Minutes for Meeting of 06-27-2001

Hello Ramblers,

This week's meeting had some interesting stories.  Michael Dumke mention
that he had a poison ivy reaction, and I believed that it was not poison ivy
since it wasn't a rash but spots.  The curator of the UA insect collection
stopped in for a chat and stated that chiggers were a likely candidate.
Hiking in grassy areas often results in chigger attacks.  Chiggers are a
mites that come out during the rainy season and find their way to your skin
and burry themselves within it.  Its feces causes itching.  So those of you
who have been hiking recently and have mosquito bites in places you thought
impossible, you may have chiggers.  Carl says they usually get inside your
socks making your ankles itch or inside underwear, and bra straps.  The cure
is scrub down in the shower when you get home.  Got to love entomologists!

We were unrepentantly blessed by Loretta's presence today.  Soon she'll be
off to the state of New York in her little 79' toyota corolla.  She will be
greatly missed, since she lead so many fun activities for us this season.
Farewell amiga!

Past Hikes:

Michael, Ricardo, Rob, Angela, Andrew, Jochen, and Hiroko had all made it
back to Tucson thankfully after showing a day later than expected last
weekend.  The journey's length was greater than expected, but it sounded
like a great time.  The hike involved just about everything a hiker can do,
including trail hiking, boulder hopping, bush-whacking, descending 15 ft
drop-offs, stream wading, and swimming.  Rob noted that there were very
slimy algal covered boulders that they had to step on, and in the future he
would have liked an air mattress to float his backpack across pools.
Michael was said to be a excellent leader for the hike since he helped to
unite everyone for cooperation efforts.  Despite the problems it was a great
hike.

Loretta and Steve made a trip to Sequoia National Park and Las Vegas last
weekend.  At Sequoia they saw a bear cub, and the Washington Tree which is
the second largest tree in the world.  The trees were laden with mosses.
Since most people who visited the area hardly walk trails over 100 yards,
they had much of their hiking in solitude.  Eager Rangers had provided
natural history talks to them.  At Las Vegas they went to the "Star Trek
Experience".  Loretta got a photo taken standing with a Ferengi.  They Drank
a Romulant Ale (Blue Pilsner).

Torstin went to Kentucky for a family reunion.  No Romulant Ale.

Robbie made a solo hike into Pima Canyon last Thursday.  No he had nothing
to do with fires!  However, he did get a giggle out of it.  The day was hot,
but the anvil of a giant cumulonimbus provide some shade.  He saw a lot of
wildlife including a baby gila monster, Ravens, and a Red-tailed hawk.  He
also collected some insects, and he also felt rather silly for telling his
story in the second person.

Last weekend Robbie volunteered with the Sky Island Alliance to inventory
roads in the Apache Pass area north of the Chiricahuas.  He had a great time
and met new friends.  He highly suggests that fellow ramblers join Sky
Island Alliance in the future!

Rachel went backpacking Sat. to Tues. with her boyfriend and a dog to
celebrate her birthday.  They went to the Gila Wilderness in NM. Not a lot
of wildlife in the Gila, sadly; some birds, heard an owl and an eagle, but
few animals.  Apparently they were really hunted out in the early 1900's.
(?)  She thinks they were in some bear's home though; lots of bear poop and
other evidence of a bear.  They also went 2 and a half days without seeing
anyone else, which was
great.  Also, the tiniest, tastiest strawberries She had ever, ever
eaten.  Rachel highly recommends the area, even with the 5 hour drive time.

Future Hikes:

Rob Baker and Michael Dumke are leading a backpack trip into the Grand
Tetons for + or - 4 nights.  They might take a loop trail such as the "Death
Canyon Trail".  Hmmm?  Anyway, this hike is proposed for mid July sometime.
If you are interested you must RSVP Michael and Rob.  If you are not
interested you don't need to RSVP either.   Rob Baker, office: 626-6391,
home: 888-4225.  Michael Dumke, mdumke@as.arizona.edu, 621-1515.

Nicole Kalberer is leading a trip to San Diego before August 1, 2001.  The
length of time and the activities are an open prospect.  If you are
interested you should RSVP her.  Nichole, kalberer@Neurobio.arizona.edu

Steve Newcomb and Rob Baker are leading a trip to Wheeler Peak, New Mexico
on Aug 3 until Aug 6, 2001.  However, if another vehicle(s) comes then the
stay can be lengthen for some.  This Hike is rated A.  RSVP Steve,
sanewcomb@yahoo.com

Come celebrate Michael Dumke's birthday at a potluck party at his place on
July 6th.  He will have some soft drinks, and other refreshments.  You may
bring a sleeping bag for the night, and bring a swim suit for a morning dip
in the pool.  Contact Michael for directions, mdumke@as.arizona.edu

Volunteer activity:

The long awaited planting season is upon us and we're going to do our first
native grass planting at the Buenos Aires Wildlife Refuge (at mile post 11
on Highway 286) on the weekend of 30 June and 1 July.
That's this Saturday and Sunday!  We'll begin at 7:00 A.M., but we'll let
you help even if you're a few minutes late.  We really need a good turnout,
so plan on coming one or both days.  The facilities at the Cazador are
ready for as many volunteers as we can recruit. We have swamp cooled
sleeping
quarters, showers, a kitchen, and an outdoor BBQ for our volunteers. Please
bring your own food and proper attire for outdoor work (boots, hat,
sunscreen, etc.) We have over 1,000 grass plugs ready and also several
whiteball acacia.  If you have friends that would like to help please bring
them along.  This is a major undertaking, so do your best to join us.
Chances are, we'll be planting the next weekend also, but we'd like to get
most of it done this coming weekend.  Hope to see you. Please email Bob
Beatson a response to  habitatfnd@aol.com if you can make it.

Ramble on bruthas and sistas!

Robb Hannawacker
Rambler's vice president
King of the Echo People