Mazatzal Backpack Thanksgiving Break

[nonot]

I am changing my plans from the Superstitions Backpack to the Mazatzals. I intend to hike in rd 25A and make base camp at (near?) Thicket Spring. I would appreciate anyone providing information about campsites in the area and the quality of the spring.

I have not decided yet if I will head out there Thursday or Friday. I plan on hiking out Sunday afternoon unless we find him before then.

Anyone is welcome to join me, or simply drop by for part of a day to help.

Apologies to Joe B for setting up a competing trip.

[airic]

I covered 5 and 6 this morning and the ridges adjacent. I also took a look at the beginning of 3 and 4 as I want to hit these...initially not as much brush, but that could change further up. I feel it possible that if Joe made it to Sheep, he may have taken a direct route down to the nearest trail, which would be 3 or 4 to the Arizona Trail. Brian and Steve may do those routes tomorrow, still under discussion when I left their site. Ken is also camping with them. He's out there with a spotting scope scanning the routes. The drainages aren't always the best route out there, the ridges adjacent often offered a route of less resistance... though everything needs to be checked. Cliffs along the main ridge from Sheep to Peeley (ropes down Peeley on the SE side into the brush) I think are priority, but drainage 3 and 4 option should not be overlooked. Based on what I have learned about Joe I can imagine him finding a new way down after hitting Sheep. I didn't get to read every post so maybe it was answered, but do we know if a storm came through that day/night that would have forced a quick exit? Also has Tonto NF been involved with their knowledge of the area? Not sure if the mines were checked already, but Ken did go double check. There was some water in drainage 5 and plenty in the creek paralleling Cornucopia Trail. The Sheriff's helicopter made a few fly-bys as well, not sure if CAMRA was in there or not. Gloves will help grabbing the bush and and the road up is a piece of cake for SUV/truck, 4 wheel not necessary. It sounded like among those I bumped into good progress was being made, and I only bumped into half the hikers out there. That was all quite a jumble, sorry. If anyone has any questions on the lay of the land or routes out there just let me know. -Eric

[tkknc]

I just got back, Nonot & Vaporman would like to know if anyone can give them a rideout from the Peeley trailhead Sunday afternoon (between 4 & 6 pm). If they can get a ride from the Peeley trailhead, they plan to search the area little longer and not head south to fr 25 (where there are parked). Vaporman can receive and send text messages from the campsite at thicket spring. If you can give Nonot and Vaporman a ride PM me, and I will send you Vaporman's phone # for a text.

Thanks Ken

[te_wa]

im in too deep in my truck's dashboard removal. dont think i'll be heading out this w/e since i need this heater core replaced before work monday.

[Tough_Boots]

Just got back as well. We did a bit up between ravines 2 & 3 and that area is nasty. The brush gets thicker and taller the further you go. The side of Sheep Mtn facing this area also looks like a pretty nasty drop-off. It seems totally illogical that this would be a bailout route. Also from this view, we got a better look at between 3 & 4 which from our angle seemed to have a promising line going right up the ridge. Nonot and Vaporman were working their way up this area today. These guys deserve medals.

Also found a pretty nasty and unexpected drop-off between 2 & 3. I'm guessing these are all over so everyone please be careful. You can't see anything up there.

[nonot]

Thanks to everyone for coming out over break. We covered a bunch of ground. Please remember to upload your GPS tracks so we can get a complete picture of what has been searched.

Trip reports can be posted to the main Joe thread at:
http://www.hikearizona.com/dex2/viewtop ... &start=460

[Pack Mule]

This is my first day on this site. I was just out in that general area yesterday. I had no idea this was going on. I will be heading out there in the morning to help look. Anything I can do to help.

[Grasshopper]

@Pack Mule
and thanks for your offer to help! You will be supporting a great cause. I suggest you go to our main forum thread for our ongoing search for GPSjoe.. viewtopic.php?f=2&t=5664 do some reading catch-up and be safe out there as it is brutal country where Mother Nature rules..