went swimming at tonto narrows this weekend ! for those who are unfamiliar with it, it's a excellent swimming hole just south of payson. it's a really great place but there's more litter there than any other outdoor spot i can think of. looks like bank one ballpark after a d'backs game. also at the narrows, a group of 8-10 teenagers who were having fun and chucking their beer cans in the creek. i felt like an old fart, but i went over and politely asked them to knock it off and pick up their trash. so i'm wondering, what would my fellow azhikers do in this situation? if you saw people trashing your favorite spots, would you go about your business or would you say something? : have a good one!
If there will be a group going up on Sunday, if someone could please PM me with the infomation, directions, time, I will try and make it up there. Sundays are very busy for me, but I will try and make it, if there is going to be a group going up there.
Well... We'll have to replace all the beer cans we pick up, so someone better grab a six pack or two
If it's a little later start - say 10/11:00 I think I could make it on the 8th - maybe have one or two others join too.
This might be a good day actually. They trail may be busy and if others see a group picking up it could make them realize their errors.
We need a cruise director to set this up. If we met at 87 & Shea I could probably drive a few people. I haven't been to the Narrows - you don't need a 4x4 to get there do you?
I'm happy to play cruise director, but I need a little bit of help. I don't know anything about the east side of town. Is 87th @ Shea a good meeting place? Where? Which corner, parking lot, etc?
Also, if we leave at 10:00 a.m., will we have enough time to do a decent clean-up job, or do we need to leave earlier?
I got to thinking; I could probably get 4-6 people to assist with this. If we plan it now; I'm sure we could get a group of 20+ people (read 20 bags of trash.)
This is a little far fetched, but we may be able to call a local paper or something and try to get a little publicity (read sponsors/ volunteers.)
Someone grab the reins here - let me know how I can help. I'll post on the homepage!
OK - this is now officially listed as a group hike on the home page. I'm going to do a little legwork to find out what we're going to do with 20 bags of trash when we're done with it. I'm sure no one is keen on loading in the back of their cars and smelling it all the way back to Phoenix.
I need some feedback on time and meeting locations, please!
There is a large dumpster at the parking lot to the trailhead for the garbage. Even if thats full I am sure there must be another one down at the Gisela Bar.
No one will need a four wheel drive to get down there, if you do, you went the wrong way!
Holly: Will you call me at your convenience to see if we can car pool that day, thanks! (I have no clue where this is at! lol You drive, I'll pay for gas?)
Cindy: I'm going to try to make it, thanks for the email about it! See you there!
OK so count me in everyone!!! It's a good cause and a great way to meet everyone too.
Oh and that's a perfect idea Holly, to do this after holidays.
Sherileeaz
The value of life lies not in the length of days, but in the use we make of them.
Several have signed up at
[ old school link removed ]
but I think Bryan is out for the weekend, cause he's yet to approve 'em
don't let that stop anybody, it's rolling!
I've heard good things from Holly & Bryan
Thats right Joe - I managed to get away for the weekend - did an overnight up at West Clear Creek.
I think I have 4 people going. I am house sitting for my cousin on Saturday night and plan to bring her 2 kids (11 & 13) along with a couple other friends (HAZ members.)
I'm not sure on my time schedule - but should be able to get to the TH no later than 10:00.
It sounds like we have about 10 people - so I'm sure we will make a difference.
whew...i don't check the forum for a coulple days and everything's already planned. good job guys (and gals)! i'll be there, + at least one other, maybe even a couple extras.
Just wanted to let everyone know that the Payson Basha's is going to help us out at Tonto Narrows! They are going to give us a gift certificate that we can use to buy water, trash bags, etc.
Also, if you are going join us, please be sure to let us know by signing up on the home page. There's more info there about when/where, carpooling and what-not, and we don't want to accidentally leave anyone at the Texaco station.
Cindy Coons wrote:If I recall correctly since I've been on this site (over a year) a 'clean up 'has been mentioned many times but to my knowledge never carried out. Think it's time to walk the walk.
Sounds like this is coming along nicely and will be a big success. I really wish I could be there.
'Achievement lies within the reach of those who reach beyond themselves'
Also - Holly and I contributed on a press release and I have submitted it to both the Arizona Republic and Payson Roundup.
For the Republic - it most likely will only appear under the Volunteers Needed listing (not sure where that is.) The Roundup is a little smaller so I'm not sure what they may do with it. Let's keep our eyes open and see if we get any publicity.
Trying to finalize the plans. I think some people are meeting at the Texaco on Shea and BeeLine at 9:00. We expect to make it to the TH by 10:00 - but with a stop at the Bash's for some supplies - it may be a little later.
I think a good approach would be to hike in together and enjoy the spot - this will give us a good opportunity to meet one another etc. After a swim - we will hand out a couple garbage bags and head back. This way the bags are getting full later in the trip. Might be wise to bring a pair of gloves too.
I'm not sure if anyone has contacted the local Ranger Station yet - but from everything I've heard, there should be plenty of room to dispose of the trash.
I'm really glad to see that this has taken off some.
I just wanted to say that you are all fantastic. You all really deserve lots of credit for going after this. My hats off to you. Thanks for making a difference.
"I'd feel better if we had some crampons. Oh, what the hell, let's go for it..." — Common climbing last words.
I have been in contact with the Payson Ranger District. They said there would either be a dumpster or trash cans at the site to dispose of the trash. If there's any overflow (hopefully there won't be) we can bring it to them.
I also asked about the forest closures - they DO NOT apply to Tonto Narrows.
Route Editor
Route Scout
! for those who are unfamiliar with it, it's a excellent swimming hole just south of payson. it's a really great place but there's more litter there than any other outdoor spot i can think of. looks like bank one ballpark after a d'backs game. also at the narrows, a group of 8-10 teenagers who were having fun and chucking their beer cans in the creek. i felt like an old fart, but i went over and politely asked them to knock it off and pick up their trash. so i'm wondering, what would my fellow azhikers do in this situation? if you saw people trashing your favorite spots, would you go about your business or would you say something? 
: have a good one!
Funny..........I hear you 
Think it's time to walk the walk.