AK- Several years ago I hiked in to Reavis at night under a full moon during early August I think. The moonlight was unbelievable the whole trip in. We got started about 8:30 pm, from the Trail 109 side. Even at that time of year, the temps were pretty moderate. Although it was August and the monsoo...

The first stove I had was a SVEA 123 (sold through Optimus). Wow Larry, that was my first stove too, about 30 years ago :o (and it was 'old school' even then). Mine still works, weighs a ton and has always had a number of eccentricities in cold weather, but when the brass is polished it's a work of...

Hokey smokes Bullwinkle! I'd given this place up for lost! Good to see it back. There is no greater library of Arizona trail and hiking information available, in any media or resource, than right here. I missed it.

-Nealz

I've read most of Fletcher's other books, and enjoy his style, Yup. Both he and Chip are funny, eloquent writers. It's an easy, entertaining read and like you said, it's a privilege to be able to tap their combined outdoor experience. I just learned last night why it's a good idea to clip the cord ...

He wasn't playing a banjo was he? Hey now, let's not harsh the banjo pickers here :wink: . There's a funny Saturn spot running right now with some guys on a camping trip out in the toolies and they keep hearing 'Dueling Banjos' from somewhere deep in the woods, so they hightail it outta there. Teva...

I saw quite a few meteors from my own backyard... Yup, me too. I was impressed with the display from my backyard in Giblet. I hadn't really planned on getting up early but my idiot dog woke me up about 03:10 and we spent some time outside 'nid gazing. I saw one that was faintly red. Pretty cool stu...

I've been happily plowing my way through the latest edition and incarnation of 'The Complete Walker IV', Colin Fletcher's book on hiking and backpacking. What a great source of common, and not so common, sense and backcountry info. Even if you think you already know-it-all, you'll find some great ti...

Wiz wrote: Chocolate coffee beans! I forgot all about those!

Now that's what I'm talking about! Those are good, huh? I tried some dried pineapple (Trader Joe's) last time out and it was tasty too. Not sticky either.

-Nealz

Bienvenidos a HAZ, Mona- Yup, check out the area hikes around Prescott online here first. Not knowing your hiking experience, I'll suggest Granite Mountain, Thumb Butte and Spruce Mountain. Good dayhikes, not too tough and wonderful scenery. Some people might offer that hiking Whiskey Row is every b...

Landsinaz- This isn't first-hand, but I spoke to a buddy who was in there last week and there was water in the creek and at the spring. The Tonto NF classifies Reavis Creek as perennial altho it's about as low as it can get right now. The Mesa office of the Tonto NF used to send a ranger to Reavis a...

Yup. It's a nice spot and as you said, easy to get to. I camped there with my sons on their first backpack trip some years ago and chose that destination specifically because it was easy access and not a particularly tough hike for a first-time trip. We camped near the intersection of the Second Wat...

Nighthiker- I'd also recommend a LBS, Local Bike Shop, over a discounter anytime. They've got the knowledge and expertise that'll fit you with a better bike and the back-up service too. My favorite shop is Bike Chalet at: 5761 E. Brown Road Suite 102 Mesa, AZ 85205 Phone (480) 807-2944 Talk to Mike ...

Just got back from mazatzal's. found 4 puddles(seeps) I was up there last weekend too. There was water in the nearly inaccessible pools in Barnhardt Canyon but Chilson Spring was running. There is always water in Reavis Creek near the old ranch in the Superstitions. Good luck and take care. -Nealz

BoyNhisDog wrote:Nealz, the Summit Hut is having their annual fall sale tomorrow and Sunday too.

Oh, thanks pal... like, I needed to know that! I'm headed up to the Mazatzals this weekend anyway so I'll be out of harm's way too.

-Nealz

Very nice, and tempting too! The Catalinas offer some great hiking indeed. Id like to combine a Catalina dayhike, some time to stooge around in Summit Hut and maybe a microbrew somewheres. Thanks for the idea.

-Nealz

I remember one piece of advice found in the "Life's Little Instructions" book was, 'Always have a dog'. It's good advice. Rainbow Bridge makes me think about how completely sincere and unconditional my dog's affection for me is. No matter what kind of a day I've had, or what kind of a person I've be...

That would work, too. Know anywhere to get them? Mike, et al. I've seen them at Larada's Surplus in Mesa (NE corner of Main and Extension). But a lot of other non-HAZites use 'em as well, including my dog. Maybe a bandana with a repeating pattern of the Running Kokopelli With His Hair On Fire guy! ...

Does the titanium heat faster then Aluminum or stainless steel? What about food taste? Any leeching? I'd say it heats and conducts about the same as Al and probably quicker than stainless. No funky metallic aftertaste either. Ti's biggest virtue is weight not price, so Lizard's advice is good too. ...

I'm with BoyNhisDog on this too. I've been using the Snowpeak mini combo http://www.snowpeak.com/gear/scs004t.html and and it's near perfect. The stove and gas canister fit right inside and I can stuff extra matches, a Ti 'spork' and some extra aluminum foil in it too. I wish it were a tad less spen...

It'll be interesting to see what they do during the off season. Have we seen the last of Durazo and BK?? Personally, I won't miss BK too much. My blood pressure certainly will go back down. He's quoted as saying he doesn't want to close anymore but I don't think he's consistent enough to start. I'd...