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Chaco for the Solstice

Posted: Apr 07 2011 6:36 am
by PaleoRob
So, upon returning from the 2011 Rainbow Bridge Spectacular we began discussing some possible "leaving Page" hikes. One that came up that Randy and I had done last year was Chaco/Bisti for the solstice. In order to 100% guarantee a camping spot we'd need a group of 10 people. Otherwise we'd be playing roulette. The idea would be to come in on the 20th at some point, do solsticial things on the 21st, and explore other parts of Chaco or nearby outlying areas on the days after that. The important thing would be to have 10 for the night of the 20th. Some folks may stay longer, some not so much.
This is a car-camping and day-hiking experience, not a backpack, and most of the main canyon trails are not strenuous. Some of the farther ruins in the canyon do require a decent hike, and in June the temps can get to 100. Come on up for a good time at a good place with good people and good drinks (and some Cag too).

Edit 5/26 - Plan is for some of the group to arrive on the 18th to take full advantage of the weekend and stay through at least the 21st.

Re: Chaco for the Solstice

Posted: Apr 07 2011 6:39 am
by PaleoRob
BTW, the 20th is a Monday.

Re: Chaco for the Solstice

Posted: Apr 07 2011 6:42 pm
by Randal_Schulhauser
Rob;

Here's some thoughts. I'm hosting an international conference until the evening of Friday June 17th. Can make a "get-away" Saturday June 18th with a rendevous at Chaco that evening. Sunday 6/19, Monday 6/20, Tuesday 6/21 for 3 solid days of exploring Chaco, Chaco outliers, and Bisti Badlands/Bisti/De-na-zin Wilderness => http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=1962 . Wednesday 6/22 is "get-back-home" day. Todd K. Clark N. and Mike M. have expressed interest as well. :scared:

Your thoughts? Others thoughts? :|

PS. I'll have to pull out my copy of "Man Corn" to add some additional Chaco sites to visit => viewtopic.php?f=11&t=5356&p=63792&hilit=man+corn#p57762 :D

Re: Chaco for the Solstice

Posted: Apr 07 2011 8:04 pm
by azbackpackr
Interested, except for the heat. Can you get the air conditioning fixed by then?

Seriously, I am planning a road trip about that time and could be driving back from Durango on the 20th. Chaco is sort of on the way back to Flag from Durango. Sort of. So, I put myself as "interested."

Re: Chaco for the Solstice

Posted: Apr 07 2011 10:00 pm
by big_load
Bad timing again. I just signed up for a workshop in San Antonio that week. :(

Re: Chaco for the Solstice

Posted: Apr 08 2011 6:38 am
by PaleoRob
Alright Randy, I can switch the dates. Sounds good.

Re: Chaco for the Solstice

Posted: Apr 08 2011 10:41 am
by BubbaSue
Would love to explore Chaco, pretty sure I'll have the days off.

Re: Chaco for the Solstice

Posted: Apr 08 2011 3:33 pm
by squatpuke
I'm doubtful, but I like Randy's dates (any chance for a Friday eve meet and Sat. day hike until Randy arrives?)....I'll be extremely busy at work in June/July, but may be able to get a"long" weekend off.

Also, from Flagstaff, it appears I would head east to Gallup...is this correct? Is the approach from page down to Gallup as well?

Re: Chaco for the Solstice

Posted: Apr 08 2011 4:00 pm
by azbackpackr
It is closer to Grants, you go over by Crown Point if you are accessing it off the 40. From the north, it is close to Farmington.

Re: Chaco for the Solstice

Posted: Apr 08 2011 4:22 pm
by PaleoRob
Larry, I'd be game for a Friday evening get together as well. From Page I head over to Farmington and then south.

Re: Chaco for the Solstice

Posted: Apr 08 2011 7:04 pm
by PaleoRob
Was just talking to Toad and wife. They're game. So me + my wife + Toad clan = 6 already. Woo hoo!

Re: Chaco for the Solstice

Posted: Apr 09 2011 6:23 am
by squatpuke
PageRob wrote:Larry, I'd be game for a Friday evening get together as well. From Page I head over to Farmington and then south.
With a Friday start, my chances of going just went up significantly...

Re: Chaco for the Solstice

Posted: Apr 10 2011 3:34 pm
by Jim
This actually sounds like fun. If I can make this, I would like to go.

Re: Chaco for the Solstice

Posted: May 14 2011 8:37 pm
by squatpuke
Rob are we still solid on this trip?? I had to kick and scratch to get the time off from work...BUT I WON!!!

Re: Chaco for the Solstice

Posted: May 16 2011 6:27 am
by PaleoRob
Should be. I got a job offer so it is looking like I need to be down in CG in mid July. I may need to spend some weekends moving.

Re: Chaco for the Solstice

Posted: May 16 2011 11:57 am
by Jim
PageRob wrote: I got a job offer so it is ....
Teaching?
I love how experienced people can get jobs faster than anything, but new grads are like lepers. In my field, they're still offering sign on bonuses and obscenely high come-on wages in some areas, but it's hard to break in otherwise.

Re: Chaco for the Solstice

Posted: May 20 2011 6:43 pm
by Trishness
I'm real interested in going on this since my cousin and I planned this last year but couldn't make it. I'm positive I can get the days off from work. If anyone wants to share driving/carpool from the Phoenix area, please let me know!

Re: Chaco for the Solstice

Posted: May 22 2011 8:06 pm
by Paintninaz
Trish,
I just sent you a PM! :D

Re: Chaco for the Solstice

Posted: May 23 2011 5:36 am
by azbackpackr
Rob, I took my name off the interested list since I am going backpacking in the Sierras around that time. Going to learn how to "throw a Wendy." Have fun!

Re: Chaco for the Solstice

Posted: May 23 2011 9:10 pm
by Trishness
C'mon Paint.......I know I can get the days off........

Let's do it :)

TT