Minutes for Meeting of 11-15-2000

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.) Michael Dumke lead a group of 6 people to Paria Canyon and Buckskin Gulch. They camped in "The Narrows" of Paria Canyon, and continued to the confluence and Buckskin Gulch, which was very narrow, with walls 3ft (1 m) apart in places. It was sunny most of the time, but dark in the narrow canyons and cold at night. Many places were muddy, but hikable, and there were pools, which were waist deep. Massimo and Michael Chamberland split off from the rest of the group, doing Buckskin Canyon and some of the other hills in the area, where there was interesting colored sandstone.

2.) Liz and 6 others went to Kartchner Caverns, on Monday, where they saw interesting cave geology, such as stalactites, stalagmites, soda-straws, and other spectacular and impressive formations. Prior to entering the caves, they did a loop hike, where there were 4 stream crossings. Wolfgang saw turkey vultures, and everyone saw excellent views of the Whetstone Mountains and Dragoon Mountains. They also continued with a short day hike in Miller Canyon, in the Huachuca Mountains.

3.) Erich did a hike to the Bridal Wreath Falls, along the Douglas Spring trail, in Saguaro National Park East. There was lots of water flowing, and he had a good view of the snow-covered Tanque Verde Peak.

4.) Steve did a hike inside Sycamore Canyon in the Santa Catalina Mountains on Sunday.

5.) Steve Newcomb did a hike to Ramsey Canyon in the Huachuca Mountains on Sunday.

FUTURE HIKES:

1.) 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 @ (NOTE THE TIME CHANGE) 8:30AM There is a group discount of $5.00/person, if more than 10 people go; however, it is important to RSVP with Robbie and make the $5.00 payment to Marta. Contact Robbie: hannawacker@hotmail.com

2.) Torsten is planning a trip to observe the Leonids. Details are as follows:

Hi everyone,

This Friday evening I am going out to watch the Leonid meteor shower. There aren't any predictions for a big shower this year (see www.leonidslive.com for details), but meteor shower predictions are often not too reliable. They are predicting something really big for next year. Unfortunately this year the moon will be quite bright. But if it is clear (big if- see below!) it should still be nice to spend a night outdoors and we can do some other observing before the moon rises at 11:30.

I'm planning on leaving town at 7PM and returning at about sunrise on Saturday (probably won't stay up the whole night, so I'm bringing a sleeping bag). I'm going to one of the TAAA observing sites, which is off of 83 about half way to Sonoita. Right now my car is full, but if enough people are interested we can meet at PSU. You should bring lots of warm clothes (winter coat, hat, gloves, long underwear, sleeping bag, etc), the site is ~4000 ft and colder than Tucson. Reclining lawn chairs are also nice.

Of course all this depends on the weather - the forecast is currently calling for "considerable clouds" on Friday-Saturday, so I'm doubtful that it will be clear.

Torsten

If interested, contact Torsten: tclay@physics.arizona.edu Also, check out the following web site: http://www.skypub.com/sights/meteors/leonids/king.html

3.) 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

4.) Hanna is arranging 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. The plan is to depart on Saturday (12/2/2000) and return on Sunday (12/3/2000), which is during the weekend after Thanksgiving. The Nature Conservancy has dormitories to stay in. For more information and to RSVP, contact Hanna: hanna@u.arizona.edu

5.) 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

6.) 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 STAR PARTY: SATURDAY, NOV. 18, 2000:

The evening of the 18th, the TAAA is having a public star party at the Desert Museum. Members will be setting up telescopes in the parking lot by the museum entrance and the event will run from 5:30-11:00 PM. Free and open to the public.

ANNOUNCEMENT CONCERNING PLANT ART SHOW

Announcing an art show devoted entirely to plants, opening Saturday night, Nov. 18th, 7:00 to 9:00 PM. SEE bizarre living plant sculptures using a variety of ficus species, by Carlos Lozano. SEE strikingly beautiful native plant photography by Donna Stephenson. GO to the International Arts Center, 516 N. 5th Avenue @ 6th Street. LOOK for the Nomad Gallery, lower level, room 3 (follow the signs). Show continues Sat. 11/25 7-9pm, and Sat. 12/02 7-9pm, also viewable by appointment. Call Carlos 690-2553.

It looks like we have another good selection of hikes, trips, and other events to choose from. 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 mountains! Ramble On!

Wolfgang