View Full Version : timh & friends 2012 Adventure thread!!!
I really like the idea of putting all of my years adventures into one ongoing thread. Obviously I can credit Vermejo for the idea. I do a lot of day trips, camping, dirtbiking, and more so it will be nice to have a place to just throw in a pic or two when I feel the need.
I was lucky enough to have the week between Christmas and New Years off this year again so I took advantage of the time and had non-stop fun!:victory:
Monday 12/26 after Christmas started off with a planned moto ride @ Sycamore Creek north of Phoenix. My buddy Gary was off that day only so we wanted to get a good ride in. It was a good day of riding but we quickly learned that Upper Sycamore is a rather popular shooting spot and soon decided that we didn't feel comfortable riding amongst the insane amount of shooters out there. We packed up about 11:30 and headed back to Tucson and were able to get some more riding in up into Charoleau Gap that afternoon. Unfortunately I didn't stop to get any pics that day.
Tuesday 12/27 was another day for the dirtbike. I met up with kenmoto and we spent the day riding singletrack in San Manuel. A great day of riding but yet again no pics.
Wednesday 12/28: I really needed a day to recoop after 2 hard days of riding so Cayce (a.mus.ed) picked me up and we headed north for the Picacho Mtns in his 80. For once I got to ride in the passenger seat and relax. Luckily this meant lots of pics!:wings: The morning started of great. As we were crossing over the CAP canal we spooked a decent size mule deer buck.
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/2011-2012%20New%20Years%20vacation/IMG_0909.jpg
Picacho Peak
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/2011-2012%20New%20Years%20vacation/IMG_0915.jpg
Saw an insane amount of jackrabbits that day.:Wow1:
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/2011-2012%20New%20Years%20vacation/IMG_0919.jpg
As we continued up a powerline road on the west side of the mountain range we came across a large herd of Wild Burros (about 20 of them). I have seen them in the wild before but never up close. We drove up slowly hoping to get a pic, much to our surprise when we stopped they all made a b-line right for the truck. I wasn't sure what to expect but it turns out that these animals were amazingly curious and friendly. They crowded around taking turns sticking their head in the windows of the truck and checking us out. Soon we got out and mingled with them for a bit. You couldn't make any sudden moves but if we were calm and slow they would come right up to us. The really young ones however stayed well away and behind mom. We wound up spending about a 1/2 hour with them and it was a really cool experience.
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/2011-2012%20New%20Years%20vacation/IMG_0933.jpg
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/2011-2012%20New%20Years%20vacation/IMG_0939.jpg
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After our Burro encounter we were excited to see that the rest of the day would hold. Here we are stopped taking a look at an old stagecoach stop and outpost.
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/2011-2012%20New%20Years%20vacation/CopyofIMG_0968.jpg
We had come across quite a few dead cows at this point, not sure what was killing them but most had been dead a while. One of them had a couple of Crested Caracara's (Mexican Eagle) picking away at it.
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/2011-2012%20New%20Years%20vacation/IMG_0974.jpg
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/2011-2012%20New%20Years%20vacation/IMG_0976.jpg
We made our way out into the very dry Picacho reservoir. They have been rebuilding the diversion dam on the Gila River for some time now so The Gila Canal that feeds the reservoir is bone dry. Certain times of the year there is 5-6ft of water where we are in these pics.
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/2011-2012%20New%20Years%20vacation/IMG_0984.jpg
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/2011-2012%20New%20Years%20vacation/IMG_0989.jpg
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/2011-2012%20New%20Years%20vacation/IMG_0994.jpg
Another dead cow. This one looked as if it had tried to cross the canal and had gotten stuck in the mud. This is deep in the inlet canal that fills the reservoir.
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/2011-2012%20New%20Years%20vacation/IMG_1001.jpg
We soon left the reservoir and got on the highway to head up the Florence to grab some lunch. We ate on the road and cruised over to the Diversion Dam to see how the work was progressing. It looks like they are almost done but it doesn't appear that they are going to allow access across the dam anymore. We found a spot to cross upstream as the river is barely a stream right now. The trail across the river were rather tight.
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/2011-2012%20New%20Years%20vacation/IMG_1006.jpg
After we crossed the river we headed back toward home. This turned out to be a really fun day.
more to come...
Thursday 12/29: I had a couple of friends that were off work this whole week also but Thursday was the one day everyone had something they had to do. I wasn't just going to sit at home and I damned sure wasn't going to do anything productive so I loaded up the dirtbike again and jumped on the highway. I parked southeast of Tucson and headed for the Whetstone Mtns on the bike. I had heard about an old abandoned cabin so I set out to find it. Not much time for picture taking but I did find the cabin and got one pic. The ride wound up being about a 50 mile round trip.
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/2011-2012%20New%20Years%20vacation/IMG_1010.jpg
Friday 12/30: I planned a one night camping trip to meet up with Brad (Tucson T4R), Erin, and Cayce @ Chimney Rock in Reddington Pass. I spent the morning helping Cayce get a rebuilt starter back in his rig so he could go. We got out to Chimney Rock around 1:30 and waited for everyone else to show up.
Pond on the way in to camp.
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/2011-2012%20New%20Years%20vacation/IMG_1015.jpg
Cayce and I sat atop Chimney Rock and got pics of Erin as he came in.
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/2011-2012%20New%20Years%20vacation/IMG_1026.jpg
Brad had been camping in Turkey Creek the previous 2 nights and had planned to come into Reddington Pass the back way. He didn't get into camp until 6:30 that night. Luckily his sweet new Kimberly Karavan is quick and easy to setup. I chose to sleep outside under the amazingly bright stars, and woke up covered in frost the next morning.
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/2011-2012%20New%20Years%20vacation/IMG_1042.jpg
A view of camp from the top of Chimney Rock.
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/2011-2012%20New%20Years%20vacation/IMG_1045.jpg
Packed up and heading back home on Saturday.
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/2011-2012%20New%20Years%20vacation/IMG_1053.jpg
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Sunday 01/01: We met up with a bunch of friends and did a run through Willow Springs and had lunch where the San Pedro River and Aravaipa Creek converge. Only 1 pic from the day since I have more pics than one can imagine from this area.
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/2011-2012%20New%20Years%20vacation/IMG_1068.jpg
Monday 01/02: One more day off, one last moto ride. Gary and I decided to ride through Box Canyon and to the Coke Ovens. About halfway through Box Canyon we rode up on a herd of Big Horn Sheep.
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/2011-2012%20New%20Years%20vacation/IMG_1073.jpg
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With the river being so low we were able to cross and make a big loop around the south end of the mountains.
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/2011-2012%20New%20Years%20vacation/IMG_1085.jpg
So that's how my 2011 ended and my 2012 began. Hopefully the rest of the year continues to be as much fun. Stay tuned for more in the coming weeks hopefully.
a.mus.ed
01-05-2012, 01:46 AM
The 28th was a great day, a little shy of 190 miles on the odo when I got home. I'd guess about 120 or so off pavement.
80531
80532
Tucson T4R
01-05-2012, 06:20 PM
Nice idea to keep a running thread as much as you get out and about. :victory:
Those Burros you ran into still amaze me. I can't believe they stuck their heads inside your window and you have the pics to prove it.
We had a good time meeting up with you guys at Chimney Rock. It was a great night for the stars. We didn't mean to roll in so late but it all worked out for an enjoyable outing.
Edit: Tim is right, the stars that night were amazing. After sleeping under these all night he woke up and just wondered around in circles for hours. :elkgrin:
http://bgarland.smugmug.com/Camping-Trips/Turkey-Creek-Chimney-Rock-2011/i-fdmmN6b/0/L/Chimney-Rock-2011-8-L.jpg
I have long talked about camping on every full moon of any given year just to say I did it. I decided that 2012 was going to be the year. Obviously it would be tough to camp on the exact night of the full moon so I figured that the weekend closest to it would have to suffice. This months full moon will be on Monday so I decided to camp out last night and enjoy the brightly lit desert. We always have our Friday night campfires here in NW Tucson and it's only 30min from my house so it seemed easy to just camp out there. We had a great turn out at the fire last night but my buddy Gary and I are the only 2 that decided to camp. Being a quick one nighter I decided it would be best to just sleep in the sand by the fire. We couldn't have asked for better weather and I slept like a baby. Got up about 8am this morning, packed up and got back home so I could get some work done around here today. Can't wait for next month!:victory:
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/2012%20Full%20Moon%20camping%20trips/IMG_1087.jpg
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/2012%20Full%20Moon%20camping%20trips/IMG_1088.jpg
Getting ready to leave camp this morning.
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/2012%20Full%20Moon%20camping%20trips/IMG_1093.jpg
dirty Bakers
01-08-2012, 10:50 PM
Go Tim go
Another good weekend in the books. Got out on the dirtbike yesterday with the guys and got in a nice aggressive singletrack ride in.
Today, my wife and I were lucky enough to get a sitter and spend the day riding together. I get out and ride quite a bit but she doesn't get to go as often so it was nice to get out, just her and I. We started out near the Old Tiger Mine site NE of Oracle. Our loop took us through the Black Hills Ranch and across to Willow Springs then back again. Weather was gloomy today but at least the rain held off until we were heading back home.
Looking south toward the Catalina Mtns. Still quite a bit of snow up there.
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/Misc%20riding/IMG_1095.jpg
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We stopped to play on this rock step in Grants Pass wash.
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Found a neat little waterfall and some mine shafts in a small dead end canyon.
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/Misc%20riding/IMG_1114.jpg
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Been doing quite a bit of riding lately but it looks like we might have a little break. Might be able to get back out in the truck again in the next couple of weeks!
PirateMcGee
01-17-2012, 03:07 AM
fantastic! Thanks for sharing!!
Idlehour
01-17-2012, 11:43 PM
Looks like fun! That mine entrance has some interesting stuff going on with the waterfall the erosion and the boulder.
"The return of the Wild Burros"
My mom was coming to town for a few days this past weekend so we were trying to decide on an adventure. My wife an daughter had not seen the burros the 1st time and my Mom liked the idea so a plan was set. Since we had all day I figured why not make a trip out. We got up pretty early and started out in Tortolita Mtns since they are close to home, the plan was to get up to the Picacho Mtns then on to Florence via dirt roads all the way.
1st light in the Tortolita's
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/Wild%20Burro%20Hunt%2001-28-12/IMG_1238.jpg
Sunrise
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/Wild%20Burro%20Hunt%2001-28-12/IMG_1244.jpg
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Owl Head Ranch Rd. looking to the north.
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/Wild%20Burro%20Hunt%2001-28-12/IMG_1248.jpg
Picacho Peak in the distance
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/Wild%20Burro%20Hunt%2001-28-12/IMG_1249.jpg
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/Wild%20Burro%20Hunt%2001-28-12/IMG_1253.jpg
Caught a shot of this hawk just a split second too late.
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/Wild%20Burro%20Hunt%2001-28-12/IMG_1258.jpg
Snack break
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/Wild%20Burro%20Hunt%2001-28-12/IMG_1261.jpg
The only place that 4x4 was engaged on this trip
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/Wild%20Burro%20Hunt%2001-28-12/IMG_1266.jpg
Saw the Mexican Eagles again, this time they were on the southern edge of the Picacho Mtns.
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/Wild%20Burro%20Hunt%2001-28-12/IMG_1270.jpg
Kiley's 1st driving lesson, the road opened up and went through some large open dirt areas so it was fun to let her try to keep it on the track. I don't think we got over 5mph...:ylsmoke:
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/Wild%20Burro%20Hunt%2001-28-12/IMG_1280.jpg
We spent quite a while driving all over the area I had last seen the burro's. There was sign everywhere of their presence but no burros. After we had given up we started to head north again, low and behold there they were about 100 yards off the side of the road hanging out in the shade. I had done some research on burro's since the last time I saw them and found out that it is not only accepted but encouraged to feed them. Because of this information and their prior friendliness I brought a couple of bags of carrots along with us. I found out that feeding them probably isn't the best idea, they don't have any problem being pushy either and you may soon find yourself surrounded by 20 hungry burros. Even when we dumped all the carrots out and backed away they persisted in following and nudging us. Either way it was fun seeing and interacting with them again. I hope to find them again in the future.
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/Wild%20Burro%20Hunt%2001-28-12/IMG_1290.jpg
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We piled back in the truck, hit the road, and almost immediately spotted this Grey Fox hanging out next to his den. He was kind enough to let us snap a few pics before disappearing into the hole.
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/Wild%20Burro%20Hunt%2001-28-12/IMG_1299.jpg
I gently sat down about 3o yards from his den and patiently waited hoping he would get curious and come back out once it was quiet again. I looked back toward the truck and realized I was being watched.
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/Wild%20Burro%20Hunt%2001-28-12/IMG_1303.jpg
Crossing over the bone dry Gila Canal.
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/Wild%20Burro%20Hunt%2001-28-12/IMG_1304.jpg
One last hawk shot for the day, my wife snapped this while we were moving. I love the eyes.
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/Wild%20Burro%20Hunt%2001-28-12/IMG_1306.jpg
a.mus.ed
02-01-2012, 02:26 AM
Nice! We're going to have to name them.
Nice! We're going to have to name them.
I was thinking the same thing. I recognized many of them from the last time. The one with the dark face (the one you were leaning on the 1st time) was the pushiest out of all of them. He followed us all the way back from the truck and would nudge our backs as we were walking.
Maybe I should start giving Wild Burro tours...:)
a.mus.ed
02-05-2012, 10:40 PM
I hiked up Picacho Peak yesterday, which gave me an incredible view of the exact area you keep finding these guys. I got a nice panorama shot, I'll upload it here when I take the time to get it off my phone.
Scott Brady
02-05-2012, 11:46 PM
Awesome photo. I love doing that with my little nephews. So fun
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/Wild%20Burro%20Hunt%2001-28-12/IMG_1280.jpg
I hiked up Picacho Peak yesterday, which gave me an incredible view of the exact area you keep finding these guys. I got a nice panorama shot, I'll upload it here when I take the time to get it off my phone.
How is that hike, I have never done it.
"Moto Misadventures"
I had been planning this ride for quite some time. Our goal was to ride from Mammoth, AZ, across Rug Rd to Turkey Creek and back in a day. I have driven Rug Rd. before and remembered it being extremely rocky but I figured it would be easier on a bike. This would be my first mistake...
The "Home Alone" saguaro.
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/Mammoth%20to%20Wilcox%202012/IMG_1309.jpg
My buddy Gary and I drove up to Copper Creek rd. Friday night to camp where we would be meeting up with everyone else Saturday morning. This camping trip would also count as our February full moon camp. I know the full moon isnt until tomorrow night but I can't camp during the week.
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/Mammoth%20to%20Wilcox%202012/IMG_1312.jpg
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The five of us hit the trail at 9am the next morning. We take a quick break before descending carpet hill.
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/Mammoth%20to%20Wilcox%202012/IMG_1322.jpg
The high point of the ride.
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A few of the loose shale hills that we had climbed were grueling and tough to keep moving, but two of the hills that we descended were far worse. We began descussing exactly how we planned to attack the hills on the way back. We soon realized that we were going to potentially run out of daylight if we waste any time. I had been telling the guys that I have heard of others riding all the way to Wilcox and looping around to the San Pedro Valley to get back to Mammoth, and doing this all in one day.
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/Mammoth%20to%20Wilcox%202012/IMG_1328.jpg
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Turkey Creek at last. By now everyone had had their fill of rocks, this Wilcox idea started to become a possibility. We couldn't remember how far it was but I hadn't driven it before and it seemed like it wuld be doable. Two of the five of us only had stock tanks but we had a couple of soda bottles of fuel. Everyone agreed and we started toward Wilcox. After riding quite a few miles out of the canyon we came into Klondyke where we found the sign that said 61 miles to Wilcox.:Wow1: Uh oh, were committed now, better to run out of fuel on a highway than the middle of nowhere.
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/Mammoth%20to%20Wilcox%202012/IMG_1340.jpg
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We had also geared the bikes down for the rocks so our cruising speed, without being too high in the rpm's, was only about 45. When my friend Curtis finally ran out of fuel about 20 miles outside of Wilcox we pulled off the road. Not 1 minute after doing so a really nice fella pulled up and asked if we were lost, we told him about our situation and he he kindly offered up some gas that he happened to have in the back of his truck. He says to us "it's 98 octane, I hope thats OK." :victory: We press on and arrive at the truckstop in Wilcox at 4:00, greatly regretting our decision. We weighed our options, 80-100 miles of boring dirtroad in which will be mostly after dark and freezing, or hotel and ride back the next day. We had settled on a hotel when Curtis started making some phone calls. Unbelievably he found a friend that was willing to come down and pick us up that night, and drive us all the way up to Mammoth to our trucks. We hopped across I-10 and settled in at the local Pizza Hut. We relaxed enjoying some cold beers and wings until Mark arrived around 9pm. After loading up the bikes and making the journey back to Mammoth I finally got back home at 12:30 Sunday morning.
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/Mammoth%20to%20Wilcox%202012/IMG_1353.jpg
I couldn't have asked for a better group of guys to have ridden with. They all rolled with the punches and had a great time where many people would have whined and complained. This one will provide some good stories for future campfires.:ylsmoke:
a.mus.ed
02-10-2012, 02:47 AM
How is that hike, I have never done it.
Well, first you hike three quarters of the way up the peak. It's steep, slow, and exhausting. Then, you turn a corner and see the trail get steeper - in the wrong direction. You lose all the elevation you gained, and then climb it all again to get to the top. Then you do it again in reverse. And then you go to dairy queen.
VDBAZFJ
02-10-2012, 02:56 AM
Tim...Cool bike ride!
Would love to go see those burros someday.
Shelley and I did Picacho several years ago. Very cool. And yes I remember it being steep. The cables were a little weird but I'm glad they were there! We were so hot after that hike. It was too late in the spring to do it but... We ended up at Cracker Barrel drinking sweet tea as fast as they could bring it! :)
I definitely want to get everyone together for a burro run soon. This past trip, my mom was in town so we just took her out on a solo run (she likes the solitude.)
I figured I probably ought to update this thread. Haven't had any big adventures lately. We decided to take it a little easy with gas prices the way there are for right now. I have also been riding my dirtbike quite a bit. Since the Tortolita Mtns are only 1/2 hour from my house and we have yet to explore all of them we decided to dedicate some time to the area.
Gary on a Black Hills Ranch ride a couple of weekend ago.
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/IMG_0087.jpg
Me, riding Derrio Canyon last week.
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/IMG_0103.jpg
Chris on one of the waterfalls in Derrio Canyon.
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/IMG_0115.jpg
Gary and I headed out to camp somewhere in the Tortolita's for a sort of impromptu overnighter just this last weekend.
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/IMG_1367.jpg
Near Owlhead Butte.
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/IMG_1369.jpg
Some of the dirtbike pics aren't as high quality as most of my others. I finally went out and bought a cheap Canon point and shoot for keeping in the camelback. Much easier and safer to carry than my nice camera!
Tucson T4R
03-01-2012, 02:20 AM
And they look just fine Tim. :wings: Thanks for the update. We need to plan a burro photo hunt. :elkgrin:
elmo_4_vt
03-01-2012, 02:37 AM
Awesome... Thanks for keeping it up to date. Wish I could get out half as much as you do.
Don
-
And they look just fine Tim. :wings: Thanks for the update. We need to plan a burro photo hunt. :elkgrin:
Yes we do. I have a few people that would like to go see them. I thought about doing a run soon.
Sent from my SCH-M828C using Tapatalk
This was an action filled weekend. Gary and I headed up to San Manuel Friday night to campout so we could watch the Copper Classic enduro race on Saturday. Here are some pics of camp and a few of the hundreds of shots I got of the riders.
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/2012%20San%20Manuel%20Copper%20Classic%20moto%20ra ce/IMG_1433.jpg
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/2012%20San%20Manuel%20Copper%20Classic%20moto%20ra ce/IMG_1450.jpg
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/2012%20San%20Manuel%20Copper%20Classic%20moto%20ra ce/IMG_1477.jpg
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/2012%20San%20Manuel%20Copper%20Classic%20moto%20ra ce/IMG_1508.jpg
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/2012%20San%20Manuel%20Copper%20Classic%20moto%20ra ce/IMG_1536.jpg
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/2012%20San%20Manuel%20Copper%20Classic%20moto%20ra ce/IMG_1544.jpg
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/2012%20San%20Manuel%20Copper%20Classic%20moto%20ra ce/IMG_1554.jpg
We had an RC crawling comp scheduled for today. When we got to the comp site out at Willow Springs this is what we found.
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/IMG_1564.jpg
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/IMG_1572.jpg
Needless to say, we had to cancel the comp, but least it was a rare and beautiful drive for Southern AZ!
My daughter got to spend all of last week in San Diego with her grandmother so my wife and I took advantage of our temporary freedom and headed out to Willow Springs this past Friday night to campout.
Sunset from camp
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/miscellaneous/IMG_1590.jpg
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/miscellaneous/IMG_1594.jpg
Early Saturday morning. The weather couldn't have been nicer for sleeping out under the stars.
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/miscellaneous/IMG_1600.jpg
We had to come back home Saturday so we could head to Yuma Sunday morning to pick up Kiley. On our way out we found a new set of chicks and the mother owl in the nest we always check when we are up that way.
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/miscellaneous/IMG_1613.jpg
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/miscellaneous/IMG_1620.jpg
Planning on our annual Easter campout in San Rafael valley south of Patagonia next weekend so I should have some good pics after then!:victory:
photoman
04-02-2012, 11:06 PM
Let me know about the burro hunt. Between them and the Coati Brad posted I need to spend some time South of the valley.
Let me know about the burro hunt. Between them and the Coati Brad posted I need to spend some time South of the valley.
I have one planned for 04/18. It's posted in our community forum, you're welcome to join us.
Coati are really cool to see, I got into a troop of them in the Chiracahua's a couple of years ago and was able to get some really good photos and video of them from only about 10ft away.
photoman
04-03-2012, 04:19 AM
I have one planned for 04/18. It's posted in our community forum, you're welcome to join us.
Coati are really cool to see, I got into a troop of them in the Chiracahua's a couple of years ago and was able to get some really good photos and video of them from only about 10ft away.
That's a Wednesday. :( I am a M-F work schedule.
That's a Wednesday. :( I am a M-F work schedule.
I have no idea where I got the 18th from???:oops: Its the 21st.
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/group.php?discussionid=99&do=discuss
Every year for Easter weekend we get together with a bunch of friends and camp out in San Rafael valley southeast of Patagonia. This year was fantastic, we had a great turnout and had tons of fun.
Camp under a full moon Friday night.
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/Easter%20campout%202012/IMG_1631.jpg
Sunrise Saturday morning.
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/Easter%20campout%202012/IMG_1635.jpg
Wild Turkey
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/Easter%20campout%202012/IMG_1636.jpg
We did a little skeet shooting on Saturday. Notice the exploded clay target in the background.
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/Easter%20campout%202012/IMG_1640.jpg
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/Easter%20campout%202012/IMG_1656.jpg
Dinner Saturday evening.
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/Easter%20campout%202012/IMG_1658.jpg
Everyone packed up and headed home Sunday afternoon. My buddy Gary and I both had Monday off so I packed some stuff in his Jeep, swapped my trailer over, and my wife headed back home. We then made our way to to Cienega Creek north of Sonoita for a change of scenery on Sunday night.
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/Easter%20campout%202012/IMG_1670.jpg
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/Easter%20campout%202012/IMG_1674.jpg
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/Easter%20campout%202012/IMG_1680.jpg
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/Easter%20campout%202012/IMG_1681.jpg
The area where we camped was one of the creepiest camps I have ever had. The ground was covered in dead leaves, even a mouse sounded HUGE when moving though them. There was a large broken tree leaning against another that made an ominous creaking sound with the slightest breeze. When we would shine our flashlights out across the ground you could see thousands of spider eyes glowing back at you. We were also visited by possums all night long, they weren't very bothered by our the campfire or our talking. Luckily I had my cot, Gary had to tough it out on the ground...:Wow1:
Look closely, there's something in the tree's...:yikes:
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/Easter%20campout%202012/IMG_1687.jpg
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/Easter%20campout%202012/IMG_1693.jpg
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/Easter%20campout%202012/IMG_1697.jpg
We got up Monday morning and explored the creek a bit, then headed north back to Tucson. The two track on the way out was covered in fresh footprints all heading north. We stopped at a windmill for a break and found wet pee spots on the ground...hmmm. Never saw them though.
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/Easter%20campout%202012/IMG_1699.jpg
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/Easter%20campout%202012/IMG_1701.jpg
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/Easter%20campout%202012/IMG_1702.jpg
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/Easter%20campout%202012/IMG_1703.jpg
1leglance
04-13-2012, 08:54 PM
Great write and just 1 more reason why I need to get south of Phoenix more often.
Thanks for updating this thread with the short trips!
I spent this past weekend up in the Bradshaw Mountains outside of Mayer riding dirtbikes with a few friends. We had a great time.
Camp
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/Mayer%20moto%20ride%20May%202012/IMG_1722.jpg
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/Mayer%20moto%20ride%20May%202012/IMG_0259.jpg
Getting around some fallen trees on the trail. Most of us didn't have any issues. This is Broc, he's only 11 but he held is own really well.
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/Mayer%20moto%20ride%20May%202012/IMG_0262.jpg
Arrastra Creek next to camp.
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/Mayer%20moto%20ride%20May%202012/IMG_1730.jpg
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/Mayer%20moto%20ride%20May%202012/IMG_1732.jpg
Sunday morning we decided to head over to Crown King to get breakfast.
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/Mayer%20moto%20ride%20May%202012/IMG_0263.jpg
ME!!!
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/Mayer%20moto%20ride%20May%202012/IMG_0266.jpg
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/Mayer%20moto%20ride%20May%202012/IMG_0265.jpg
We ate breakfast at the Saloon. A few miles out of town on our way back to camp I came over a crest in the road and came face to face with a BIG black bear. He ran down the road in front of me quite a ways before heading off up the hill. I tried to get my small point and shoot out of my pocket before he was out of site bit I dropped it and broke it before I could get the shot...:(
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/Mayer%20moto%20ride%20May%202012/IMG_0268.jpg
Turns out Crown King had to be evacuated Sunday afternoon after we left. A electrical fire in a cabin started a forest fire a few miles from the town, we could see the smoke when we were coming back down I-17. We'll keep out fingers crossed that the town doesn't suffer any damage.
I spent last Friday night out at our campfire(don't worry, we didn't have a fire) spot just outside of Tucson here with a couple fellow expo'ers. We enjoyed the full moon and the beautiful weather. I got up early in the morning before everyone else and headed out for a small hike. While sitting atop a rocky overlook as heard an animal call, my first thought was a bobcat or mountain lion. To my surprise it was a Grey Fox, I had no idea they made a noise like this. I guess he didn't like me being on his turf...:Wow1:
click to see video
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/2012%20Full%20Moon%20camping%20trips/th_MVI_1852.jpg (http://s687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/2012%20Full%20Moon%20camping%20trips/?action=view¤t=MVI_1852.mp4)
Tucson T4R
06-05-2012, 01:10 PM
Nice catch getting the guy on video Tim. Pretty cool. :wings:
shortbus4x4
06-05-2012, 01:43 PM
Looked like he was telling you to go away. Foxes can make some weird noises, especially when there are a couple of them playing together.
I don't know if he was making that noise toward me the first time I heard it. I had been sitting quietly for a while when he did it the first time, I finally spotted him a few minutes later and he didn't look like he knew I was there. He wandered off behind a rocky outcropping and I wanted to get a photo op so I snuck down to the outcropping hoping to spot him on the other side. When I got there I had to jump a little bit of a gap to get on the best overlook rock. Turns out he was only about 20ft the other side of that rock, when he saw me he shot off like a rocket to about 75 yards away and jumped on that big rock then started making that noise at me. It was pretty entertaining.
Spent this past weekend camping and paddling the Gila River. Gary, Cayce(a.mus.ed), David, and myself left Friday evening and drove up to Cochran to set up camp along the Gila River.
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/Gila%20River%20paddling%20trip%20June%202012/IMG_1877.jpg
The next morning we all piled in David's 4runner and drove the 30 mile trip(all dirt roads:victory:) to get 12 miles up stream. We put-in here at Kelvin.
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/Gila%20River%20paddling%20trip%20June%202012/IMG_0271.jpg
The river flow was really low but we still had a good time. We were on the water almost six hours before arriving back at camp.
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/Gila%20River%20paddling%20trip%20June%202012/IMG_0282.jpg
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/Gila%20River%20paddling%20trip%20June%202012/IMG_0290.jpg
This owl took off from the bank but hesitated when it saw us and lost his momentum. He plopped down in the water and floated a short ways with us. He didn't struggle at all, he just waited for the next log to hop up onto and he was fine.
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/Gila%20River%20paddling%20trip%20June%202012/IMG_0287.jpg
We also stayed and camped Saturday night. The temps at camp couldn't have been nicer, especially at night. We really enjoyed sitting on the bank after sunset and watching thousands of bats feast on the bugs over the river. Got up Sunday morning and meandered back home. Excellent trip!!!!!
VDBAZFJ
06-14-2012, 12:16 AM
Cool! Looks like fun, Tim!
a.mus.ed
06-14-2012, 02:30 AM
I like that you captured Gary sawing into that oar in the second picture. David's wife had packed some of the stuff for him on the trip. The phone call on the way home went something like this:
David: Hi honey! Hey, could you go out in the garage?
Wifey: Okay, what do you need?
David: Just grab the other oar and put the pieces together.
Wifey: Okay, why? [pause] ...oh...sorry!
Pretty impressive MacGyver work Gary pulled off getting the two mis-matched pieces to work together.
I like that you captured Gary sawing into that oar in the second picture. David's wife had packed some of the stuff for him on the trip. The phone call on the way home went something like this:
David: Hi honey! Hey, could you go out in the garage?
Wifey: Okay, what do you need?
David: Just grab the other oar and put the pieces together.
Wifey: Okay, why? [pause] ...oh...sorry!
Pretty impressive MacGyver work Gary pulled off getting the two mis-matched pieces to work together.
That's Gary's thing...he fixes things with minimal supplies or tools. Its hard to beleive some of the fixes I have seen him come up with in the middle of nowhere.
My brother, my buddy Gary, and myself decided to head up to the Gila River the night of the 3rd to campout and do some fishing. We left after work on Tuesday and got to the river at around 7:30pm only to find our spot occupied and a dry river... >:(
Sunset on Cochran Rd.
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/Gila%20River%20fishing%20trip%20July%204th%202012/IMG_1953.jpg
We did some exploring and found another spot that was even better. On the way in we were spotlighting the cliffs and saw three ringtail cats. I tried like hell but couldn't get any good pics of them.
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/Gila%20River%20fishing%20trip%20July%204th%202012/IMG_1957.jpg
There was actually a few pools of water. We tested this one out and had a cat on the line within 2 minutes so we stayed and fished this hole all night with good luck.
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/Gila%20River%20fishing%20trip%20July%204th%202012/IMG_1963.jpg
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/Gila%20River%20fishing%20trip%20July%204th%202012/IMG_1974.jpg
Wednesday morning we wandered downstream and found another pool to try out...no luck here. We did scare a coyote pup out bushed along the way though.
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/Gila%20River%20fishing%20trip%20July%204th%202012/IMG_1977.jpg
Our campsite on the dry river bank.
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/Gila%20River%20fishing%20trip%20July%204th%202012/IMG_1982-1.jpg
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/Gila%20River%20fishing%20trip%20July%204th%202012/IMG_1984.jpg
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/Gila%20River%20fishing%20trip%20July%204th%202012/IMG_1985.jpg
Explored some offshoots on the way back out.
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/Gila%20River%20fishing%20trip%20July%204th%202012/IMG_1990-1.jpg
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/Gila%20River%20fishing%20trip%20July%204th%202012/IMG_1992.jpg
Weather got more ominous on the way home.
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/Gila%20River%20fishing%20trip%20July%204th%202012/IMG_1997-1.jpg
We ran into some massive storms coming back into town. We stopped at the CDO wash and watched the water start to flood the road.
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/Gila%20River%20fishing%20trip%20July%204th%202012/IMG_2006-1.jpg
Less than 10 minutes later.
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/Gila%20River%20fishing%20trip%20July%204th%202012/IMG_2012-1.jpg
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/timhelzer/Gila%20River%20fishing%20trip%20July%204th%202012/IMG_2015.jpg
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