Minutes for Meeting of 11-08-2000

Hello Ramblers!

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1.) Important: Unless otherwise announced, the meeting place for all hikes is behind the Park Student Center, in the parking lot.

2.) Future hiking club meetings, during the summer, will continue to be held in the Forbes building lobby, in case Forbes, Room 307, isn't available.

PAST HIKES:

1.) Wolfgang did a hike in the Saguaro National Park East 2 Sundays ago (10/29/2000), in which he went into the "network of trails", starting at the end of Speedway Blvd.

2.) Robbie and 5 others went up Pima Canyon on Saturday. They got to Pima Saddle, where they saw cloud cover and encountered a little rain, and lots of water was flowing in the creek.

3.) Michael did a hike with the Southern Arizona Hiking Club on Sunday.. It was mostly bushwhacking, and they did the highest peak in the range.

4.) Rachel did a hike in Ramsey canyon (Huachuca Mountains) on Sunday, where she saw many scenic fall colors in the canyons.

5.) Liz did a hike to Marshal Gulch 1 1/2 weeks ago. She also was biking in the Ironwood National Monument.

FUTURE HIKES:

1.) Liz is leading a hike to Ramsey Canyon (Huachuca Mountains) on Monday (11/13/2000). There is a possible stop/visit to Kartchner Caverns on the way. Departure is from the Park Student Center @ 6:00AM. The fees are: $14.00/person entrance fee and $10.00/car for Kartchner Caverns, and $5.00/person for the Ramsey Canyon. Contact Liz: enc40@hotmail.com

2.) Robbie is leading a trip up to the Vermilion Cliffs/Pariah Wilderness in northern Arizona, during the Thanksgiving weekend. He already obtained the permit, which is for 9 people, and which costs ~$140.00; therefore, if 9 people go it would cost about $15.00/person. Rated "A", since this is a "Kick-A** Hike". Important! If interested, contact Robbie: hannawacker@hotmail.com

3.) Hanna is interested in organizing a trip to the Nature Conservancy's Mule Shoe Ranch to spend half of the time volunteering to do such things as removing brush, clean up, painting, and pulling exotic plants. With the free time, there would be some hiking and soaking in the natural hot springs. This will be a 2 or 3 night activity, and TNC has dormitories to stay in. The plan is to do the trip, either, one weekend prior to Thanksgiving, or the next weekend after Thanksgiving. For more information, contact Hanna: hanna@u.arizona.edu

4.) Hanna is leading a trip to the Pinacate National Park in Mexico, which would be after the finals week, prior to Christmas day. After Christmas day, she would be going on a trip to Baja California. If interested, contact Hanna: hanna@u.arizona.edu

5.) Curt Loftis is planning a trip to the southwest US/So Ca./ Baja area. Contact Curt Loftis @ <cloftis@sc.rr.com Details are as follows:

***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****
Hello,

I am looking for a guide, or paid partner to assist me in a
wilderness/desert/mountain trip somewhere in southwest US/So Ca./ Baja
area. I am looking to spend 3 or 4 weeks in late Nov/Dec in the outdoors,
looking to improve skills, and to "shape up" for some mountaineering I have
scheduled on the 25th of December. I am very flexible on destination, and
qualifications, and length of time. Mainly, I would like someone that has
done a lot of this in the past, even if in a non-professional manner.
Someone that can teach, and help maintain a challenging pace. Because of
the extended nature of this trip I probably can't afford an established
guide service, so once again I am flexible. If you have an interest, or
know of someone that might, please contact me by email, or my cell phone @
(803)-429-9791.

Thanks,

Curt Loftis, Jr.
PS...I have my own equipment, and it is of good quality. I am traveling in
my Ford Excursion (the big one), and I will have my good mannered dog.
***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****

ANNOUNCEMENT CONCERNING PRESENTATION:

On Thursday, Nov 9th @ 5:00PM, the famous naturalist and writer Alison Deming will be giving a poetry reading at the Nature Club's meeting in Forbes 307 (same room as Ramblers).

ANNOUNCEMENT CONCERNING PARTY:

On Friday Nov 10th, Robbie is having a birthday party at his place @ 6:00PM. It will be a potluck BBQ. If you have a BBQ'er, please bring it. His address is: Meadow View Apartments 601 East Lee, Apartment #1 Contact Robbie: hannawacker@hotmail.com

DESERT MUSEUM TRIP:

Robbie is arranging a trip to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, jointly through the Nature Club and Eco Club. The date is Saturday, November 18, 2000. They will meet at the flagpole near Old Main @ 9:00AM. There is a group discount of $6.50/person, if more than 10 people go. Contact Robbie: hannawacker@hotmail.com

ANNOUNCEMENT CONCERNING PHYSICS PHUN NITE:

The UA Department of Physics presents its seventeenth annual Physics Phun Nite!!! * When: Tuesday, November 14, 2000, at 7:00PM. * Where: UA Campus, Physics-Atmospheric Sciences building, 1118 E. 4th Street, Room 201 * Cost: Free!!! * Parking: Free after 5pm, in any UA surface lot, not marked "no parking" or flagged off * Audience: Age 3-103 * Contact: Larry Hoffman, Coordinator, UA Physics Phun Nite: 621-6826, hoffman@physics.arizona.edu * Note: Seating is limited - doors open at 6:30pm.

The UA Department of Physics will hold its seventeenth annual Physics Phun Nite on Tuesday, November 14, at 7:00PM in the Physics-Atmospheric Sciences building, 1118 E. 4th Street, Room 201. Physics Phun Nite features professors and students showcasing their most fascinating demonstrations of physical principles. In the past, visitors have watched hair-raising demonstrations of the Van de Graaff generator, visual and auditory illusions, breaking a stick supported by wine glasses (without breaking the glasses), singing/dueling sewer pipes, dancing flames, burning bubbles, giant smoke rings, the inside of a TV tube, and much more. The highlight of the show will be witnessing a professor lie on a bed of nails and have a cement block broken upon him! In addition, there will also be a demonstration of "light saber" technology and rocket propulsion! Physics Phun Nite, sponsored by the UA Department of Physics, is free and open to the public. Free parking is available in any UA surface lot, not marked "no parking" or flagged off. The whole family is invited and encouraged to attend this year and see how much "phun" physics can be!

ANNOUNCEMENT CONCERNING LEONIDS:

Coming up in November (Nov 17) is the Leonid meteor shower. Unfortunately the moon will be kind of bright this year, but I will still probably go out after midnight on the night of either Nov 16 or 17 to watch. If you don't know the history of the Leonids, take a look at:

http://www.skypub.com/sights/meteors/leonids/king.html

The Leonids shower peaks every 33 years. The last big meteor storm was in 1966, which peaked at thousands of meteors per minute! Nothing like that is expected this year, but it still should be fun to go out and watch to see if anything will happen.

ANNOUNCEMENT CONCERNING DEER DRIVE: SATURDAY, NOV. 18, 2000:

From: Chantal O'Brien chasa2002@yahoo.com
Subject: Deer Drive

I'm a Master's student in Wildlife Ecology. As part of my project, I need
to count the number of deer in the 600+ acre enclosure in which I work. We
walk through the enclosure in a line (like search and rescue) and count the
deer as they run through the line. I need at least 70 people to help me do
this on Nov. 18, so I was wondering if you would be willing to announce
this opportunity at your nature club meeting? I have attached a flyer and
handout for anyone who is interested. We will be hiking through the Walnut
Canyon Game Enclosure near Lake Roosevelt to count mule deer, white-tailed
deer, javelina, foxes, rabbits, and coyotes. Come join us for an
invigorating hike in the beautiful foothills of Four Peaks. There are many
other great places to visit nearby including Tonto National Monument (with
cliff dwellings), Tonto Natural Bridge, Four Peaks, Lake Roosevelt,
Roosevelt Dam, and Apache Trail. For more information, contact Chasa at
(602)-300-0210 or chasa2002@yahoo.com

What to Bring:
For Saturday Deer Drive-
Water (at least 2 gallons - you can fill containers at the cabin) Backpack
Snacks that can be eaten while walking
Long pants that you don't care about
Water
Gloves (if you are worried about your hands with prickly brush)
Long-sleeved shirt (if you worry about your arms with the brush) Hiking
boots
Water
Hat
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Water
Rain gear
Comb (for cactus removal)

For Friday Night Campers-
Sleeping bag
Tent (if you want)
Food for grilling
Beverages
Change of clothes for next day
Personal necessities
Fast breakfast food

The Three Bar Cabin has running, potable water along with limited kitchen
and bathroom facilities. Most people will be camping outside around the
cabin. With only 1 bathroom, we cannot accommodate 40 showers in 1 night.
Please plan not to shower Friday night, unless you want to go to 1 of the
campgrounds ($2).

Directions for drivers: The drive is about 150 miles and takes about 3
hours. From Tucson, take Hwy 77 (Oracle) north to Globe. From Globe, take
Hwy 88 towards Lake Roosevelt. At Roosevelt Dam, Hwy 88 turns into Hwy 188.
Proceed on Hwy 188 across the bridge. You will pass Bachelor's Cove, Cholla
Bay, and Cholla Campground. Just past mile marker 251, there will be a sign
for Three Bar indicating a left turn. Take the left run and proceed on the
dirt road. Stay on the main dirt road and follow the signs to the cabin
(the road is 5-6 miles long). If you are driving your own car on Saturday
morning, please meet us by 7:00 am at the junction of the Three Bar road
and Hwy 188 or along road 647 (dirt road on left across from Bachelor's
Cove between mile markers 248 and 249). Cell phones don't work at the cabin
(and we don't have regular phone service), so the only way to contact us is
to leave a message at (602)-300-0210 (checked morning and evening). Thanks
for your help!

Thanks for helping with the Three Bar Deer Drive! Chasa O'Brien

ANNOUNCEMENT: SUMMIT HUT ANNOUNCES NOVEMBER EVENTS:

Please join the Summit Hut, 5045 E. Speedway Boulevard, Tucson, for the following events in November:

Thursday, November 16 at 7:00PM, internationally renowned boot fitter Phil Oren returns to the Summit Hut for a free seminar, "Get Fit." Sponsored by Backpacker magazine, this FREE clinic will feature Phil sharing his many years of boot-fitting experience and advice on such issues as foot bio-mechanics, boot construction, moisture management and socks, measurement, and foot beds and stabilization. Whether you're a hiker, backpacker, or someone who's on your feet all day, come hear what Phil has to say to help enhance your comfort. Door prizes will be raffled off after the seminar, and there may still be opportunity to sign up for special "by appointment only" fit appointments with Summit Hut's expert boot-fitters. For details, or to make an appointment in advance, please call 325-1554 or email: sharon@summithut.com

Friday and Saturday, November 17 and 18, as part of the Backpacker magazine Get Fit clinic, Summit Hut will offer custom boot-fittings by appointment. In addition to the services typically offered by our staff, appointment holders will receive goodie bags from Summit Hut vendors, discounts on SuperFeet foot beds, and door prizes will be awarded each day of the boot-fitting event. Master boot-fitter Phil Oren will be present to consult with our staff on specific issues. Appointments are FREE, but advanced scheduling is recommended, and may be made by calling 325-1554 or emailing sharon@summithut.com

Wednesday, November 22 at 8 p.m. Summit Hut is pleased to bring you world class climber Stephe Davis in a FREE slide show, "Big Walls/Faraway Lands," showcasing her recent adventures on Shipton Spire in Pakistan. Big Wall fans and adventurous travelers alike will find Davis' tales and photos entertaining and informative. Brought to you courtesy of Patagonia and Black Diamond.

The Summit Hut is a locally-owned Tucson business that has been equipping backpackers, climbers, campers, hikers, adventure travelers and outdoor enthusiasts with quality gear and clothing for over 30 years.

For additional information, or to pre-register call Terri Gay or Sharon Scott at (520)-325-1554 or email: sharon@summithut.com

ANNOUNCEMENT CONCERNING A FIELD SEMESTER IN RURAL MONTANA: SEPTEMBER 4 - OCTOBER 28, 2001:

Northwest Connections Field Semester immerses a small community of learners
in an eight week, intensive educational program focusing on ecology and
community-based conservation. Students learn experientially as they study
the landscape of the glaciated Swan Valley and the human community it
supports. Northwest Connections' instructional philosophy promotes
participation in conservation projects as a means of developing field
skills. Students also work closely with rural citizens and land managers in
order to understand the relationship of environmental issues to local
communities.

Landscape and Livelihood's residential program operates seven days per
week, creating time for classroom lecture, field work, reading, reflective
writing, independent study and involvement in community outreach
activities. Fifteen semester credits are earned in Forestry, Environmental
Studies, Education and General Science through a cooperative agreement with
the University of Montana.

Base camp for the semester is a historic homestead on the Swan River, south
of Glacier National Park. From there, students travel throughout the Swan
and Blackfoot Valleys and the Swan and Mission Mountains. Home stays with
local host families, a unique component of our program, connect students
more intimately with the community and help put a human face on resource
management issues.

We accept 10-12 motivated undergraduate students interested in conservation
and willing to commit to a full-time, intensive educational experience.
Cost for the semester is $6900, including tuition, 15 UM credits, a
Wilderness First Aid course and room and board. Deadline for applications
is April 10, 2001.

For more information, please contact us at: Northwest Connections
Box 1340 Swan Valley, MT 59826
(406) 754-3185
nwc@montana.com
www.northwestconnections.org

This year we are also working cooperatively with the Aerie School for
Backcountry Medicine www.aeriebackcountrymedicine.com to offer a 180-hour
Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician course immediately following the
Field Semester from November 5 to December 3, 2001. Field Semester students
will receive a $100 discount and preferential registration for this course
if they choose to enroll. For information on this and other Aerie courses,
contact David McEvoy at: aerie@montana.com

If anyone wants to add information or post additional announcements for any hikes, etc., please feel free to use this listserve. Meanwhile, enjoy Arizona, the desert, and the fall colors in the mountains! Ramble On!

Wolfgang