Unfortunately, I'm leaving the SW soon and I have a couple of books I'm hoping to sell. Canyon Hiking Guide to Colorado Plateau (4th ed.) by Michael Kelsey. 1999. Good condition. Will sell and ship for $9. Mountain Biker's Guide to Arizona by Sarah Bennett. 1993. Good condition. Retails for $13. Wil...

I have a canoe and I'm looking for a multiple day flat-water trip on the Verde. I have heard there are some sections that might qualify. Anybody have suggestions?

I have always liked to have options when traveling so I used the Whisperlite International for years on trips to Europe and Africa. Nice to have options, even if it takes walking up to a remote gas station in Botswana and filling up the fuel bottle with unleaded:) However, canister stoves are nice a...

In response to Nighthiker's reply: Woodpeckers can be hard to differentiate and there are a number of species that occur in Arizona. For this one, Nighthiker is correct - it is a hairy woodpecker. The red on the back of the head does indicate it is a male. Nuttall's is a California woodpecker with ...

In response to pfredricks' reply:

Thanks. Wasn't around when that was discussed.

I agree- it isn't exactly rocket science and I wasn't trying to make anything sound ominous :) I agree with the quote you supplied - the loss of water stimulates thirst. However, that isn't exactly saying that thirst is an immediate response to dehydration. From what I've read, thirst kicks in at ab...

Interesting discussion and a topic I have been reading on lately. Personally I stay very well hydrated even as I work. I drink at least a gallon a day and favor the use of a large water bladder system on the trail because I tend to use it more than if I have to dig in my pack for water. Why do I sta...

I saw one just the other day as well - in the NE valley. I have probably seen close to a hundred between hiking trips here and in Texas. I think the reports that suggest they are dangerous are exaggerated (like most animals with that reputation) - I have been close to many and they either ignored me...

Recommended hikes in Zion NP:

Virgin Narrows - a 16 mile hike through the canyon beginning outside the park and ending up inside. Not to be missed if you are there in the right season with low probability of rain.

Devils Landing - nice hike with good exposure.

I was planning to try to head out there for the 1st time once it cools down so I'm interested.

flechenbones

The ammo boxes make it fairly easy around camp but need to be used at all times if you're not eating. I have seen a number of people who are snacking for a second and then wander off for a couple of minutes only to have the animals run in during the hiatus. Of course, I also had a skunk crawling up ...

I've hiked by at least 20-30 rattlesnakes in the last 20 years but never even had one strike. They seem to be just as interested in creating space between us as I am.

flechenbones

Went to the REI garage sale this past weekend and came away with two pretty good deals.

new gear - lightweight Patagonia fleece for $12.99 (normally $75)
used gear - pair of REI ultralight trekking poles for $29.99 (normally $80)

Whats your best steal?

flechenbones

Yea the setup could use some improvement. Does PV do it any better? Never been to a garage sale up there. I wonder if they have any better of a selection. I agree on the reason for returns - pretty funny but sometimes pretty sad. There was a swiss army knife returned because someone tried to have th...

Wow, am I the only one who didn't come close to any of those choices. I usually get at least 2-3 years out of a pair of boots. Then, it is because they can't be held together with duct tape anymore. :D