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05-25-2015, 07:35 AM
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#121
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Rivet Master
2007 Interstate
Normal
, Illinois
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 18,067
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Ray,
What are the neck scarves on your dogs?
Are they decorative or functional?
If functional, are they something those of us bringing dogs should have for ours?
Msggie
__________________
🏡 🚐 Cherish and appreciate those you love. This moment could be your last.🌹🐚
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05-26-2015, 09:42 AM
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#122
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Rivet Master
2019 27' International
2014 25' International
2006 23' Safari SE
Boulder City
, Nevada
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 5,703
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Coyotes do not wear Scarves...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lily&Me
Ray,
What are the neck scarves on your dogs?
Are they decorative or functional?
If functional, are they something those of us bringing dogs should have for ours?
Msggie
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****
Whenever we are off the grid, we put scarves on our two Blue Heelers. Since Coyotes do not wear scarves, anyone seeing them know they are domestic dogs. It is not unusual for a rancher to shoot problem coyotes. Also, when among people at a campground, the scarves tend to put people into a comfort zone that these two are friendly. They are also decorative so we can tell if it is Blue or Dingo by the scarf they are wearing from a distance.
Several weeks before the July 13th Quemado, NM Rendezvous, Nancy will connect to a WiFi, somewhere, and I am sure that Maggie will beat us to Quemado with a list of adventurers.
It is important that we leave Quemado early enough to get settled at the campsite and get to wander around a bit to become comfortable with the immediate area. I expect that everyone will have a good opportunity to place their trailer, RV, tent and tow vehicle where it is convenient. Nobody needs to place their trailer for an easy exit, if you plan to stay longer than the others. When you pull into the site, your door to the trailer will be facing East and into the sunrise and the view across the dry meadow.
There is a large hunter's fire pit at the site for those with firewood and like to sit around in the evening and catch some beauty smoke. Sometimes last years hunters leave dead timber and lumber trimmings that was not used.
Since this area is open to the general public, you never know what to expect one year to the next. I might consider getting our trailer set up at the site to stake claim to it in the event someone happens to find this spot convenient and empty. I drive a silver Tundra with a shell, Colorado plates and have two Blue Heelers. Without the Airstream in tow, we would most likely park at the Forest Service building and direct everyone to the water, if needed.
You can carry a side arm if you want. It will give some a sense of security, as there is no 911 to call for an aggressive "bear alert". A sturdy walking stick as a nose whacker is second best. We have had no problems here. The number of campers at the site will discourage even outsiders from stopping... unless they see someone to ask what is going on. Elk antler shed collectors tend to drive around looking for large antlers along the road.
If you have a dog, a scarf is recommended, as I said earlier. There could be a number of Elk calves in the area, as usual.
I do not expect a shortage of fresh water when camped. You can easily return to Quemado, fill water jugs, gasoline and some supplies if necessary. There is a grocery store in Reserve, NM to the south and two gasoline stations. This area looks like wilderness but with all the amenities within a hour's drive.
We stock our trailer with food, water, propane and dog food to last two or more weeks no matter where we are going. Many times we know what direction, but not where.
After one full day wandering around, you will reach your comfort zone and enjoy exploring. The first day for those interested, I will explain how, what and wheres. We will scatter like we are looking for some lost hiker and hunt for agates, Elk antler sheds, fresh air and maybe stumble across a Pit House with large trees growing out of them.
We look forward to finding everyone eager to experience this wonderful part of New Mexico, lack of tourists but no lack of exploring within the 1,000,000 acres. We are in the flatter part of the area. Some areas have 1000 foot drops to the Gila River, where we will not have access from where we will be camped. You can use your Forest Service map and find your own "experience". After eight years camping here, there is still 85% we have not even been close to seeing!
__________________
Human Bean
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05-26-2015, 09:54 AM
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#123
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Rivet Master
2007 Interstate
Normal
, Illinois
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 18,067
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Good info, Ray, and thank you.
I will tie one of Doug's old bandannas around Lily's neck..... A red one.
I thought we would be a couple of hours out of town, so good to know we will not be quite that remote.
I called the Ranger Station in Silver City today, 575-388-8201, and ordered one of their laminated maps. $10 with your credit card, right to your door.
I have a sun hat, I have collapsible water jugs. I'm ready.
Maggie
__________________
🏡 🚐 Cherish and appreciate those you love. This moment could be your last.🌹🐚
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05-26-2015, 10:01 AM
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#124
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Rivet Master
2007 Interstate
Normal
, Illinois
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 18,067
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I read online that the Gila Cliff dwellings do not allow pets on the trails, other than service animals, but that they have kennels available free of charge at the visitor center.
I would like to see these, as well, and good to know there is a safe spot for Lily if it is too warm to leave her in the Interstate with the vent fan running,
She will hate a kennel, but.....
Maggie
__________________
🏡 🚐 Cherish and appreciate those you love. This moment could be your last.🌹🐚
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05-26-2015, 05:51 PM
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#125
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Rivet Master
2019 27' International
2014 25' International
2006 23' Safari SE
Boulder City
, Nevada
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 5,703
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Additional obscure information...
Quote:
We look forward to finding everyone eager to experience this wonderful part of New Mexico, lack of tourists but no lack of exploring within the 1,000,000 acres. We are in the flatter part of the area. Some areas have 1000 foot drops to the Gila River, where we will not have access from where we will be camped. You can use your Forest Service map and find your own "experience". After eight years camping here, there is still 85% we have not even been close to seeing!
*****
Maybe closer to a 500' steep wall, than 1000 feet. You will drive down one side of the canyon on switchbacks, cross the Gila River and drive back up on switchbacked all season gravel roads. After that it would be... 1000 feet, so you would not be disappointed.
No. It is not part of this campsite package. I am making this as pleasant as possible and not an experience you would want to repeat with trailer in tow.
The parking lot at the Gila Cliff Dwellings has plenty of shade trees, as well. There is a restaurant east of the turnoff before the turn to the GCD that has decent food and maybe hundreds of hummingbirds at their numerous feeders outside the dining windows.
For anyone wanting to take the "hard way" from the campsite to Silver City... I can show you a route on the Gila National Forest map, that is scenic and actually entertaining... without trailer. You will be driving along the ridge between two canyons along some parts of this Forest Service Road. This road is actually ON the Continental Divide and improved in the 1930's by the CCC, Civilian Conservation Corps. Probably originally built for logging in the late 1890's for wagons.
The McDonalds in Silver City use to have WiFi in the parking lot...
A restaurant in the middle of town, south side of the main road through town was good. I remember it has a large parking lot, maybe a covered wagon to attract attention? The Forest Service office was on the north side of the same road through town in a strip mall. When you find any of these places, you can update my memory from eight years ago.
Anyone who gets a copy of the Gila National Forest will discover quickly that the map is printed on both sides and LARGE. A North and a South half. We will be camped on the North Half of this map.
__________________
Human Bean
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05-28-2015, 03:29 PM
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#126
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Rivet Master
2019 27' International
2014 25' International
2006 23' Safari SE
Boulder City
, Nevada
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 5,703
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Valles Caldera New Mexico Supervolcano
For those who want to understand what a volcanic caldera is geologically, google some. Yellowstone Park Caldera. Valles Caldera. Datil Caldera. New Mexico Caldera.
Yellowstone has the potential, at any time, to cover most of the USA under 3 feet of ash. These massive explosions have occurred regularly three times in 2,000,000 years. The last explosion was 620,000 years ago. Hmmm...
If you go to Yellowstone Park and can camp out in the Northwest part in Idaho or Montana... they have the most and biggest earthquakes in that area. Could be your lucky day to be camped in one. Up to magnitude of 7+.
So study up. You will be camping right on the western edge of a similar caldera on this trip. But a tame caldera... I hope.
__________________
Human Bean
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05-28-2015, 05:08 PM
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#127
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Rivet Master
2007 Interstate
Normal
, Illinois
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 18,067
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Anything special we should add to our basic first-aid kits, Ray?
Maggie
__________________
🏡 🚐 Cherish and appreciate those you love. This moment could be your last.🌹🐚
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05-28-2015, 05:28 PM
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#128
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Rivet Master
2019 27' International
2014 25' International
2006 23' Safari SE
Boulder City
, Nevada
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 5,703
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Any special First Aid needs on this trip?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lily&Me
Anything special we should add to our basic first-aid kits, Ray?
Maggie
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******
Nothing.
__________________
Human Bean
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05-29-2015, 11:11 AM
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#129
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Rivet Master
2007 Interstate
Normal
, Illinois
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 18,067
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My Gila Wilderness map arrived today, along with the requested NPS brochure on the Cliff Dwellings, and four other brochures on what animate and inanimate can be found in the Gila Wilderness.
Also, a nice letter from Carlos Garcia, Information Specialist, thanking me for my interest and providing links to other sources of information.
I like friendly, helpful folks like Carlos.
Kudos, Carlos.
Maggie
__________________
🏡 🚐 Cherish and appreciate those you love. This moment could be your last.🌹🐚
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05-29-2015, 11:23 AM
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#130
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Rivet Master
2007 Interstate
Normal
, Illinois
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 18,067
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Here's what who we have to this point:
NEW MEXICO ROCKDOCKING July 13, 2015
Ray Eklund
Thalweg
Prickly Pear/pienjim
unifreck
traveluminum
Lily&Me
ramblingirl
Mrprez?
Maggie
__________________
🏡 🚐 Cherish and appreciate those you love. This moment could be your last.🌹🐚
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05-29-2015, 11:53 AM
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#131
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Rivet Master
2007 Interstate
Normal
, Illinois
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 18,067
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Adding one more.
Ray Eklund
Thalweg
Prickly Pear/pienjim
unifreck
traveluminum
Lily&Me
ramblingirl
Mrprez?
mstcswagb20
Maggie
__________________
🏡 🚐 Cherish and appreciate those you love. This moment could be your last.🌹🐚
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05-30-2015, 04:19 AM
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#132
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Rivet Master
2007 Interstate
Normal
, Illinois
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 18,067
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Have sent you a private message, mstcswagb20.
Maggie
__________________
🏡 🚐 Cherish and appreciate those you love. This moment could be your last.🌹🐚
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05-31-2015, 03:43 PM
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#133
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Rivet Master
2019 27' International
2014 25' International
2006 23' Safari SE
Boulder City
, Nevada
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 5,703
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The Wagon Wheels will be rolling to Quemado
I believe that everything needed to be said has been said, and what has not will be covered when we round everyone up. Maggie will be staged in Socorro, NM seeing the "big city" before heading to Quemado.
I now have Maggie's well done list with contact email addresses and cell numbers. You will have mine and Maggie's cell numbers shortly.
For those who have not handled a firearm, I am offering an opportunity to give the inexperienced, some experience handling and firing a 22 caliber pistol and a 22 caliber lever action long rifle. You would need to purchase a 50 round carton of 22 LONG RIFLE cartridges. They need not be "hollow nose" as we will be target shooting, away from the campsite. The solid nose bullets are better for what we will be doing.
I will provide the use of MY pistol and rifle and for those who have not handled a firearm and will run you through the routine of safety, handling, loading and firing. We will schedule this once we are settled and those interested will be wanting a bit of a break after hiking the wilderness.
For those already on the list of those planning on coming, Maggie will be sending to each an email shortly with contact information. Once I leave here in less than two weeks... I will be in and out of contact, but will get back to anyone leaving a message on my cell phone. There IS cell phone service in Quemado. Once you leave town the service drops off. We will be in and out of service as we travel.
From Quemado, NM we, not necessarily you as it would be voluntary, will be leaving towards Lake Meade Campground just outside of Hoover Dam and Boulder City, Nevada. So, if anyone is wanting to lay back for a few days, we will be spending some time going to the Las Vegas Strip, fattening up at some Buffets and whatever else that strikes our fancy. I will partake some time at a Craps Table. More time if I am winning and less time if not. I can teach you how to shoot Craps while camped for those wanting to support the gaming industry of Nevada.
Seniors with National Park passes camp for $5 a day, no hookups at Lake Meade. Otherwise $10. Water pumps, dump station and flushing restrooms in the vicinity of the well developed camp sites.
__________________
Human Bean
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05-31-2015, 04:59 PM
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#134
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Rivet Master
2007 Interstate
Normal
, Illinois
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 18,067
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An email has sent to all signed up, cc'd to Ray Eklund, with Ray and my cell numbers and email addresses.
If you didn't get it, please let me know.
Might even just send me a quick email back, so I know everything is good to go.
Maggie
__________________
🏡 🚐 Cherish and appreciate those you love. This moment could be your last.🌹🐚
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06-01-2015, 02:39 PM
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#135
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4 Rivet Member
2017 25' Flying Cloud
Las Vegas
, Nevada
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 371
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Ray Eklund
Hi Ray; Charlie M here. When you get to Lake Mead C.G. my DW and I will pay you two a visit sans the Airstream ( we live in Las Vegas). If you are into adult beverages I'll bring some. Let me know the dates at the C.G. and if we are in town I'll contact you and set a time and date. We have stayed at that C.G. in the past, but in March for St. Patrick's Day. It will most likely be hot. Enjoy!
__________________
Charlie M - WBCCI 4045
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06-01-2015, 03:18 PM
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#136
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Rivet Master
2019 27' International
2014 25' International
2006 23' Safari SE
Boulder City
, Nevada
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 5,703
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I expect to be at Lake Mead CG on or near the 19th of June. Probably be there for a week to ten days.
We are never on a definite time schedule, but that is the most current. Probably a couple days looking over the campsite at the Gila NF and working our way west for two or three more days. Our style of travel is... you see something... you have to check it out just in case. I will have my geologic map on hand, DeLorme Atlas to see what the land status might be and make the turn off the highway.
You see Colorado plates, two Blue Heelers, a happy couple... it could be us! Some guy sorting rocks on the picnic table... 100% certain it is us.
__________________
Human Bean
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06-02-2015, 05:13 AM
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#137
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Rivet Master
2007 Interstate
Normal
, Illinois
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 18,067
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This is what I have for rig size, and sun preference, please check for accuracy and let me know if I have missed something
Ray Eklund
Thalweg. 24'. No sun preference
Prickly Pear/pienjim. 25'. Prefers sun
unifreck. 22'. Prefers sun
traveluminum. 27'. Prefers sun
Lily&Me. 22' Prefers shade
ramblingirl. 28'. Prefers sun
Mrprez? 25'. Prefers shade
mstcswagb20. 19'. Prefers shade/not under pines
Maggie
__________________
Cherish and appreciate those you love. This moment could be your last.
__________________
🏡 🚐 Cherish and appreciate those you love. This moment could be your last.🌹🐚
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06-02-2015, 06:43 AM
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#138
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Shelly and Richard
1973 27' Overlander
1959 24' Tradewind
Kopperl
, Texas
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 132
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Thanks, Maggie. We got your email. Looking forward to meeting everyone!
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06-04-2015, 07:08 AM
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#139
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Rivet Master
2007 Interstate
Normal
, Illinois
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 18,067
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Looking over the fliers sent from Silver City, I notice they suggest people traveling in a group each carry a whistle with them, in addition to those items we would routinely think of.
As most of us are newbies to the wilderness, this is not a bad idea, in my opinion.
Three long blasts for distress, they say is a universal signal.
A whistle could help find someone who has lost their way, or become injured,
I'm going to pick one up.
Maggie
__________________
🏡 🚐 Cherish and appreciate those you love. This moment could be your last.🌹🐚
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06-04-2015, 04:16 PM
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#140
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Rivet Master
1962 28' Ambassador
1961 19' Globetrotter
1962 26' Overlander
Mesa
, Arizona
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 5,996
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Thats a great idea, I carry a whistle, knife, mini compass, lighter, bandana, collapsible hiking stick, water and some snacks and a small first aid kit.
__________________
Hittenstiehl
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