Message

This is scheduled for Sunday, January 19. If I've left anyone off the list, or you would still like to go, just let me know and make sure you get your free permit (search the azgeocaching.com mailing list archive for subject "El Camino del Diablo Strike Force" for information on the hoops you have to jump through to get the permit). Every adult entering the area MUST have a permit, it's not just a permit for your vehicle. Oh, and your vehicle must be a four-wheel drive.

Obviously we want to try and hit all the other caches within the permit area that Ken mentioned in his post. I thought I had said that in the original email, but if I didn't it's probably because I felt it went without saying. So I'll clarify it: The Strike Force will go for the El Camino del Diablo cache, and all of the others within the boundaries of the Barry Goldwater Range and the Cabeza Prieta NWR.

When to meet: I propose 8:30 AM, but I'm open to other reasoning. My guess is that makes departure times of about 5:30 from Tucson and 6:00 AM from Phoenix (your mileage may vary), still leaves a good chunk of the day for the adventure, and gets us back on to paved roads with daylight to spare. If I'm wrong: Sorry, folks, I've never done this trip before. Anyone reading this who has better or first hand information, please help us out.

I'm not one for setting up convoys to get there. I don't think they're beneficial, and I can think of at least three ways to get there from the Phoenix area that different folks might prefer. And rather than turn this thing into an administrative nightmare, I'd propose we just meet at 8:30. If you're there (or we know you're close), you're there. If you're late, catch up to us.

If you are running late, but can reach us by radio, we'll wait for you. I do think we should use FRS channel 2 (backup 12), and we might as well ditto those channels for CB. If there are any hams going, start out on 146.52, unless someone knows a good repeater in the area. If so, please post the frequencies and PL.

Finally, where to meet. I know nothing about the area, so I propose meeting at the gate. There must be a gate, you got a combination to the lock when you got your permit. If meeting at the gate is okay with everyone, I'll post some directions and coordinates in a separate message.

This is all carved in SAND, folks! As I said, I've never been there, so if anyone has other ideas on what or when or how we should do this, please chime in. Especially on meeting at the gate as opposed to other places. If you know one, holler. If you have a different idea for a meeting time, holler. If you want to lead a convoy, holler. If I'm ticking you off, holler. If you have any other questions, holler.

Steve
Team Tierra Buena
There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness". -- Dave Barry