January AZ Hang

**bfulton** · 01-07-2010, 01:13

Yeah, I'm looking forward to seeing the changes, I was there shortly before the deconstruction.

**longbow** · 01-07-2010, 19:14

Originally Posted by pisanodc

Hey guys,

Something has come up at my practice and can't leave until after 7 on fri. If you guys want to wait, great, if not I will have to leave sat. So who is leaving sat and where is everyone coming from. Same meeting spot work.

Angelo
602-690-4813

Hi Angelo:

Jacob & I are getting slammed with last minute stuff on Friday as well. Discretion being the better part of valor, we might opt for Saturday. But, getting in to the Springs late on Friday night, could have some charm. Still thinking...

We will be traveling up on SR 87 through Strawberry.

**dejoha** · 01-11-2010, 13:15

I'm planning to come Friday afternoon from Flagstaff, hopefully with one or two of my kids along with me. Since I may be among the first to arrive--and since I've never been to this location before--can someone give me an idea of where we plan to camp?

I found great directions from HikeArizona.com, and I put together a topo map of what my best guess is on the trail.

According to Google, the hike to former dam area is about 4 miles from the trailhead at Strawberry.

Weather looks like a low of 23°F on Friday night and a high around 51°F on Saturday.

**dejoha** · 01-11-2010, 13:20

In case anyone is wondering, the red, angled lines on the topo map are showing the declination, currently 11° 5' E changing by 0° 6' W/year, according to NOAA.

I like to make my map "talk the language of the compass" instead of modifying declination on my compass.

**bfulton** · 01-12-2010, 10:39

I've been there before and did follow the route you show on your map, but I cannot remember where I hung my hammock. How have group hangs met in the past if they didn't all leave together?

**Roadtorque** · 01-12-2010, 12:48

There are a few spots to camp right around where the spring pools up. There is a rope swing in that area. I would suppose we could all hang somewhere in there

**drewboy** · 01-12-2010, 13:07

There is a very nice campsite in that area near the rope swing that I've stayed at, and some trees around to hang from. You'll probably need to apread out for a larger group to find enough hanging spots. Firewood was very scarce there. That whole place has been horribly overused and abused this past few years. Have a great time down there folks! I'll catch you on the next AZ hang.

Originally Posted by Roadtorque

There are a few spots to camp right around where the spring pools up. There is a rope swing in that area. I would suppose we could all hang somewhere in there

**bfulton** · 01-12-2010, 13:18

What about going a little further down the creek to avoid added use to the area and also take advantage of what our hammocks are capable of.

**dejoha** · 01-12-2010, 15:48

Originally Posted by bfulton

What about going a little further down the creek to avoid added use to the area and also take advantage of what our hammocks are capable of.

This presents a sort of mixed bag. Following LNT principles would suggest we concentrate the impact in areas already impacted, instead of spreading it out, especially if we're bringing a group in. If this were just a few people, then spreading out might be a better option, if everyone stealth-camped.

I've never been to this location, so I don't have any knowledge of how badly the place has been impacted, but my suggestion is that for a big group, we stay in "established" camping areas.

**longbow** · 01-12-2010, 16:35

My son Jacob and I are going to have to cancel out on attending the Fossil Springs hangout. Unfortunately, I have aggravated an old injury in my right knee this past weekend on a "tune up hike" getting ready for this coming weekend.

Jacob and I are still going to hang together. But, we will be going to a flatter semi-desert spot that should be easier on my knee. I have hunted the area that I have in mind. We plan to search out a stealth camp not too far from where we will stash the jeep.

Sorry, to miss this one. Jacob and I were both really looking forward to seeing everyone and participating in the Fossil Springs outing.

We will be thinking of you. God bless... stay safe and have fun.