Mural Hill

HIKE TO MURAL HILL
Join the Muleteam this Saturday from Old Bisbee to the edge of the high flat-top mountain best seen from the traffic circle. This trail of desert path and unused dirt road is a mostly uphill walk with a short, steep scramble to the top and thorny in places. It's about 7 miles total with a wonderful view from the crest. Bring water and lunch. Back mid-afternoon. Meet Jan 5 at 9am by the Old Bisbee courthouse fountain to start the hike. Free. For more details contact Larry at sunstudio@cableone.net or 224-4951.

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BACKTRACK - Joe's Canyon
The hike today to Joe's canyon to be led by Joe was postponed due to an accumulation of white stuff falling from the sky. Instead three brave souls of dubious intelligence hiked the city trail. While cold the views were awesome. -Joe

And one hiker showed up at Joe's Canyon, and she hiked to the ridge and back.



SIDETRACK - Photo reminder
Muleteam photos starting from 2000 are at muleteam.shutterfly.com. You can add your own hike photos to the page by joining shutterfly with your email address. Pretty easy.



CALENDAR - Jan 12 needs a hike NOW!...Anyone?
Note the changes: one hike was cancelled and one shifted.

Jan 12 - ??????
Jan 19 - Parker Lake & wine tasting with John W
Jan 26 - Little Boquillas ranch with Sandy & Ken
Feb 2 - ?
Feb 9 - Oversite or Ida Canyon in the Huachucas with Brad
Feb 16 - Cochise Stronghold in the Dragoons with Molly & Sandy
Feb 23 - ?
....

Thanks for hiking with me,
Larry

____________

Joe's Canyon

HIKE JOE'S CANYON TRAIL
Join the Muleteam this Saturday to hike from the Coronado Visitor Center through a very scenic valley in the Huachuca Mountains to Coronado Peak for a view of Mexico. This is a continuous uphill trail returning down the same way for a total of about 6.5 miles. Bring water and lunch but no dogs. Back mid-afternoon. Meet Dec 29 at 9am by the Old Bisbee courthouse fountain to carpool. Free, but gas donation is appreciated. For more details contact Joe at Joseph@rekindleyoursoul.com or 320-282-8857.

Optional meeting place is Coronado Visitor Center parking lot about 9:30.
If it works out with carpooling there could be a separate optional hike to the Mexican border.

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BACKTRACK - the Cross
Twenty-one hikers and five dogs gathered for this year's almost Christmas hike to the cross. A more beautiful day could not have been ordered! At the top, Larry took our weekly photo, setting up the timer and running as fast as possible, without tripping, to join us in the picture. We took our time at the cross breathing in the beautiful surroundings and enjoying the camaraderie of our fellow hikers. Some folks detoured down the hill on a lesser known path both steep and rocky to take in the Martin Luther shrine, but we were all reunited at the trailhead. Many of us re-grouped at High Desert and enjoyed a delicious lunch and good conversation. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Feliz Navidad, Joyeaux Noel, Frohliche Weihnachten - Wishing all a Happy Holiday! Thanks, Larry for keeping the Muleteam happening:) -Jan

Cool group photo below and one more is at muleteam.shutterfly.com.



CALENDAR - Feb 2 or 9? Anyone?
Jan 5 - Mural Hill in the Mule Mtns with Larry
Jan 12 - Parker Lake & wine tasting with John W
Jan 19 - Florida Canyon trail in Mt Wrightson wilderness with Steve
Jan 26 - Little Boquillas ranch with Sandy & Ken
Feb 2 - ?
Feb 9 - ?
Feb 16 - Cochise Stronghold in the Dragoons with Molly & Sandy
Feb 23 - ?
....

Thanks for hiking with me,
Larry

____________

Bisbee Cross

ALMOST CHRISTMAS EVE HIKE
You are all welcome to join the Muleteam on Saturday, Dec 22 for a short hike to the Cross above Old Bisbee. This is a local hike and mostly easy (except the short ascent to the Cross) with the very best views of Bisbee. Meet 9am by the Old Bisbee courthouse fountain to begin the hike. Bring water. We'll be back to High Desert by midday for those who want to have lunch or who have afternoon plans. Contact Jan at bolduc03@aol.com or 704-299-6614.

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BACKTRACK - Zacatecas/potluck
The Zacatecas hike had 21 people on a cool cloudy day. When we reached the area that recently burned Charlie & Marty turned back to attend to the potluck at their house later. Others joined the potluck, and about 30 of us enjoyed the good food and company of old & new friends. Thanks to our hosts for this annual pre-holiday event.  -Larry

Susan took the photo below of most of the group, and more are at muleteam.shutterfly.com.



CALENDAR
Dec 29 - Joe's Canyon in the Huachucas with Joe
Jan 5 - Mural Hill in the Mule Mtns with Larry
Jan 12 - Parker Lake & wine tasting with John W
Jan 19 - Florida Canyon trail in Mt Wrightson wilderness with Steve
Jan 26 - Little Boquillas ranch with Sandy & Ken
Feb 2 - ?
Feb 9 - Cochise Stronghold in the Dragoons with Molly & Sandy
Feb 16 - ?
....

Thanks for hiking with me,
Larry

____________

Zacatecas potluck

ZACATECAS HIKE & POTLUCK
Join the Muleteam this Saturday for a hike along Zacatecas Canyon and into the Mule Mountains with views of town and the recent burned area. Loop trail is about 3 total miles with some uphill areas and rough footing. Bring water and a dish to share for an optional potluck lunch after the hike. Back early afternoon. Meet Dec 15 at 9am by the Old Bisbee courthouse fountain to carpool. Free. For more details contact Charlie at charles.winters@oneonta.edu or 607-435-5041.

More Details...
Meet at the fountain to carpool or go directly to Charlie & Marty's house to drop off potluck dishes and begin the hike. The address is 232 Brewery Gulch. For those who may want to come to the potluck only, the hikers should be returning about 11am. Bring a friend.

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BACKTRACK - Mt Ballard
Eight hikers and two dogs began the hike on a cold morning of mostly blue skies but where a lot of low clouds hovered around higher peaks. No clouds were low enough to cover our destination, but our views from the top looked down on high ground that was obscured in some directions by clouds. This demonstrates that clouds can be kept in existence by other conditions than elevation alone. Temperatures warmed up by the time we had our lunch, to where only a little added clothing made us comfortable enough that lunch was not at all a hurried affair. Our break was brightened by some scintillating conversation about, among other topics, details of Homer's Iliad and observances of Hanukkah in the United States. On the way back down, some of the steeper sections of the trail descending just below the top of the highest ridge on its north side, were muddy enough to make the trail slippery enough to be tricky where damp dirt and large rocks were mixed in sequence. No one was in a mood to get organized into a side party to Fissure Peak, so everyone arrived back at the trailhead within a few minutes of each other around 1:30 PM, making for a total time of about 4 hours including lunch. This is somewhat less time than easier hikes we do of twice the length but a lot less elevation change. Partly what makes this hike a lot more challenging for hikers who believe only how little time a hike of such short length should take, is that difficulty depends at least as much on steepness of climb as on distance alone.   - Brad

Larry took the group photo below and more at muleteam.shutterfly.com.
Elizabeth took a 360˚ photo at this link - rebrand.ly/MtBallard



CALENDAR
Dec 22 - Hike to the Cross above Bisbee with Jan
Dec 29 - Joe's Canyon in the Huachucas with Joe
Jan 5 - Mural Hill in the Mule Mtns with Larry
Jan 12 - Parker Lake & wine tasting with John W
Jan 19 - Florida Canyon trail in Mt Wrightson wilderness with Steve
Jan 26 - Little Boquillas ranch with Sandy & Ken
Feb 2 - ?
....

Thanks for hiking with me,
Larry

____________

Mt Ballard

MULETEAM ASCENDS MOUNT BALLARD
Join the Muleteam this Saturday to hike to the highest point in the Mule Mountains, west of the 'divide' with unusual views over long distances. This is a natural path with several steep sections-- about 3.4 miles total. Side trip to Fissure Peak possible. Bring water and lunch. Back early afternoon. Meet Dec 8 at 9am by the Old Bisbee courthouse fountain to carpool. Free. For more details contact Brad at bradward.j3@juno.com or call 432-2476.

Comments from Brad
There is some divergence of opinion about which access to use to reach the trail from where we will be parking at the top of the Divide Road above the tunnel. The approach used last year along much easier terrain, may be blocked off by more fencing-- to be determined on a planned scout a few days before the hike. 
If still as unobstructed as it was last year, this access is preferred, though access leaving from the remains of the old Banning Stage Road at the other end of the parking area, is considered by one hiker to be best because it avoids both old and new fencing. This leader is skeptical because of the extremely steep, confined (at the end of fencing), loose, and minimally marked terrain possible along this access as it climbs up the hillside to reach the better-defined trail.  
Brad most likely will not be at the head of the hike and those well ahead of him will take the risk of taking a wrong turn for which he will not be responsible, and getting the group going in the wrong direction. Any side hike off to Fissure Peak will need to be organized separately during the hike, and Brad can't be responsible for making sure they have returned safely. This precaution is based on what happened last year, when those going to Fissure got back over an hour or so later than the rest of us-- approaching dusk.

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BACKTRACK - Garden Canyon
A nice sunny day for the 9 hikers and three dogs who made the trip. The hike started at least a half mile lower in the Canyon than in the past to get a closer look at the remaining fall colors. The stream along the Road had ample water adding to the scenery. Despite the lower start, most of the hikers wanted to lunch at the Crest Trail making for a long hike. However, the lunch spot was delightful as usual. -John B

What with one thing and another, we never got a photo of the whole nine-person group yesterday. With apologies to Gary, Gretchen and Brad, who were already gone, here is a post-hike 360 photo. -Elizabeth  rebrand.ly/Garden-Canyon



SIDETRACK - Shirt Deadline
The final order for Muleteam denim shirts will be placed tomorrow, Monday, Dec 3.
See details from the link below, and place your order by email or phone/text 520-224-4951.
Muleteam shirts are only offered every few years. They are no longer available online.
For shirt photos and more details see the post at http://muleteam.blogspot.com/2018/11/muleteam-shirts.html.

CALENDAR
Dec 15 - Zacatecas hike & potluck with Charlie & Marty
Dec 22 - Hike to the Cross above Bisbee with Jan
Dec 29 - Joe's Canyon in the Huachucas with Joe
Jan 5 - Mural Hill in the Mule Mtns with Larry
Jan 12 - Parker Lake & wine tasting with John W
Jan 19 - ?
Jan 26 - Little Boquillas ranch with Sandy & Ken
Feb 2 - ?
....

Thanks for hiking with me,
Larry

____________

Garden Canyon

HIKE IN GARDEN CANYON
Join the Muleteam this Saturday for a hike on Fort Huachuca in the Huachuca Mountains starting in Garden Canyon and going up to Sawmill Canyon. This is a higher elevation hike and mostly uphill on primitive roads with pine woods and creek scenery. The hike will be about 6 miles roundtrip. Bring water and lunch. Back mid-afternoon. Meet Dec 1 at 9am by the Old Bisbee courthouse fountain to carpool. Free, but gas donation is appreciated. Fort Huachuca does require an Access Badge for entry (see below). For more details contact John at 319-325-3605 or johnbroz1944@yahoo.com.

Please get your Access Badge before the day of the hike. Badges are issued free at the Visitor Control Center, which is located adjacent to the Van Deman or East Gate. You must have a driver's license, passport, or military ID to obtain the Badge. Badges are good for 30 days for visitors and one year for locals. The Control Center is open 24/7.

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BACKTRACK - Mule Mtn Loop
Eight hikers and three dogs enjoyed nice weather and views. We went up Zacatecas Canyon and across the Ridge to the Locklin Trail and down. The Zacatecas Trail was in bad shape as was some of the trail across the Ridge. Most of that area had been burned in the recent fire. The Locklin Trail was in good shape and we stopped for water and snacks near the beginning and ate near the gate most of the way down. Doug filled us in on the fire which recently destroyed his and many other homes in Wyoming. It was reportedly started by a hunter’s campfire. -John B

Group photo by Larry is below and more at muleteam.shutterfly.com.



SIDETRACK - Shirts
The final order for Muleteam denim shirts will be placed on Monday, Dec 3.
See details from the link below, and place your order by email or phone/text 520-224-4951.

A few shirts have been delivered to satisfied hikers. Doug, Carol & Larry ordered large size and are happy with the fit (Mine is loose the way I like it). As a free option your name is added on your shirt, or you can add 'Bisbee, AZ' (which seems to be a popular choice), or you can be creative and add anything short.

For shirt photos and more details see the post at http://muleteam.blogspot.com/2018/11/muleteam-shirts.html.

CALENDAR
Dec 8 - Mt Ballard in the Mule Mtns with Brad
Dec 15 - Zacatecas hike & potluck with Charlie & Marty
Dec 22 - Hike to the Cross above Bisbee with Jan
Dec 29 - Joe's Canyon in the Huachucas with Joe
Jan 5 - Mural Hill in the Mule Mtns with Larry
Jan 12 - Parker Lake & wine tasting with John W
Jan 19 - ?
Jan 26 - ?
....

Thanks for hiking with me,
Larry

____________

Mule Ridge

HIKE THE MULE MTN RIDGE
Join the Muleteam this Saturday to hike from Old Bisbee up to the Ridge Trail to walk along the top of the Mule Mountains and loop back. With plenty of views of Bisbee and the hills beyond, there will be some steep uphill areas with a total hike of less than 5 miles. Bring water and a snack. Meet Nov 24 at 9am by the Old Bisbee courthouse fountain to start the hike. Free. For more details contact John at 319-325-3605 or johnbroz1944@yahoo.com.

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BACKTRACK - Perimeter
18 hikers and four dogs trekked the Perimeter Trail on the Jaz Memorial Hike on Saturday. Weather was perfect--warm in the sun and cool in the shade with a light breeze from time to time. John Broz heard there had been hunters on the trail earlier in the week so he brought orange tape us and the dogs to wear to distinguish ourselves from the deer and other prey. An easy but long hike and one to get us ready for the tougher ones down the road. All in all a good day--waiting for Lynn to rejoin us! -Anne

Group photo is below and more at muleteam.shutterfly.com.
360˚ photo - rebrand.ly/Perimeter




SIDETRACK - Shirts
A small order of Muleteam shirts will arrive soon from the new Print & Stitch on Naco Rd so that maybe you will be able to see an actual shirt with embroidered logo. The final shirt order will be placed soon after that. Shirts are $40, and they will be pretty classy.

As a free option your name is added on your shirt, or you can be creative and add 'The Flash' or 'Keep on Truckin' or anything short. Revised logo is without 'Exploring Bisbee & Beyond' (which wasn't legible when stitched), so you may want to add 'Bisbee AZ' as a name option.

For shirt photos and more details see the post at http://muleteam.blogspot.com/2018/11/muleteam-shirts.html.

CALENDAR
Dec 1 - Garden  Canyon in the Huachucas with John B
Dec 8 - Mt Ballard in the Mule Mtns with Brad
Dec 15 - Zacatecas hike & potluck with Charlie & Marty
Dec 22 - Hike to the Cross above Bisbee with Jan
Dec 29 - Joe's Canyon in the Huachucas with Joe
Jan 5 - Mural Hill in the Mule Mtns with Larry
Jan 12 - Parker Lake & wine tasting with John W
Jan 19 - ?
Jan 26 - ?
....

Thanks for hiking with me,
Larry

____________

Perimeter

WALK THE PERIMETER TRAIL
Join the Muleteam this Saturday for a hike along the winding foothills of the Huachuca Mountains between Carr and Miller Canyons. This is a relatively easy, level trail with vista views of the San Pedro Valley, but it will be about 7 miles roundtrip. Bring water and lunch. Back mid-afternoon. Meet Nov 17 at 9am by the Old Bisbee courthouse fountain to carpool. Free, but gas donation is appreciated. For more details contact Anne at 432-0307 or areiniger@wyoming.com.

The trailhead is at the first dirt parking area on Carr Canyon Rd, and the hike returns on the same trail.

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BACKTRACK - Carr Peak
The day was sunny and crisp. Nine mules and a scrappy little dog hit the trail and enjoyed the spectacular views all the way up. A little weary and wind blown, everyone reached the summit of Carr Peak and enjoyed lunch. The hike down was pleasant and uneventful. All in all a good day.  -Sandy

Group photo is below and more at muleteam.shutterfly.com.
Good 360˚ photo -  https://rebrand.ly/CarrPeak



SIDETRACK - Lynn update
Lynn fractured her arm on the hike last week. It was operated on Thursday, the bone was set and she's doing ok. She says "I can't thank everyone enough. Our little hiking group is a true community. I look forward to seeing everyone on the trail again".



CALENDAR - Add your hike the the new year...
Nov 24 - Old Bisbee Mule Mtn ridge loop with John B
Dec 1 - Garden  Canyon in the Huachucas with John B
Dec 8 - Mt Ballard in the Mule Mtns with Brad
Dec 15 - Zacatecas hike & potluck with Charlie & Marty
Dec 22 - Hike to the Cross above Bisbee with Jan
Dec 29 - Joe's Canyon in the Huachucas with Joe
Jan 5 - Mural Hill in the Mule Mtns with Larry
Jan 12 - ?
....

Thanks for hiking with me,
Larry

____________

Muleteam Shirts

Orders are now being taken for Muleteam Denim Shirts

Color Muleteam logo will be stitched on the right front chest area of 100% cotton shirt.
Long or short sleeves. Free optional stitched name. Shirt sample photos & specs below.




Choices:
Size: S, M, L, XL, XXL(add $2)
Style: Men or Women ?     
Sleeves: Long or short ?   
Free optional stitched name: ?

Price: $40

Order by mail, email or in person before Dec 1.

By mail: Larry Milam, Box 1585, Bisbee AZ 85603

Carr Peak

MULETEAM CLIMBS CARR PEAK
Join the Muleteam this Saturday for the spectacular view from the second highest peak in the Huachuca Mountains. We will be hiking from the Carr Peak TH by the Ramsey Vista Campground. The trail is only 5.5 miles total, but hiking can be difficult because the elevation gain is approx 2,000’. (Option to wait 2/3 of the way for the group returning down.) Bring water, lunch and maybe a walking stick. Back late afternoon. Meet Nov 10 at 9am by the Old Bisbee courthouse fountain to carpool. Free, but gas donation is appreciated. For more details contact Sandy at 520-353-5124 or slajudice@yahoo.com.

NOTE:  High clearance vehicles are highly recommended for those driving due to the rough and rocky road toward the top!

____________


BACKTRACK - Brown Canyon
It all began with 16 Mule Teamers and five dogs on a beautiful sunny day. Spirits were high, as usual. Then the day went topsy-turvy. One person had a serious fall, suffering a fractured humerus and excruciating pain. The team rallied. They rigged up slings and straps to support the  arm, produced pain killers (albeit no one knew what they were, but hey) and water and orange juice and eventually got the wounded warrior to her feet. One volunteered to jog ahead to the lunch spot at the top to retrieve the patient's dog and alert the rest of the hikers who had already gone up there, while another hustled down the mountain to retrieve his vehicle and attempt to reach the injured via a service road. In the meantime, four others walked the fallen Mulie down that service road, which turned out to be impassible for vehicles. The warrior, OK, it was Lynn, bravely picked her way up and down the treacherous road to where Larry had his vehicle waiting. Larry drove Lynn to the ER in Sierra Vista, three others drove Lynn's van back to Bisbee, along with Larry's dog, Sheila, who wins good dog of the year award. Doug and Ann took Bea, Lynn's dog, home with them. Larry stayed with Lynn for many hours and reported back that she was OK, with her arm in a splint. On Monday she will arrange to see an orthopedic surgeon. What a team!
Submitted with trepidation, Laura

Group photo (before the hike) is below and more at muleteam.shutterfly.com.



SIDETRACK - Birthday Party
Doug Reiniger is 70?
Potluck Celebration with Friends, Food, Drink & Entertainment
Sunday, Nov 11, 1-5   ~  19 Clawson Ave, Old Bisbee
No presents please  ~  432-0307



CALENDAR
Nov 17 - Perimeter trail in the Huachucas with Anne
Nov 24 - Old Bisbee Mule Mtn ridge loop with John B
Dec 1 - Garden  Canyon in the Huachucas with John B
Dec 8 - Mt Ballard in the Mule Mtns with Brad
Dec 15 - Zacatecas hike & potluck with Charlie & Marty
Dec 22 - Hike to the Cross above Bisbee with Jan
Dec 29 - Joe's Canyon in the Huachucas with Joe
Jan 5 - Mural Hill in the Mule Mtns with Larry
Jan 12 - ?
....

Thanks for hiking with me,
Larry

____________

Brown Canyon

WALK THE BROWN CANYON TRAIL
Join the Muleteam this Saturday for a hike through a unique and scenic wooded canyon in the Huachuca Mountains. This trail has some long uphill sections and part follows a running creek making a roundtrip of about 6 miles. Bring water and lunch. Back mid-afternoon. Meet Nov 3 at 9am by the Old Bisbee courthouse fountain to carpool. Free but gas donation is appreciated. For more details contact Laura at 206-715-6589 or mssmithlg@aol.com.

The hike begins at the Brown Canyon Ranch, off Ramsey Canyon Road.

____________


BACKTRACK - San Pedro
Saturday's hike at the San Pedro River was enjoyed by 17 hikers and four dogs. Due to previous heavy rain earlier in the week some of the trails running along the river were muddy, thus too slippery to traverse. Therefore, the group hiked the road on the southwestern edge of the field. Taking the wash back towards the river hikers walked a short distance to Black Phoebe pond where they encountered a group of bird watchers with nothing left to watch due to the approach of the Muleteam. A few brave hikers continued on through the wash towards the river, not believing John Broz's statement that it was impassable. The failed attempt to reach the river did nothing other than weigh down boots with sticky mud. The group then hiked north under the highway along a high/dry trail to a beautiful lunch spot overlooking the river. Ravens, red tailed hawks, a garter snake and a tarantula were spotted.  -Carol

Group photo is below and more at muleteam.shutterfly.com.
Link to 360º photo - https://rebrand.ly/SanPedro (View options are in top right corner of photo)



SIDETRACK - Blogspot by Phone
If you access muleteam.blogspot.com by phone you will get a sectional page layout with no link for the weekly email subscription. Scroll down to the bottom and click the little link "View web version" for the full page computer layout. Enlarge to read or subscribe.



CALENDAR
Nov 10 - Carr Peak in the Huachucas with Sandy & Ken
Nov 17 - Perimeter trail in the Huachucas with Anne
Nov 24 - Old Bisbee Mule Mtn ridge loop with John B
Dec 1 - Garden  Canyon in the Huachucas with John B
Dec 8 - Mt Ballard in the Mule Mtns with Brad
Dec 15 - Zacatecas hike & potluck with Charlie & Marty
Dec 22 - Hike to the Cross above Bisbee with Jan
Dec 29 - Joe's Canyon in the Huachucas with Joe
Jan 5 - Mural Hill in the Mule Mtns with Larry
Jan 12 - ?
....

Thanks for hiking with me,
Larry

____________

River Walk

HIKE ALONG THE SAN PEDRO RIVER
Join the Muleteam this Saturday for a leisurely hike along the river from the San Pedro House. Under a cathedral of cottonwoods, the trail is clear & level, 4-5 miles total. Dogs ok with leash. Bring water & lunch. Back early afternoon. Meet Oct 27 at 9am by the Old Bisbee courthouse fountain to carpool. Free, but gas donation is appreciated. For more details contact Carol at chandlercarolpsk@gmail.com or 413-667-8760.

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BACKTRACK - Mt. Lemmon
During the summer 10 hikers planned a backpacking trip to Aravaipa Canyon, but it was cancelled due to flooding. So a last minute substitute trip was a Mt. Lemmon loop, and 4 women went: Sandy, Jan, Molly & Carol. Photo is below and more at muleteam.shutterfly.com.


CALENDAR
Thanks to the hike leaders for two months of hikes lined up already...
Nov 3 - Brown Canyon in the Huachucas with Laura
Nov 10 - Carr Peak in the Huachucas with Sandy & Ken
Nov 17 - Perimeter trail in the Huachucas with Anne
Nov 24 - Old Bisbee Mule Mtn ridge loop with John B
Dec 1 - Garden  Canyon in the Huachucas with John B
Dec 8 - Mt Ballard in the Mule Mtns with Brad
Dec 15 - Zacatecas hike & potluck with Charlie & Marty
Dec 22 - Hike to the Cross above Bisbee with Jan
Dec 29 - Joe's Canyon in the Huachucas with Joe
Jan 5 - Mural Hill in the Mule Mtns with Larry
Jan 12 - ?
....

Thanks for hiking with me,
Larry

____________

New Season Intro

Hey Muleteam,

Another hiking season is about to begin - this will be the 19th !
The first hike is planned for Oct 27, and more details on that later.

The new muleteam.blogspot.com seemed to work fine last season. However, when recent blogs were automatically sent out to email subscribers old hikes were randomly added, so hopefully that will not continue to happen.

Share this general info with others who may be interested.

Thanks for hiking with me,
Larry
sunstudio@cableone.net

_________________

THE GROUP
Hiking in the area around Bisbee AZ since 2000, the Muleteam is a bunch of unique individuals that is always changing, which keeps things kinda interesting. It's not a club and there are no dues, meetings or members. Anyone is invited to join us, but each hiker is responsible for their own safety and comfort.

THE HIKES
The Muleteam hikes through the cooler months from the end of October to early May, and various hike leaders offer a wide range of hikes. Some trails are easy and flat, some are hard, and 5-7 miles roundtrip is average. There are about 30 regular hikes on our list - in the Mule Mtns, the Huachucas, the Dragoons, the Chiricahuas, along the San Pedro River...and new ones are introduced every year. The hike schedule is created from past favorites and new interests, so let me know if you have a suggestion.

MEETING DETAILS
Current hikes are announced weekly in the Bisbee Observer newspaper or online at muleteam.blogspot.com. We meet 9am (or maybe 8am) every Saturday in front of the Old Bisbee courthouse, off Tombstone Canyon. Park near the fountain where carpooling is decided for each hike. Meeting at the trailhead can be arranged with the hike leader.

EMAIL
The Muleteam hike emails are no longer sent out from the old list. However, you can subscribe to receive the current hikes by email at muleteam.blogspot.com.

CARPOOLING
Volunteer drivers are just as appreciated as the hike leaders. Maybe you can thank your driver with a few gas dollars if it's a long drive to the trailhead. Dogs are welcome unless the hiking area prohibits them, but that means you're automatically a driver.

PHOTOS
The Muleteam photo webpage - www.muleteam.shutterfly.com - contains hike photos since 2000. You can download your favorites, order photos online or add your own hike photos to the page by joining the shutterfly site. And if available, a previous-hike photo is added to the next-hike post.

SHIRTS
Muleteam shirts are no longer available online. However, orders will be available soon for locally printed shirts or maybe even light jackets.

Last Hike

BACKTRACK - Ranch Potluck
Beautiful morning for the last hike & potluck. The photo was taken at the top of the tunnel, and the shutterfly page has a few more. Little Guy had a hard time finishing the hike, but he made it. Wonderful food & friends & conversation. When a few late arrivals found the house I think there were 15 of us & 4 dogs. Thanks to Barbara for being hostess at such a nice place. And everyone wondered where Brad was...

Letter from Brad
I'm unsure about how to respond to the really generous gesture made so unrewardingly in having a birthday gift ready for me at the picnic earlier today. If I had had the slightest inkling of what was planned, I would have bent over backwards to be there. As it was, a combination of vicious wind and little opportunity for much exercise, together with purchases long put off at the Farmers Market, led me to decide not to go on our hiking season's last hurrah. Little did I know. 
As completely unsuspecting as I was of the thoughtful plans that went unfulfilled at the picnic, I wish circumstances had put me there and am probably more chagrined than anyone about what happened. John W brought my present by, and we had some laughs over the absurdity of life's fateful unintended consequences. The gift of the hiking shirt is so much nicer than what I would have gotten for myself. I promise that, at the first opportunity to wear it on some appropriate occasion among my hiking friends, I will do so in appreciation. 
Yours until next season or some summer quasi-Muleteam event,
Brad

I'll post this one more time...

Summer Full Moon Hikes
Carol Flickinger invites you to these hikes during the summer. Save the dates because they won't be announced at the time. To verify the hike check with Carol at carolflickinger2@hotmail.com.

Meet at the courthouse and carpool to Juniper Flats, each hike is approximately 2 hours, we will try to reach the first antennas but it's not a solid goal.  The main goal is to have a nice walk, see the moonrise, and get to Banshee Pizza before they close.  The road is wide, well-groomed and very visible in moonlight, but it might not even get dark yet by the time the moon rises.  Bring water and/or your favorite beverage, binoculars if you have them, and a flashlight (only for occasional use as needed - we hike by moonlight!)  Other trail suggestions will be considered if they are in Bisbee, have altitude to see the moonrise, and the paths are wide and well-maintained (no loose rock, bushwhacking, or scrambling).

May 29 (Tuesday) meet at 6pm, moonrise is 7:37pm
June 29 (Friday) meet at 7pm, moonrise is 8:05pm.
July 28 (Saturday) meet at 7pm, moonrise is 8:10pm.


Have a good summer. See you in October if not before.
Thanks for hiking with me,
Larry

____________


Muleteam archive photos - muleteam.shutterfly.com
Muleteam & Bisbee gifts - cafepress.com/bisbeegear

May 12 - Nirvana Potluck

Nirvana Ranch Hike & Potluck
Join the Muleteam this Saturday for a short hike in the lower Mule Mountains. From a ranch beyond the Bisbee tunnel we'll walk up the old road to the top of the tunnel & back, less than 2 miles total (with option to continue toward Ballard). Bring water for hike and potluck dish. Back early afternoon. Meet May 12 at 9am by the Old Bisbee courthouse fountain to carpool. Free. For more details contact Barbara at 249-5742 or bbisbee703@aol.com.

Potluck only
If you don't want to hike just come for the potluck only. Barbara will remain at the house all morning, so show up 10-12pm. Hikers should be back by 11am.

Directions
From Old Bisbee turn soon after the Bisbee time tunnel at mile marker 338, left onto Mule Pass. The ranch is at the end of the road, but park near the barn just before the 'Nirvana Ranch' arch and walk up the driveway. Photos below...

Free Plants
Carol F. is giving away some starter plants and hopes that everyone will take one (or five).  Spider plants, mother of millions, pencil chollas, wandering jews, and a couple of agave and aloe veras.

 
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BACKTRACK - Echo Canyon
Seven of my favorite friends joined me on Saturday for a stroll through Echo Canyon. We explored the grottoes and peeked through slot canyons and took time to enjoy the views of the rock formations. Instead of doing the entire Echo Canyon loop, most of us decided at the junction of the Echo Canyon and Rhyolite Trails to go back the same way we had come down (through the grottoes), wanting to savor that area and those views again. Sandy and Brad opted to do the entire loop and were waiting for us in the parking lot when we returned.
On the drive out, some of us explored the campground in the monument and decided it was something to consider for a future camp-out.
It was a great day for hiking - the breeze kept us from getting hot and the company and scenery were the best! -Molly

360 photo link - http://rebrand.ly/EchoCanyon



CALENDAR
Summer Full Moon Hikes
Carol Flickinger invites you to these hikes during the summer. Save the dates because they won't be announced at the time. To verify the hike check with Carol at carolflickinger2@hotmail.com.

Meet at the courthouse and carpool to Juniper Flats, each hike is approximately 2 hours, we will try to reach the first antennas but it's not a solid goal.  The main goal is to have a nice walk, see the moonrise, and get to Banshee Pizza before they close.  The road is wide, well-groomed and very visible in moonlight, but it might not even get dark yet by the time the moon rises.  Bring water and/or your favorite beverage, binoculars if you have them, and a flashlight (only for occasional use as needed - we hike by moonlight!)  Other trail suggestions will be considered if they are in Bisbee, have altitude to see the moonrise, and the paths are wide and well-maintained (no loose rock, bushwhacking, or scrambling).

May 29 (Tuesday) meet at 6pm, moonrise is 7:37pm
June 29 (Friday) meet at 7pm, moonrise is 8:05pm.
July 28 (Saturday) meet at 7pm, moonrise is 8:10pm.



Thanks for hiking with me,
Larry

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Muleteam archive photos - muleteam.shutterfly.com
Muleteam & Bisbee gifts - cafepress.com/bisbeegear

May 5 - Echo Canyon

HIKE IN ECHO CANYON
Join the Muleteam this Saturday for a hike on a top scenic trail in the Chiricahua Mountains. It's an easy 4.3 miles total with a loop through amazing closeup rock formations and including the viewpoint at Massai Point. Bring water and lunch, but no dogs. Back late afternoon. Meet May 5 at 9am by the Old Bisbee courthouse fountain to carpool (almost 2 hours each way). Free, but gas donation is appreciated. For more details contact Molly at 432-3902 or eeo.source@gmail.com.

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BACKTRACK - Wildcat Canyon
16 ? hikers assembled at the courthouse. 15 hikers made it up to Todd Bogatay's road where there must have been a party going on as there were no parking spaces left (a bus crosswise blocking 4 spaces).15 hikers made it down to the bottom of the road. one hiker informed the leader that he was unable to go so slow and would finish the hike ahead of the group and walk home leaving 14 hikers in wildcat canyon. The group stayed relatively compacted and 14 hikers finished the hike. The trail was in terrible condition in places with fallen trees blocking the usual path. The place where we usually leave the canyon had undergone a catastrophe judging by the condition of the torn up dirt and rocks(almost as if a cow had tried to climb up there). There was lots of vegetation overgrowth. The leader regrets that he did not check out the trail and prune away the bushes and tree limbs. Hopefully, by the time for the hike to roll around again next year, everything will be fixed and a new route blazed to replace the torn up portion. Everyone got lots of exercise some of which was very different from the usual hike. Thanks for hiking with me. -Stephen

360 photo - https://rebrand.ly/WildcatCanyon


CALENDAR
Last hike moved to May 12 again...
May 12 - Last hike & potluck at a Mule Mtn. ranch with Barbara


Thanks for hiking with me,
Larry

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Muleteam archive photos - muleteam.shutterfly.com
Muleteam & Bisbee gifts - cafepress.com/bisbeegear

Apr 28 - Wildcat Canyon

EXPLORE WILDCAT CANYON 
Join the Muleteam this Saturday for the one of the most beautiful and interesting hikes in the Mule Mountains. The hike begins with an easy 2 mile downhill on a dirt road on Juniper flats to Goat Ranch in Dixie Canyon. It then proceeds up Wildcat canyon with large boulders and ponds. There are a several places where it's necessary to climb over rocks. This hike is for the adventurous !! We'll pass a mine on the way up to the lunch spot by the large swimming pond. The total hike is 4.6 miles (or 6 miles without shuttle) with an elevation gain of 1400'. Bring water and lunch. Back mid-afternoon. Meet April 28 at 9am by the Old Bisbee courthouse fountain to carpool. Free. For more details contact Steve at 432-7770 or sss@theriver.com.

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BACKTRACK - Camp-hike reports from Brad & Dave

Silver Peak hike
The difficult dayhike to Silver Peak during the Cave Creek (Herb Martyr) campout started out from the trailhead at about 8:10 AM, being the only hike to materialize despite the leader's efforts to find hikers more interested in a more moderate hike, moving at a more relaxed pace to the same destination on the same day. There were six hikers and no dogs on the hike, five of whom moved at a much faster pace than the leader who managed to stay in intermittent contact by moving at a steady but slow pace and taking very infrequent and short rest breaks of his own. (There were five dogs at the campout and about 12 campers overall.)

The trail was found to be in excellent shape as expected, utilizing numerous switchbacks to keep erosion low despite the high elevation gain to distance ratio. The fastest hikers arrived at the top a little before noon-- indicating an average elapse of about four hours from start-- with the leader arriving a little over 20 minutes later. The excellent weather and views from the old lookout foundations were remarkable and memorable, though they were not enjoyed for as long a time as was merited. All but the leader began their descent soon after 12:30, with the leader remaining for about another half hour to enjoy the views and savor his lunch.

Four hikers tore back down the trail at breathtaking speed, arriving back at about 3 PM according to reports, with two hikers accompanying an elderly gentleman of about 80 years old who arrived alone during our lunch and preferred a slower, safer pace on the way down. The entire group was back at the trailhead a little after 4 PM for a total elapsed time of about 8 hours -- about 3 hours short of when darkness descended and PROVING that the hike was doable during daylight by Muleteamers who would have enjoyed the opportunity to enjoy a less time-driven outing while savoring a goal not often reached. - Brad 
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The Bobcat
We all arrived Friday afternoon. After a nice quizine of hot dogs and burgers, we settled around the campfire for a little chit chat, and reiterate the business opportunities discussed earlier involving an inflatable apparatus and red lights. Something totally foreign to me. Jan, Ken, Larry, Carol, and Doug retired to their respective domains. Mind you that Carol & Larry decided for some reason that is their own pitched their tent quite a distance away from the rest of the group. 

Shortly after they all retired, the rest of us were all sitting around the campfire enjoying our tasty beverages. Little Guy was laying down behind John and myself and beyond that about 40 feet was Jan's tent, which was not visible in the dark. A few minutes later, we heard what sounded like dogs fighting, then loud yelping from Little Guy. I turned around and shined my light towards Jan's tent and where the yelping came from. I saw something running into the the bushes as Little Guy was yelping. We ran over to Little Guy to see what happened. We couldn't see any marks of blood on Little Guy. We were perplexed as to what had transpired. Nobody has any idea what fought with Little Guy. I thought maybe another dog, others said coyote. I recall saying it was canine. I was mistaken.

We decided to make sure all the food was put away. Shortly after I was at one of the tables sorting out foodstuff. Jan was beside me and I believe Barbara was opposite of us at the table. I heard Jan say something like "It's a Bobcat!" then I heard a low deep growl. I turned around and the in front of us was a Bobcat! It stood about 2 feet from us. I had several thoughts. One was that it looked like a housecat only much bigger. Also I thought, I could just kick it if need be. But ultimately I decided to just study it. I looked at it's tail, the gray pattern, his ears (which were not as pointed as I expected), Then we locked eyes. Meantime it growled a couple of more times the ran off towards the parking lot. Immediately afterwards I looked at Jan expecting her to be freaked out, but to my surprise, said "Wasn't it gorgeous! (or something like that) I need a beer!" and someone else said they needed one too. 

Meanwhile, Sheila was in the car and was barking like crazy while the cat was growling underneath the car, as Paul went to go tell Larry and Carol what was going on. Shortly after, the commotion was over. Paul came back, (Note: Paul had this nuclear powered flashlight that harnessed the power of the sun.) and said he saw the cat looking at him thru the trees on his was back. Paul and I decided to to tell Sandy & Ken about our encounter just in case they were to take Champ out only to become dinner for the cat. As we were informing them, we could hear Larry & Carol yelling in a distance. We walked over to the embankment of the wash joined by John, and later Sandy. On the other side some distance away, maybe 200ft. We saw Larry & Carol's tent the flashlight inside moving back and forth, Paul shined his sun beam over and could see the cat circling back & trying to get in while the both of them screaming for us to go there and rescue them. We mustered all our courage and bravely declined. 

We did eventually go there as the cat left and helped them get some stuff and leave to stay in their car. On the way back we saw it following us in the trees to the parking lot. I went back to the campsite. The ladies were arming themselves with pepper spray. I realized I had one in my backpack in the car. As I was in my truck retrieving the pepper spray, I heard a car horn and Larry or Carol's car going back and forth, while Brad was over there yelling something. The cat departed the parking lot feeling dejected and unwanted, we discussed what we were going to do the rest of the night and where we should sleep, while in a distance I could hear yelling, to which I assumed was the cat wanting to find a friend at another camp. Apparently, the cat did find a friend for the night, or decided he had enough fun rattling everyone for the night, or went home depressed thinking that no one loves him. The rest of the night was quiet and uneventful. 

We anticipated another visit from our feline friend the following night, but the cat didn't show. Guess he knew where he was not welcome. As for the Muleteam, just another boring ho-hum campout. -Dave

P.S. The picture is one I got online. It is exactly what I saw.



CALENDAR - Can anyone lead a hike may 12?
May 5 - Echo Canyon in the Chiricahuas with Molly
May 12 - ???
May 19 - Last hike & potluck at a Mule Mtn. ranch with Barbara


Thanks for hiking with me,
Larry

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Muleteam archive photos - muleteam.shutterfly.com
Muleteam & Bisbee gifts - cafepress.com/bisbeegear

The group photo includes a few afternoon visitors from Bisbee. More photos at muleteam.shutterfly.com.

Apr 20-22 - Camp-Hike

CAMP AT CAVE CREEK - Fri-Sun, April 20-22
Annual spring campout at Herb Martyr campground by Cave Creek in the Chiricahuas. Tables & toilets..sometimes a fee. Friday night communal dinner and campfire.

Non campers are welcome to join us for a hike (just let Brad know you’re coming), and please arrange your own transportation to the campground (allow for a 2 hour drive). There will be two hike options on Saturday...

SILVER PEAK - 7:30am, April 21
This hike leaves 7:30am from Herb Martyr campground in the Cave Creek area of the Chiricahua Mountains near Portal. Cave Creek Canyon has been called the Yosemite of Arizona because of its interesting cliffs and rock formations. This hike is 9.2 miles roundtrip, a challenging but do-able hike. Anyone has the option to stop along the route and wait for the group to return. A fine, well-maintained trail of increasing switchbacks climbs 3,000 feet to the summit. The views from the summit are tremendous, offering unobstructed views of the sweeping Chiricahua Range and Cave Creek Canyon. Bring water, lunch and maybe a walking stick. Dogs are welcome. Back late evening. For more details and to let him know you are coming, contact Brad at bradward.j3@juno.com or 432-2476 before April 19. After April 19 you may be able to contact through a camper with a cellphone, unless there is no service at the campground.

UPPER BASIN TRAIL - 9am, April 21
This hike starts at our Herb Martyr campsite and follows the main creek for about a mile before starting a climb up to an intersection with the Snowshed Trail and return the same way, for a total RT distance of 5.6 miles. At the intersection the elevation is high enough to offer long views back down the expanse of all of Cave Creek Canyon. Bring water, lunch and maybe a walking stick. Dogs are welcome. Back late afternoon.

DIRECTIONS TO CAMPSITE
Our campsite is reached by driving along Hwy 80 through Douglas, then continuing on to the Arizona-New Mexico state line along a long (about 50 miles) and very sparsely inhabited stretch of the highway. If you want to avoid driving through the center of Douglas, there is a left turn you can take at what I remember to be the first traffic signal onto a main road. There may be a sign indicating the left turn as a Hwy 80 Bypass. After that left turn, there is only one more left turn at a stop sign, when the Hwy 80 Business Route comes out of town to join the Bypass. From then on Douglas is left behind quickly.
If you want to eat out before arriving at the campsite, Douglas is the most reliable place. There is a good selection of places to eat by driving down Pan American Avenue and turning right to WalMart, then back out the same way. For those NOT just coming out for the day, there are two places you might eat at closer to camping-- a small grocery store and diner in Rodeo, which closes mid-afternoon, and the Portal Lodge which is also not to be relied upon to stay open very late.
After crossing into New Mexico, the highway turns into New Mexico Highway 80. Drive another two miles to the little town of Rodeo, then another three miles to the turn off to Portal-- a left turn which quickly takes you back into Arizona. From the turn-off, the little rustic resort village of Portal is about another seven to eight miles. Just beyond Portal is a right turn-off to Paradise (dirt road), but continue straight on the paved road. About a mile beyond the Paradise turn-off is the US Forest Service Cave Creek Visitor Center on the right. During regular business hours, it may be have opened for the season, but not on weekends. The USFS is strict about observing minimal operating hours, especially now when budgets are tighter than ever. Just a short distance beyond the Visitor Center-- also on right-- is the trailhead to Silver Peak.
If you continue on to our campground, you will just have to backtrack to the trailhead. If time is short, you may want to just wait for us to come to you. Even if one of two hiking parties appears to have already left the trailhead, there may be another one-- a faster one--to come along later.
From the Visitor Center to the site of our campout, continue on for three miles past three seasonal campgrounds while still on pavement. They may or may not be open. Just after passing the Southwestern Research Station Operated by the American Museum of Natural History in New York, make a left turn off of the main road which continues on to Onion Saddle. By this time the surfaces of all roads have turned to dirt. After making the left turn, continue on for another two miles of dirt road, to our campout at the Herb Martyr Recreation Site. -Brad

OPTIONAL LODGING
I remember that when we have camped at Cave Creek, some Muleteamers have stayed at the American Museum of Natural History Southwest Research Station that we pass by two miles away, on our way to the Herb Martyr campsite. Prices of overnight lodging and meals are available at the URL below, as well as hours when open and details about tours of the station for campers who would like a different kind of daytime activity. The station is open to visitors seven days week except Thanksgiving and Christmas, from 10 AM to 5:45 PM. It started in 1955 and opened a Technical Equipment Lab with a lot of different research instruments in 1992. - Brad
https://www.amnh.org/our-research/southwestern-research-station/visitors-tours

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BACKTRACK - Slavin Gulch
Eight hikers and 1 dog began the hike at the Slavin Gulch trailhead.  It was a cool, sunny morning, just perfect for hiking.  We hiked up the trail as the Stronghold Granite rose all around us.  Our only disappointment was the lack of flowing water.  Maybe next time.  After hiking a good distance, one human and one dog stopped, ate and returned.  The remaining seven continued through the gulch and up to the bottom of the chute of the Abril Mine.  (After returning I looked it up--the mine was known mostly for producing zinc and copper.)  The return hike began with a bit of excitement when a faint rattle was heard on the trail.  With heightened awareness we continued.  Three points to note:  1)  The hike is really about 7 miles, 2)  Ken's new knee passed the test, and 3)  Brad had a NEW water bottle with him! -Sandy
More photos at muleteam.shutterfly.com. 360 photo link: rebrand.ly/SlavinGulch


SIDETRACK - Plate?
Someone left a plate at our Easter Party: brown with 3 big white flowers in the middle. -Doug


CALENDAR - April 28 is blank so far - A local hike anyone?
April 28 - ?
May 5 - Echo Canyon in the Chiricahuas with Molly
May 12 - Possible last hike & potluck. Any suggestions?


Thanks for hiking with me,
Larry

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Muleteam archive photos - muleteam.shutterfly.com
Muleteam & Bisbee gifts - cafepress.com/bisbeegear

Apr 14 - Slavin Gulch

HIKE UP SLAVIN GULCH
Join the Muleteam this Saturday (at the earlier time of 8am) for a hike in the Dragoon Mountains on a rocky path & old mining road with huge boulder formations, along a great sand bottomed creek. The trail is a steady uphill and down the same way for a total of 6 miles. Bring water, lunch and maybe a walking stick. Back late afternoon. Meet April 14 at 8am by the Old Bisbee courthouse fountain to carpool (over an hour each way). Free, but gas donation is appreciated. For more details contact Sandy at 520-353-5124 or slajudice@yahoo.com.

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BACKTRACK - River Picnic
14 Mules and 3 dogs braved the heat for our annual Riverside Picnic hike. We started on the Presidio side of the river and four people (and two dogs) decided to wait at the picnic site while the rest of us took the well-marked trail parallel to the river and crossed at Contention City. There's really nothing left of the city except some rusty metal and broken glass and the remains of the Stamping Mill along a hillside. The return trail on the other side of the river was also well-marked, though it was hot and we were glad to get to our picnic site and the shade of the cottonwoods. As usual, there was great food and we had a long and relaxing lunch. A bonus was that our return to the parking lot was only about a mile from the river. All-in-all, another excellent hike. -Doug

Photos by me & Guy at muleteam.shutterfly.com. 360 photo links below...
https://rebrand.ly/ContentionMillSite
https://rebrand.ly/Picnic
https://rebrand.ly/ByTheRiver


SIDETRACK - An editing mistake
A correction to my Backtrack last week. When we reached the lunch spot, we were at a winze, not "wine" opening. "A winze is a minor connection between different levels in an underground mine. When worked upwards from a lower level it is usually called a raise; when sunk downward from a higher level it may be called a sump." This a term for a mine opening, explained by John W. If we had wine, we would have toasted Bad Jack.  -Jan


CALENDAR - April 28 anyone? A local hike?
April 20-21-22 - Silver Peak camp-hike in the Chiricahuas with Brad
April 28 - ?
May 5 - Echo Canyon in the Chiricahuas with Molly
May 12 - Possible last hike & potluck. Any suggestions?


Thanks for hiking with me,
Larry

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Muleteam archive photos - muleteam.shutterfly.com
Muleteam & Bisbee gifts - cafepress.com/bisbeegear

Apr 7 - River Picnic

CONTENTION CITY PICNIC
Join the Muleteam this Saturday for our 10th Annual Hike & River Picnic. The route is about 4 miles near the river (or maybe wading in it) to the ruins of Contention City and a Spanish fort site from the late 1770's. This may be our easiest and most "civilized" hike of the year with our "gourmet" pot-luck riverside picnic. Bring your favorite dish, wine or beer to share. Dogs love the river and are welcome. Meet April 7 at 9am by the Old Bisbee courthouse fountain to carpool. Free, but gas donations are appreciated. For more details, contact Doug at 432-0307 or reiniger@wyoming.com.

The Contention City/ Riverside Picnic hike on Sat, April 7 is on, but it might get a little confusing, and here's why: We'll meet at the Courthouse at 9:00AM as planned, and all drive to the Fairbank parking lot. HOWEVER, we're not starting the hike there, but instead from a parking area on the other side of the river. We'll stop and re-group at Fairbank because a lot of people are not getting the blog and will presume we will be starting at Fairbank as usual-and I don't want to lose them. Once we're all together at Fairbank (I expect the Bisbee folk will arrive there at about 9:45AM) we will get back on Rte 82, go over the river and go right on In Balance Ranch Road (the first road with a sign on the right) and down In Balance about 1 1/2 miles to the parking lot.  -Doug

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BACKTRACK - Hunter Canyon
Fourteen homo sapiens and three canines spent a pleasant day hiking with the “alleged” mine as our goal. The first part of the hike was a jaunt through a wooded creek with small waterfalls where we encountered other hikers and a large group of campers. The second portion was an incline where at one turn with a high fence, we were greeted by a wolf pack choir yelping in distress “You ain’t nothing but a hound dog.” Segment number three, which seemed to go nowhere, we climbed a quarter mile plus? down where we finally found our nirvana, a wine opening to our mine where we had lunch and exchanged Bad Jack stories. After relaxing we headed up in the heat, everyone doing the entire hike back the same way to the parking lot ; approximately a 1400’ elevation gain. One comment ”it could have been worse” teehee -a fun hike and we all had a good frolic through the woods and over the hills. -Jan B.

360 photo - https://rebrand.ly/HunterCanyon



CALENDAR
Should we end the season with the camp-hike?

Apr 14 - Slavin Gulch in the Dragoons with Sandy
April 20-21-22 - Silver Peak camp-hike in the Chiricahuas with Brad
April 28 - ?
May 5 - ?
May 12 - Possible last hike & potluck. Any suggestions?


Thanks for hiking with me,
Larry

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Muleteam archive photos - muleteam.shutterfly.com
Muleteam & Bisbee gifts - cafepress.com/bisbeegear

Mar 31 - Hunter Canyon

HIKE HUNTER CANYON
Join the Muleteam this Saturday for a hike in the foothills of the  Huachuca Mountains in Miller & Hunter Canyons. The moderate trail follows a flowing stream with some up & down hills to an old mine for lunch and then back the same way for about 6 miles total. Bring water and lunch. Back mid-afternoon. Meet March 31 at 9am by the Old Bisbee courthouse fountain to carpool. Free, but gas donation is appreciated. For more details contact Jan at bolduc03@aol.com or 704-299-6614.

This hike is in honor of Bad Jack, because it's one he led many times.
SV people meet off Miller Canyon Road, first parking area on left after road becomes dirt.

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BACKTRACK - Council Rocks
Despite the multiple activities planned for the week-end, seven hikers and two dogs tried their luck cramming into a 2017 SUV Jaguar (responding to the name of Pauline!). After a brief but vigorous push and shove contest it became clear that the rest of the party had to make do with a ride in a derelict 1995 4Runner.
It was a lovely hike. The weather was sunny and cool making for perfect walking and spending time enjoying the granite formations. We all contributed creative name designations for the unusual shapes and I will send our recommendations to the Douglas Ranger Station. Here are a few of the suggested names, Nixon, Easter Island Heads, Sleeping Elephant, the Whale and a huge Indian Face revealed from afar with the correct declination of the sun. OK, enough of that, you get the idea. It was a fun hike and we missed the rain even though we saw rain showers in the far distance. I would like to thank my fellow hikers for their patience as a few times, I lost track of the trail, GPS in hand. Well, it was my first time as leader of a hike.
Hike Statistics: Distance: 6.5 miles, Elevation: 322 ft. (4814’– 5136’). 676 ft. accumulated elevation gain. Hiking Time: 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM 

-Loretta

SIDETRACK - More photos
Maria Kovary added many more photos from the Art Stairs hike to the Muleteam page - muleteam.shutterfly.com.



CALENDAR 
Apr 7 - San Pedro hike and riverside picnic with Doug
Apr 14 - Slavin Gulch in the Dragoons with Sandy
April 20-21-22 - Silver Peak camp-hike in the Chiricahuas with Brad
April 28 - ?
May 5 - ?
May 12 - Possible last hike & potluck. Any suggestions?


Thanks for hiking with me,
Larry

____________


Muleteam archive photos - muleteam.shutterfly.com
Muleteam & Bisbee gifts - cafepress.com/bisbeegear

Mar 24 - Council Rocks

HIKE TO COUNCIL ROCKS
Join the Muleteam this Saturday at the earlier time of 8am to a low elevation loop in the Dragoons. It's a 6.5 mile hike. Bring water, lunch and maybe walking poles (See remarks). Dogs Ok. Back late afternoon. Meet March 24 at 8am by the Old Bisbee courthouse fountain to carpool (about 60 minutes each way). Free, but gas donation is appreciated. For more details call or email: Loretta Plaa, lplaaster@gmail.com, 541-905-5098.

Hike Difficulty: 1.5 (See index)
0.5 - 1.5 Beginners... 2.0 - 3.5 Intermediate... 4.0 - 5.0 Advanced
Elevation Gain: 322 ft. (4814’- 5136’).
Getting there:
Bisbee to Tombstone, via US 80 to Middlemarch Road, Middlemarch Road to FR687, and FR687 to the trailhead. ~ 40 miles one way.
Remarks:
From the parking area, the trail heads west toward a saddle before entering a vast expanse of grasses, intersected at times by a dusty road, before arriving at the rocky outcrop of Council Rocks. After lunch the hike back will follow a sandy wash to the junction of Slavin Gulch Trail and back to the trailhead.
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GMmx5ij49Y
For your comfort:
A lot of cat claw acacia will be encountered on the return loop, long pants and shirt are highly recommended.

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BACKTRACK - Art Stairs
Great weather for 20 people hiking some interesting stairs of Old Bisbee. Lots of murals by Judy Perry and Rose Johnson, and a special tour of Dragonview Mountain Retreat with stonework by Lee Adcock and metalwork by Ben Dale. We stopped for the view at Castle Rock, saw Fred Albert's wall mosaics and the outside art gallery on the steps off Brewery Gulch. We visited the Buddhist shrine above OK street and the wall mosaics & masks on Opera Ave. Lunch was on the porch of the Muheim House with about half the people we started out with. However, everyone seemed to enjoy the day exploring.
More hike photos are at muleteam.shutterfly.com, and here are two 360 photo links (Click on 'Fisheye' in the upper right corner of the photos to experiment with 4 modes)...
https://rebrand.ly/ArtStairsHike
https://rebrand.ly/MuheimHouse



SIDETRACK - April 1st Easter/April Fools Day Party 
Muleteam and friends are welcome to join us on Sunday, April 1 for our annual Springtime Potluck Party at our house (19 Clawson Ave., next to the Green & White Methodist Church) from 1:00-4:00 PM. We'll provide all the plates, glasses, etc. and iced tea and lemonade and Doug will be grilling bratwursts and veggie burgers. Bring a little something to share and your favorite drink.  -Doug & Anne


SIDETRACK - Trail Blazing
The iBisbee committee has had a trails project for the past three years with the goal of putting publicly accessible trails on designated Freeport McMoran owned land. This is part of a larger strategy of attracting younger people, families, and folks who like outdoor hiking and biking to come to Bisbee to live, work, visit. 
FM has been very cooperative and is willing to consider various option for a trail(s). I am heading up the project. Two years ago we engaged the Bisbee Boy Scouts and others in helping build a trail near Tintown that overlooks Warren amid FM reclaimed and revegetated land. The trail was built but the attorneys thought there was too much liability for FM. We are now in the process of seeing if they would consent to guided hiking along that trail. It's short about 1.5 miles. 
We also looked at the Denn mine area north of hwy 80 with an entrance across from Lowell. We have done a couple of preliminary walks in the area. That was put on hold because I was ill and could not continue to coordinate it. I'm fine now.
Here's the pitch....I'm looking for a small group of people to help chart, flag, and perhaps build a trail in that area. If you are interested, please contact Fred Miller 456-4254, bisbeewire@gmail.com. 



CALENDAR 
Mar 31 - Hunter Canyon in the Huachucas with Jan B
Apr 7 - San Pedro hike and riverside picnic with Doug
Apr 14 - Slavin Gulch in the Dragoons with Sandy
April 20-21-22 - Silver Peak camp-hike in the Chiricahuas with Brad
April 28 - ?
May 5 - ?
May 12 - Possible last hike & potluck. Any suggestions?


Thanks for hiking with me,
Larry

____________


Muleteam archive photos - muleteam.shutterfly.com
Muleteam & Bisbee gifts - cafepress.com/bisbeegear