Skull Mesa 1/31/04

Posted: 1/28/2004, 12:10 pm Post subject: Skull Mesa 1/31/04

I am planning on hiking to

Skull Mesa

this Saturday, 1/31/2004, starting at Spur Cross Ranch north of Cave Creek. This hike is a round-trip of approx. 14 miles and is rated very MOST DIFFICULT. The trail to the top of the mesa climbs over 1000 feet in about a mile. Once on top of the mesa, we will hike cross-country to the other end of the mesa where there are ruins of a pueblo and fortress. Along the way, we should be able to find numerous petroglyphs. I'm thinking a start time of 8:00 to 8:30 should be fine. Since we have to access the Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area to begin the hike, there is a $3 per person entry fee. Bring exact change, Spur Cross has a "manual" self-pay station, ie, stick the money in an envelope and drop it through a slot. It doesn't give change back and it doesn't take Visa. There are a number of great places to eat in Cave Creek after the hike, if anyone has a favorite, speak up!

Directions to get there: Take the 101 (north from the east valley, east from the west valley) to Cave Creek Road, exit and turn north, drive approx. 12 miles, turn left onto Spur Cross Road. A short distance from Cave Creek Road there is a slight jog to the right, followed by a left at an intersection (you'll still be on Spur Cross Road, though). After about 3 miles the pavement will turn to dirt. The last 1.5 miles can be confusing; continue on the dirt road by the green house through the tall gate posts and past the horse corrals to the parking area, which will be on the right.

I do want to stress that this will be a difficult hike if you do the entire 14 miles. However, everyone is welcome. Even if you don't make it to the ruins, this is a beautiful area to hike!

So, who's in??

-------------------
So far, we have:
HikerInGilbert
Maryphyl
SUN_HIKER
Mike
Joe

Anyone else??

paintninaz · Joined: 06 Jan 2003 Posts: 3515

Geez, sounds like FUN Multi

...decisions decisions...go on 14 mile strenuous hike during the day? or go on date Sat. nite? Hmmm.... Chin Scratching

after Reavis Falls last Sunday, I know there's no way I could do both...I'll have to pass this one up! Crying or Very sad

You all Enjoy!!

_________________
~Tracy

“Friends make the bad times good — and the good times unforgettable.”

Suzaz · Guest

OH, Okay Tracy--------------we'll let you go on the date but only under these conditions...............
1. we want details
2. pictures

I can't make it either....headed to Vegas this weekend.

I wish you dry, warm weather. I can't wait to see the pictures.

maryphyl · Posted: 1/29/2004, 5:46 am Post subject:

Looks like it might be breezy.
_________________
Shikekeh hozhoogo naasha.
I walk in beauty.

SUN_HIKER · Joined: 05 Dec 2003 Posts: 1057

A friend of mine (Joe) would like to join us on this hike.

GB
_________________
SUN_HIKER
http://community.webshots.com/user/sun_hiker
Nobody can make you feel inferior
without your permission.
-Eleanor Roosevelt-

Guest · Posted: 1/30/2004, 5:55 am Post subject:

I'm going to have to back out on this. I just got home about an hour ago from ER. In for another uncontrollable asthma attack. I hear the weather is suppose to be very breezy with gusts up to 25 mph. I want to stay away from any irritants. Besides, I'm on high doses of prednisone and it that causes me to be a major witch. Even my kids sometimes leave to stay at grandma's. Embarassed

Dang, I was really looking forward to meeting Gabriele and Maryphil and to doing something 'Most Difficult'. Next time.

maryphyl · Posted: 1/30/2004, 9:06 am Post subject:

So sorry Cindy--asthma is scary.
_________________
Shikekeh hozhoogo naasha.
I walk in beauty.

mike · What box? Joined: 30 Dec 2002 Posts: 3134

Cindy, we'll miss you tomorrow! Take care of yourself so you can get back out there with us!

Mary... where'd you go, you disappeared like an alien?? Beam me up

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maryphyl · Posted: 1/30/2004, 11:10 am Post subject:

No tellin LOL maybe I did something?
_________________
Shikekeh hozhoogo naasha.
I walk in beauty.

maryphyl · Posted: 1/30/2004, 11:17 am Post subject:

I'm going to spend the night at my sister's house in Glendale. What time does the traffic slow down? I would like to know for this afternoon and tomorrow morning (what time it gets busy)as well. I am a real small town girl when it comes to traffic. Confused

_________________
Shikekeh hozhoogo naasha.
I walk in beauty.

sam_hikes · Joined: 07 Apr 2003 Posts: 383

Tom Treks · Gear Addict Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 3347

Kick booty hike everyone. Nice to meet MaryPhyl and Joe. Had a great time.

Great choice of locale Mike. My first hike up around the Cave Creek area. That mesa is a long way up. My poor "dawgs" are barkin and snappin at me right now.

I'm gettin my pics together as I type. Turned out pretty good.

mike · What box? Joined: 30 Dec 2002 Posts: 3134

Yep, this was a great hike today! Dang near epic proportions, what with those four "swimmers"! Good to finally meet MaryPhyl and nice to meet Joe ( Alien Blink

), as well! Great pics, Hunter! I'll get mine up in a bit, too.

Who wants to write up the log for this one??
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Tom Treks · Gear Addict Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 3347

Thanks. Nice to finally have a decent camera.

Be my guest dude. Do the write-up. You were the hike orchestrator. I'm kind of a dork with those things anyways.

Shades

SUN_HIKER · Joined: 05 Dec 2003 Posts: 1057

Wonderful hike and finally a butt kicker! Thanks Mike for taking us there. You know that now we have to go back someday and look for the Ruins.
So nice to meet Maryphyll - hoping we can do a hike in her neck of the woods someday.

GB
_________________
SUN_HIKER
http://community.webshots.com/user/sun_hiker
Nobody can make you feel inferior
without your permission.
-Eleanor Roosevelt-

mike · What box? Joined: 30 Dec 2002 Posts: 3134

My photos are up in the gallery. I'll finish the trip log and post it tomorrow.
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