The Dutchman Trail - All 18 Miles

Posted: 1/3/2010, 6:14 pm Post subject: The Dutchman Trail - All 18 Miles

The scheduling committee convened and picked Sunday, Feb. 21, as the time to repeat this Epic Adventure. We'll go from Perata to First Water, just like last time. While the route lacks lung-busting grades, it is long, with no bail out options, so give this some serious thought before committing.

We'll refine the start time as we get closer but plan on early. Any "car trick angels" out there who want to assist with the shuttle will be greatly appreciated, and if I survive trip, I'll buy your meal after the hike.

To participate at a more reasonable level, consider hiking in and joining us from First Water

http://www.hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=569

Shawn · Posted: 2/18/2010, 8:34 pm Post subject:

THE PLAN

Trish will be available to pick 5 hikers up at First Water and take them to Peralta, probably sometime around 3:30, give or take.

I'll have my vehicle there and will be able to take 4 in seats, five if someone wants to sit in the back with the packs, more if you want to sit on laps, back to Peralta when we finish.

Todd and Diane have themselves and smyers covered, so all the definites are covered, and maybe the tentatives.

Therefore, let's meet at Peralta at 6:00 AM for a pre-dawn-watch-the-sun-come-up-over-the-desert start!
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The bear went over the mountain to see what he could see.

Trishness · Posted: 2/18/2010, 9:00 pm Post subject:

The alt hikers think they'll be done between 2:00-2:30 and then I have to bring them back to their vehicles in Mesa at Crismon and the 60. So I''ll take them there and come back to FW to get the through hikers to get them back to Peralta which is why I'm thinking it'll be 3:30 PM when I get back to FW. Be patient...I'll get there.
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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.

SkyIslandHiker · Posted: 2/19/2010, 8:00 am Post subject:

As much as I've been looking forward to this hike, I think it would behoove me to get some rest this weekend as I've been fighting a sinus infection now for over a month. Finally went to the doc yesterday and he put me on a stong anti-biotic for the next ten days.
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Nighthiker · Joined: 05 Jan 2003 Posts: 1714

Lots of traffic on US 60 Eastbound due to the Rennie Festival. Traffic has been backed uped as far as Signal Butte. Westbound has lots of traffic as well. Have a good hike.

Shawn · Posted: 2/19/2010, 3:00 pm Post subject:

azhiker96 · Joined: 05 Jan 2003 Posts: 1419

Have fun and be careful. I'm working (recovery room) on Saturday and don't want to see any of you! Wink

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It is far better to grasp the Universe as it really is than to persist in delusion, however satisfying and reassuring. -- Carl Sagan

Trishness · Posted: 2/19/2010, 8:30 pm Post subject:

Great to see you George! I doubt you'll see any of us in the RR this weekend and hopefully not in the ER either

Mr. Green

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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.

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

Sorry I can't help with the car tricks this go around. You all have a Great day and Hike. It was just soo beautiful.

The way I figure it 20% chance of showers, I don't think you'll get rained on, but good to be prepared. and the 60's will be great hiking weather especially if it is sunny out. Hope the water is flowing for you all and maybe even some flowers?

Looks to be a great hike for you all.. have Fun!
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Wanderingsoul (Michelle)

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

Hikngrl · Posted: 2/20/2010, 10:12 am Post subject:

OK, it is looking like the camping thing tonight isn't gonna be such a good idea so we are gonna do the drive. We do intend to be at Peralta TH at 0600 though so we shall see you all in the AM! Still looking forward to this hike!!!! Come on sunshine!!!!
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~~~Diane~~~

I want to shine!

Shawn · Posted: 2/20/2010, 11:00 am Post subject:

I"m in too, Dave will be bringing me from FW. Gotta go find the umbrella.
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The bear went over the mountain to see what he could see.

Arizonaheat · Posted: 2/20/2010, 6:51 pm Post subject:

I was out their all day today, rain, hail, sun, wet, wet, wet, it was fantastic. Take your rain gear and your good to go. Might bump into you tomorrow.
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Our lives are not determined by what happens to us but by how we react to what happens, not by what life brings to us, but by the attitude we bring to life.

twooutbackers · Joined: 02 Feb 2010 Posts: 1

2/20
It looks like we are not going to be able to make it on your Superstitions Cross-Trek.
Sounds like a lot of FUN!!!!

Hope all have a great hike!

Twooutbackers

Shawn · Posted: 2/21/2010, 6:06 pm Post subject:

The objective was the full Dutchman's Trail #104. The group got off to a beautiful early start in the mist; the skies lightened and the mountains appeared draped in clouds. We were making good time across Barkley Basin, then started up towards Wiskey Pass. At the slick rock just short of the pass, the rain started in earnest. We geared up and kept going, as did the rain. At Bluff Springs we grouped up under a leaky tree and reconsidered. The sky was dark, the rain was heavy, we were soaked, some of us were getting pretty cold-not a good combination at these temps. Knowing full well that if we bailed the rain would stop, if we went on it would contine, the group decision was to head back to the TH via Bluff Springs trail. The rain came and went, came and went. The creeks were running fast and cold, and portions of the trail were running deep. We saw what looked like smoke in the drainage just east of William's Camp; looked like someone's campfire but it's unlikely there was enough dry material to burn. The head of Bark's Canyon was running white, very nice to see that much water in the desert. We had to pick carefully to cross some places, or get wet feet.

A great day in the wild, in spite of the rain and altered plans.
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The bear went over the mountain to see what he could see.

beckett · Joined: 14 Feb 2005 Posts: 1066

Sounds like a great adventure! And that you made some good decisions out there! Hope someone got some pictures. I couldn't believe how green it was on our hike today! Wonderful that the desert is getting rain it needs.
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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

desertgirl · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 3350 Location: Chandler, AZ

Looks like an adventure indeed .... Glad you all got out there nonetheless! Its always nice to see water in the Supes.... Very Happy

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