This Disclamer/Warning is applicable to ALL Off The Beaten Trail Outdoor Activities - particularly the hikes.

HIKING DISCLAIMER/WARNING

Carry sufficient water and food, wear appropriate hiking clothing and hiking boats/shoes.  Hiking can be dangerous.  The weather can change quickly - creating challenges.  Trails have loose soil and rocks.  Wild animals & rattle snakes live where we hike.  No one on the hike has any medical training. You are responsible for you.  Know the hike's distance and elevation changes AND YOUR abilities and health condition.  Make sure YOU are able to do the hike.

The hikes scheduled for March and April are longer hikes with a substantial elevatin change.  These are designed to condition those hikers going to Havasupai Canyon the second weekend in May

 Personally, I have never had a problem.  However, in today's society, such a disclaimer and/or warning have become necessary.

Ward

May 8 to 11 (2008)  For more information SEE MAY'S EVENTS, BELOW

 Havasupai Canyon: Depart to Seligman on Thursday 5/8. Friday 5/9 drive to trailhead, turn packs over to wranglers, hike into Havasupai Canyon, Hike out Sunday, 5/11.

 If you are interested in this trip email Ward info@otbt.net

 APRIL 2008

 Friday, April 25th

REVISED DATE AND TIME: Saturday, April 26, 8:00am (at Denny's Restaurant)

NOTE: HIKING LOCATION CHANGED:

Sedona's Sycamore Canyon - Dogie Trail.  10.8 miles round trip, 1,000' elevation gain.  (See pg 48, May 08 Arizona Highways Magazine) 14 miles outside of Sedona, 9 on a dirt road.

Meeting Location: Denny's Restaurant, 2525 W. Deer Valley Road, Phoenix. This is just west of I17. (People living on the east side, check with Ward for a closer carpooling location.)

Lunch in Sedona after the hike.

 A hiking RSVP to Ward at info@otbt.net     is always appreciated.  

 Sunday, April 27, 1:00pm

NEW EVENT.

Greaswood Flats, Lunch.  Everyone welcome.  This is also our pre-hike Havasupai Hike meeting.

ADDRESS: 27355 N. Alma School Rd., Scottsdale Rd.  From the north loop 101, go north on Pima or Scottsdale Rds., turn right (east) on Happy Valley Road.  At Alma School Rd, turn left (north).  Greasewood Flats will be on your right.

 Check out their web site and to get a map www.greasewoodflat.net

 MAY 2008

Friday, May 2nd

Saturday May 3rd & Sunday May 4th

 Cinco De Mayo Weekend

May 8st to 11h (2008)

Note: date changed so we will be in town for Cinco de Mayo.

 Havasupai Canyon: Depart to Seligman on Thursday 5/8. Friday 5/9 drive to trailhead, turn packs over to wranglers, hike into Havasupai Canyon, Hike out Sunday, 5/11.  $25 non-refundable deposit - covers camping fee.  Additional $145 for car pooling, night in Seligman (2 people per room - each room with 2 beds) and ONE 35/40 pound packed in and out of canyon.  Contact Ward for the rest of the details.

I take in a two burner stove, coffee pot and another pot to boil water in. This may be used by everyone in our group.  Let me know if you wish to rent an air mattress and light weight sleeping bag (price not included above.  (This is included in your 35/40 allotment packed in by the mules.

 If you are interested in this trip email Ward info@otbt.net

READ HIKER'S NOTICE NEAR END OF THIS PAGE.

Saturday May 17th, 7:00am at meeting location

Jerome Historic Home Tour, tour restored homes in this historic mining. (Carpooling fee: $25.00 plus Jerome fee for the tour (est. $10.00).

We leave Phoenix so early to start the Jerome Historic Home tour at its begiinning before the crowds get too large.  We will be done with the tour by lunch time and can then enjoy a meal in one of Jerome's interesting restaurants. Afterward can tour the Jerome shops, or we can either return to Phoenix or drive up to Mingus Mountain, and enjoy tremensous views or the San Francisco Peaks, the Mogollon Rim and the Verde Valley.

 Meeting Location: Denny's Restaurant, 2525 W. Deer Valley Road, Phoenix. This is just west of I17. (People living on the east side, check with Ward for a closer carpooling location.)

 If you are interested in this trip email Ward info@otbt.net

Saturday, May 24th (Memorial Day Weekend. Memorial Day, Monday - May 26th.

Saturday May 31st.  

 Possibly the first boating day of 2008!

The following events have not yet been scheduled.

An Off The Beaten Trail Hike

 A hiking RSVP to Ward at info@otbt.net     is always appreciated.  

 Has not been scheduled yet.

Horse Back Riding, MTM Ranch, Horse Adventures (480) 488-4538, Spur Cross Rd., west from Cave Creek Rd. (This is NOT the same stables and area where we rode last time.)t

Additional Directions: Spur Cross is a left turn off of Cave Creek Rd (the left turn is north of the Carefree Highway).

When on the Cave Creek Rd., watch for the trailhead signes for the Spur Cross trailhead.  Landmarks to watch for the Spur Cross Rd. - on your right is a business called: "Food Station", just past the the Spur Cross Rd. turn (and on your left) is a business called: "Tobias Automotive Specialists".  The horse riding stables is at the end of the paved Spur Cross - exactly at the location where it turns into a dirt road.  The stables are on your right.

RSVP for this EVENT, so reservations may be made for the horses.

Should you wish to CARPOOL: there is a Basha's Grocery Store on Scottsdale Rd., just north of the loop 101 and Thompson Peak Parkway.  Meet in the Basha's parking lot, as far west as possible (which mean close to Scottsdale Rd.) Make sure you RSVP to Ward, if you are going to carpool from this location.

To Be Scheduled

 Seven Springs Area (and Trailhead). 10.5 miles, elevation change - 800 continuous climb.  Note: this trailhead is 20 plus miles north of Carefree highway on Scottsdale Rd (Tom Darlington).  We should plan on carpooling from Carefree.   

 There is a Basha's Shopping Center on Scottsdale Rd, just north of loop 101 (and Thompson Peak Parkway).  Thisi is the designated meeting location, 9:00am

 Hike South Mountain, Phoenix.  About 8.5 miles, +/- 1,000' elevation change.

From the parking lot, we go through a tunnel, cross a golf course's putting green, ascend a trail that leads us to the National Trail.   We will head to Fat Man's Pass and Hidden Valley.  Then return to the parking lot via Morman Trail Loop (or some other trail).

Directions to parking lot & trailhead:  Exit I10 (headed toward Tucson) at Baseline Road. Go west. On your right is Fry's Electronics (Reference Point only).   Immediately south of Fry's Electronics is a road "Arizona Grand Parkway".  On a wall at the entrance is signage "Arizona Grand Resort"  Turn left (south) at this location. Immediately on your right you will see the bar called: "Latitude 30" - (Reference point only).   Just ahead you will see a circle with a fountain in it.  Go to the circle and immeidately exit it at your first right.  You will see the Clock Tower Corporate Centre on your right - (Reference Point only).  

You will be driving in the direction of Rustler's Rooste Restaurant.

At the first stop sign, stop and then continue straight through toward Rustler's Rooste.  At the second stop sign, stop and immediately turn LEFT.  This sign will show you turning toward the Phanton Horse Restaurant.  The signage on the white wall will read "Arizona Grand Villas".  Immediately turn RIGHT into the parking lot that parallels the "Arizona Grand Parkway".

The location currently called "Arizona Grand Resort"  was formerly the Pointe at South Mountain. 

8:25am, if you wish to carpool, meet Ward at the Basha's parking lot just north of Thompson Peak Parkway (and loop 101) on Scottsdale Rd.

An Off The Beaten Trail Hike, This is a good hike for newer hikers!!

Go John Trail (in the Cave Creek Park) is a loop trail, 4.8 miles. Overall elevation change during the hike: 800'.  

Directions to trailhead: Go north of Carefree Highway on 32nd St. Trailhead is also north of New River Road.  Trailhead is at the north end of the Day Use Picnic Loop off Tonalite Drive, 0.9 miles east of the junction of Cave Creek Parkway and Olivine Ave (past the Park Entrance).

(Carefree Highway connects to I17 on the west side and Cave Creek Rd and Scottsdale Rd on the east.)  

 Call Ward at 480-695-0267 if you are running late or can not find us OR if you wish to Car Pool from the Basha's parking lot.

 FUTURE EVENTS

 New Mexico:

In the area of Grants, NM check out these areas.  Possible future Off The Beaten Trail Trip

Bandera Center Ice Caves: www.icecaves.com This is a lava formed cave that has accumulated 20 feet of ice dating back 1,000 + years.

 El Malpais National Monument Junction Cave: www.nps.gov/elma Another lava formed cave in the general area of the Bandera Center Ice Cave.  

El Morrow National Monument: www.nps.gov/elmo  An area considered to be the "Bad Lands" of New Mexico, Also in the general area of Bandera Center Ice Cave.

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An Off the Beaten Trail adventure.  Hannagan Meadows, located on US 191 in Greenlee County (close to the New Mexico border) between Springerville & Egar and Morenci & Safford, and the White Mountains (in Eastern Arizona).  If interested, let Ward know.  Depending on who can go and how much time each person has, will impact this trip.___________________________________________________________

An Off the Beaten Trail adventure.  Coal Mine Mesa,  This is a very unique and beautiful area on the Moenkopi Plateau.  In the midest of the high desert, very colorful canyon descends into a valley below.  The canyon walls are awash in a variety of colors - making this in my opinion - more colorful than the Painted Desert.

 From Flagstaff we take US 89 to Cameron where we will might one night.  Going north we take US 160, in Tuba City SR 264 toward Hotvilla.  An unmarked turn off of SR 264, takes us to Coal Mine Mesa,   Depending on who wishes to go, other areas of interest:

1.  The Eastern end of the Grand Canyon (most people do not go to this part of the Grand Canyon.  Most see the section north of Flagstaff), Monument Valley).

2.  Canyon De Chellly National Monument, (another place where we might spend one night). Many Indian Cliff Dwellings, a lot of history, beautiful scenery and if we plan this right a personal tour by a Native American whose people lived in this area for 100's of years.

3.  Monument Valley.   Many famous movies filmed in this area.  Beautiful rock formations arising from the land.    

__________________________________________________________

Kartchner Caverns.  If you have an interest in enjoying BOTH caves in this alove and growing cavern, let Ward know at info@otbt.net and he will coordinate this trip.  "I have been there several times and enjoy returning."

The last time this hike was scheduled, we got rained out. To be re-scheduled at a later date.  at Trailhead.

An Off The Beaten Trail Hike

This is a good hike for newer hikers!!

Go John Trail (in the Cave Creek Park) is a loop trail, 4.8 miles. Overall elevation change during the hike: 800'.  

Directions to trailhead: Go north of Carefree Highway on 32nd St. Trailhead is also north of New River Road.  Trailhead is at the north end of the Day Use Picnic Loop off Tonalite Drive, 0.9 miles east of the junction of Cave Creek Parkway and Olivine Ave (past the Park Entrance).

(Carefree Highway connects to I17 on the west side and Cave Creek Rd and Scottsdale Rd on the east.)

Hike will be over close to noon, so people can get to their Super Bowl parties!!!

 Call Ward at 480-695-0267 if you are running late or can not find us.

An Off the Beaten Trail hike.  South Mountain:  Meet at the parking lot just west of the Phantom Horse Grill in the South Mountain Pointe area.  Exit I 10 at Baseline Road, turn south on Pointe Parkway (across street from Fry's Electronics.  Their is a putting green on the west side of the Pointe Parkway BUT the parking lot is just before the putting green and the parking lot is on your left.  (Call Ward if you have any difficulty (480-695-0267)

 I'd appreciate an RSVP if you think you might make this hike.  

Event postponed because of possible rain.

 Day trip to Petrified Forest and Painted Desert.  Meet at Arby's in Fountain Hills on Shea Blvd (just west of SR 87)

 RSVP to Ward if your planning on going.  info@otbt.net

Meet in the west side of the Denny's Parking Lot, at Deer Valley Road I-17 exit,  (1/4 mile west of I-17).

FUTURE HIKING EVENTS: DO DATE SET YET FOR THESE HIKES

Meet at the Taco Bell (Cosco Shopping Center) at Beardsly and Cave Creek Rd., Phoenix)

Off The Beaten Trail Hike:   Spur Cross to Seven Springs trailhead (Cave Creek area): 12 mile hike with 1,040 feet elevation gain in 1.5 miles.  Anticipate this hike to be 6 hours.  We will cross steams several times.  

If there is any chance of rain, we will do an alternative hike.

This is a DIFFICULT hike.  If you have not hiked with Off The Beaten Trail before, you must sign a hiking waiver.

We will need to shuttle vehicles which will add an hour or two - to the duration of this hike.

Meeting Location:  Exit the north loop 101 at Cave Creek Rd., go south to Beardsly.  turn east (left) and then immediately turn into the Cosco/Taco Bell parking lot.  Park to the east side of the Taco Bell.

  Call Ward at 480-695-0267 if you can not find the meeting location or are running late.  

Because of the difficulty of this hike, it is necessary to RSVP for this hike.  

RSVP to Ward at info@otbt.net

To be scheduled on some future date.

Off The Beaten Trail Hike: Brown Ranch area located in the McDowell Mountain Preserve.  

Meeting Location:  Drive north on Pima Rd exit off of the north 101 to Dynamite Rd. Turn right (east) on Dynamite and to Alma School Rd., Turn LEFT or (north) on Alma School Rd. and stop at the dead end.  (Another option - if you wish to carpool - send Ward an email stating what direction you are arriving from.  We can set up a closer meeting location.)

There are many different gently rolling trails in this area.  We will hike around 3 and 1/2 hours.  Lunch in the DC Ranch area afterward.

   Call Ward at 480-695-0267 if you can not find the trailhead or are running late.

It is not necessary to RSVP for hike.  HOWEVER, if you do RSVP, we will wait for you.  However, if you do RSVP and then change your mind, PLEASE call and cancel so we do not wait for someone who then plans on being a no show.

RSVP to Ward at info@otbt.net

 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

TICKET CANCELLATION POLICY:

TICKET POLICY

On a recent play, two people cancelled their ticket reservations AFTER I purchased their tickets.  One person said it was my fault because I did not have a posted ticket policy.  Accordingly, this is my policy.  

THE POLICY IS REAL SIMPLE: ONLY RSVP FOR A TICKET  IF YOU PLAN ON GOING.  ONCE YOU SEND YOUR RSVP YOU OWE ME FOR THE TICKET!  

THERE ARE NO REFUNDS!  DO NOT WASTE MY TIME BY RSVPing FOR A TICKET AND THEN CANCEL YOUR REQUEST!  

  HIKER'S NOTICE: See Paragraph Below:

  HIKER'S NOTICE: See Paragraph Below.

  HIKER'S NOTICE: See Paragraph Below:

  HIKER'S NOTICE:

HIKER'S NOTICE:

SUBJECT: OFF THE BEATEN TRAIL HIKING: As a result of a severe case of dehydration Sunday, March 27th,2006 a hiker was taken by ambulance to an area hospital and was held under their watchful eye for five days.

As evidenced by Sunday's hiker, hiking can be dangerous.  We have seen rattlesnakes on our trails.  Make sure you read carefully the length of each hike, the elevation gain and know the outdoor hiking temperature.  You and only you know if you are ready for the hike we are planning.   

I am disclosing to you herein, that you can NOT expect any medical assistance from any hiker participating in an OFF THE BEATEN TRAIL hike.   

The incident last Sunday, March 27th, 2006 placed this hiker's life at risk.  Hiking is a lot of fun HOWEVER, knowing the hike's physical requirements and your hiking experience and conditioning is YOUR responsibility.  I do not know each hiker's abilities or weaknesses, therefore only you can decide if you are physically capable to participate in a hike.  

 Ward Jennings

 FUTURE EVENTS

Date to be announced later.

Anticipated Costs:

Two Nights at the Days Inn: (two people per room) $70.00

Fuel: Round Trip Carpooling: $35.00

One your own: Park Entrance Fee, Two evening meals, two breakfasts (Days Inn has cereal, muffins ,juice and coffee).  

Off The Beaten Trail  will stroll thru the Chiricahua Mountains (National Park), taking in this very unique and inspiring location.

Temperatures: lower 80's, elevation between 5,400' to 6,900'

Check out their web site:  www.nps.gov/chir.  There is a "Park Map" icon.  We will do the hike up to Sugarloaf Mountain Look Out Tower providing a 360 degree view of the area.  We will also go thru the Echo Canyon loop - a highly diverse area of vegetation and geology.

We will also go from the Visitor Center thru Rhyolite Canyon, Heart of the Rocks, Big Balanced Rock, Punch and Judy and Duck on a Rock trails, Inspiration Point and return to the Visitor Center via Rhyolite Canyon.  Again this is a stroll to enjoy the beauty of the area (NOT a fast paced hike just to cover ground.).  

Check out the pictures of the Chiricahua Mtns on the Off the Beaten Trail  web site: www.offthebeatentrail.com.  These rock formations are the most unique in the world (yes - the world!)

You will need a back pack with lots of water and hiking lunches for two days.

Departing Saturday morning, 9/2: drive to Wilcox and check into the Day's Inn.  The drive to the Chiricahua Mtns National Park for the first of two days of a hiking/sightseeing trip. At end of day return to Wilcox's Days Inn, shower and dinner.

Sunday: drive to Chiricahua Mtns, and hike the 11 mile perimeter trail.  Return to Wilcox and spend Saturday night.

Monday: drive to Fort Bowie.  Explore the area where this 1800's Army Post once stood proud.  Return to Phoenix.  

 If you have an interest in going, email Ward at info@otbt.net.  

 Cruise Departs from Vancouver May 21 (backup date May 28) and returns to Vancouver, seven days later(See Itinerary next column

 Off The Beaten Trail is planning an Alaskan Cruise -

NOTICE: WARD IS NOT A TRAVEL AGENT, HAS NOT DONE THIS CRUISE BEFORE AND PROBABLY DOES NOT HAVE ANSWERS TO VERY MANY QUESTIONS.  IF YOU ARE NOT COMFORTABLE WITH THIS - THEN CONSIDER BOOKING YOUR TOUR ELSEWHERE.

Here are websites with information about Vancouver, Canada and other items of interest.  You may have to cut and paste these links into your browser to get them to work.

 http://hiking.grousemountain.com/grousegrind

http://www.bcpassport.com/shopping/robson.html

http://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/parks/parks/stanley/

http://vancouverhiking.tripod.com/id10.html

http://www.translink.bc.ca/Transportation_Services/SkyTrain/default.asp

http://www.tourismwhistler.com/

http://www.harrison.ca/harrison/

http://www.findfamilyfun.com/stawamus.htm

http://www.aviewoncities.com/vancouver/granville.htm

http://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/parks/rec/beaches/english.htm

http://www.translink.bc.ca/Transportation_Services/SeaBus/default.asp

http://www.tourismvictoria.com/

http://www.bcferries.com/

http://www.my-tofino.com/

 If you have an interest in going, email Ward at info@otbt.net.  

Off The Beaten Trail is going to downtown Phoenix for the first of the month Phoenix Art Walk, people watching and Little Ditties (if all else fails).

RSVP to Ward at info@otbt.net for tickets to the play.

Off The Beaten Trail will be going to Bisbee to "People Watch" and take in the local sites: underground mine, open pit mines, city tour, antique shops and "people".   Will leave Phx on a Friday afternoon and return on Sunday.

If you have an interest in going, email Ward at info@otbt.net.   

Off The Beaten Trail may return to Monument Valley and see areas missed on the last trip.  May also return to Canyon deChelly and tour the second half of the canyon.  

If you have an interest in going, email Ward at info@otbt.net.   

Off The Beaten Trail is planning a trip to Costa Rica

S

Rescheduled for a later unknown date.

An Off The Beaten Trail hike.  Ward's An All Hikers Hike.  WHERE: Saguaro National Park, Rincon Mountain District.  There are several trails available that may vary the length of the hike.  Plan on the hike being at least 8 miles.    The elevation gains are minimal.  Driving time is about 2 hours to hike's trailhead.  

Meeting Location:  Barcelona Restaurant, 900 N. 54th St., (go south on the I10 toward Tucson, Exit at Ray Rd and go east to 54th St.  Turn south on 54th St.  Park on the NORTH side of Barcelona Restaurant.                  Call Ward if you need directions or are running late.  Please RSVP to Ward for all hikes.  That way we know who to wait for.  If you RSVP, but then have to cancel the day of the hike, CALL WARD at 480-695-0267.

 RSVP to Ward at info@otbt.net

Event on Hold

 n Off The Beaten Trail - All Hikers Hike.  (this hike has changed location because of an event at West World.)  

New Information: Quartz Ridge Trail in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve. (We will be taking a different route than last time.)   Meet at the trailhead at the end of 40th St., south of Shea Blvd.   Minor elevation gain and we will try and get 8 miles in.  

Afterward - there is an event at the civic center in downtown Scottsdale that we might check out for lunch.

Please  RSVP to Ward for this and each hike.  Info@otbt.net

Off The Beaten Trail Happy Hour, Scottsdale Resort and Conference Center.  Two pool tables, four happy hour foods (served from 6:00pm to 8:00), drink specials, $5.00 payable to Ward at the event.   Ask the waitress about the evenings drink specials, available until 8:00pm.

Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center is located at 7700 E. McCormick Ranch Parkway, just north of Indian Bend (a loop 101 exit) and between Scottsdale and Hayden Rd's.  

OFF THE BEATEN TRAIL EVENT PRICING POLICY
Tickets purchased by Off The Beaten Trail:  If volume discounts are available, the single person ticket price is offered. If no volume discount is available, Off The Beaten Trail may charge a $5.00 per person handling fee. The discount/fee is used to offset monthly operating costs for Off The Beaten Trail.