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Alright, we've got a place and we've got a date. March 13th-15th, we'll be hiking about 20-ish miles from the Government Trail to Collins Canyon, seeing lots of awesome rock art and Anasazi ruins along the way. Group size will be limited to 12 (10 slots plus me and my wife, though she might back out), due to BLM permit restrictions. Dogs are welcome on-leash, but not in ruins or at rock art sites, so be aware of that. If other participants don't want dogs on the trip, we may reconsider that.
Weather is variable - can be warm or we could get snow. Roads to the trailheads are dirt. Collins Canyon is decent, but Government requires 4x4, but carpooling is preferable anyway, since parking is limited. 3 days in one of the most beautiful and rich canyons in the southwest; what's not to like?

It is about 5-6 hour drive! Of course that depends on how fast you drive

So - 6 hours out of Phoenix, and F Bomber and I are not planning on leaving Phoenix until about 3... Methinks we'll definitely miss the daylight. We were also planning on staying at the San Juan Inn Friday night because of our late start. However, if there's camaraderie to be found, I could possibly be convinced to camp it (which means, if there's a fire burning and cocktails flowing, I wouldn't miss it for the world). AND I've always wanted to see Valley of the Gods... What do you think, Anne???

Also - with this new itenerary - does this mean that I can bring the smaller car?

If anyone from Phoenix is interested in riding with me let me know. I'm in Litchfield Park. Right now I'm planning on leaving Friday morning, having a leisurely drive and taking pictures along the way. I'll be camping with the group @ Castle Butte Friday night. Monday I will probably drive back whenever we are done hiking.

Bill

In response to bmaaske:
Pumpkin! you'll be coming by me but I already have plans. I'm not into the cold weather stuff anyhow. Look forward to all the triplogs

I don't know how much smaller than my Explorer I would go for the drive to Collins trailhead. There are some bumpy looking slickrock sections that I wouldn't take my wife's Jetta on, but if you've got 2wd HC you should be alright to get there. And yes there will be cocktails and a fire going at Castle Butte. If a few other people want to bring up some wood too we can keep that fire going even longer as a beacon to you! We'll certainly be up still at 9.

I don't mind Wendy!! I will bring my bigger tent then for the trip, easier to put up! Then we will definitely need a cooler!!

Sounds good - I'll bring some wood, some cocktail mixin's and the smaller car. It's a Tracker, 2wd but with decent clearance, a ballsy driver and a set of chains if things get slippery. And, it's small enough that if I get stuck, all you manly types can just lift it out!

I'll also pack a tent for Friday night, just in case. That way I don't end up trying to hang off Lil' Bit!

Sounds good!

Two more things: If anyone has a copy of The Marauders and wants it to be signed, bring it along! And (I know this is cheesy) if people want to have a reading I can bring my copy.

Bring your copy, Rob - I'd love to have you read some for us!

I am bringing Angela's copy for her, she wants you to sign it. I am her book sherpa!

Last minute planners - please note we have two open spots. My wife just confirmed she would not be coming, and I got one extra as a cushion. Want to spend a great weekend with great folks in Utah?

GET ME OUTTA HERE ALREADY!!!



Packed food last night. I love packing food. It's like cooking AND packaging AND organizing AND solving puzzles AND designing all at once. Makes my gemini self happy to be so thoroughly occupied!

I am already packed, I was packed on Monday!!! So there :-p~~~~~~~~
(I hope I have everything I need)

I'm packing tomorrow night - too busy grading to pack any sooner. I might need stove fuel, I'll check tonight. Would anyone be willing to pick a canister up on their way up if needed? There's no local place here to get it.

PageRob wrote:I might need stove fuel, I'll check tonight. Would anyone be willing to pick a canister up on their way up if needed?

I can get it. Just let me know what kind. I have to stop @ Cabelas tomorrow.

Checked in the deep hidden recesses of my garage and I found one full and one almost-empty canister. So I should be good to go! Making my last minute list as I type here.

I'm off to the airport. I'll see you there.

So, the plan is still to camp near Castle Butte in Valley of the Gods? And yous all will make yourselves easy to find for two tired travelers in the dark? Is there a Plan B in case roads are closed, impassable, or an alien space craft lands on the site, completely obliterating anything recognizable as a landmark?

I should be arriving at Castle Butte no later than 4pm. Look for a white Tacoma. I'll leave the plan B planning to those that know the area better.

Bill