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Sharp Creek Campout
Friday, May 24, 2013-Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Arrive anytime after 2:00 PM on Friday; Checkout is 1:00 PM on Tuesday
Sorry, this event is closed, if you've already rsvp'd and cannot attend, please let Diane know so if there is anyone on a waiting list, they can be notified.
Our very scenic mountain campground is located 26 miles northeast of Payson on highway 260, just after Christopher Creek. Woods Canyon and Willow Springs Lakes are a ten minute drive from this camp ground. Our group campsite will have a large ramada, fire pit, water and clean pit toilets. Those in tents will be able to camp in the wooded areas, and if you have an RV, you will be in the paved lot.
Note: Please book this cool mountain getaway early. We are limited to 5 Trailers / RV’s. You must call Diane before paying to see if there is still room for you! For our Saturday and Sunday night dinners, please bring something for yourself to grill and a side dish or appetizer to share. Monday night will be clean out the coolers for a “whatever’s left” dinner. DA will provide charcoal and all paper products, as well as dessert.
Coffee will be provided every morning. Sunday morning a Pancake Breakfast will be provided by the camp hosts.
Fire wood would be appreciated, as the evenings may be cool.
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view or print map | Arrive Friday no earlier than 2pm. We must be out of the campground by Tuesday at 1pm. Note: Do not arrive before 2pm on Friday, or you will be charged a day rate of $25.
Any questions? Please call Diane at (480) 497-6820. |
rsvp for this event |  We're sorry, this event has sold out!
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Butterfly Wonderland
Saturday, June 8, 2013
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Butterfly Wonderland takes flight as one of the newest attractions in the Valley with a highly innovative, indoor rainforest environment featuring the largest butterfly pavilion in America.
You’ll be welcomed into a magnificent, lush, rainforest environment where thousands of butterflies from around the world fly freely, alighting on fragrant flowering plants and, quite possibly, on a friendly visitor’s shoulder or finger.
There is no DA trip fee for this event, but please, RSVP on the web site. Simply show up and pay your entrance fee. General admission entitles you to the complete Butterfly Wonderland experience listed below. The entrance fee is $18.95 per adult, $9.95 per child (ages 3 to 11) & $16.95 for students, military and seniors (62+).
The Experience includes:
3D Theater: Flight of the Butterflies in 3D
Emergence Gallery: You'll have the rare opportunity to witness one of natures most amazing transformations - metamorphosis.
Conservatory: Stroll inside this 10,000 square foot atrium filled with thousands of butterflies.
Ant Colony: View the ants up close as they tunnel and are busy working together.
Honey Bees: A large beehive protected by glass.
Aquatic Life: Freshwater aquariums house intriguing fish from the Amazon.
After the tour, we will stop by the Butterfly Wonderland Café, which offers freshly made muffins,sandwiches, salads, wraps, & more. This is a no-host lunch.
Please RSVP |
view or print map | Butterfly Wonderland is located at (Loop101 & Via de Ventura) 9500 E. Via de Ventura in Scottsdale.
If you get lost, call 480-800-3000. Specific directions can be found at: ButterflyWonderland.com
Your trip leaders are Joe & Hans
FlutterBys@ComputerComprehension.com
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Long Valley Campout
Wednesday, Jul 3, 2013-Tuesday, Jul 9, 2013
Arrive anytime after 12:00 PM on Wednesday; Checkout is 11:00 AM on Tuesday
Located north of Payson and situated in the stately ponderosa pines, this site encompasses approximately 5 acres and is an old Forest Service Work Center. The elevation there is approximately 6950 feet.
You can arrive anytime after noon on Wednesday. Please keep gate closed. The site features: 3 grills, ten picnic tables & vault toilets. There is a group fire pit, which is the only place a fire may be started (restrictions may be in place). There is no water or trash collection so please plan accordingly. Remember to bring food, water, hiking gear and firewood. Your moderately behaved dogs are welcome. Quiet time is from 10 pm till 6 am.
On Thursday afternoon we will have a pot-luck to celebrate Independence Day. Hans and I will grill up some dogs and provide buns and condiments. Please bring a side dish or dessert.
On Saturday, we gather around the eating area at 4 pm for appetizers, please bring an appetizer to share. Dinner will be served at 5 pm and will feature Roasted Turkey, Mashed Potatoes and Cobb Corn. Side dishes and dessert will be provided, so please just bring an appetizer.
There are attractions nearby including: Matazal Casino, Battle of Big Dry Wash Historical Monument and Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
Nearest services are in Payson. Partial services in Pine, Strawberry and Happy Jack.
Personal fireworks are not allowed at the group site. There will be 4th of July events in Payson all weekend. You can find more info at: http://www.paysonrimcountry.com
We have photos from last year's adventure on our photos page and at jonesgroot.computercomprehension.com |
view or print map | Take AZ-87 north through Payson, Pine and Strawberry. Approximately 7.4 miles outside of Strawberry you will see the 260 on your left. Keep on the AZ-87 and shortly after mile marker 287 you will see a brown sign on the right for the upcoming 147. Right before 147 you will see a white sign showing AZ-87 continues ahead and 147 is your right turn. You are now on dirt road. Next turn left onto 147A. Go less than 1 mile and the group site is on your right. Please close the gate once through. I-17 to the 260 is also an option.
Your trip leaders will once again be Mountain Men Joe and Hans who can be reached at LVWC@ComputerComprehension.com
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rsvp for this event | The fee for this event is $25 for members, $35 for guests (non-members) which includes Saturday dinner. For those not camping but joining us for Saturday dinner the fee is $5 for members, $7 for guests (non-members). Last day to pay is July 1st (we need time to buy supplies).
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Christmas in July Pool Party
Saturday, July 13, 2013
5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
We're staying with our traditional holiday theme. Turkey and Ham, with all the fixings! This Christmas feast will be prepared by our buddy Christine, and once again, we're asking everyone to bring a side dish, appetizer or dessert.
Our infamous white elephant gift exchange will continue this year, so please bring a wrapped-up and fun used gift. These gifts will be anonymously exchanged later in the evening while we're gathered around the festive Christmas tree. We really need everyone to let us know by July 6th using the RSVP feature on our website, what you will be bringing to share. We want to manage our Christmas feast the best way possible.
And of course, what's Christmas without a warm pool, so don't forget a swimsuit and towel! We had this event at Gregg's chateau the last two years and it was a great success! This is our big summer pool party, so don’t miss it! This is Gregg’s beautiful pool!
Join your Desert Adventures friends for an evening of sun, swimming, great conversation and fantastic food!
Any questions about this fun summer event?
Please call Christine at 602 464-3754 |
view or print map | 763 E. Elmwood Place Chandler, AZ 85249 |
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Schultz Creek Hike
Saturday, August 10, 2013
Starts at 7:30 AM
The Schultz Creek Trail head is about 8 miles north of dowtown Flagstaff at the base of Mount Elden. It is a moderate trail that follows the course of the adjacent creek. The path is easy to walk, made up of soft soil with few rocks. You will likely see many wildflowers growing in the upper reaches of the trail where the forest is an interesting mixture of pine, aspen, fir and spruce with willows in the creek. The trail has a constant slope that is gentle and not taxing on the knees. The trailhead begins at 7200-feet and climbs to 8100-feet. This is a multiuse trail.
The hike is about 8.5 +/- miles round trip. Bring water, sunscreen, lunch, good hiking boots/shoes and a hat. We will stop somewhere on the return to Phoenix for refreshment. We will car pool from metro Phoenix to the trail head. Meet at the HOME DEPOT, in the shopping center on the northeast corner of I-17 and Carefree Highway. We will meet at 7:30 am and leave at 7:45 am. his is an all day event returning to HOME DEPOT about 7:00 pm or so. |
view or print map | We will car pool from metro Phoenix to the trail head. Meet at the HOME DEPOT, in the shopping center on the northeast corner of I-17 and Carefree Highway. We will meet at 7:30 am and leave at 7:45 am.
For more information contact Jim at 602-954-9139. |
rsvp for this event | There is no fee for this event. It's not required but if you click the RSVP icon on the left and RSVP we will know to expect you.
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Grand Canyon Campout
Thursday, Sep 5, 2013-Sunday, Sep 8, 2013
This is our signature campout of the year, and we typically have a turnout of over 60 for the long weekend. All your friends will be there, so come on up and join the party!
Our tent campground will once again be broken into four neighborhoods: Quiet (Sun City), Not-So-Quiet (Minneapolis / St. Paul), Not Quiet (West Hollywood, until 10 pm when the park says we have to be) and The Dog Pound (where well behaved dogs are welcome). Before setting up camp, make sure you select the appropriate neighborhood!
- On Thursday night, our fourth annual pub-crawl will take place; again, we'll keep it to one station per neighborhood. Please bring an appetizer to share. Thursday night is our get-to-know your neighbors mixer.
- Friday, we'll be keeping it simple with our Friday Frankenfest. We'll have hotdogs going on the grill and slowly boiling. We'll provide the buns and simple condiments; you provide any side you want to share. This way folks who are just arriving on Friday night will have a warm meal waiting for them, and it'll be a good focal point for people to gather and share our stories of the day.
- Happy cocktail hour on Saturday will begin at 5pm, and dinner will be served at 6pm. If you're camping on-site, dinner is included. If you're just coming over for dinner, it's just $15. Please sign in, so we can keep track of everybody. Saturday after dinner, we'll string up a sheet between the trees and show a movie (no, we don't know what movie yet).
As usual, there will be different hikes and shopping expeditions held during the daylight hours. Once you land, talk to your neighbors to find out who will be hiking which trail during the weekend.
Parking can be a challenge. We're allowed three spots per campsite, which makes nine all together. We ask that when you arrive, please unpack and drive your car back down the hill a bit to where the showers are located. That will allow new arrivals the opportunity to easily unload. We also like to leave a few spots open for those members who are staying at far-away lodges.
What should you bring? Some campers bring nothing because it's a five-minute stroll to the general store that has a snack shop and restaurant. However, we ask that you bring firewood because we'll need to keep the fire going for three evenings. A pop-up shade can be handy as well because it can get pretty sunny, or there's always a (slim) chance it might rain and a bit of shelter can make you some new fast friends. Quarters are handy for the nearby showers and ice machine. Also, we ask that you bring either a side dish or a dessert for the Saturday dinner. Stan’s theme this year is “The All-American Barbeque” and as always we'll offer some vegetarian fare as well.
If tent camping is not your thing, talk to the park people, and make a reservation on line (again, we're in sites, 1, 2 and 3) at www.recreation.gov or (877-444-6777) at one of the near-by RV campsites - it'll only be a five-to-ten-minute stumble to the DA site. For those whose camping experience includes a firm mattress, a television, and their own private flush toilet, the Yavapai Lodge (888-297-2757) is the closest and least expensive of all accommodations at the park.
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view or print map | To get to the Grand Canyon make your way to Interstate 17 and head north. Interstate 17 stops in Flagstaff when it meets up with Interstate 40, however stay on the same road, it will become highway 180 that winds it way through Flagstaff and continues on north to Grand Canyon Village.
After you enter the park you will reach the turn off to the Mather Campground before you actually reach Grand Canyon Village. We will be located in sites 1, 2, and 3 in the Sage Loop as always.
Your hosts are Jeff and Stan; if you have any questions, please call Jeff at 623-780-1717 or 623-670-8909.
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rsvp for this event | Unless you have a national park pass there will be a $25 fee to enter the park and this has to be paid directly to the park when you arrive (carpool and save). The fee for members is $35 (this includes the Saturday night dinner), $45 for guests (non-members). If you are staying in the RV park or at one of the lodges and are just joining us for dinner the fee for that is $15. Please sign up early (even if it's only for the dinner) so that we have a handle on the amount of food and drink to haul up north!
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Reynolds Creek Campout
Thursday, Sep 26, 2013-Monday, Sep 30, 2013
Arrive anytime after 1:00 PM on Thursday; Checkout is 11:00 AM on Monday
Reynolds Creek Group site is located at 5200 feet amidst Sycamore and Ponderosa pine. There are several hiking trails in the area and the site is within walking distance of the
Salome and Sierra Ancha Wilderness areas. Wildlife in the area includes whitetail deer, elk and wild turkey.
Don't arrive early as the gate will be locked. After 1pm on Thursday, the gate will be closed but not locked. Please close the gate once you drive through. This prevents non-group drive-throughs.
The site features: Covered food preparation table with grill, picnic tables and vault toilets. There is also an active creek running through the lower portion of the site.
There is no water or trash collection on site. Remember to bring food, drinking water, hiking gear and firewood. Quiet time is from 10 pm until 6 am. Your moderately behaved dogs are welcome.
On Saturday, dinner will be served at 4:30 pm and will feature extra-lean burgers and grilled chicken. We gather around the eating area at 3:30 pm for appetizers and social. Side dishes and dessert will be provided but please bring an appetizer to share.
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view or print map | Take US 60 toward Globe. Turn north on State Highway 88, (the signs will say 188). There is a Wal-Mart and Safeway on the right before the turnoff. Near mile marker 229 is the turnoff for Young, State Highway 288. Turn right onto 288 and follow the signs to Young. At mile marker 286 there will be a sign for Young. The Reynolds Creek Group Site is just ahead on the left.
Nearest commercial services are 19 miles north in Young, (gas, ice, food, telephone, Llamas, ice cream and the Antlers Café), or back in Globe/Claypool/Miami, which have all
services.
Your trip leaders will once again be Mountain Men Joe & Hans who can be reached at RC@ComputerComprehension.com |
rsvp for this event | The fee for this event is $25 for members, $35 for guests (non-members). The last day we can accept payment is Monday, September 23rd.
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Lynx Lake Campout
Thursday, Oct 10, 2013-Sunday, Oct 13, 2013
Arrive anytime after 2:00 PM on Thursday; Checkout is 11:00 AM on Sunday
THERE ARE 2 RV SITES LEFT.
Eagle Ridge Group Campground is in a Ponderosa Pine setting ¼ mile from Lynx Lake which is accessible by car or by foot. The lake has a boat ramp. There are 12+ hiking trails in the area. A private concession at the north end of the lake offers boat rentals, a store, firewood, and a restaurant.
This is primarily a tenting area with only a few RV sites available. If you need an RV site, please E-mail the trip leaders to verify that one is still available. Once the RV sites have been taken, the web site will be updated to indicate no RV sites left. You can, however, reserve your own individual RV site at Lynx or Hilltop Campgrounds.
You can arrive anytime after 2 pm on Thursday. We have both group sites, Osprey and Peregrine. The sites feature: picnic tables, fire pit, barbecue grills, picnic shelter w/electric outlets and lights, drinking water, vault toilet & garbage service
Please bring some firewood. Your moderately behaved dogs are welcome. There is a campground host on-site who might enforce the pets on leash rule. Quiet time is from 10 pm till 6 am. Coffee will be available at the main Ramada every morning at 6 am. Bring your favorite mug.
On Friday afternoon we will have a social and DA will provide the snacks & water. Please bring your own beverage.
On Saturday, we will be traveling into Prescott for dinner at Barb & Marge’s. Happy Hour starts at 4 pm. Trip fees below include Saturday event at Barb & Marge's. See separate flyer for more information.
Check out time on Sunday is 11 am.
$20 for members / $25 for guests
You must RSVP & pay by October 7th
Your trip leaders will once again be Mountain Men Joe & Hans who can be reached at Lynx@ComputerComprehension.com |
view or print map | Directions: From Arizona Highway 69 turn south on Walker Road (by Costco, Petsmart and AM/PM gas station). Go 3.5 miles to the Lynx Lake Southshore Day Use Area turn-off and head east (left). Entry to Eagle Ridge Group Campground is 230 feet from Walker Road on the left (north side of the road). Road, ramada and RV spurs are paved. (34.51028, -112.38722). |
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Queen Creek Olive Mill Tour
Saturday, December 21, 2013
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Tour Arizona's only working olive farm & mill. On the tour you will learn about their products & farm, their unique olive tree varieties, see how Extra Virgin Olive Oil is made, the different classes of Olive Oil & the health benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Taste flavored olive oils, stuffed olives & tapenades, (a Provencal dish consisting of finely chopped olives, capers & olive oil).
Christmas is just 4 days away, so shop for unique gifts & local foods. The Olive Mill’s unique gift boxes are perfect for those hard to shop for. The Queen Creek Olive Mill is the only producer of Arizona Extra Virgin Olive Oil & is used by top chefs in Arizona, so your gift will be uniquely Arizonan. They also have a nice array of wines.
When you purchase a bottle of Queen Creek Olive Mill olive oil you are literally buying one of the best olive oils in the world. Their olive grove in Queen Creek is at the base of the San Tan Mountains in an area known for its fertile soil. In the Gila River flood plains, this region is famous for its high quality fruits and vegetables. The combination of long sunny days and cool desert nights provide the ideal growing conditions for their trees.
After the tour, some of us will be dining in the grove. We will order lunch at The Olive Mill’s del Piero Mediterranean cafe & dine in their olive grove. Shaded patio seating is also available. This is a no-host lunch. |
view or print map | The Queen Creek Olive Mill is located at 25062 S. Meridian Road in Queen Creek. If you get lost, call 480-888-9290. Allow 1-hour travel time from central Phoenix.
Your trip leaders are Joe & Hans and you can contact them for additional information at QCOMTour@ComputerComprehension.com. |
rsvp for this event | The fee for this event is $6 for members, $8 for guests. Pre-payment is required. The cut-off for payment is December 18th, which is also the non-refund date. This is a group tour, which lasts 30 minutes and requires reservations.
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