Minutes for Meeting of 04-04-2001

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 rest of 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.) Additional hiking information is available on Andy Flach's trail guide,
which is located on the Sierra Club website:
[http://www.sierraclub.org/chapters/az/trail_guide/].


PAST HIKES:

1.) Matt Chamberlain, his wife, and Michael went up to Salome Creek for the
first time just this past weekend. The water was high, and they almost
weren't able to drive over the river crossing on the way there. In Salome
Creek itself they skipped the narrow part of the gorge, and they did get to
the upper and lower ends of the gorge and liked the views. (An unexpected
bonus was a display of the Northern Lights on Friday night.) Also, they saw
lots of wildflowers.

2.) Wolfgang did a backpacking trip in the Chiricahua Mountains, going up
the Ida Trail to Barfoot Park, this past weekend. There were patches of
snow at the higher altitudes. Also he saw lots of wildflowers and 2
whitetail deer. In addition he did a short hike to the arch in the
Chiricahua National Monument on Sunday.

3.) 4 people went on Steve's trip to the Blue Mountain wilderness, where
they ended up at Hanna Hot Springs. There was lot of water flowing, and the
weather was excellent throughout the trip. They saw killdeer and
wildflowers, including the poppies from the distance.

4.) Erich did a short hike up Pima Canyon on Monday.


FUTURE HIKES:

1.) Torsten is planning an overnight backpacking trip into White Canyon for
this weekend (April 7/8, 2001). It is rated "B":
*** *** *** *** *** *** ***
Here are some more details on the White Canyon trip I'm leading next
weekend (April 7-8). White Canyon is about 2 hours drive from here and just
south of Superior. It is a relatively small (5,800 acres) but very
interesting place. Lots of neat rock formations. I found a website that has
some more details:
[http://www.hikearizona.com/trails/globe/whitecanyon/whitecanyon.htm]
I'm planning on leaving early Saturday (meet at 7 am PSU), and we should be
back by late afternoon Sunday. The plan is to hike up the canyon to where
we will camp (if we go to the same spot I went to last fall, we will be
camping out of the main canyon), and then possibly do some more exploring
around depending on what time we get there. The distance to where we will
camp is not very long (4 miles?) and mostly flat, but I would rate the trip
as a "B" as there is a lot of boulder scrambling and brush avoiding to be
done. Nothing technical, but much slower than walking on a trail.
What to bring: usual backpack stuff - I have a camping stove I will be
bringing. I would suggest about 7 or 8 liters of water - there will
probably be plenty of water in the canyon, but we should carry enough for
the night just in case. There is actually a small spring near where I'm
planning on camping, but at least last October there wasn't much water
there. On the above website someone posted on 3/18 saying there was lots of
water, so maybe bring wading shoes! The elevation there is similar to
Tucson, so it will be fairly warm during the day. If you have a 4wd vehicle
it would be very helpful - I don't know how the dirt road going in will be
after all the rain last winter. I have a truck (non 4wd) that I managed to
take in last fall. We may have to walk a little more on the dirt road
depending on how far we can drive in. Please RSVP by Thursday if you are
coming at the meeting Wednesday we can look at maps, etc.

Torsten
*** *** *** *** *** *** ***
If interested, contact Torsten at [tclay@physics.arizona.edu].

2.) Todd Grayson is in the process of making arrangements for a backpacking
trip into the scenic Aravaipa Canyon for some time during April. It would
be an overnight backpacking trip, and dates still are being determined. If
interested, contact Todd: [bobsandstone@yahoo.com].

3.) Todd Grayson is in the process of making arrangements for a backpacking
trip into the Cibeque Canyon for some time during April. This canyon is on
the Apache Indian Reservation, along the Gila River, and permits from the
reservation will be obtained. It would be an overnight backpacking trip,
and dates still are being determined. If interested, contact Todd:
[bobsandstone@yahoo.com].

4.) Matt Chamberlain is arranging a canyoneering trip, with information, as
follows:
*** *** *** *** *** *** ***
Greetings and Salutations,

Here is some more information about the rope skills and canyoneering trip I
am planning for the weekend of April 14/15. For those interested in coming,
we will leave Tucson early Saturday, drive to Salome Jug Trailhead and hike
in to the lower end of the gorge.
Here we will camp and spend the rest of the day learning and practicing
rope skills. The sort of things I intend to cover are: knots, how to tie
your own harness, prussick loops, using loops to climb the rope, getting
over knots in the rope, and changing on to your descender while on-rope.
With these basic skills you can get out of any rappelling situation. You
will need to bring some of your own gear - a harness, prussick loops and a
descender. If you don't have any of these you will need to invest about
$30; you can get this gear from Summit Hut.  I can give more exact
descriptions of what is required to those who are interested. On the
Sunday, we will take the trail that takes us to the top of the gorge and
follow the creek through the 'bowels of the earth.' It will be wet,
slippery, cold and great fun!!  There will be lots of swims, scrambling,
optional water jumps and you will get to practice your new found rope
techniques. Like I say, the water will be cold. A wetsuit will make the
trip a lot more comfortable, though it will not be an absolute necessity.
For those who like ratings, the walk in to camp at the lower end of the
gorge will be a short 'B.' To go with us through the canyon on Sunday will
be an 'A.' Just how 'A' it is I don't know, depending on what the water
level and scrambling is like on the day. Finding vehicles for the trip
could be tricky.  I was grateful for my 4 wheels of traction in getting
over the river crossings last weekend. Possibly an adventurous 2WD would be
OK as well - and the water should be lower in 2 weeks time - but I do not
know for sure.  So let me know your situation if you are interested.

Matt.
*** *** *** *** *** *** ***
If interested, contact Matt Chamberlain [mc@LPL.ARIZONA.EDU].

5.) Liz is planning a trip in the Sedona area, which will involve hiking
and camping, for the weekend of April 14/15, 2001. Rated "B". The plan is
to leave Friday evening (4/13/2001). If interested, please RSVP Liz:
[enc40@hotmail.com].

6.) Loretta is planning an overnight car camping trip to observe the Lyrid
meteor shower on April 21/22, 2001. The Lyrid meteor shower is one of those
reliable showers of the year and is timed for this year at a time close to
new moon, allowing for good views. The radiant lies in the constellation
Lyra, which is well-placed for the northern hemisphere after 10:30 PM local
time. Although the exact location of the trip is still being decided, it
will be in one of the mountain ranges in southern Arizona and away from
city lights. If interested, contact Loretta at [llp2877@yahoo.com].

7.) Loretta is also planning a trip to Bryce Canyon National Park, which is
in southwestern Utah, during the Memorial Day weekend in May. This is a
very scenic, enchanting, and beautiful region, with many interesting
geological features and canyons. If interested, contact Loretta at
[llp2877@yahoo.com].

8.) Joe is planning a trip in southern Utah and northern Arizona from about
May 16, 2001, through the Memorial Day Weekend. Details still remain to be
worked out; however, if interested in joining him on the trip or any part
of it, feel free to contact him at [jleisz@ag.arizona.edu].

9.) 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. Contact: [sanewcomb@yahoo.com].

10.) Matt Chamberlain is arranging a rogaining trip, with information, as
follows:
*** *** *** *** *** *** ***
Greetings,

Anyone who is interested in hiking and following a map should consider
entering a rogaine.

What is rogaining??
No, it's not related to hair growth! Rogaining is a cross-country
navigation sport; a little like orienteering. Teams of 2 to 5 go out on a
course and navigate their way to collect controls for points, using only a
compass and pre-marked maps. The team that collects the most points in the
time allowed (say 8 or 24 hours) wins. For more info:
[http://rogaine.asn.au/ara/index.html]. I am mentioning this now because
there is a rogaine being organized in Arizona for the weekend of May 5/6.
The event will be in the Mogollon Rim region with 8 and 24 hour categories.
It is $35 to enter if you do so before April 14, or $50 after. Seriously,
these rogaines are the best way to improve your map reading and navigation
skills; regardless of if you are a seasoned eco-warrior or if you are still
working out which end of the compass points north. For those with
experience, you can be challenged by trying to navigate through the night,
especially when it is 3:00 in the morning. However, the less masochistic
can enjoy the walk through the countryside and savor some of the hot
food/drinks available at base camp. Interested? I am happy to help
coordinate if there are Ramblers who want to go but need to find someone to
form a team or a lift to the event. I would also be happy to give a 'map
skills night' to go over some of the
basics, e.g. compass bearings, reading contours and route picking. For more
details on the event itself, the website is:
[http://grad.math.arizona.edu/~dcoombs/rog/2001.html], and you can e-mail
me if you have any questions.

Cheers,
Matt.
*** *** *** *** *** *** ***
For information, contact Matt: [mc@lpl.arizona.edu].


OTHER EVENTS:

1.) Loretta's last "Fun & Games" party was a great success. She is going to
have another party at her house on Sunday, April 15, 2001. Loretta's place
is at 1603 N, Highland. Contact Loretta: 977-3442.

2.) Slide Contest: There will be a slide contest some time toward the end
of the spring semester. You may already start planning on which slides you
want to submit to the contest. Please submit slides to Hanna. The limit is
5 slides per person.

3.) Club Elections: Since the end of the spring semester is rapidly
approaching, nominations can be submitted for the election of the Ramblers
Hiking Club officers for next semester. The positions are for: President,
Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Webmaster. Please submit
nominations to Hanna: [hanna@u.arizona.edu] or Wolfgang:
[wolfgang@u.arizona.edu], or at the next meetings.


ANNOUNCEMENT: BACKPACK FOR SALE

Hanna has a backpack for sale. If interested and for more information,
contact Hanna: [hanna@email.arizona.edu].


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: mediums, large,
and 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: HABITAT RESTORATION WORK

Ramblers,

I have started work on helping to create a new non-profit, volunteer based
conservation organization here in Tucson. It is currently called the
"Habitat Fund". The primary focus with this group will be to work in
cooperation with a variety of other environmental groups and government
agencies in helping to restore native wildlife habitat in southern Arizona.
Our group originally had its roots planted a few years ago within the
confines of the League of Conservation Voters and currently has a base of
about 20 volunteers. Our "office" is located at the old El Cazador Ranch on
the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge (BANWR) where we have been
rearing native plant species (mostly grasses) for transplant onto the
Refuge. This reintroduction effort has been very successful. Other
successful past projects have included non-native plant removal (tamarisk)
at TNC's Aravaipa Canyon preserve, the building of large rock gabians to
help slow down wash erosion at BANWR, fence removal (lots of fun!), and
general clean-up at old ranch sites. A few tentative projects in the future
include a restoration effort along the Santa Cruz River north of Tucson, a
big clean up at BANWR, a native plant/gabian building project near the San
Pedro River, and a native fish reintroduction at Las Cienegas. We are
looking to expand our volunteer base and I would like to put you on our
e-mail list. We will be contacting volunteers and letting them know of up
and coming projects in this way. So if you'd like to get your hands dirty
and work outdoors, helping to restore native habitat, then we (and the
wildlife) would really appreciate your help! To get on our email list
please send a note to Bob Beatson at [habitatfnd@aol.com], letting us know
that you are interested in volunteering. Thanks!

Rob Klotz
[robklotz@hotmail.com]


ANNOUNCEMENT: SUMMIT HUT ANNOUNCES FREE SLIDE SHOW

Please join the Summit Hut, 5045 E. Speedway Boulevard, Tucson, on Friday,
April 6, for a very special event and free slide show benefiting the Sky
Island Alliance. The Summit Hut hosts legendary adventurer Royal Robbins as
he signs books and posters and presents a slideshow of "40 Years of
Adventure." The book signing and complementary hors d'oeuvres will start at
7 PM, and the slide show will start at 8 PM.

Royal's lifetime of adventure has included remarkable feats such as the
first ascent of the Salathe Wall on El Capitan and skiing, climbing,
kayaking, and hiking adventures about which most people can only dream. But
he couldn't find the right clothing in which to explore, so in 1975 he and
his wife, Liz, started to make their own clothing, which has evolved into a
complete line of adventure and travel clothing. Come hear stories, see
awesome photos, and meet a living American legend at the Summit Hut.

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 E-mail: [sharon@summithut.com].

Sharon Scott
Marketing Coordinator
Summit Hut
520-325-0660
[www.summithut.com]


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 the spring wildflowers! Keep Rambling!

Wolfgang