You asked for it...

[PaleoRob]

and now you've got it. Kinda. Its not here yet.

The Plan: Chinle Wash dayhike. Phonecians and Tucsonans may wish to spend the night in Kayenta the night before. We'll spend most of the day hiking to and in the Chinle Wash floodplain in Comb Ridge, exploring ruins and rock art. Total mileage will probably depend on how much exploration we do, but minimum is 5 miles. It'll be hot, though hopefully not unbearable. Trip could be canceled due to inclimate weather (we are not going to be crossing Chinle Wash during a flash flood!). Will end at Gouldings for some Navajo Tacos. Yum!

You: Should be unafraid of quicksand and crossing a swift, knee-deep stream. I should also know a little about you from either the forum here or have hiked with you, considering the sensitive nature of our destination. GPSes are welcome, but I'd prefer that any GPS tracks made are not published online.

Hazards: Quicksand, semi-feral cattle, swift-flowing stream, lack of shade, remote location.

Rewards: Lots of fun, beautiful canyon, amazing ruins, and should be some good company too!

[oliverr99]

Rob, wife coming?

[PaleoRob]

She is uncertain at the moment.

[Vaporman]

K, I got that Saturday off and should be all set to go that first weekend in October, right? It looks like that wash flows year round, so bring my water hiking gear?

[PaleoRob]

It can be dry at times. Right now it appears to be flowing at just a hair under 2 foot deep and .2 cfs. They had a storm out there and got a flood a couple days ago and got a 3 foot, 200cfs spike that dropped rapidly. We'll just be crossing the wash, not wading along it, so either water hike or a change of shoes would be appropriate. Glad you'll be able to make it!

[oliverr99]

I am still going to try and go, depends on money. Had to get a new waterheater! Can a car drive to the trailhead or do I need high clearance or 4x4, basically what is the road condition? lol

[PaleoRob]

Road high clearance recomended, but I can take some people from the rendezvous spot in Kayenta in my truck. 4x4 probably not needed.

[writelots]

I'm planning on going as well, and I've got a 4x4 that seats 4-5 - so I'd be happy to shuttle as needed. Coming from Tucson and I'll probably need a good camping spot as well...

[PaleoRob]

I'd try to get a spot at Navajo National Monument's campground (it should still be open). That way there's no backtracking to the rendezvous point in Kayenta. I think it is free to camp there too, but no facilities (whoop-de-do).

[oliverr99]

Rob, I will be going! I am riding up with writelots and tibber. The campground does have bathrooms, and they flush! ohhhh! lol. I will see you in October!!

[PaleoRob]

Sounds good!
Hey Randal, can you bring my hiking pole up with you?

[Vaporman]

Yea, the website says the campgrounds are free but I'm also assuming its first-come first-serve for those 48 sites. Hopefully they have enough for all of us... ;)

[Randal_Schulhauser]

Yes Rob I've got your pole hunted out and in my garage. Make sure you send me a reminder just before the trek. Expect Mike Mattes and I will be at the Kayenta Hampton Inn as our Friday night base camp. Time and place of Saturday morning rendezvous???

RANDAL

[oliverr99]

Yea, the website says the campgrounds are free but I'm also assuming its first-come first-serve for those 48 sites. Hopefully they have enough for all of us... ;)

Gosh I hope so!!!

[sarichter]

as much as i would like to go... i have to volunteer down in Tempe the night before and if it's anything like last year, there is no way i'll be up and ready for this the next day.

[dysfunction]

Take lots of pictures! I don't get to do anything fun for a while and I need to make sure I'm good to go before the 15th of Oct so...

[PaleoRob]

Time will probably be 8am MST (9am Navajo time). Will PM rendezvous location to participants this week.

[Randal_Schulhauser]

Mike Mattes and I have a Friday evening reservation at the Hampton Inn in Kayenta (near the McDonald's). See you Saturday morning! Rob - when you PM, can you also include your cell number? Mine is still the same from previous treks...

RANDAL

[PaleoRob]

PM sent to participants. Always subject to change, but right now the wash is flowing at less than a foot and a half. Not an issue. Will post updates as it gets closer.

[PaleoRob]

Just as a reminder, since I've had a couple PMs for clarification, this trip will be a dayhike. If you want to overnight, that is certainly possible, but I am planning on being back in Page sometime Saturday night. If some of you want to extend the stay, that is fine but up to you.

Stream flow is still holding steady at 1.5 feet. Perfect.

[Randal_Schulhauser]

So Rob, see there is some stream flow. Can you pump and filter from this (or is this a Keet Seel situation). Want to know if we have to carry in all the water we need?