[base871]

I,ve been thinking about joining this club for some time now. I normally do solo trips, and would like to start mixing it up again. Is anyone on here a member? Or is it a waste of time? For $15 bucks a year, it doesnt seem like a big loss. Also, are the trips they do challenging, or are they more for newbie backpackers? Any info will be great!

[BobP]

I know this guys a member. I think there are several more. Also, you can look at past and future trips.

[te-wa]

ive enjoyed the club so far. it has been a way to do backpacks that ive had on my list but were hesitant to make the leap. there are trips of all skill levels but the trips i lead tend to be more difficult.
its definatley got some experienced backpackers.

[writelots]

It's a great group, I'm a member and trip-leader like te-wa as well. We usually have a pretty good time, lots of different hikes for lots of different likes, to use a really bad turn of phrase. There's an old thread on hiking with groups where we talked about it quite a bit.

Thing is, you gotta watch out for the squirrel. He'll try to make a hammocker outta you! (Better than making a hammock outta you, but then, I wouldn't put that past him, either!)

[azbackpackr]

(Better than making a hammock outta you, but then, I wouldn't put that past him, either!)

Ouch!

[base871]

Actually I do use a hammock from time to time! Made it out of an old parachute that was no longer "airworthy". Basically it started to pound me into the ground at a high rate of speed! Some of the best nights sleep ive ever had!

[drewboy]

I'm also an ABC member and occasional hike leader. It's been well worth the $15 for me to join. The club leader, Lucky stays busy to ensure there are a lot of hike options available and caters to hikers of all levels. I've been a member maybe 7 months now, and have gone on a lot of new (to me) trips during that time. Club members have a lot of different backgrounds and it really adds to the variety of trips. I'm taking a group out (including the squirrel man) the last week of July for a 5-day trip to the S. San Juan Wilderness.

[te-wa]

and i just lead a small group on the Mt. Baldy Loop, and am preparing for an overnight trip up Escudilla next month. After that I want to tackle the Pinalenos and Mt. Rightson, Santa Rita.
not a peak bagger, just trying to stay cool. I do some canyons too, if that interests you.

[John_seJerman]

It's a good, very active group. I like the amount of trips they have on their calendar.

I keep busy with the Tucson Backpackers. It's smaller, no annual dues, and centered around Tucson, where I live. Also, a little more broader range in skill level - from technical canyoneering to real beginners' trips and car camping.

[base871]

Ok guys and gals, thanks for the info. Im gonna give it a shot!

[writelots]

After a pretty difficult summer, the club is back on track to get some great trips going. Also looking for people who might be willing to lead adventures into the wild...so if you're the masochistic type who likes to do lots of work for little more than a pat on the back and a beer at the end of the hike, have I got the job for you!

And yes, this is a shameless bump.

[jeffmacewen]

Shameless...shameless!!

[te-wa]

so whatever became of the club? i noticed that many of the members left and joined some new outfit. lucky, included.

[writelots]

Ah, Te Wa - the drama... At least we seem to be over it and moving in a positive direction now. There's room in AZ for more than one backpacking club, that's fo sure!

[te-wa]

I wish you the best, Wendy. ABC under your guidance will be a great club for all to enjoy. Bris chois!

[drewboy]

There's room in AZ for more than one backpacking club, that's fo sure!

Indeed there is Wendy. The needs and goals of Backpackers is as varied as in any other sport. Best of luck to you with your direction in ABC. Drama should not be a part of any of this. Only hiking.