Minutes for Meeting of 02-21-2001

Hello Ramblers!

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:

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

2.) Future hiking club meetings, for the spring semester, will continue to be held in the Forbes building, Room 307.

3.) For information about the club, hikes, and meeting places, check out our website: http://www.biocom.arizona.edu/ramblers

4.) Andy Flach's trail guide is now available on the Sierra Club website, which is: http://www.sierraclub.org/chapters/az/trail_guide/

PAST HIKES:

1.) Liz, Steve, and Chris did a 12 mile hike in the Superstition Mountains on Saturday, starting at Boulder Canyon.

2.) Robbie and Wally van Sickle did a day hike up Picacho Peak on Saturday. They saw lots of wildflowers, such as the poppies.

3.) Robbie did a hike on the Golden Gate and Yetman Trails on Sunday in the Tucson Mountains.

4.) Nicole and Massimo did a very spectacular hike in Antelope Canyon, which is near Page, Arizona.

5.) Loretta and 5 other people did some volunteer work in Saguaro National Park East, doing some trail brushing along the Bajada Vista Trail.

6.) Wolfgang, Fran, and Lanny went on a hike in Saguaro National Park East on Sunday, on the Douglas Spring Trail to Bridal Wreath Falls, where they hiked up the side canyon. There was quite a lot of water flowing. They also saw lots of wildflowers.

FUTURE HIKES:

1.) Liz is organizing a day hike on the Pink Hill trail on Sunday. The hike is rated "B". If interested, RSVP Liz at enc40@hotmail.com

2.) Loretta is organizing a day hike up McCleary Peak in the Santa Rita Mountains. This hike is rated "B", and may involve some hiking, where there is snow. Departure is on Sunday @ 8:00AM, but contact Loretta at llp2877@yahoo.com or (520)-977-3442.

3.) Loretta will be having a party at her house. More details will be posted; however, for information you may contact her at llp2877@yahoo.com

4.) Liz is organizing a trip to northern Arizona and the Grand Canyon, which is during the spring break. Latest updates are presented here: *** *** *** *** *** *** ***

The Grand Canyon portion of my Spring Break trip (March 15th, 16th, and 17th on the Bright Angel and South Kaibab trails) is currently full. However, if you are interested, I can start a waiting list in the event of a cancellation. Additionally, you are welcome to join me for the rest of my trip, which will include an overnight in the Painted Desert area of the Petrified Forest National Park and other sites (specifics TBD and I'll consider suggestions) in Northern Arizona and possibly Eastern New Mexico. Just make sure you have a way to get back to Tucson before the Grand Canyon trip.

Liz *** *** *** *** *** *** ***

If interested, contact Liz at enc40@hotmail.com

5.) Kevin Harper is planning a Spring Break Trip: *** *** *** *** *** *** ***

Anyone interested in hiking, backpacking, and canoeing Big Bend NP over Spring Break????

I have a few vacancies to be filled. We'll be leaving on Saturday, March 10th (AM) and returning Sunday, March 18th (PM). I have room for one (with gear) in my car. Any others will have to provide transportation. Looking forward to hearing back from you.

Thanks,

Kevin Harper *** *** *** *** *** *** ***

If interested, contact Kevin at keeve@aol.com or (520)-417-2632.

6.) Rob Klotz is leading a backpacking trip into the Eagletail Mountains. Details are as follows: *** *** *** *** *** *** ***

I, Rob Klotz (Nature Club) will be leading a two day backpack into the Eagletail Mountains (west of Phoenix) to track and photograph Desert Bighorn Sheep. This trip will take place March 23-25 (the weekend after Spring Break). Current plan:

Fri. - 6pm departure, Park Student Union. Car camp at Courthouse Rock. (3 hr. drive)

Sat. - Hike to Dead Deer Tank and Triple Eye Catchment. Camp on Eagle Ridge. (approx. 6-7 miles)

Sun. - Hike to Indian Spring to view one of the largest concentrations of prehistoric rock art in Arizona. Return to vehicles approx. 5 PM. Return to campus around 8 PM.

Hazards: I'll rate this trip a "B-", however water (1 gallon per person per day, for safety) must be carried. We can cache some water at a half-way point near Indian Spring and pick it up on Sunday. Most hiking will be cross country in sandy washes and along ridges with loose, crumbly rock and the ever present Mr. Cholla. This ain't no walk in the park! Still, the area is visually spectacular and the odds of seeing wildlife are good.

Questions & RSVP Rob at robklotz@hotmail.com

7.) Steve Newcomb's trip to Paria Canyon in May is full, but send him your name to get on a waiting list if interested (see Jan 24th minutes for details). Trips planned this far in advance often have several cancellations. sanewcomb@yahoo.com

ANNOUNCEMENT CONCERNING RAMBLERS T-SHIRTS

Ramblers T-shirts are still available! The shirts look great! They are made with Hanes preshrunk cotton. They are natural (a light tan) with dark brown print. The design on the back is an accurate drawing of a hiker's boots with cholla cactus segments stuck to it. On the front upper left, it has printed: RAMBLERS HIKING CLUB, with a list of seven important uses for the shirt in case of an emergency. There are 3 sizes available: 6 mediums, 12 Large, and 6 Extra Large. They are only $7 a shirt. Place your order to reserve you shirt by making payment to our Treasurer Eric: shiers@ag.arizona.edu. Phone: 791-0232. NOTE: Old T-shirts are also available at a discounted price of $5.00 OBO.

ANNOUNCEMENT: SUMMIT HUT ANNOUNCES OUTDOOR GEAR SWAP MEET

(Tucson, AZ) - Join the Summit Hut, 5045 E. Speedway Boulevard, Tucson, on Sunday, February 25, from 11 AM to 3 PM for the annual Outdoor Gear Swap Meet. Tables and chairs are provided, and attendees should bring outdoors equipment and clothing to sell or trade and a willingness to bargain! Clean out closets and storage sheds or stop by to see what others have to offer. It's a great place to get a great deal, make some closet space and cash, or just hang out with other gearheads. As an added bonus, come into the store to enter a raffle to win clothing from Mountain Hardwear!

Those selling should remember to bring change and water, and dress for the weather. Tables are available on a first-come basis. Please contact Sharon Scott at (520)-325-1554 or sharon@summithut.com with any questions.

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.

If anyone wants to add information or post additional announcements for any hikes and club business, please feel free to use this listserve. Meanwhile, enjoy Arizona, the desert, the wildflowers, and the mountains! Keep Rambling!

Wolfgang