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Grasshopper's Camping/Hiking event: Wed-4/27 to Mon-5/2/11

Posted: Apr 02 2011 1:59 pm
by Grasshopper
Aside from providing a very pleasant HAZ/AZH group area (at 6000+ft elevation) to visit and camp together, the intended main purpose for this event is:

"Hopefully with our 2011 winter season now ending and with warmer April-May'11 day/night temperatures forthcoming in and around the Mazatzal Wilderness- Mount Peeley and Sheep Mountain areas, we can hopefully once again continue our individual and group search-hiking efforts to locate GPSjoe's remains to help bring needed closure to Joe Domin's family and many caring friends.

On March 6th I had the opportunity to visit with Joe's son- Christian Domin from Chicago. Christian wanted me to again express his family's sincere appreciation for all previous and any continuing efforts we have time to devote in helping to locate his dad's remains. We all want to know what happened on that tragic Mon-11/8/10 day which should be further explained in a formal investigation after finding GPSjoe's remains. If we are not able to find Joe, Christian wants us all to know that he and his family are content to know that their dad, father-in-law, brother, granddad, and uncle's remains will reside within a hiking wilderness area that GPSjoe so loved to be."

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All interested in day and/or overnight vehicle camping, tent or hammock, backpacking in, off trail search-hiking, or just established trail hiking are welcome to attend any part-of this planned Wed-4/27 to Mon-5/2 (5 night/6 day event). Also welcomed are those who would just like to drive-up for a days visit and relax in our camp area at 6105ft elevation within the shade of oaks and pines. :)

Please review the now posted Hike Description for this event: Camp Grasshopper - Mazatzal Main C/Site, AZ http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=16003 which includes my posted triplog, pic set with captions, and driving directions with GPS driving tracks posted for your further reference and download as necessary.

To provide more detailed driving/hiking route information, here is the same GPS driving tracks as above, but also to include all the "key" way point information needed:
http://hikearizona.com/location_g.php?QX=582

Random comments to apply for this event:
.. This will be primitive area camping, so you will need to be fully contained for overnight stay;
..Some may prefer to backpack-in and out, so those driving in for overnight and/or day hiking or day visiting only, please consider bringing extra water to be shared with the backpackers who will be in need;
.. As previously noted in pic set and driving directions section and on GPS track comments, campsite areas 1 & 2 are accessible by 2WD-high clearance vehicles (no cars) and campsite areas 3 & 4(main-largest area at 6105' elev.) are accessible only by 4WD-high clearance with upgraded tires recommended. All four campsite areas are free, first come-first serve, and I cannot guarantee that these campsite areas will be available for only our interested HAZ/AZH community members. Weather permitting, etc., I plan to arrive at the main campsite area #4 by late morning Wed-4/27/11.
.. The exit off of FR201 to our camping areas on FR3348 http://hikearizona.com/photo.php?ZIP=186321 is an easy exit coming in, but a very,very difficult right turn out of FR3348 to drive FR201 to the Mount Peeley TH, thus you will note that we have a designated "turn-around" location on FR201 which I have designated with a way point location on the above linked GPS track. This will require most of us when exiting FR3348 to first turn left and drive the approx .25ml distance to this designated turn-around location before driving back up FR201.. this will be kind of a pain in the pumpkin, but safely necessary.
.. For those interested in parking on FR201 vs FR3348 (which may be a good plan for some considering a short backpack in option), on the above linked GPS "key" way points driving tracks, I have noted two way points on FR201 where vehicles can park, then hike the distance back to FR3348. Driving in on FR201, parking location #1 (for two vehicles) is only .1 mile past FR3348 and parking location #2 (for three vehicles) is approx .50 mile past FR3348;

General comments regarding this camping area and some extra items to consider bringing:
.. Our campsite areas seem to have good cell phone coverage for those needed check-in calls;
.. The area is large enough to offer adequate personal, private hygiene areas as required (we will need to keep this area clean and as tidy as possible after..);
.. I suggest you bring insect repellent just in case it is needed and also consider bringing a shovel for any personal needs..;
.. These four campsite areas are hammock friendly for any "hangers" in the group;
..Regarding firewood and campfires: all camping areas have some small established fire rings, but prior-to our outing, we (I) will need to follow the Tonto Natl Forest website to confirm if the NF has invoked "fire restrictions" or not. If not for our period 4/27-5/2, then those who can, it would be appreciated if you would consider bringing up some firewood for our camping nights and chainsaws if you are legal to use. As of my scouting trip 3/31, there was a significant amount of pine downfall in the area, but little hardwood and some of this pine will not be that great for campfires or cooking with. Also, I am certain that others will be camping in this area prior-to our scheduled outing and will consume some of this existing down firewood;

..Continue to read this "event summary" for ongoing updated comments which I will add as I think of them or you do first. ;)

National Weather Service Forecast for our camping area which is 2.5 driving miles from the Mt. Peeley TH: http://hikearizona.com/forecast.php?e=T ... 9EUTJOZz09

I am much looking forward to hopefully good camping weather for a good turnout and an opportunity for us all to have some fun together in a very nice area to be :D

Re: Grasshopper's Camping/Hiking event: Wed-4/27 to Mon-5/2/

Posted: Apr 02 2011 3:04 pm
by Tough_Boots
I'll probably be there the Sat/Sun-- either finding a ride in or backpacking in from the Deer Creek TH. :)

Re: Grasshopper's Camping/Hiking event: Wed-4/27 to Mon-5/2/

Posted: Apr 02 2011 3:26 pm
by mazatzal
I'll be there Fri-Sat or Fri-Sun.

Re: Grasshopper's Camping/Hiking event: Wed-4/27 to Mon-5/2/

Posted: Apr 02 2011 4:29 pm
by kevinweitzel75
I would love to make it, but I'm on call that weekend like every weekend this month except the 16th and 17th. Will see if I can change some stuff around.

Re: Grasshopper's Camping/Hiking event: Wed-4/27 to Mon-5/2/

Posted: Apr 03 2011 2:17 pm
by Sun_Ray
Want to go up for a day...not sure what day yet. Will follow the postings.

Re: Grasshopper's Camping/Hiking event: Wed-4/27 to Mon-5/2/

Posted: Apr 10 2011 1:46 am
by n7zzt
I have a complete camp gear setup (back pack, tent, sleeping bag, pad, canteens, hammer and even portable ham radio). I wouldn't mind overnight camping for 2 or 3 days.
my only problem is going to be getting a ride from west phoenix. anyone going from this side of town or relatively close willing to offer a ride?

Re: Grasshopper's Camping/Hiking event: Wed-4/27 to Mon-5/2/

Posted: Apr 11 2011 8:49 pm
by Randal_Schulhauser
Hank;

I'm quite sure I'll be joining you for a day or two up at Camp Grasshopper. Only question is which days? My Coyotes' season tickets are now into the first round of playoffs with home dates on 4/18, 4/20, and 4/24 against the Detroit Redwings. If they have any success :y: and go onto the second round of playoffs, home dates will be up in the air until opponents are finalized...

RANDAL

Re: Grasshopper's Camping/Hiking event: Wed-4/27 to Mon-5/2/

Posted: Apr 12 2011 1:58 pm
by tibber
Thx Hank.

I plan to drive up after work on Friday (might leave work at 2), hike on Saturday and may or may not come back to town Saturday nite or may wait til Sunday.

Re: Grasshopper's Camping/Hiking event: Wed-4/27 to Mon-5/2/

Posted: Apr 12 2011 3:15 pm
by n7zzt
I still haven't heard from anyone about a ride up there. getting anywhere in phoenix using the transit system is a PITA, especially early in the morning.
so someone please help out here. I'm begging here (something I don't do very well).

-Eric
phone: 623-399-5635

n7zzt wrote:I have a complete camp gear setup (back pack, tent, sleeping bag, pad, canteens, hammer and even portable ham radio). I wouldn't mind overnight camping for 2 or 3 days.
my only problem is going to be getting a ride from west phoenix. anyone going from this side of town or relatively close willing to offer a ride?

Re: Grasshopper's Camping/Hiking event: Wed-4/27 to Mon-5/2/

Posted: Apr 26 2011 9:09 am
by BobP
I'll be there Wed night or early Thurs morning...and probably staying until late Sat. Car camping near the TH and searching the North side and probably coming back thru the ravines. I may also bivy in the woods a day. As I've told Hank, I'll be monitoring channel 15.

Nonot....maybe you can stop by my camp...We can play horseshoes and snack on raisins. ;)

Re: Grasshopper's Camping/Hiking event: Wed-4/27 to Mon-5/2/

Posted: Apr 26 2011 5:28 pm
by Randal_Schulhauser
Plan to see everyone as a minimum Sunday 5/1 at Camp Grasshopper. If I can wrap up a business commitment at a decent time on Saturday, maybe join you earlier (Saturday evening camp?).

Hank assures me that my 2WD F-150 will make it to the main camp. Failing that, he has a back-up plan to get me up and into camp with a tow strap... :scared:

RANDAL

Re: Grasshopper's Camping/Hiking event: Wed-4/27 to Mon-5/2/

Posted: Apr 26 2011 7:40 pm
by Grasshopper
I'm still on schedule for our main campsite arrival this Wed-4/27 at ~10:30am for Camp Grasshopper setup in the pines and oaks at 6105ft elevation :) .
Between Wed-4/27 and Mon-5/2 I'm looking forward to seeing those now confirmed and hopefully those now interested and others still considering. Do hope you will further consider coming up to join us for any part (overnight or just a day visit) of this scheduled 5nt/6day outing. No rain forecasted with good day and night temps and some windy conditions. Also, as of this writing the Tonto NF has not invoked any campfire restrictions for our Mount Peeley-Mazatzal Wilderness camping area.

My present schedule for our camping/hiking/relaxing period is (While hiking I will be monitoring Channel 15 on my two-way radio):
Wed- 4/27.. Arrive main campsite area at .45ml end of FR3348 and set up scaled down version(no 10x10 screen-house due to winds)of Camp Grasshopper and relax;
Thurs-4/28.. Hike to Sheep Mountain Summit and return (from Peeley TH via MDTr23 to off trail to/up Sheep Ridgeline route);
Fri-4/29..... Day-off at camp;
Sat-4/30.... Depart camp at 9:am for Peeley TH and Mount Peeley Summit 4.5ml R/T on trail/off-trail hike; All welcomed to join-in! On this dayhike I personally will plan to spend some time on the summit area search-hiking to "clear" some of Grid areas G2-G8;
Sun-5/1..... Depart camp at ~9:am for Peeley TH and Cornucopia TR86 to search-hike and "clear" heavy vegetation off-trail Grid areas F9, F8, and F2;
Mon-5/2pm.... Depart campsite for Wendy's in Fountain Hills;

Re: Grasshopper's Camping/Hiking event: Wed-4/27 to Mon-5/2/

Posted: Apr 27 2011 9:27 am
by Grasshopper
Grasshopper wrote:I'm still on schedule for our main campsite arrival this Wed-4/27 at ~10:30am for Camp Grasshopper setup
HAZ- I have a problem :(

This morning I made it up Hwy87 as far as the 4 Peaks turn off when I noticed my gas gauge was showing 3/4 full (I had just filled up yesterday). I stopped on the side of the Hwy and noticed gas gushing out of the back of my gas tank..probably some type of pressure fuel line problem.

To make a long story short, my Jeep is now at my mechanic with all my stuff loaded on and he will need to work it in to his schedule to drop the gas tank and then fix the problem. I presently don't know if I will be back on the road on Thursday sometime or Friday, but I know for sure it will not be today. Very frustrating for me.. so please follow this thread for my updates. So sorry for this unexpected happening and thank you for understanding! :(

Re: Grasshopper's Camping/Hiking event: Wed-4/27 to Mon-5/2/

Posted: Apr 27 2011 9:54 am
by tibber
wow, that's no fun :( . At least you realized it before getting too far. Glad you were able to get back to town. Good luck and hopefully all will be well soon.

Re: Grasshopper's Camping/Hiking event: Wed-4/27 to Mon-5/2/

Posted: Apr 27 2011 9:55 am
by big_load
Grasshopper wrote: stopped on the side of the Hwy and noticed gas gushing out of the back of my gas tank..
:scared:

Re: Grasshopper's Camping/Hiking event: Wed-4/27 to Mon-5/2/

Posted: Apr 27 2011 3:17 pm
by Grasshopper
It pays to have a good mechanic who is also a friend. My ride is now fixed and I will pick it up tomorrow, Thursday-4/28am to resume where I left off today with the following revised 5night/6day schedule FYI- :D

My revised schedule for our event is (While hiking I will be monitoring Channel 15 on my two-way radio):
Thurs- 4/28.. Arrive main campsite area by 11am at .45ml end of FR3348 and set up;
Fri-4/29...... Depart camp at 8:30am for Peeley TH and Cornucopia TR86 to search-hike and "clear" heavy vegetation off-trail Grid areas F9, F8, and F2
(I will plan to be back at campsite area by 4pm);
Sat-4/30..... Depart camp at 9:am for Peeley TH and Mount Peeley Summit 4.5ml roundtrip on trail/off-trail hike; All welcomed to join-in! On this day hike I personally will plan to spend some time on the summit area search-hiking to "clear" some of Grid areas G2-G8;
Sun-5/1...... Relax day at campsite;
Mon-5/2.... R/T hike to Sheep Mountain Summit (from Peeley TH via MDTr23 to off trail to/up Sheep Ridgeline route);
Tues-5/3pm.. Depart campsite for Wendy's in Fountain Hills;

Re: Grasshopper's Camping/Hiking event: Wed-4/27 to Mon-5/2/

Posted: Apr 27 2011 3:46 pm
by Sredfield
You all stay safe out there. And good luck on the collective mission.

Re: Grasshopper's Camping/Hiking event: Wed-4/27 to Mon-5/2/

Posted: Apr 29 2011 6:32 am
by AZLumberjack
Sorry to hear about the Jeep problem, Hank. With gas at near record prices, a leak in the tank is the last thing you want. Glad you got it fixed so quickly and will be able to resume on a slightly modified schedule. Sure wish I could be up there with you guys. It sounds like you will have a good collection of HAZers to help search the mountains.
Good Luck to all of the hikers/volunteers/searchers, you're all to be commended for your efforts. :y:

Re: Grasshopper's Camping/Hiking event: Wed-4/27 to Mon-5/2/

Posted: May 01 2011 6:24 pm
by Randal_Schulhauser
Made the trek up to Camp Grasshopper for Sunday morning breakfast. First trip into this area so our navigation skills weren't "top shelf". Clark and I made bacon and eggs at the Peeley TH before trekking up the Mountain and some nearby landmarks. Made it to Camp Grasshopper late afternoon (thanks to Wally F.) to find Hank tending the fire. Sorry we missed the others before they broke camp! More at => http://hikearizona.com/TL.php?ID=61645

PS. A little serendipity finding Hank's magnetic key holder and spare ignition key as we walked the FR into Camp Grasshopper... :D

Re: Grasshopper's Camping/Hiking event: Wed-4/27 to Mon-5/2/

Posted: May 03 2011 9:06 pm
by Grasshopper
mnlumberjack wrote:Good Luck to all of the hikers/volunteers/searchers, you're all to be commended for your efforts.
T-hank-S Jack and you were missed! Post us some fish pics from MN :)