24th; 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.
____________________________________________________________________________________
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.
Activity Rating Guide
2015 AzOTC Officers
President:
Bud Tasch
(H)480-802-2836
(C)303-868-0216
E-mail: arizbunzer@msn.com
Vice President:
Dan Rothman
480-991-1647
E-mail: dwrr1@yahoo.com
Treasurer:
Felix Puskaritz
480 981-3612
E-mail: felixpuskaritz@msn.com
Secretary:
Susan Kish
E-mail: suzen45@aol.com
Past-President
Bud Tasch
480 216-7725
Member Representatives
480 661-5963
E-mail: mnashley@yahoo.com
Don Mowry
480 209-7963
E-mail: dgmowry@gmail.com
Howard Shapiro
480 962-9321
E-mail: howardmesa2@gmail.com
Mark Ashley
Webmaster
Greg Cravener
480 797-2450
E-mail: gcravener@gmail.com
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 2.0
- 2.5 mph. A "FAST" pace is greater than 2.5
mph. A "SLOW" pace is less than 2.0 mph.
Hike Ratings
Rating
A+
A
AB+
B
BC+
C/D
480 209-7963
E-mail: dgmowry@gmail.com
Membership Meeting Program Director
Bev Koslow
480 415-7147
E-mail: blkoslow@yahoo.com
Public Relations Committee Chairperson
Larry Ashcroft
602 789-9548
E-mail: ashcrofbks@yahoo.com
Activity Committee Chairperson
Dan Rothman
480 991-1647
E-mail: dwrr1@yahoo.com
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
480 545-3812
E-mail: hikingstickjim@yahoo.com
Adopt-aHighway:
Marilyn Schrab
480 473-2565
E-mail: marilyn.redbird@gmail.com
Bicycling:
Karl Weinrich
602 667-3243
E-mail: kfw300@gmail.com
Social:
Bonnie Tasch
303 868-7360
E-mail: azcograygirl@gmail.com
Mary Parke
480 296-5796
E-mail: maryparke@cox.net
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 e-mail. They are submitted to
an Activity Coordinator, not to the Webmaster.
Visit us on the web at
www.azotc.com
Elevation Gain
4,000+ ft.
3,000-4,000 ft.
2,500-3,500 ft.
2,000-2,500 ft.
1,500-2,000 ft.
1,100-1,500 ft.
800-1,100 ft.
400-800 ft.
Bicycle Ride Ratings
A
30-50 miles on flat terrain or 20-35
miles with hills. Road may have heavy
traffic.
B
15-30 miles on flat terrain or 10-20
miles with hills. Roads may have traffic.
C
10-15 miles on flat terrain, or 10 miles
with hills. Quiet streets or bike paths.
Database Administrator
Don Mowry
Miles
20+
16-20
14-16
12-14
10-12
8-10
6- 8
2- 6
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.
APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP – ARIZONA OUTDOOR AND TRAVEL CLUB
Name: ________________________________________________________________
Address: _______________________________________________________________
City/State/Zip: _________________________________________________________
Phone: ________________________ Email: __________________________________
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
$30.00
1/1 to 3/31
$15.00
$22.50
4/1 to 6/30
$10.00
$15.00
7/1 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:
Interests:
□
Hiking
□
Biking
□
□
Yes
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 85277
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.