Hart Prairie Work Weekend August 7-9,'09

Again, this is "leadership lite" so heads up, read the following. Ask if you have any uncertainties.

Thanks

How to get there: If you are coming from Phoenix, be aware that it will take you at least 3 hours (3.5 from Tempe) so arriving Friday is best. If you arrive after dark, look for the porchlight to your left as you come in, you'll be seeing a rail fence in your headlights. We'll keep someone around to direct you to your cabin as long as possible. If you know you'll be really late, please let Shawn know and we'll figure something out.

* From the south, take I-17 to Flagstaff, I-17 becomes Milton Road after you enter Flagstaff.
* Continue north, pass under a railroad bridge and turn left onto Humphreys
* Turn left at Columbus (at traffic light) onto Hwy 180
* Follow 180 out of town approximately 10 miles and past the Arizona Snowbowl ski resort
* Just past mile post 225, turn right onto Forest Road 151 (there is a bright yellow daytime headlight use sign at this turn);
* Drive 4.5 miles and look for The Nature Conservancy sign on the right.
* Leave the gate the way you find it. Please drive slowly into the Preserve (15 mph);
* From the gate to cabins is about a mile
* Drive to your assigned cabin or ask whereabouts upon your arrival, unload, and please park your vehicle in the corral parking area north of the lodge, please back into your spot

Information Sheet

Wildfire fuels reduction, wild plant seed collection, and other duties as assigned.

Please read this thoroughly and contact Shawn R if you have questions.

Key Information
• Cabins are rustic but comfortable, beds are fine, bring your own linens or sleeping bags.
• The sewer system works but how or why is largely a mystery; use the composting toilet if at all possible
• Shower house is a wonderful luxury after a good day of grubby work. Bring your own towel and toiletries.
• Water is trucked in, use it sparingly, please don’t waste it. If you see a plumbing leak let the Preserve folks know immediately.
• Any food left out unprotected-indoors or out-will likely be confiscated by small furry critters of the night.
• We will be TNC volunteers this weekend, please sign the waiver forms.
• **No pets are allowed on the preserve.** (Sorry 'bout that.)
• There are no commercial facilities at the preserve, i.e., no store, no ice, no sodas, etc. Bring what you need with you.
• We are responsible for cleaning up the cabins before we leave.

What to wear and bring
• Sturdy shoes, work gloves, water container to take to the work sites (additional water available)
• Snacks if you need any to help you make it to lunch time
• Sun protection (wide brim hat, loose clothing that covers limbs, sunscreen); the air is clear and the elevation is 8,400 ft, sun burn happens quickly.
• Long-sleeve shirt and pants (recommended)
• Rain gear and warmer clothing (Check the forecast – It is generally 15 degrees cooler!!! than Flagstaff.) [http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecast/MapClick.php?site=FGZ&llon=-112.433747&rlon=-111.171247&tlat=35.829584&blat=34.567084&smap=1&mp=0&map.x=137&map.y=98]
• Personal first aid kit
• Towels and toiletries
• Sleeping bag or linens – extra blankets available in the cabins
• Small cooler for your snacks/drinks and food for any meals not arranged by the group (Refrigerator in lodge kitchen will be used by our chefs.)
• Flashlight or head lamp is a must (not fun getting lost at night traversing between buildings)
• Cabins and bathrooms have lights but the Preserve's electricity is home made--solar and a generator-- so please use appliances sparingly (if not needed immediately-shut it off).
• Binoculars, Camera
• The Preserve provides eating utensils and dishes.

Cabin dwellers: Cabins have small heaters that work quite well
Bring sleeping bag and pillow or your own bedding (see cabin assignments for bed size). Keep all personal food items in a cooler or plastic bin to protect from small critter invasion. Keep doors closed.

Physical requirements to participate:
Moderate to hard work, lighter options likely availalble. Work elevation is just over 8,400 feet—a big change from the valley. Work at your own pace, think safety!
Meals
• Meals are a group effort. Dish washing duties are shared; please step up for a meal’s worth.
• BYOB
• Bring your own food for snacks during work and any additional meals you will need if you choose to arrive or leave outside the provided meal service period. (See arrival and departure options below.)
• There is a reasonably well equipped kitchen, and a gas grill out back.

Agenda
Friday - You may arrive any time after 1:00.
The kitchen will be open to you to make your dinner. You will be responsible for cleaning up after yourself. There may be room to store your food in the kitchen however, the group meal provisions have first dibbs on the limited refridgerator space. (See what to wear and bring above.)

FULL as of July 1, so sorry.

Contact me for a wait list position of you like.

This event was "iffy" pending TNC's funding situation, but it's a "GO."
Arrive sometime Friday PM, work all day Saturday (or till it rains) and Sunday AM, have the run of the place till Sunday evening.

The Northern AZ Cardiac Surgeon's Group bailed out on menu planning, so we'll try to be a little more heart healthy this year. It's probably more efficient for one or a small group to do the shopping and hauling for food but we'll rotate KP duty. Volunteers?

Beautiful here this weekend, warm, sunny, bright blue sky, green aspen coming out, grass and ground cover coming in strong.

Tiny view of Hart Prairie from top of Fern Mtn.

beckett · Joined: 14 Feb 2005 Posts: 1066

Sign me up for kitchen duty. I like to help out with the clean up...and I'll start the coffee in the morning. I loved the baked sweet potatoes last year with the steak...they were yummy! And I do remember some cinnamon rolls that were pretty yummy too. Let me know if you need any help shopping. I'll help where ever I can.
Linda
_________________
"A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out."

-- Walter Winchell, American newspaper commentator

oliverr99 · Joined: 04 Jul 2006 Posts: 632 Location: Glendale

mmmmm cinnamon rolls.....I forgot about those Embarassed

_________________
Anne
"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened" -- Dr. Seuss

wanderingsoul · Joined: 19 Jul 2004 Posts: 2285 Location: Gilbert AZ

Did you gals forget Shaws Awesome Brownies !!!! Oooh those were delicious. But then again all of it was. Shawn and Son outdid themselves last year. You all have a great time and hope nothing gets broke or injured this go around. Mr. Green

_________________
Wanderingsoul (Michelle)

Positive Thinking Is the Spark that Makes Dreams Happen~~~Unknown

oliverr99 · Joined: 04 Jul 2006 Posts: 632 Location: Glendale

Oh yeah, I forgot those too! Geez, I guess I will have to relive those entrees, bummer! Wink

_________________
Anne
"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened" -- Dr. Seuss

beckett · Joined: 14 Feb 2005 Posts: 1066

Looks like tibber, oliver99 and I will all be carpooling. We will be leaving the valley around 4 o'clock. Hopefully there isn't a storm on the drive up this year. I'm really looking forward to this!
Linda
_________________
"A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out."

-- Walter Winchell, American newspaper commentator

Hikngrl · Posted: 7/29/2009, 5:05 pm Post subject:

I am very much looking forward to this! I got my gloves and cowboy hat already to go! I am always willing to help with detail that needs to be handled in the kitchen or any where else. I am so walking out of there on my own to feet this year!!!
_________________
~~~Diane~~~

I want to shine!

chihiggs · Joined: 03 Jan 2003 Posts: 565 Location: Gilbert, AZ

I can help with clean-up and such as I am not much of a cook. Shawn, once again I do not need space for Cristina. I can share with someone. I will not request a spot for her until 2011; when she finishes school!! Very Happy

Gosh I am looking forward to a great weekend up there in the cool, working outside.
_________________
All our dreams come true if we have the courage to pursue them...Walt Disney

Shawn · Posted: 7/31/2009, 7:51 pm Post subject:

How about some volunteer menu planning here? You know what happens when I do it alone.

Here's a start:

Friday Dinner -- On your own

Saturday Breakfast
Cinnamon rolls
Granola
???
Fruit Bowl-melon, grapes, bananas (Angela)
Yogurt

Saturday lunch
Sandwiches
2-3 loaves various breads
Ham, Turkey, cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, mayo
Veggie tray (by?)
Chips, Salsa
Cookies, Brownies
4 Bean Salad (Angela)

Saturday Dinner
Steak by Todd!
baked potatoes
Salad, garlic bread
Ice Cream

Sunday Breakfast
Pancakes
Bacon
Fruit Bowl-melon, grapes, bananas ?

Sunday Lunch
Whatever’s left, if anything
_________________
The bear went over the mountain to see what he could see.

beckett · Joined: 14 Feb 2005 Posts: 1066

Sounds great! Do you think if we all chip in $30 like last year it will be enough to cover this great menu? I wish I could help with the shopping but it's the first week of school so I know I'll be swamped. Has anyone offered to help with the shopping yet?

Linda
_________________
"A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out."

-- Walter Winchell, American newspaper commentator

Shawn · Posted: 7/31/2009, 8:31 pm Post subject:

I think the $30 works.

Last year the menu was not all that healthy, so I'm hoping for some menu suggestions, and some help for one or two of the meals.
_________________
The bear went over the mountain to see what he could see.

Shawn · Posted: 7/31/2009, 9:15 pm Post subject:

Cabins:

Speak up if this causes any concern or rearrange on your own. Hopefully when the music stops everyone has a bed. I just plugged bodies into cabins and beds.

Cabin ; beds; Room capacity

Homestead; 4 single in 2 rooms; Tibber, jdahling, Beckett, Oliverr99

Butterfly; 2 queen; Hikngrl, GTG, Paint, Tom

Basalt; 2 beds; Higgs + 1

Columbine; 2 double; Jamie + 3

Bat Cave; 1; Shawn

Deer’s Ear; 2 single; Hnak, Randall
_________________
The bear went over the mountain to see what he could see.

Hikngrl · Posted: 7/31/2009, 9:53 pm Post subject:

Shawn, I will be glad to help with meal prep for any of the meals and can I suggest a veggie tray for lunches? The steaks sound wonderful for dinner. A big salad wouldn't be a bad thing to go with the steaks either. Some onion for the sandwhiches at lunch would be tasty. All of course just suggestions. I will want (and I am sure I wont be the only one) some flavored creamer for my coffee, should I just bring that up with me?
_________________
~~~Diane~~~

I want to shine!

Shawn · Posted: 8/1/2009, 6:12 am Post subject:

You all go ahead on the coffee stuff, I am not a coffee person so I'm leaving that to Linda and whoever.

I hear you on the steaks, so will consider that the vote and proceed accordingly. Thanks!
_________________
The bear went over the mountain to see what he could see.

beckett · Joined: 14 Feb 2005 Posts: 1066

I'll pick up the coffee...Diane would you pick up the creamer? That way you can bring the kind you like best. I already have the sugar covered too.

Linda
_________________
"A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out."

-- Walter Winchell, American newspaper commentator

oliverr99 · Joined: 04 Jul 2006 Posts: 632 Location: Glendale

This all sounds great to me. I'll bring the wine!! WOO HOO! I am getting excited. It will be nice to get out of the heat and relax a bit from first week of school. I promise, I will remember to bring my gloves, I hope!
_________________
Anne
"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened" -- Dr. Seuss