Backpack to Fossil Creek - Dog Friendly March 14th

Another AZ classic. I was looking back through the calendar, this trip has been posted 5 times in the last 2 years! There is a reason for that.
Come hang out with us down by the water. We usually set up camp a mile or so away from the main area everyone goes to. This is technically outside the wilderness so the fire ban doesn't apply.
October should still be relatively warm enough to go swimming.

The Plan:
Saturday, March 14th: Meet at the Bob Bear trailhead in Strawberry and hike down 4 miles. We'll then go set up camp and hike back to the water and hang out for the rest of the day.

Sunday, March 15th: We'll get up whenever and take our time hiking back out.

Details:
Distance: 5.5 miles one way
AEG: mostly downhill on day 1, about 2000 feet AEG on the way out.
Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate
Dogs: Yes
Kids: No
Water: At camp.
Things to know: 2000 feet of elevation change over 4 miles.

GPX/Writeups:
https://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=183

Disclaimer:
The planned hike is listed above, but the group's ability takes precedence. If I think someone may not make it for whatever reason (injury, out of shape, solar flares, etc...) I'll change the plan and do my best to tailor the trip to the groups wants and capabilities.
I will not leave you stranded in the middle of the trail.

Recommended Gear List:
- Water for the entire day (this means 4 Liters/Quarts for someone weighing 100 - 200 lbs, you weigh more, ring more water) and some way to treat/filter water.
- First aid kit.
- Backpack... duh.
- Sleeping bag, Tent, hammock.
- Clothing: I recommend one set of hiking and one set of sleeping clothes.
- Small dish towel. This comes in very handy.
- Toiletries (toothbrush, paste, deo and quick dissolving toilet paper).
- Headlamp.
- Utensils for the food.
- Food: you must feed yourself.

Optional:
- Trekking poles.
- Stove. I have one that anyone can borrow if you want to cook something.
- I'm bringing a little fold out grill to cook on over the fire. You can bring another if you want.
- Tweezers (should be part of your first aid kit, but just in case it isn't).
- Entertainment... whatever floats your boat.
- Camp shoes (flip flops or some other loose fitting light shoe). This will feel nice on your feet after an all day hike.
- Chair.