Return of the Painted Desert Rendezvous

[PaleoRob]

So folks I finally return to the site after too much time away. I have been wanted to get back out backpacking and Randal messaged me the other week about Pilot Rock in the Petrified Forest. I've always wanted to get up there so it didn't take much convincing. September 27th and 28th. We'll probably meet up the night before in Holbrook to allow an early start. Head out into the Wilderness, make camp near Pilot Rock, and ascend. The next day it is back to the vehicles. Simple PeFo meetup. Folks are welcome to hike out on the 27th for the day as well. Lots of fossils to be seen and some prehistoric artifacts will crop up for sure.
Randy and I are co-organizing this so feel free to send any questions our way or post them here.
Let's do this!
http://hikearizona.com/decoder=2238

[PaleoRob]

That's what it is looking like. Both days of equal length since it is an overnighter.

[fan3992]

Te-wa canceled. I have no ride or I don't want to drive by myself. might have to cancel too.

[RowdyandMe]

I may have to cancel to. I will know more after I see my doctor. As most of you know I broke my ankle back in March. And now I have a screw backing out in to my skin. I believe they will have to do surgery to remove it. I will know more tomorrow at my doctor appointment.

[RowdyandMe]

Sorry to cancel. Surgery on Friday
Having the long screw removed

[trekkin_gecko]

@Widowmaker
yeah that probably needs to come out
good luck with your continued rehab

[chumley]

@Widowmaker
At least it'll make getting through airport security easier.

[RowdyandMe]

@chumley their only removing one screw. I will still have sixteen left

[SuperstitionGuy]

At least it'll make getting through airport security easier.

I don't know, people with a loose screw often cause serious problems at airports. Just sayin...

[RowdyandMe]

@SuperstitionGuy Well their taking it out on Friday, but if it breaks thru the skin then I will remove it. It is getting more painful but I still need to work.

[SuperstitionGuy]

@Widowmaker
Well I hope after all is done that it heals ok without an infection. Modern medicine is wonderful but it's not fun to not be able to get out and hike. We appreciate your efforts to stay active and report your progress and activities on HAZ. :kf:

[RowdyandMe]

@SuperstitionGuyThanks I have to watch myself as I am a diabetic. But I would rather die hiking than in a hospital.

[PaleoRob]

The X-ray was kind of neat in a detached way. The image of your skin? Yikes! Sorry to hear that you've gotta cancel but I definitely understand why, especially now! Get better soon!

[Randal_Schulhauser]

Here's sort of my plan for the hike, subject to change based on ground conditions. I have been on the ground for essentially the first half of this route. The second half is based on a combination of satellite photos and the topo maps.
http://hikearizona.com/map.php?MY=8555&M=6
I did not include an ascent up Pilot Rock on the map since I think we'll just need to see what things look like when we get there and determine the best way up.
I'm open to thoughts on this of course.

So is "Quest for Onyx Bridge" part of your intended route? => http://hikearizona.com/decoder=874

[PaleoRob]

That was seems to be easier than the up-and-over route that is the shortest.

[PhilMW]

@Widowmaker Good luck with the surgery on Friday. I hope all goes well and the healing process goes quickly!

[RowdyandMe]

@PhilMW Thanks, I'll be hiking by next weekend.

[PaleoRob]

Relevant to our plans:
http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.ph ... CLallernYQ
40% chance of thunderstorms throughout the day on Saturday. Here's a photo that the park posted yesterday from the rain they got on Monday:
https://www.facebook.com/PetrifiedFores ... =1&theater

This doesn't look good for conditions on the ground since we need to cross that wash. Even if it is not running we may be facing almost nine miles of this:
http://www.diandy.com/weblog/uploaded_i ... 736045.jpg

[tibber]

Even if it is not running we may be facing almost nine miles of this:
http://www.diandy.com/weblog/uploaded_i ... 736045.jpg

:yuck:
and with a full backpack?

can we come up with a Plan B? or do we need to reschedule?

[PaleoRob]

Even if it is not running we may be facing almost nine miles of this:
http://www.diandy.com/weblog/uploaded_i ... 736045.jpg

:yuck:
and with a full backpack?

can we come up with a Plan B? or do we need to reschedule?

I'm mentally working it. I'll get something (either an alternate or a reschedule) up later today.

[Randal_Schulhauser]

I like the idea of heading up to Holbrook Friday as planned. We can discuss Saturday plans A, B, C, etc that evening and make THE decision based on conditions in the morning.

I have total faith that Rob will have some good alternatives including a muddy slog to the ever elusive Onyx Bridge (sans packs ) for a day trip...