Keet Seel

Deborah · Joined: 06 Oct 2008 Posts: 297 Location: Tucson

I am still coming!
Laughing

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Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life. - Rachel Carson

beckett · Joined: 14 Feb 2005 Posts: 1066

I am definitely still coming!!! I can't wait! It will be my first backpacking trip!
Linda
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"A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out."

-- Walter Winchell, American newspaper commentator

Shawn · Posted: 5/2/2009, 7:23 am Post subject:

Wow, I hadn't been watching this very closely, you all are a crowd! Looks like fun!
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The bear went over the mountain to see what he could see.

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

Me and my two friends are still going! I can't wait!!
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Anne
"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened" -- Dr. Seuss

PageRob · Joined: 03 Mar 2005 Posts: 859 Location: Page, Az.

Hate to do this, but we're going to have to back out. My wife is concerned that we're not going to be ready for the rafting trip the next weekend, and I apparently have to work that weekend. Sorry guys, I was really looking forward to this!
Anne, we'll figure out the minuscule permit $ from GG at some other point I suppose.
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Anywhere is within walking distance if you spend the time.

thesuperstitions · Guest

Rob - Sorry that you can't make it. I was looking forward to meeting you and your wife. Next time...

We now have ONE slot open. I know, I know, Rob and his wife took two, but that made us one slot over the limit of 15. (Si na ti is not able to make this one either but hasn't de-registered).

Shawn, were interested in going on this trip? It'd be great to see you and hike with you.

azbackpackr · Posted: 5/5/2009, 10:01 am Post subject:

By the way, you guys, last time I went there, Park Service required each person carry in at least TWO full gallons of water. Since forecast was for dry, dry, dry, I insisted that my group members not carry tents because their packs were already much too heavy.

This resulted in some very amusing (to me) discussion amongst several of the women who had never slept under the stars before and were very scared to do so. I found this attitude and fear a bit appalling for people who were supposedly veteran hikers, but also amusing because one of the women insisted that everyone else sleep very close to her, in a circle around her. When I got up in the morning and walked by them, they were all cuddled up with each other!

Deborah · Joined: 06 Oct 2008 Posts: 297 Location: Tucson

Is there water at the campground or will I need to bring some up from Tucson?
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Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life. - Rachel Carson

azbackpackr · Posted: 5/5/2009, 12:25 pm Post subject:

There is water at the car campground.

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

Oh bummer Rob, I was hoping to see you and your wife again.
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Anne
"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened" -- Dr. Seuss

Trishness · Posted: 5/8/2009, 8:09 pm Post subject:

I also have to cancel due to staff shortages at work. Sad

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~~~Trish~~~

"Eastward the dawn rose, ridge behind ridge into the morning, and vanished out of eyesight into guess; it was no more than a glimmer blending with the hem of the sky, but it spoke to them, out of the memory and old tales, of the high and distant mountains." � J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of The Rings.

Deborah · Joined: 06 Oct 2008 Posts: 297 Location: Tucson

I see there are 8 spaces, I will check in with some of my SAHC friends and see if anyone wants to go along with me from Tucson.
Deborah
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Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life. - Rachel Carson

thesuperstitions · Guest

Deborah - there aren't really 8 spaces. There are 2. The permit has 15 slots. Here's the list :

* myself
* Anne - 3 people total
* Tom
* Tracy
* Deborah
* Beckett
* Sande J
* Michelle
* Hnak
* Shihiyea
* Randal Schulhauser

Cynhikr · Joined: 09 Jan 2003 Posts: 1197 Location: Tempe, AZ.

Food for thought.....
In the past I have met the Betatakin tour guide/ranger at the trail junction on my way out from Keet Seel and joined his/her group on the tour of Betatakin. That saves a bit of time and hiking vs. doing it from the top the following day. (Maybe squeeze in a trip to Monument Valley with the time saved)
A couple of times I checked with the staff at the visitor center prior to my trip to Keet Seel, but the last 2 times I merely asked the tour guide as they approached the trail junction. They seem genuinely pleased to add you to their gaggle.
One other hint... check the gate at the trailhead - it is often unlocked. If unlocked you can save the road walk by shuttling people & gear to the real T/H. Of course you'll need to take the vehicles back outside the gate before you start your hike and the drivers will still need to walk, but without a pack. Someone can also make the sacrifice on the way out by trying the same thing in reverse.
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"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."
---Benjamin Franklin

"I wonder what ole' Ben would've thought of the TSA and photo-radar?" -- cynhikr

thesuperstitions · Guest

Great points! When I went to Betatakin, we were allowed to park by the trailhead. Not sure if they let you do that for the overnighter to Keet Seel. I have to call this week to re-confirm our permit and will ask about it.

If we leave early, we'll beat the heat also. The forecast is for the mid-80s during the day and low 50s at night. The side-trip to Monument Valley was on my list also, and maybe Page, and maybe... Arghhh, just not enough time to do it ALL!!!!