Arizona Trailblazers

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Minutes - 2009 November 2009 Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club Meeting Minutes November 21, 2009, 7:00 PM Tempe Welcome, Introductions J Thanks to Ralph and Ann Heins for hosting our meeting and potluck! Reports Treasurer [Sheila Grant] As of November 21 we have 42 paid members and $903 in the bank, including $80 for the projector fund. Webmaster [Ted Tenny] Our Trip Reports page now includes the latest six reports, updated whenever a new one is turned in. Previous Hikes Sep. 19 Parker Creek Sierra Ancha Chuck Parsons Sep. 25-27 Camping Trip Mogollon Rim Debbie M. Sep. 26 Horton Spring Payson Wendy Rennert Oct. 3 Schnebly Hill Sedona Ted Tenny Oct. 10 Groom Creek Loop Prescott Ted Tenny Oct. 24 Cibola Pass Sedona Ted Tenny Oct. 31 Pine Canyon Pine Ted Tenny Nov. 7 Secret Canyon Sedona Sandy Dwyer Nov. 14 Verde Canyon Railroad Clarkdale Chuck Parsons Upcoming Hikes Nov. 28 Bland Hill Bumble Bee Ted Tenny Dec. 5 Weaver’s Needle Loop Superstitions Michael Humphrey Dec. 12 Dragonfly Trail Spur Cross Debbie M. Dec. 19 <<open>>     Dec. 26 <<open>>     Dec. 31 Peak 3004 Goldfields Ted Tenny Jan. 2 <<open>>     Jan. 9 Helmet Rock Goldfields Ted Tenny Jan. 16 <<open>>     Discussion: where to meet for northbound hikes The M & I Bank parking lot at I-17 and Bell is no more. It’s now a construction zone. We will have to meet somewhere else for northbound hikes to Flagstaff, Sedona, Prescott, etc. There was a consensus in favor the Deer Valley Park and Ride lot on the southwest corner of I-17 & Bell Road. The lot is right next to the freeway. GPS coordinates: 33° 38.307' N, 112° 7.024' W [NAD27] Election of Officers for 2010 Candidates were nominated by the Executive Council. ____ President: Michael Humphrey ____ Vice President: Eileen Root ____ Treasurer: Sheila Grant ____ Secretary: Ted Tenny There were no additional nominations from the floor. Ballots cast at the meeting will be counted when email votes have been received from the paid members who were absent. Guest Speaker Joe Michalides presented slides and videos from his recent two-week trip with Doug East to Costa Rica. There was rain, and amazing scenery. Next Meeting Tuesday, January 19, 2010, at Lucille’s Barbecue in the Tempe Marketplace southwest of the 101 and 202 junction. September 2009 Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club Meeting Minutes September 15, 2009, 7:00 PM Top Shelf Restaurant, Mesa Welcome, Introductions Reports Secretary [Ted Tenny] The August 22 ballot proposition passed, 11 to 2: ARTICLE IV section 1 paragraph 4 of the club’s Constitution and By-Laws is amended. Treasurer [Michael Humphrey for Sheila Grant] The insurance is paid for 2009-2010. As of September 15, we have 42 paid members and $779.27 in the bank, including $80 for the projector fund. Previous Hikes July 25 Fire and Ice Flagstaff Michael Humphrey Aug. 8 Schultz Creek Loop Flagstaff Ted Tenny Sep. 12 West Clear Creek Mogollon Rim Eieen Root Upcoming Hikes Sep. 19 Parker Creek Sierra Ancha Chuck Parsons Sep. 25-27 Camping Trip Mogollon Rim Debbie M. Sep. 26 Horton Spring Payson Debbie M. Oct. 3 Schnebly Hill Sedona Ted Tenny Oct. 10 <<open>>     Oct. 17 <<open>>     Oct. 24 <<open>>     Oct. 31 Pine Canyon Pine Ted Tenny Nov. 7 <<open>>     Nov. 14 Verde Canyon Railroad Clarkdale Chuck Parsons Guest Speaker     When hail begins falling you dash indoors – unless you’re out climbing a mountain. Hikers often encounter the unexpected, be it weather, wildlife, misdirection, or unpredictable companions, and they come back with stories to tell. AZHC authors Cyd Cassel, Chuck Parsons, and Ted Tenny have experienced misadventures over many years of hiking in Arizona and have written first-person accounts of their adventures to share the grandeur, exhilaration, gratitude, and joy of making it through an unexpected wilderness challenge.     Ted gave a slide show of pictures to appear in their forthcoming book. Next Meeting  Elections. Tuesday, November 17, 2009, location TBA. Executive Council, August 16, 2009 attendees: Debbie M., Michael Humphrey, Sheila Grant, Ted Tenny, Chuck Parsons, Doug East Observers are allowed at officers’ meetings. The officers reserve the right to go into Executive Session (with no observers) when discussing a sensitive subject. The president is often contacted by worthy causes seeking the club’s participation. These will be shared with the other officers, who may want to follow up. However, email attachments are never forwarded to the mailing list, and the mailing list is never shared with persons outside the Executive Council. Village Inn is being considered as a location for club meetings. A proposed amendment to the Constitution & By-Laws, involving runoff elections in section I paragraph 4, will be submitted to paid members for a vote. The officers decided not to allow dogs on future outings of the Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club. The Policies & Guidelines will be modified, with other minor changes. The Canine Hiking Club of Arizona welcomes those who prefer to hike with dogs. Chuck Parsons will review the Trip Release Form for any needed changes. July 2009 Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club Meeting Minutes July 18, 2009, 7:00 PM Scottsdale Welcome, Introductions Reports President [Debbie M.] The officers are considering alternate locations for club meetings in 2010. Treasurer [Michael Humphrey for Sheila Grant] As of July 18, we have 38 paid members and $1540 in the bank. Webmaster [Ted Tenny] Two computer outages suffered by our Webmaster had minimal effect on the AZHC web site. Previous Hikes May 31 AZ Hwys Travel Show Phoenix Sheila Grant June 6 Butterfly Trail Tucson Wendy Rennert June 12-15 Mt. Graham Car Camp Pinalenos Chuck Parsons Upcoming Hikes July 25 Fire and Ice Flagstaff Michael Humphrey Aug. 1 <<open>>     Aug. 8 Schultz Creek Loop Flagstaff Ted Tenny Aug. 15 <<open>>     Aug. 22 Horse Lake Flagstaff Ted Tenny Aug. 29 <<open>>     Sept. 5 <<open>>     Sep. 12-20 Arches, Yellowstone Utah Michael Humphrey Guest Speaker Michael Humphrey gave a slide show of favorite memories of hikes over the past year. All the pictures had stories behind them. Next Meeting Tuesday, September 15, 2009, at the Top Shelf Restaurant in Mesa. Executive Council, July 1, 2009 attendees: Debbie M., Sheila Grant, Ted Tenny, Michael Humphrey, Chuck Parsons Lucille’s Barbecue is being considered as a location for club meetings. Debbie will check on turning the speakers off and arranging the tables in the southern room. More summer hikes will be added to the calendar. The officers decided not to follow up on members who leave the club. The subject of dogs being allowed on Trailblazer outings will be discussed with the club members, before the officers decide. May 2009 Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club Meeting Minutes May 19, 2009, 7:00 PM Top Shelf Restaurant, Mesa Welcome, Introductions Reports Treasurer [Sheila Grant] As of May 19, we have 37 paid members and $1498.84 in the bank. Webmaster [Ted Tenny] Globat has been taken over by another company, and our AZHC web site is being migrated to a different server. “This change should be transparent to users,” they advised. Previous Hikes Mar. 21 Fish Creek Canyon Superstitions Michael Humphrey Mar. 24 Wind Cave Usery Mtn. Park Debbie M. Mar. 28 Seven Springs Cave Creek Wendy Rennert Apr. 4 Ben Avery Trail Eagletail Mts. Handlebar Ray Apr. 11 Vultee Arch Sedona Chuck Parsons [Apr. 11 Boynton Canyon Sedona Ted Tenny] Apr. 24-26 Camping Trip Chiricahuas Debbie M. May 9 Tortilla Ranch Superstitions Michael Humphrey May 16 Kendrick Peak Flagstaff Jenni Jacobs Upcoming Hikes May 23 <<open>>     May 31 AZ Hwys Travel Show Phoenix Sheila Grant June 6 <<open>> June 12-15 Mt. Graham Car Camp Pinalenos Chuck Parsons June 20 <<open>> June 27 <<open>> July 4 <<open>> July 11 Culture Walk Tucson Ted Tenny Guest Speaker Christian Gort gave a presentation on Central Arizona Mountain Rescue, including a short video and a Power Point presentation covering points of safety and what should be carried with you. He concluded with stories of actual rescues, questions and answers. Next Meeting Pool party on Saturday, July 18. Details are forthcoming. Executive Council, May 3, 2009 attendees: Debbie M., Sheila Grant, Ted Tenny, Jacquelyn Tenny Mimi’s Cafe is being considered as a location for club meetings. Debbie will check on turning the speakers off and arranging the tables in the southwestern room. Sheila reported that the club has 37 paid members. We need summer hikes! Ted will see about scheduling a hike in Flagstaff in August. The Guidelines and Policies include a new guideline for hike leaders to keep drivers from getting separated on their way to the trailhead. Hike leaders should be recognized at one of our upcoming meetings. Ted will be representing the Trailblazers in a talk at Freescale Semiconductor on May 27. He is preparing slides and handouts. March 2009 Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club Meeting Minutes March 17, 2009, 7:00 PM Top Shelf Restaurant, Mesa Welcome, Introductions Reports Treasurer As of March 17, paid memberships include 22 single members and 12 families. The account balance is $1255.84 [Sheila Grant] Webmaster People are actually reading our web site, and have sent in corrections to some of the information. [Ted Tenny] Previous Hikes Jan. 24 Picketpost Mountain Superior Eileen Root Jan. 31 IQ Arch Goldfields Ted Tenny Feb. 14 Massacre Grounds Superstitions Michael, Sheila Feb. 21 Prospector’s View Superstitions Debbie M. Feb. 28 Golden Hill 2726 Goldfields Ted Tenny Mar. 7 Kartchner Caverns Benson Debbie M. Mar. 14 FW to Canyon Lake Superstitions Eileen Root Upcoming Hikes Mar. 21 Fish Creek Canyon Superstitions Michael Humphrey Mar. 24 Wind Cave Usery Mtn. Park Debbie M. Mar. 28 Seven Springs Cave Creek Wendy Rennert Apr. 4 Ben Avery Trail Eagletail Mts. Handlebar Ray Apr. 11 Vultee Arch Sedona Chuck Parsons Apr. 18 <open> Apr. 24-26 Camping Trip Chiricahuas Debbie M. May 2 Bear Sign Canyon Sedona Ted Tenny May 9 <open> May 16 <open> Guest Speaker There was a last-minute cancellation. On short notice, substitute speaker Ted Tenny presented slides and stories of three colorful hikes in the Superstition Wilderness: Coffee Flat Mountain, Hackberry Spring to Canyon Lake, and Geronimo Cave. Next Meeting Tuesday, May 19, 2009, at the Top Shelf Restaurant in Mesa. Executive Council, February 8, 2009 attendees: Debbie M., Michael Humphrey, Sheila Grant, Ted Tenny Each club officer will research possible restaurants to have our meetings at. Will bring top choices to the next officer meeting. One of Michael’s ideas was the casino – Debbie will check on this. Meeting time will remain the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM. More short, easy hikes will be scheduled. Each club officer will come up with an idea for a speaker or topic for meetings. Michael will consider presenting on orienteering. Debbie will attend map reading/compass use at Chandler Parks & Rec. Sheila will invite son-in-law from Phoenix Mountain Rescue Team. Debbie and Michael will put together slide show, to include activity of writing captions on photos. T-shirts as a possible incentive for hike leaders. Sheila will discuss with Cyd and Chuck. Consider changing hike rating scales to better reflect the actual hike. Until then, hike leaders need to be more specific about hike descriptions, to include on/off trail; elevation changes/rapid or gradual. Have Member-Only activities: Sheila looking into Dolly Steamboat discount. Debbie will email Ted the Usery Park calendar. Perhaps club could send out a monthly calendar of activities so potential hikers could prepare in advance. Leaders will send out thank you emails to all their hikers. Leaders will offer to co-lead/assist new hiker leaders. Leaders should know the history/plant/wildlife of the area. Competition: the leader who leads the most will get a free Dolly Steamboat ticket (or alternative prize?). Upcoming events, other than hikes: March 7: Kartchner: Debbie April 24-26: Chiricahua: Debbie May: Pine-Strawberry Walking Tour/Natural Bridge: Debbie/Sheila June: Dolly Steamboat?: Sheila June: Camping Trip?: Chuck July: Tucson Walking Tour: Ted July: Pool Party: Barry/Anne Sept: Yellowstone/Arches Road Trip?: Michael Sept/Oct: Zion Road Trip?: Karen Sept. meeting; Slide Show: Debbie/Michael Oct: JeromeGhost TownWalking Tour: Debbie Oct: Verde Valley Train Ride: Chuck Nov: Holiday theme Potluck: Ann & Ralph Heins Nov: Glass Works at Desert Botanical Garden: Sheila to research. January 2009 Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club Meeting Minutes January 20, 2009, 7:00 PM Top Shelf Restaurant, Mesa Welcome, Introductions Officers for 2009 The officers elected at our November meeting were introduced. President: Debbie M. Vice President: Michael Humphrey Treasurer: Sheila Grant Secretary: Ted Tenny Reports Treasurer As of January 20, paid memberships include 25 single members and 5 families. The account balance is $975.14 [Sheila Grant] Webmaster New and modified HTML files are upgraded the latest formatting. You might notice their improved appearance. [Ted Tenny] Previous Hikes Nov. 29 Reavis Ranch Trail Superstitions Chuck Parsons Dec. 6 Lost Dog Trail McDowells Beth Baumert Dec. 13 Haunted Canyon Globe Chuck Parsons Dec. 31 Geronimo Cave Superstitions Ted Tenny Jan. 3 Butcher Jones Trail Saguaro Lake Debbie M. Jan. 10 Lost Goldmine Trail Superstitions Chuck Parsons Upcoming Hikes    J No open dates on the schedule. Jan. 24 Picketpost Mountain Superior Eileen Root Jan. 31 IQ Arch Goldfields Ted Tenny Feb. 7 Skull Mesa Cave Creek Eileen Root Feb. 14 Massacre Grounds Superstitions Michael, Sheila Feb. 21 Hieroglyphic Canyon Superstitions Debbie M. Feb. 28 Golden Hill 2726 Goldfields Ted Tenny Mar. 7 Kartchner Caverns Benson Debbie M. Mar. 14 FW to Canyon Lake Superstitions Chuck, Eileen Planning for 2009 The 20 surveys returned before the meeting plus an additional 8 at the meeting provide insights that will help the club improve our activities. • A meeting location farther west, possibly near the junction of the 101 and 202 freeways, would be more central to club members. • Hike leader training will be offered on the Massacre Grounds hike on February 14. Anyone can attend, but please join us if you have ever thought of leading a hike for the Arizona Trailblazers or if you want to know what hike leadership is all about. • Hike leaders are vital to the club’s success. At least two of our experienced leaders, Chuck Parsons and Ted Tenny, were both recruited by personal encouragement from fellow hikers. “You should try leading a hike,” someone suggested. • Year-end recognition of hike leaders would encourage them. • Hike ratings are a perennial concern. The Trailblazers use a system borrowed from Arizona chapter of the Sierra Club. Although the Sierra Club is a prestigious national organization, different chapters have different hike rating systems. Next Meeting Tuesday, March 17, 2009, at the Top Shelf Restaurant in Mesa. Executive Council, January 4, 2009 attendees: Debbie M., Michael Humphrey, Sheila Grant, Ted Tenny Agenda for the January 20 club meeting Approved. AZHC Survey Several improvements were made. The survey will be sent out to everyone on the mailing list, in time for the club meeting. Hike Leader Training This will be offered on one of our upcoming hikes. The topics planned for last year are still appropriate. Summer Schedule Tentative plans were made for events at least once a month, plus the July and September club meetings. One of the meetings will be a pool party. Club History Minutes Archive Constitution & Bylaws AZHC Home Page updated November 22, 2009