Route Editor
Route Scout
------
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!
) 
