New hiker looking for a group of experienced hikers

[kevinweitzel75]

I am a new hiker, well sort of. I would like to get together with some experienced hikers, and go on a 2 day backpacking trip. Nothing to extreme. Maybe like a 7 -10 mile round trip thing. I am looking for some people to teach me the ropes, so to say. I have hiked before during hunting trips or just out goofing around. I have also been on two backing trips. Once when I has 15 up Pima canyon and more recently (March 2010) up to the ruins on Rogers trail. After that last trip, I have fallen in love with the whole idea. I have always loved the outdoors and have been taught to respect nature and all her beauty. So if you don't mind a not so experienced hiker that has recently stopped smoking tagging along, I would like to join. I know some of you are saying to yourselves, "Hell no! I don't want some crybaby tagging along." I assure you that I don't complain. You all can thank my father for that one.

[nonot]

Since you're a noob, we'll lay off the browbeating, but there is a whole forum for trips that are scheduled. I suggest you look some of them over, if there are any that suit your needs, I suggest you click the interested button. If you need more information, send a Private Message to the trip leader. When you are sure you want to go and can go, click the committed button.

Sadly, you're pretty late in the spring for a close trip to Phx, due to the heat expect to have to travel a few hours to get to nice backpacking weather.

http://www.hikearizona.com/dex2/viewforum.php?f=4

[kevinweitzel75]

Thank you. I don't mind driving to Payson or Flag. I just want to hit more trails. I will check the forum.

[azbackpackr]

I'd invite you on my Blue Range Backpack but it filled up so fast I never even posted it here. You can also find a lot of backpacking trips on Arizona Backpacking Club Meetup Group, but they do charge $15 a year.

[writelots]

Kevin, check out the ABC. $15 is a paltry sum for the vast amounts of backpacking knowledge that are flying around in that club. Like the squirrel who always sleeps in a hammock, the Lucky who has done the whole PCT with little more than a shopping bag on his back, and of course, yours truly - who scams off everyone else's ideas ;)

Right now, most of the trips on the calendar are pretty strenuous - however beginner hikes always pop up. We've also got our "Jamboree" coming up on Mt. Lemmon - there will be all kinds of folks there showing off their stuff and competing for great backpacker prizes. Don't be afraid to check us out!
http://www.meetup.com/Arizona-Backpacki ... t&offset=0 Tell 'em wrae_lo sent ya!

[Sredfield]

Beginner, schmeginner! Pack a snickers bar, a jack knife and 30 feet of parachute cord, then get your self air-dropped into a No-Rescue Wilderness. You'll pick up everything you need to know in few days.

[kevinweitzel75]

Thanks everyone. I will have to go to that Jamboree, sounds like a blast. Sredfield, lets do it!!! Hell, I will go by myself, but I get a little scared of the dark.