Two Service Projects - The Second Is Chiricahua National Monument
Details
*** RSVP ON MEETUP ALONE DOES NOT RESERVE A SPOT ON THE TRIP***
The previous week (September 14-21) we will be doing a Service Project at Mesa Verde National Park, CO. YOU MUST REGISTER FOR BOTH SERVICE PROJECTS IF YOU WISH TO GO TO BOTH.
(Link to Mesa Verde Service Project:
https://www.meetup.com/austin-sierra-club-outings/events/299799864/)
Join us for a week of camping and service work at Chiricahua National Monument. This National Monument contains one of the Six Best Hikes I Have Done in My Life.
Wikipedia:
- "Located approximately 36 miles (58 km) southeast of Willcox, Arizona, the monument preserves the remains of an immense volcanic eruption that shook the region about 27 million years ago. The thick, white-hot ash spewed forth from the nearby Turkey Creek Caldera, cooled and hardened into rhyolitic tuff, laying down almost 2,000 ft (610 m) of highly siliceous, dark volcanic ash and pumice. The volcanic material eventually eroded into the natural rock formations of the present monument."
https://www.nps.gov/chir/index.htm
As was the case in 2021 at Glacier National Park's Bowman Lake, we will be camping in a place that is not near Park Headquarters. Instead, we have been given access to the Forest Service's Pinery Canyon Campground (see map with photos). It has water, tables, fire rings and pit toilets.
From the Park Service's Facilities Management Chief: Pinery Campsite is an excellent option, and it has a tent space that can accommodate ~10-15 tents, fire ring, sheltered cooking and eating areas (canvas wall tent and carport structure), port-o-pots, drinking water, picnic tables, bear boxes, and emergency phone (landline).
Considerations for Pinery: There is no cell service at the camp, and monsoonal rains can make ingress/egress impossible if the creek floods. If the wash crossing does flood, there is a foot bridge to access Pinery Canyon Road, but the crossing usually becomes passable by vehicle within 24 hours.
From our Leadership Team - Projects we'd like to see completed - we'd provide the tools/materials and coordination by one of our employees:
Re-decking the footbridge at the Bonita Creek Nature Trail
Silver Spur trail invasive plant removal and trail and sidewalk maintenance.
Elevation approx 5,200'.
We will have a day off for hiking.
Participants are responsible for their own transportation, camping equipment, and breakfasts and lunches. You and partners will also be responsible for feeding the entire group one evening. This includes bringing and preparing the food, Dish Patrol and washing said pots and pans.
The National Park Service is providing free park admission, campsite, and work tool usage.
To sign up:
- RSVP on Meetup: The Meetup may show as full, but if you want to come, please sign up! There is usually plenty of turnover.
- Send Stan the answer to the two screening questions by email:
What is the most difficult hike you've done in the past year? What are the parameters of hikes do you want to do at Chiricahua? stanpeyton@gmail.com - Contact information: Send your name, cell number, email address to stanpeyton@gmail.com.
- Complete the Medical Form: https://tinyurl.com/SCMedicalForm2021 Scan and email the form also to ASCtripCenter@gmail.com (preferred) , or to Stan Peyton's mailing address below.
- Wait for approval from Trip Leaders, who might reach out for more details. Hiking and camping in rugged wilderness areas takes extraordinary preparation, so we strive to make sure that this trip is right for you.
- Read the Participation Agreement and fill out Page 1: https://tinyurl.com/SCSignUpSheet2020
- Write a check for $100 payable to "Austin Sierra Club":
When you show up at our campsite, we will return your $100 check. - Mail the forms in + your check for $100 to our leader -
Stan Peyton
8408 Hanbridge Lane
Austin TX 78736
VERY IMPORTANT: IF WE HAVE NOT RECEIVED YOUR DEPOSIT AND THE ABOVE PAPERWORK WITHIN TEN DAYS OF YOUR SIGNING UP, YOU WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE TRIP.
Don't sign up unless you are serious about attending!
| YOU WILL NEED TO BRING: |
| ----------------------- |
| •Container(s) for leftovers |
•Kneeling pad
•Geologist's Hammer (we are not kidding)
•Tent and implements of sleeping
•Covid mask
•Dishtowel
•Earplugs
•Evening meal for Saturday, September 14
•Flashlight
•Food and drinks for all your breakfasts, snacks and lunches
•Hat
•Long pants
•Mug
•Personal prescriptions and first aid kit
•Plate/bowl
•Silverware
•Sunscreen
•Tweezers
•Water bottle
•Work gloves