Trip to Phoenix

I'm the wrong guy for sidearms. I sold all of mine a few years ago and quit carrying. I know my buddy still has a few of my guns, but he sold about twenty of them for me.
 
1Jesster said:
That was a joke by the way. I do kind of feel lost after going through all my stuff last night and making all my kit fligh friendly
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It’s not very difficult to fly with any sort of gun in checked baggage..
 
1Jesster said:
Ok guys I have to be back in Mesa by 3:00 pm on Saturday. What time do we want to kick this shin dig off? Ed can you pick an exact spot for us to meet up at?

Jesster
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I'm a little out of pocket to find an exact place, it's about a 3 1/2 hour drive from the White Mtns.
Lichen said he's going to check it out for us. I drive that way when I go to the Valley, very rarely, and recall there's lots of places to pull off on a side road or wash along Power Rd/Bush Hwy.
 
I took last Friday off and bought a Tonto day pass ($6 at stores, $7.50 on-line). Everything on Bush Hwy is really regulated now. Not much for just pulling off the side of the road anymore. I visited Phon B sutton on the Verde. Big parking lot for RVs, wasn't impressed. Then went to Coon Bluff. I was the only one there so it was peaceful, but the river is really low. Then went to Butcher Jones at Saguaro Lake. It was peaceful also but may be crowded on weekends. Everything requires a Tonto day pass. Thoughts?

Phon B Sutton:
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Coon Bluff:
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Butcher Jones:
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In high school, my friends and I used to go to the Butcher Jones area for weekend fun. We'd swim and grill and sometimes put in my friend's little 12' sailboat. That was more than 20 years ago, but it was a nice area. Could be some people on the weekend, but back then it was never overrun. I'd kind of forgotten about that place.

Edit: Crikey, that was 25 years ago. Ay ay ay...
 
Sounds good to me. A Tonto pass is not a problem as my folks have one anyway. Are we talkingsitting around visiting or a group hike or a bit of both? We just got back from a hike just out side Apache Junction off of Meridian and I have tons of questions about these spiked plants of death you all have for fauna around here.


Jesster
 
So, what's the poop? Is anybody available or do we want to show Jesster that Arizona people are unfriendly? Another thought is if anybody besides me has 4wd, we could take the wash behind Butcher Jones and be in unregulated desert where we could have a fire and get away from the asphalt jungle.
Marcus
 
1Jesster said:
...We just got back from a hike just out side Apache Junction off of Meridian and I have tons of questions about these spiked plants of death you all have for fauna around here.
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Welcome to Arizona.

I am here in Gilbert, and I may be able to offer some ideas with which you can occupy yourself on your visit.
Like Dog.Breath, my Saturday consists of 3 kid's soccer games, 2 birthday parties, and I may be making dinner for one of those parties. Thus, I am a no-go for the Saturday event.

As a contrast to your AJ hike, we have a Riparian Preserve in the heart of Gilbert which attracts migrating birds from all over the continent. It has a man made network of trails and the ponds are really a ground water collection system. While you are can't be bushwacking and you cannot build a fire, the center makes for a nice midday stroll and you can see what this valley used to look like before the rivers (Salt & Gila) were dammed and the vegetation was burned off for pasture.

Not far from the locale of your AJ hike is the Usery Mountain Pass (park) and the wind cave trail. In less than 3 miles you can gain about 600' of elevation and enjoy a commanding view of the valley. This park is also on the way to some of the place which Lichen has shown from his scouting trip.

If you are looking for kit, there is a passable surplus store in Mesa (N. Gilbert & E. Main) and an REI in Tempe (easy drive).

Mesa and Gilbert also have power line trails which are quite safe and stretch for miles. Also, those trails link with the service roads which parallel the canals.

Getting out of town into the national forest, BLM land, or true wilderness is quite achievable as well. Boyce Thompson arboretum is a good option, too.

Enjoy your stay, and wear sunscreen.
 
Well Lichen it looks like you and me and probably my sisters boy friend. Is there any spots I can pick up some flint/chert? I'm good with the wind cave trail or the butcher Jones. And to be honest I'm more interested in a good BS session and picking your brain about dessert bush craft then I am about a solid hike. Good friends & good memories is what I'm after.


Jesster
 
1Jesster, We're still talking about tomorrow, Sat. the 28th, right? Not sure if I can make it, but will try. Have to find $$$ for gas. Keep us posted on where you'll be meeting up with Lichen.
 
Sorry about the late reply, I woke up all stuffed up. Hopefully, it's just sinuses. I've never been to Usery Mt. Park, but it looks interesting on Google Earth. I don't want to do a major hike either, but it looks like there a lot of trails. We could always just walk a little ways and find a shady spot in a wash. Maybe bring a snack and if you bring beer or pop, make sure that it's not in glass bottles. What time do you want to meet up (not too early)? It costs $6/car entrance.
Marcus
 
Met up with 1Jesster and his sister's boyfriend for a nice little hike east of Phoenix.
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Gathering some saguaro cactus ribs for hiking staffs and other sundry uses.
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Jester making a bow drill out of Saguaro ribs and getting smoke.
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It was nice meeting you, bud, and thanks for the pocket magnifier. Now I'll always have a fire starter in my back pocket.
 
I had a great time to. Hopping to make this an annual trip so next year we can do it again. Thanks for your time and answering all my questions.
 
Yea, it was a beautiful day out. Now I have no excuse for not making a bow drill. Ed, I get up to the White Mts. occasionally, need to get a campout going sometime this year.
 
Wish I could of made it along. Looks like you guys had a good time. We didn't even make it to the gem show in Tuscon as planned due to unforseen circumstances.
 
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