Hello from AZ! (longtime lurker, first time poster)

**Valveless** · 05-03-2015, 14:59

Was just updating my profile when I realized I've been lurking without posts on this site since 2011!!!

I should start by thanking everyone for answering all my questions without me ever needing to post them!!

I grew up in CA backpacking up and down the Sierras and the nature of the terrain out there suits ground camping just fine. But when I first saw the mud and moisture out east, I knew there had to be a better way. I got my first hammock after an especially wet and muddy summer trip in the Adirondacks. With all the trees out east and the general 3 season conditions, hammocking is really a no brainer. Not to mention the comfort!! In many ways, I'm more comfortable with a hammock in camp than I am at home

Since moving to AZ, I find myself on the ground more often than I used to but I'm growing to appreciate the desert's beauties. And whenever possible, when I'm able to get up to the higher elevations here where trees are more plentiful, the hammock is always the best choice.

Anyone in AZ want to meet up for a West Clear Creek trip anytime soon?

N

**Ham Mocker** · 05-03-2015, 16:28

Originally Posted by Valveless

Anyone in AZ want to meet up for a West Clear Creek trip anytime soon?

N

Hey! I am interested. It looks beautiful there!

I've never been before - how is the summer weather? Enough elevation to escape the oppressive heat around Phoenix? And are there places to hang?

A

**Ham Mocker** · 05-03-2015, 16:29

And welcome!

Sorry - I got so excited about West Clear Creek, I forgot my manners!

**BillyBob58** · 05-03-2015, 16:53

Welcome, one without valves! It's been 30 years since I lived in Flagstaff and Phoenix before that, but I remember West Clear Creek being a beautiful place. Just keep an eye out for poison Oak!

**Valveless** · 05-03-2015, 17:30

Oh man, poison oak?! Uh oh... as a kid growing up in northern CA, I managed to get my entire body covered in that stuff on multiple occasions. I guess it makes sense it would be in that canyon.

Right now I'm trying to decide between hitting the upper reaches of WCC (Maxwell Trail) or the lower (Bull Pen, #17, etc). I'm without 4WD so any of the other access points are out of bounds for me.

And yeah, "valveless"... refers to the old timey valveless trumpet I specialized in as a professional musician.
https://www.youtube.com/user/n8botts

**BillyBob58** · 05-03-2015, 22:13

Originally Posted by Valveless

Oh man, poison oak?! Uh oh... as a kid growing up in northern CA, I managed to get my entire body covered in that stuff on multiple occasions. I guess it makes sense it would be in that canyon.

Right now I'm trying to decide between hitting the upper reaches of WCC (Maxwell Trail) or the lower (Bull Pen, #17, etc). I'm without 4WD so any of the other access points are out of bounds for me.

And yeah, "valveless"... refers to the old timey valveless trumpet I specialized in as a professional musician.
https://www.youtube.com/user/n8botts

I'm pretty sure it was WCC where I 1st came down with a case of poison oak(or Ivy maybe, but probably oak out there. ) . 1st time I ever got it, at about age 34-35, after a lifetime of roaming the woods. But I got it several times after that, including poison Ivy back east. Now I have become quite expert at identifying it(ivy anyway) and have not got any for maybe 15-20 years. So just get real good at identifying it. Easy to find lots of good pictures and tips on the web.