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KEET SEEL RUIN BACKPACK - Navajo National Monument in northeast Arizona
Date:	Fri - Sun, Sept 15 - 17
Leader:	Ray Ashby
Phone:	02-369-9083
Length:	17 miles R/T
Rating:	Moderate
Elv. Change:	800'
Meet at:	TBD
Carpool:	TBA
Note:	Contact hike leader by Sept 5th for additional details, to RSVP and to arrange carpooling.
Updates:
You have seen pictures of this ruin, which is one of the largest cliff dwellings in Arizona. We will drive up on Friday and camp at the National Monument. The ruin is reached by a 17 mile RT hike which we will do as an overnight, camping at a designated campground near the ruin on Saturday night. We will join the ranger at the ruin site for a tour of the cliff dwelling. Sunday we will drive back to Phoenix. According the monument staff, we must carry enough water for both days as there is no source available. Trailhead is at 7000'.

14th ANNUAL CROWN KING OPEN GOLF TOURNAMENT
Date:	Sat, Sept 23
Leader:	Randy Baker
Phone:	602-616-9491
Length:	2 miles downhill
Rating:	Crazy
Elv. Change:	Yes
Meet at:	TBA
Carpool:	TBA
Note:	Registration is limited, so please RSVP the hike leader by Sept. 6th for $35 entry fee. $40 after Sept 6th.
Updates:
For those who think golf is a good walk spoiled (like Mark Twain), this is for you. The 14th annual Crown King Open Golf tournament is "Cowboy Golf" at its best. Its only hole is 2 miles long, and its fairway is the historic mining road that runs down from Towers Mountain. Golfing ability is not required, only one trusty, uh, rusty club. Refreshments are served along the way, along with a barbeque and party afterwards. The $40 entry fee benefits the local Crown King Fire Department. Tee Time is at 7:30 Saturday morning, so for those interested, there will be an optional car camp on Friday night. The October 2003 Arizona Highways called this a wacky adventure that's a real hoot.

RIM CAFÉ OCTOBERFEST AND HIKE - Pine
Date:	Sat &/or - Sun, Oct. 7-8
Leader:	Kurt Sedler
Phone:	602-339-8780
Length:	7.2 miles
Rating:	Moderate minus
Elv. Change:
Meet at:	TBA
Carpool:	TBA
Note:	Please contact the hike leader by Oct 2 if participating in either or both of these events.
Updates:
We will head up to the Rim Country to experience Oktoberfest at its finest, by celebrating it at the Rimside Grill in Pine. On Saturday, at Oktoberfest, there will be volleyball, German food and German beer, stein holding contests, horseshoes, door prizes, a DJ & karaoke and a band after 6PM. After camping nearby on Saturday night, Sunday morning we will head up on the rim to start our hike, which will be substantially, but not totally, downhill. If you are NOT attending the Oktoberfest, please meet to carpool at McDonalds’ parking lot at 16936 E. Shea Blvd., just west of the Beeline Hwy (SR87) at 7AM on Sunday. We will reconvene at the Rimside Grill at 9AM on Sunday before starting the hike. There are a myriad lodging options in Pine and Strawberry for those who prefer not to camp on Saturday (contact the hike leader for a list).  Also, this same weekend, on both Saturday and Sunday, Pine-Strawberry will be having a Fall Festival. There will be apple and pumpkin events, American Indian dances, games, contests, and special events for the children and much more.

TOROWEAP OVERLOOK CAMPOUT - near Fredonia, AZ
Date:	Fri - Mon, Oct 13 - 17
Leader:	Mike Harren
Phone:	602-330-2631
Length:	TBD - subject to participants
Rating:
Elv. Change:
Meet at:
Carpool:
Note:	Please contact the leader and reserve your spot for this trip no later than Oct 1, 2006; this campout is limited to the first 10 people who sign up. A high clearance vehicle is recommended for this trip. No facilities - must pack in all water and fire wood.
Updates:
The Toroweap overlook features a 3,000 foot vertical drop to the Colorado River. The views are breathtaking and spectacular at this remote spot on the north rim of the Grand Canyon. I have reserved the group campsite for us. A sixty mile drive on a dirt road originating from near Fredonia is required to reach this site. There are numerous trails and side roads to explore on top of the rim. For the truly adventurous, it is possible to hike down to the Colorado River along the Lava Falls trail, which drops ~ 2500 feet over a distance of only 1.5 miles. There are two alternative return routes via: A 90 mile scenic back road to St. George, Utah or a 60 mile back road to Colorado City.

PERL CHARLES MEMORIAL TRAIL - Piestewa Peak, Phoenix
Date:	Sat, Oct 14
Leader:	Mike Reed
Phone:	480-830-3820
Length:	4.8 miles
Rating:	Moderate minus
Elv. Change:	860'
Meet at:	Perl Charles trailhead, east side of 16th St. at the Arizona Canal, north of Glendale Ave. at 9:00 AM
Carpool:
Note:
Updates:
This “in town” loop trail includes urban hiking, mountain vistas, desert plains, and dry washes. After the trail climbs one of several saddles, it begins to climb to its highest point of 2200 ft, providing a beautiful view of the Phoenix Preserve. The trail drops steeply into the valley and begins to loop back. This is an enjoyable nearby hike with great views of the Valley of the Sun.

SECOND ANNUAL CLUB PICNIC - in the Valley of the Sun
Date:	Sat, Oct 21
Leader:	Kurt Sedler
Phone:	602-339-8780
Length:	Not far!
Rating:	Great fun!
Elv. Change:
Meet at:	TBA, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Carpool:
Note:	CHECK BACK HERE FOR UPDATES & LOCATION!
Updates:
Join Friends Outdoor, Hiking, and Camping Club at a local park for our Second Annual Club Picnic. We will have good food, fun games and great company for a day of getting reacquainted with old friends and meeting new friends. More details to follow.

CHIRICAHUA CREST - BACKPACK AND CAR CAMP OPTION - Southern Arizona
Date:	Sat - Sun, Oct 28 - 29
Leader:	Lyle Hartley and Randy Baker
Phone:	480-325-5959 / 602-616-9491
Length:	15.2 miles
Rating:	Moderate plus
Elv. Change:	1890'
Meet at:	Denny’s parking lot, SW corner of 1-17 and Bell Road, 7:45 AM
Carpool:
Note:	Book now  - limited space available.
Updates:
The backpack will take you along the scenic crest of the Chiricahua Mountains. The trail wanders through cool douglas fir and passes the highest peaks in route to Monte Vista Peak. It will reward you with sweeping views of southeast Arizona and northern Mexico.  For campers that prefer a day hike, the Echo Canyon and Heart of Rocks Trails offer spectacular views of balanced rocks, spires and pinnacles. Called the "the land of the standing up rocks" by the native Apaches. Twenty seven million years ago a volcanic eruption shook the land around Chiricahua National Monument, leaving behind thousands of "hoodoos" spread all over the landscape. These volcanic spires manifest themselves in a myriad of shapes and configurations, at times balancing impossibly on top of one another. Cost is $5 each at the entrance to the monument + camping fee.

TUNNEL TRAIL - near Payson, AZ
Date:	Sat, Nov 4
Leader:	Mike Harren
Phone:	602-330-2631
Length:	1.5 miles R/T
Rating:	Easy plus
Elv. Change:	~ 500’
Meet at:	McDonald’s, Shea Blvd and the Beeline (16936 E. Shea), 7:45 AM
Carpool:
Note:
Updates:
In 1883, developers proposed a trans-Mogollon Rim rail line to connect Flagstaff and the Union Pacific Railroad with the rich mineral district of Morenci. Thirty five miles of track were laid heading southeast of Flagstaff. At the same time, a tunnel was begun under the Rim, but the Arizona Mineral Belt Railroad went bankrupt before the tunnel (with a planned length of 3,100 feet) could be completed. We will hike to the uncompleted railroad tunnel and the ruins of a building at the site. Note: Due to the short nature of this hike, interested parties may also hike the short (1.2 miles R/T) Kinder Crossing Trail with the hike leader after completing the Tunnel Trail hike

AGUA FRIA RIVER HIKE - near Sunset Point
Date:	Sat, Nov 11
Leader:	Kurt Sedler
Phone:	602-616-9491
Length:	7 miles
Rating:	Moderate plus
Elv. Change:	1662'
Meet at:	Denny’s parking lot, SW corner of 1-17 and Bell Road, 7:45 AM
Carpool:
Note:
Updates:
This shuttle hike will take us down the Agua Fria River from Badger Springs to an area near Sunset Point Rest Area. The attractions of this hike are that there is no backtracking and there's water in this river year round. The "trail" is really the creek bed, so prepare for some rock-hopping with the potential to wade some shallow puddles. If you keep your eyes peeled you may spot one of the ruins along the trip, too. This area was just recently established as a National Monument. When we have completed the hike and recovered our shuttle vehicle, for those interested, it's off to Crown King, an unforgettable, old mining town in the Bradshaw Mountains reached by traveling a 28 mile nice graded dirt road.  They have a couple of taverns and even live music on Saturday night. We will  be camping on Saturday night, so practice your ghost stories.

TONTO NATIONAL MONUMENT UPPER CLIFF DWELLINGS - near Roosevelt Lake
Date:	Sat, Nov 18
Leader:	Rich Flammang
Phone:	623-878-6237
Length:	3 miles R/T
Rating:	Easy plus
Elv. Change:	600’
Meet at:	McDonald’s, Shea Blvd and the Beeline (16936 E. Shea), 7:00 AM
Carpool:
Note:	Participation limit is 15, please contact hike leader to reserve spot. Tour cost is $5.00/per person.
Updates:	DOWNLOAD VIDEO (8meg)
We will have a guided tour of the Upper Cliff Dwellings at Tonto National Monument.  The hike is 3 miles round trip, the total tour will take 3 to 4 hours. The first half of the trail meanders through a wash while gaining elevation. This portion of the trail may require shallow water crossing and climbing on large rocks. The second half of the trail winds steeply via switchbacks and requires climbing 60 unevenly spaced steps. The guide will stop frequently to talk about natural history and the culture of the Salado people who inhabited the area 700 years ago. Bring a snack for a break at the cliff dwellings.  After the hike, we will head to Roosevelt lake for a late lunch at the restaurant. NOTE: This hike is subject to permit availability which will be known in October. Alternate hike will be planned if permits are not available.

GOAT CAMP TRAIL DAYHIKE- White Tank Mtns
Date:	Sat, Dec 2
Leader:	Randy Baker
Phone:	602-616-9491
Length:	+/- 9.7 miles
Rating:	Moderate plus
Elv. Change:	1662'
Meet at:	Frys Electronics parking lot, Baseline Road west of I-10 at 7:00 AM
Carpool:
Note:	Westsiders can meet us at the park entrance at 7:45 am.
Updates:
Join us as we meander through the beautiful White Tank Mountains west of Phoenix. The hike will start at the Goat Camp Trailhead and follow the Goat Camp Trail, passing under several radio towers. Advanced hikers in the group can climb the 800' to the summit and the towers above, an additional 2 miles round trip. The trail continues into the Mesquite Valley along slopes covered with saguaros and views of the Valley Of The Sun, and return to the Mesquite/Waddell Trailhead. After the hike, we'll take advantage of the facilities of the 29,217 acre White Tank Mountain Regional Park and barbeque, so bring some food to burn and your favorite beverage. Please contact the hike leader prior to the hike if planning to participate.

YAEGER CANYON LOOP - Mingus Mountain (near Jerome, AZ)
Date:	Sat, Dec 9
Leader:	Mike Harren
Phone:	602-330-2631
Length:	6 mile loop
Rating:	Easy to Moderate
Elv. Change:	~ 980’
Meet at:	Denny’s parking lot, SW corner of 1-17 and Bell Road, 7:45 AM
Carpool:
Note:
Updates:
This is an enjoyable loop hike on Mingus Mountain with views of Prescott Valley. We will be hiking through pinyon-juniper forests, which will transition into ponderosa pines as we ascend. Along the way we will enjoy good views of Little Yaeger Canyon and the rim of Mingus Mountain. We should experience excellent hiking conditions with average day time highs in the mid-50's.

FRIENDS’ CHRISTMAS PARTY    - Metzger Residence
Date:	Sat, Dec 16
Leader:	Bob & Merrily Metzger
Phone:	480-820-7123
Length:
Rating:	Holiday fun!
Elv. Change:
Meet at:
Carpool:
Note:	Please e-mail Merrily to RSVP and for directions to their house.
Updates:
Please join the Friends for holiday fun and festivities. Bring a dish to share, a funny wrapped gift (per person), BYOB, and the ugliest Christmas decoration you can find/make…yes there is an Ugly Ornament contest. Good food, good music, and good times. Be extra good because Santa will be there with his list of who is naughty and nice.

PICKET POST MOUNTAIN DAY HIKE - Near Globe
Date:	Sat, Dec 30
Leader:	Craig Hammond
Phone:	480-855-0640
Length:	4.5 miles
Rating:	Moderate
Elv. Change:	+/- 2000’
Meet at:	Denny’s parking lot, SE corner of  US-60 & Rural at 8:00 AM
Carpool:
Note:
Updates:
In November 1870, the first significant settlement by white men was made in what was later to be called Superior. In that month General George Stoneman, commanding officer of troops in Arizona against the Indians, built a small camp at the base of what the Mexicans called "Tordillo" Mountain. The soldiers began calling the butte "Picket Post," because they used it as a sentinel point to guard their settlement. The route up Picket Post is steep, at times it may require the use of ones hands. Most of the elevation gain occurs during 1.5 miles. Once on top it offers views of the Superstitions and Four Peaks.