I guess this isnt hiking related but some of you could probably help me out. I would like to find a spot to drive to close to Phoenix that has a great view of the nighttime sky. It doesnt have to be a tourist spot and not even far off the road. I would like to get out of the city lights and get a go...

In response to DoFear's reply: It might be beneficial when cleaning the spots up to include a card on the spot that explains that the cache has been removed because it was in an inappropriate spot. I know that is additional stuff that adds to garbage, but it might be a great instructional tool to t...

In response to bryanmertz's reply: I like them alot for the AZ trails. You can muscle up the inclines, use the springs to subtle the declines, and have a lot of extra protection of a mis-step if you are moving fast on all hiking trails. If you are doing something more rugged than hiking, they are a...

In response to kiddiehawk's reply:

The main Mesa public Library has the TOPO maps of AZ on the 2nd floor of the library. For $2.00 or $3.00 you can get a full size copy of any of those maps within 15 minutes.

In response to AZ_Hiker's reply: I dont currently own a firearm, but I was the Armorer for the Rifle Team at NIU for a while. And I have to tell you that I have alot more respect for guns that people. I have never seen a gun act stupid. I dont see a reason to carry one on a local hike, but I would ...

In response to AZ_Hiker's reply:

ROFL!!!

You can call me yoda but most people call me *******!!!

In response to AZ_Hiker's reply: It was about a man that knew Karate. He was getting elderly though and with arthritis and such could not manage the high kicks like a young man anymore and asked for advice. One wise karate master advised him to explore his strengths and not his weaknesses. If he co...

In response to tinyelvis' reply:

Sounds like you have vast experience with that situation :P

In response to joe bartels' reply:

Preach it Brother!!!!

I am gonna live and die in this state!

In response to bryanmertz's reply:

I work till 9pm that day... anyone gonna be there after that?

In response to matt gilbert's reply:

Seems like alot of extra work to me, but if it makes ya happy then use it!!!!

In response to matt gilbert's reply:

I am confused... How would any calculator predict your weight? I just weigh myself before packing and then after and determine exactly what the difference is... How would a program determine how many sticks of beef jerky you were carrying?

In response to Abe's reply: Heheheheh!!! I remember hiking a loop in the superstitions and having to absolutely bushwhack it in the middle of the trail because my newbie butt got lost!!! Next time I hiked it after a little more experience the trail looked like a superhighway.... :lol: As long as ya...

Hey Marlee :] I am really glad that your dog survived the hike and subsequent search for him, but.... Sherileeaz backed out on this hike because it was not for new people... And 2 people warned you to not bring your dog, but you felt inclined to anyway. If someone on this forum more experienced than...

I have been sadly lacking in hiking for at least 3 months so am out of shape as well....

I have sundays and wednesdays off....

Hiking with anyone would be a good incentive to get back into it... ;]

I havent used A/C yet this summer.... Not in the car, not in the house. :o I used to clean and repair pools out here all year round, if you dont mind sweating then the heat is nothing. My cat's are not too happy about it though... Right now it is pegging about 90 inside. As far as the hiking goes, a...

You either work there or own stock!

Ever seen a plant get up and run from a rabbit?

Rabbit's are not weak, and certainly are not slow, they have evolved for their particular spot in the food chain... ER: eating things and not being eaten.

Everything is part of the food chain, and I am darn glad I am on the top of it ;]

I have also taken the opportunity to do some urban hiking in Tucson, which I think is much more exciting than walking around the asphalt jungle of metro Phoenix. Phoenix certainly has its share of hiking opportunities, but in sum, I see Tucson as being the more diverse of the two in terms of natura...

Vasque hiking boots... Bought em at REI... Have been with me for 4 years... Never gave me blisters that I wasnt asking for to begin with (18.5 mile hikes without changing socks)... Nice fit, durable... went to the grand canyon on a 4 day back country hike with them... never let me down. REI is expen...