Summer HAZFest 2012!!! (Starring: The Perseids!)

[chumley]

UPDATE: Location, Directions, Info: viewtopic.php?f=4&t=6888&p=83678#p83678

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uh huh, pun intended...

Yes, it's time for a full-fledged summer camping/hiking/climbing/shenanigans adventure. Come one, come all... but don't say you didn't have time to clear your calendar (seriously, it's over 4 months from now)!

Date: Friday, August 10 through Sunday, August 12

Destination: Cabin Loop on the Mogollon Rim. We'll make a base camp that everybody can get to*, and if need be do a few shuttles to create dayhikes along the Cabin Loop. There are great opportunities for beautiful established-trail hiking in the cool pines, as well as off-trail exploration in rugged Dane Canyon (or Barbershop, Yeager, etc.)

If it's really hot (you know, over 80), there might even be a possible swimming trip over to Knoll Lake.

All of this is contingent on this part of the forest not burning down first.

Why this date??? It's Perseid Meteor Shower Weekend! That's right, despite a waning crescent moon rising after 2am, we should be subject to a weekend of debris from the Swift Tuttle Comet, which should provide a show of up to 50-60 meteors per hour (about 1/min). As long as the skies are clear.

This will of course require adult beverages and very late-night hiking to get away from the light of the fire, and time to readjust your eyes for better viewing. (The first time you'll ever be able to justify using that red light on your headlamp). If you haven't experienced a good meteor shower away from city lights before, it truly is something to behold! Bring a whole book of wishes, and see if they come true!

Details to follow. Just put it on your calendar now. No excuses.

* The new CNF travel management rule takes effect next month and there's a lot to learn about the new restrictions on travel and camping. As such, the exact location we will camp will be determined later. Nonetheless, you can expect it to be within 3 hrs of Phoenix. 2 hrs paved, and up to 20 miles on graded, sedan-accessible dirt roads. Don't be a wuss. Your Prius will love the fresh air!

[chumley]

Two-month bump!

Was 4-months notice too far out for you to decide? Now that the summer heat is finally setting in, perhaps it's time to start firming up your plans for cooling off in the months ahead? Are you "interested" but haven't made the necessary arrangements with family, friends, job, etc.?

Now might be the time...

[RedRoxx44]

Should check my calender, I'll be either in the Winds, the Uintahs or Latir Peak Wilderness in NM at that time---hopefully.

[johnr1]

4-months notice too far out for you to decide?
Long range planning for climbers is next weekend

[Hippy]

oh man this sounds so fun....we are going to be in tahoe for a wedding and yosemite (for fun!) that weekend, wonder if we'll be able to see em from there...

[writelots]

I really wanted to go, but it looks like I'll be in the canyon instead.

No offense guys, but when the canyon calls...

[Trishness]

I might be bringing a friend of mine. Do we have a set base camp spot or meet-up spot in mind yet?

Getting out of this triple digit heat is always high on my agenda

[kevinweitzel75]

Its been a couple crazy months for me and this sounds like exactly what I need to wind down and relax for a weekend. Been looking for a reason to get out. Will be nice to actually get to meet some fellow HAZers.

[chumley]

Do we have a set base camp spot or meet-up spot in mind yet?

Camp spot? In mind, yes. Officially selected, no. I will post when it has been finalized. But it will be either adjacent to, or a short walk to one of the eastern Cabin Loop trails. (U-Bar, Barbershop, Houston Bros.)

Meet-up spot? That can be discussed in the week or two ahead of the actual trip when people firm up plans and we know who will actually be coming, when, what they drive, etc.

[cwysner]

Hey hey everyone, pretty new around here but I'll def do what I can to join in. Dogs welcome?

[chumley]

Hey! Good to hear. I hope you are able to make it!

Well-behaved dogs are welcome (I know of a yellow lab and a schnauzer already likely to be there) but because it will probably be a large group of people, please use common sense and courtesy. If your dog isn't friendly with other dogs, barks at the sounds of coyotes and elk, jumps on strangers, or likes to grab sandwiches out of people's hands while they're eating , etc. it might not be the best idea.

And for some kind of legal liability reason, I will simply mention as a reminder that Forest Service regulations require dogs to be leashed at all times.

[squatpuke]

Still very interested...

So when will the hiking proceed? That is, do I need to vacay Friday?

Car camping typically means GOOD FOOD and BEVERAGES....yeah?

[chumley]

I'll be there on Thursday night to make sure that we get the desired camp spot. So I'll probably go for a hike on Friday even if nobody else is there yet. I think you can expect people to come and go on their own schedules. Some will arrive on Friday, others Saturday. Some might come for the day. Some might stay one night, others for two. Some people leave first thing on Sunday morning. I tend to stay all day Sunday and head home after sunset. There are no rules!

There are several hiking options, both on-trail and off. There should be enough people that different groups may do different hikes and at different times. I expect this will all come together more clearly in the week or so ahead of time.

And your assumption is correct, eating well is not usually a problem.

[BobP]

Well-behaved dogs are welcome (I know of a yellow lab and a schnauzer already likely to be there) but because it will probably be a large group of people, please use common sense and courtesy. If your dog isn't friendly with other dogs, barks at the sounds of coyotes and elk, jumps on strangers, or likes to grab sandwiches out of people's hands while they're eating , etc. it might not be the best idea.

Ahhhhh man Bruno is gonna be mad your rules exclude him. ;) although he has never done any of those things.....he may do one or two

[Trishness]

Well-behaved dogs are welcome (I know of a yellow lab and a schnauzer already likely to be there) but because it will probably be a large group of people, please use common sense and courtesy. If your dog isn't friendly with other dogs, barks at the sounds of coyotes and elk, jumps on strangers, or likes to grab sandwiches out of people's hands while they're eating , etc. it might not be the best idea.

Ahhhhh man Bruno is gonna be mad your rules exclude him. ;) although he has never done any of those things.....he may do one or two

Does Bruno drink beer? Because if he steals mine, he is in the "doghouse" for sure.

[BobP]

Does Bruno drink beer? Because if he steals mine, he is in the "doghouse" for sure

Bruno doesn't drink...unless someone spills....and then its game on. I'd be more likely to "steal" a beer than him.

[outdoor_lover]

@rlrjamy
What you do is get Bruno to "retrieve"/steal the beer from someone else, like Trish....

[Trishness]

@rlrjamy
What you do is get Bruno to "retrieve"/steal the beer from someone else, like Trish....

No worries because I rarely drink beer but will make sure to bring some warm Old Milwaukee for Bruno and rlrjamy! Only the BEST for ya'll!!!!!

I'm a wine snob and pinot noir runs through my veins I'd like to see Bruno steal that!

[squatpuke]

Moving "IN" on this one...will be nice to meet some new HAZers...

Trish...I might bring my daughter Bekah again...maybe my son.

[Tough_Boots]

@squatpuke
Can we call them "little pukes" or is that gonna get someone thrown off the rim?

[Trishness]

Moving "IN" on this one...will be nice to meet some new HAZers...

Trish...I might bring my daughter Bekah again...maybe my son.

Would be great to see you guys again and meet your son. I still have that scrapbook for Bekah from Chaco Canyon.