HikeArizona.COM

Setting up a sign-up sheet for continued search for Joe this coming weekend. It sounds like folks want to coordinate a heavy search of the south side of Mt. Peeley. We'll see what happens with the searchers during the week and also how the weather holds up-- it looks like possible rain at the end of the week. I'll be out there Saturday (weather permitting) and possibly Sunday. Also, if anyone's willing to carpool to the TH that would be awesome. My ride won't make it so I'd love to cram in with someone else. Meet at the TH at 7-ish.

I feel terrible having to bow out Saturday but I have a 4 yr old Lab that was diagnosed with Cancer and will be going for special treatment to the UofCO ACC.
Just found out they can squeeze him in and want us up there. Looks like I'll be packing and driving this weekend.

Everyone stay warm and be careful! Best of luck!

Tough_Boots wrote:Hey folks,
Just an update-- we're working on grouping together waypoints for teams on Saturday to search. This will look similar to the set that Joe Bartels put up the other day. We'll have these ready for download either late tonight or early Friday. Everyone with GPS will need to have these. Thanks!

Hi Everyone- This is still Kyle's plan and I am certain as soon as he arrives home from his now 10 hour work day, he will catch up on all goings on here and those behind the scenes, so stay tuned! ;) I'm sharing some thoughts with him behind the scenes but if anyone now signed up would like to volunteer to help him out on Saturday, I'm sure he would appreciate (having a GPS and how to download WPs and follow your track to these WPs a definite plus). :thanx:

SUN_HIKER wrote:I have a 4 yr old Lab that was diagnosed with Cancer

If anyone is going from the east valley or is willing to stop by Fountain Hills on the way there/back and is planning to search all day and has an extra seat, please PM me as I'm looking for a way to get to the TH.

Alright Alright!

The search areas are set. Here's the link with waypoints: http://hikearizona.com/location_g.php?MY=156. We will split into teams at the TH based on skills, gps, radio, etc. and thoroughly hit these spots covering as much ground in between waypoints as possible. These waypoint areas are based on gaps between what has already been searched. Here are details for Saturday plus needs and things to think about when planning:

1. Meet at the TH at 7:30-7:45. If you need a ride let people know. If you have extra room (especially those in vehicles that can get to the TH), please offer that room if willing.
2. If you have GPS, please download these waypoints and take a little time to look at the areas. We are counting on you and so are the folks without GPS.
3. Print the waypoint map so we are all on the same page Saturday morning discussing all this at the TH.
4. If you have a radio and/or extra, bring them. We will be communicating on channel 15 (unless someone has oldschool FRS and we'll adjust at the TH)
5. Prepare to be wet and cold. Even if no rain on Saturday, we'll be pushing through territory that will still be waterlogged. Rain gear, waterproof footwear, warm breathable clothing, etc. A change of clothing to store at the TH would also be a good idea.
6. Gloves are a must and shin guards if you have them.
7. Wear something bright to keep yourself visible.

Questions and comments? Now's the time. Also, we will surely be discussing search plans Saturday morning at the TH which is probably the most constructive way to do so. We only have a one day window for everyone to get the map and waypoints and its extremely important for everyone to be on the same page at this point.

Thanks everyone. You all are awesome!

Weather is quicly going bad for Peely. 40% on Saturday and 60% Sunday.

Here's what the waypoint search areas look like when superimposed on all previous search tracks. (All posted on HAZ)
1. All search areas 2. B & C zoomed in 3. B & C zoomed in with possible changes to avoid previously searched areas 4. D, E & F zoomed in 5. D, E & F zoomed in with possible changes to avoid previously searched areas If these are helpful to you, I would recommend printing out at least #2 & #4, which are the zoomed maps with no edits. The as plans are shaped at the trail head any changes can be drawn in. Printing #1 can provide the overview of all the areas.

cabel wrote:Weather is quicly going bad for Peely. 40% on Saturday and 60% Sunday.

We're keeping a close eye on the conditions. Keep checking in-- we'll be posting any changes of plans.

..

I'm out, have a funeral we must attend on Sat. Holidays are turning out a little depressing.

SEARCH CANCELED!!!

Hey folks. Weather reports all over the area are getting worse. With yesterday's rain and a very good chance today and tonight (up to 50% chance at this point), the road is going to be dangerous and the area a waterlogged slippery cold mess. Its a bummer but lets not turn this into a disaster. We have good plans and will reschedule-- keep an eye out for new postings. Thank you all for getting involved in this. HAZ folks are the best around!

That stinks! But better to be safe than sorry... The day before Christmas is still open for me if anyone else is available to search then. ;)

Tough_Boots wrote:SEARCH CANCELED!!!

Hey folks. Weather reports all over the area are getting worse. With yesterday's rain and a very good chance today and tonight (up to 50% chance at this point), the road is going to be dangerous and the area a waterlogged slippery cold mess. Its a bummer but lets not turn this into a disaster. We have good plans and will reschedule-- keep an eye out for new postings. Thank you all for getting involved in this. HAZ folks are the best around!

Wise decision! That road is a mess when wet. I lost traction on a slight slope and slid into the ditch (thankfully not off the other side). The tow truck was pretty pricey.

@CannondaleKid

CannondaleKid wrote:Here's what the waypoint search areas look like when superimposed on all previous search tracks. (All posted on HAZ)

[

CannondaleKid wrote:B & C zoomed in with possible changes to avoid previously searched areas
_Waypoints_BC+.jpg

CannondaleKid wrote: D, E & F zoomed in with possible changes to avoid previously searched areas
_Waypoints_DEF+.jpg

Thanks for taking the time to do the detail analysis. I will be editing our previously published WPs search areas plan( http://hikearizona.com/location_g.php?MY=156 ) to incorporate your recommended changes then we will republish it ASAP for all individual searches to use ongoing and until we can organize and schedule a revised date for another group search effort. When completed I will publish it on our main GPSjoe forum search topic :thanx: all!

It's very likely cancelling is the wise/correct decision.

That said, because my Saturday is completely open, whether I searched or not I would be hiking SOMEWHERE, rain or shine.
So... I will be going up there anyway on the off-chance the weather doesn't turn out so bad. If the road is impassable I'll just head back toward home and choose some other hike for the day. If it IS passable, now that I've experienced the terrible conditions and have made the appropriate changes to my foul-weather-hiking gear, I'll be out there searching. If the vegetation is wet still, I'll just choose to search areas with the least of the heavy slogging.

FYI, I feel it's worth the effort to drive up as far as to check out the road after checking the forecast on NOAA as well as watching the radar loops. Info I just got had it pegged at 20% chance of rain tonight & 20% tomorrow, and at the moment the radar loop shows an area of rain passing north of there, and the next rain is still in CA.
So I'm willing to hope for the 80% chance of not raining and be ready to search.

CannondaleKid wrote:So I'm willing to hope for the 80% chance of not raining and be ready to search.

Be careful, chances of rain tonight and Saturday morning are steadily increasing from looking at the NWS. If it rains in the middle of your search, likely that road will be a whole new story on the way out. Also, don't forget about the possibility of ice around Peeley with that elevation and yesterday's rain. Good luck and stay smart!

Sredfield wrote:

Tough_Boots wrote:SEARCH CANCELED!!!

Wise decision! That road is a mess when wet. I lost traction on a slight slope and slid into the ditch (thankfully not off the other side). The tow truck was pretty pricey.

For those of you that often drive into the difficult trailheads such as this please consider including "towing" along with your vehicle insurance. It is very cheap compared to an experience as described above.

Do any of you have experience with the costs with and without a towing package on your insurance?

If I feel the road is greasy at all on the way in I'll turn back. If it is ok I'll keep an eye out so if it does start to rain again I'll head out ASAP.

Tough_Boots wrote:

CannondaleKid wrote:So I'm willing to hope for the 80% chance of not raining and be ready to search.

Be careful, chances of rain tonight and Saturday morning are steadily increasing from looking at the NWS. If it rains in the middle of your search, likely that road will be a whole new story on the way out. Also, don't forget about the possibility of ice around Peeley with that elevation and yesterday's rain. Good luck and stay smart!

I had a really bad experience with harsh weather occurring DURING a hike in the Mazatzals. Everything was great on the way in, but it started raining on the hike out, which turned to sleet and then a snowy blizzard. The drive out from Mormon Grove TH brought rushing water in every dry wash and a road that was such a muddy mess we almost slid off a couple times. VERY dangerous experience that I wouldn't repeat.

I've driven out from Mormon Grove and Peeley (especially) but even Sheep Bridge and surprisingly Horseshoe lake in severe weather and exceptionally hair raising circumstances (and I have very little hair )
Take care, think twice and be safe.