Hey Matt, I was on the Tonto Creek with you. Fun trip. Anyways, I think the thermarest/packcover idea was a good one, but I'd make a pack cover out of SilNylon and then seal the seams. Since you're looking to cut pack weight, Matt, take a look at tarptent.com. The guy makes some nice, ultralightweig...

I've been out here in Phoenix now starting on 3rd summer, and I hardly even notice the heat anymore. When we first moved out here (at the end of July), I thought I was going to die!

Now, I do Camelback at least 3 times a week at about 4pm, and hardly even notice that it is the triple digits.

I guess I am curious as to what is so evil about campfires (as long as you make sure you don't burn down the forrest)?

Looks like I'll have to do Sunday as I'll be out in the yard on Sat spreading rock because a friend is bringing his tractor over.

Of course, it may rain Sunday, so I won't know till Fri or Sat if the weather will hold or not.....

I guess this weekend is the 28th/29th. I'm open both days, and would probably be late morning (so the night chill has a chance to burn off some)

I want to go to Hell's Canyon (up by Lake Pleasant) this weekend (Sat or Sun doesn't matter) Should be a fairly basic 4 mile out/back hike. Anybody else?

Will need to burn off some of those holiday beers, cookies, etc... :=))

I'd go.

I think I'm up for it - from the trail desc. it sounds pretty demanding and some parts sound pretty harry with a backpack on, but hey, no pain, no gain!

I'm outta town Dec 11-18, so hopefuly it'll be before or after that :=))

Looking for something really different? and really off the beaten path? How about joining me for a day hike up Skunk Creek, visit some Indian ruins (and perhaps find more) then head up along New River, maybe trek down Big Spring Canyon, then loop back down into Skunk Creek. I'd estimate looking at t...

I hiked up another peak on Sunday, where there are some ruins at the top of the peak. I'd reccomend the hike even if the ruins aren't your thing, as it was quite a climb up the peak with no trails, and the view from the top was awesome. KH Photos from both hikes and ruins are here: http://www.shadow...

If anybody wants to get there, you can enter off of the end of 20th st north of circle mtn road. There is an old gate that goes into the forrest. The peak is pretty much straight ahead. While there are some forrest service roads in the area, the easist way to get there is just 'straight ahead'. You'...

If anybody likes Indian ruins - I live in New River about 1/2 mile from the Tonto Nat'l Forrest. (Circle Mtn. Rd. and 18th st. There is an 'official' entrance at the end of 20th st.) There is a tall peak straight back from here, about 1.5 -2.0 miles. I just bushwack the whole way. You go accross sev...