Sycamore Canyon Dogie to Taylor Cabin Jan 17-18

[rushthezeppelin]

Thanks to suggestions from others, I want to do this via Dogie Trail. Should be interesting new part of AZ I haven't seen. According to Te-Wa we should prepare for it to be in the mid to low 20s probably during the night so be prepared if you want to come on this one.

Edit: Looks like we will also be taking the Casner Mountain trail out....adds a bit of mileage but the views should be worth the sore calves.

[rushthezeppelin]

Well I'm always down for brutal climbs.....the sorer I am after a hike the more satisfied I am : ) I think we can fit in the climb up Casner Mtn. I know Mike would have no objections to it : )

[te_wa]

im not opposed to Casner Mtn. Keep in mind that it will be the second day out, less food, water, booze, and such. I better get crackin' on that new Canon camera I suppose..

[drewboy]

I've been in that boat too, where the cached water in the cabin saved our butts. Definitely a risk you take when going in late spring/early fall.

I've got no input on the creek. Last time I was there it as bone dry. Not even standing pools. We were freaking cause we were counting on filtering some pools. Luckily, there were a few gallons inside the cabin. Whew! Lesson learned.

[Hoffmaster]

I think we can fit in the climb up Casner Mtn.

Well, if you want to make a loop out of this trip, that's the way to go. Otherwise you'll be doing an out-and-back and that would be lame.

[rushthezeppelin]

In response to Hoffmaster:

I agree loops are always more fun. Usually reduces the chances of catching Gethomitis too as you won't be saying "been there done that" on the way back with your energy dwindling a bit the last few miles.

[drewboy]

Here's the captured route and elevation profile from when I did this loop:

Edit: Just posted the gps waypoints for the loop on the HAZ server here:

http://hikearizona.com/location_g.php?GPS=6685

Well I'm always down for brutal climbs.....the sorer I am after a hike the more satisfied I am : ) I think we can fit in the climb up Casner Mtn. I know Mike would have no objections to it : )

[rally_toad]

I might be up for this, will most likely need something to do the last weekend before school starts, this or possibly Kurt's Peter's Canyon loop sound like good possibilities.

[te_wa]

cmon, take a break from the Supes for a while and do something different!
Put that Marmot to the test!

[rally_toad]

Okay then I'll aim for this one, though Sedona in January does sound mighty cold!

[rushthezeppelin]

In response to rally_toad:

Mehhh I'm sure you can take it......heck you were hiking ridgeline on a 50 degree day (at least at the start of the day) with gym shorts on : P

[Dirt4dinner]

Hmm...I might down to come hang behind the infested cabin. I will give the wife a few days to forget that I was gone all weekend on the Trans Supe rain-out and then see if I can break away again. I think Topo might be staying home for this one. The sight of his backpack might send him running for a good hiding place.

[rally_toad]

Hmm. I just remembered that I am going to be leading a group of scouts out to Hackberry Spring that Friday night, however if the meeting time aint too early I can get up early pack up and head out and meet you guys.

I've been asking for alot of time off work lately so I'm not asking off for this trip, if they don't schedule me that saturday I will make it for sure.

[rushthezeppelin]

In response to rally_toad:

Hopefully we'll have you along for this one. I'm just crossing my fingers that we get no rain in the forecast for this though.....I'm just not going anywhere near wetness on the trail till I'm 100% prepared.

[rally_toad]

I am scheduled to work, but have already found someone willing to take my shift, with any luck I will be able to freeze my butt off with you guys at that cabin.

[te_wa]

it shouldnt be too cold, maybe mid twenties at the worst, but if it rains Im going to look like the stay-puffed marshmallow man
i already have a rain suit waiting to do its duty

[rushthezeppelin]

Ya i'm grabbing some DriDucks in case of rain. I can put them on underneath my usual bushwhacking clothes and they should hold up quite well. Plus they weigh like 12 ounces, take up practically no pack room and cost almost nothing.

[te_wa]

under clothes? good point. dont buy them blind, (as in internet purchase) because they run way big... so a small would pro'lly fit you.
Dri ducks are reasonably breathable, look to me like hospital grade (surgical) tyvek, and cost something like $13 for the set. There is a higher grade Driducks (Frog Toggs, same company) that will run closer to $30. I cannot comment on the higher $$ vs. durability. Lots of guys are using these semi-disposable rainsuits. Im going to snag a set here in the near future.

[big_load]

Frogg Toggs weigh about the same as PreCip. Their only real advantage is price, with maybe a slight edge in comfort.

[rushthezeppelin]

Ya managed to find the frogg toggs set at Bass Pro Outdoor World. It was a pack that even included the hat for 30 bucks. I should be able to squeeze this into an outside pocket on my pack and I'll be prepared for anything Also bought some water repellent wash in stuff.

[drewboy]

If we stay on the trails as discussed, there should be no issues with undergrowth to contend with there. In the event of rain, I'd plan on keeping my rain shell on the outside and avoid hauling around those extra lbs of soggy clothes. On the other hand, if we were in a place like the Campaign/West Pinto hike last weekend, those driducks would have been hanging in shreds in short order, and your idea might have merit. I was a bit concerned about tearing my mucho expensive event rain jacket last weekend, but fortunately it seemed to hold up OK.

Ya i'm grabbing some DriDucks in case of rain. I can put them on underneath my usual bushwhacking clothes and they should hold up quite well. Plus they weigh like 12 ounces, take up practically no pack room and cost almost nothing.