Greetings!

 

Just a few short reminders and notices before we get into the Hikers Club info - -

 

1.  Don't forget, this coming Saturday night (2/6) is our Monthly Pot Luck and Social - 7PM - Casas Adobis Church. 

2.  Dues renewal notices have been sent out, please, if you are going to renew for 2010/2011, try to get your renewal mailed in by the 16th in order to be listed in the 2010/11 Membership Directory.  If you are not sure of your renewal status (date) - please call me - 520-305-6976 and leave a message if I don't answer right away.  And finally - -

3.  Word from Bill Chamberlain (& Darrin) - Movie Nights are back and will begin on February 9th and run every other Tuesday night during their stay in Tucson.  They have LIMITED SPACE and will only be able to accomodate the first 12 that call for reservations.  If interested, call 520-396-9295 for more details.

 

NOW ON TO THE HIKERS CLUB - -

 

Merlin is looking for those interested in being a member of our Hikers Club.

 

It is time to start getting a hiking schedule of events planned for the new year.

 

Below are some articles of interest for our hikers, if anyone has any articles to share with the Hikers Club, please send an email to msn.hikersclub@gmail.com.

 

If you are interested in receiving the M.S.N. Hikers Club news -- please contact Merlin at 207-5336 or email him at msnguys@cox.net as soon as possible to get in on the planning  

 

 (double click on this title and go to YouTube for about a 6 to 9 minute Hike to Romero Pools)

 

 Just a little bit about the Catalina State Park -- hopefully it is not one of the parks on the budget closure list. 

Park facilities include a campground, picnic tables, grills, trails, an equestrian center, a group use area for day or overnight use (available by reservation), restrooms, showers, and a gift shop. All restroom and shower facilities are accessible. The park also offers an equestrian center which provides a staging area for trail riders with ample trailer parking.

This scenic desert park also offers equestrian trails and an equestrian center provides a staging area for trail riders with plenty of trailer parking. Bring along your curiosity and your sense of adventure as you take in the beautiful mountain backdrop, desert wildflowers, cacti and wildlife that call this area home.

Catalina State Park is located within Coronado National Forest, and is managed by Arizona State Parks in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service.

Every Sunday morning at 8:30 am in the winter. All hikes leave from the main trailhead, unless otherwise specified. Occasional, light bushwhacks and exploratory tangents may occur. Entrance fee required.

For all hikes, please bring water, hat, hiking boots, and snacks. Moderate pace. Round-trip mileage, duration, and elevation changes are approximate. Hikes are subject to change due to trail conditions and weather. A four-hiker minimum is required, and please no pets.

Registration is required no later than 3 pm the day before the hike. Call Gaston (520) 638-5404 to register for hikes. Please call if you have to cancel a registration.

 

 Sunday, February 7, 2010, 8:30 am start time. 6-7 mile hike, 400'-500' elevation gain. Destination: Cliffs & 50 Year trails. Starts from Equestrian Center.

Sunday, February 14, 2010, 8:30 am start time. 8-9 mile hike, 300'-400' elevation gain. Destination: Stock Tank long loop.

Sunday, February 21, 2010, 8:30 am start time. 7-8 mile hike, 400'-500' elevation gain. Destination: Catalina's Medium Loop. Starts from Equestrian center.

Sunday, February 28, 2010, 8:30 am start time. 7 mile hike, 300'-400' elevation gain. Destination: Palo Verde Loop.

 Catalina State Park is open all year, but is best enjoyed from October through May. The summer months of June through September are generally quite warm. During the fall, winter and spring months, daytime temperatures are mild with highs between 50 and 70 degrees. Overnight lows in January and February are below freezing, and occasionally drop into the teens. As is typical in the desert, a 40-degree swing between the daily low and high is not uncommon in winter. Daily high-low temperature swings during the summer months are not as extreme, with lows near 80 degrees and highs around 100 degrees. Rainfall is generally sporadic most of the year, but there is a rainy period July through September during which there are thunderstorms at least several times each week. Winter snowfall is very rare.

October through May is excellent weather for all types of outdoor activity because of the mild temperatures. Wildlife viewing is also best during the cooler months, as desert creatures are less active in the daytime heat of summer. Physical activities like hiking and bicycling should be confined to the very early morning during summer to avoid possible overheating and dehydration. Plan your wildflower viewing during March and April, but keep in mind that bloom quality can vary a great deal from year to year based upon winter rainfall.

Feel free to contact us with any questions regarding the tips or suggestions. We can be reached at msn.hikers@gmail.com .

 

Sincerely,