Havasupai Ramblings - 2007

(I do ramble on) (latest rev. 5/10/7 7:00am)

(These ramblings were written years ago & updated for 2007)

(These observations are my own, and have NOT been checked by the Troop's committee)

I highly recommend that all attendees increase their exercise level from now until the trip!

Remember that each individual is ultimately responsible for themselves. You are responsible for all of your own food, clothing, shelter, and safety. Any child attending this outing without a parent or guardian must have a permission slip. They should also have a clearly assigned, trusted attending adult that will have the main responsibility of supervision over their child. Other attending adults should use their best judgement in handling all Troop 474 children as if they were their own.

Any parent not familiar with the "Guide to Safe Scouting" should obtain it from Mr. Chalmers, or go online, and read it thoroughly. Parents that have not taken the BSA Youth Protection class may wish to do so. Check out our Council's web-site. They have most of this stuff online ---- www.grandcanyonbsa.org/safe.html

If you must leave at a different time than the main group, make sure Ms. Gersztyn is aware of this, and have an idea of your timetable. It would be good to discuss your plans with her or Mr. Axline.

We will be spending Wednesday night on Hualapai Hilltop in the parking lot. There is limited room, and no official "camp spots", or potable water. You will find some people will sleep in their vehicles, pitch a tent in front, behind, or beside their vehicle, or just throw a ground cloth down and sack out. Be aware there will be vehicles arriving and leaving all night long. A certain amount of care is necessary to insure each person's safety. Note that the temperatures on the hilltop will be markedly cooler than in the campgrounds. The first evening at the hilltop, expect daytime highs about 85-ish and nights will probably be in the mid 50s. It tends to get cold and windy about 2am up there. If you sleep under the stars, you may find an occasional horse or dog interrupting your sleep, as they wander around and are interested in what you have in your pockets.

Expect temperatures at our final destination campsite to hit 100-ish during the day, and drop to 70-ish at night. Watch the weather reports closely as May 30th approaches. If weather information for Phantom Ranch is available, it is usually fairly close to what you can expect at Havasupai. Temperatures may go up or down, rain is always a possibility. Elevation of the campgrounds is 2800'. The tribe installed a chlorinating system at "Fern Springs" a few years ago. Using the water without personal treatment is at your own risk. If the chlorinator is working, consider that safe.

It is hard to really get lost on the way down, although even an accidental 100 yard detour becomes very tedious when there is a backpack on you it's 90 degrees and you have already covered eight miles or so. Watch where you go, the correct trails are usually heavily traveled, but not always marked well.

The hike from the Village to the Camp Ground is almost two miles, so don't dilly in the Village too long, lest you suffer with added heat, and muscles and feet yearning to get into the 68 degree water in the Creek.

As you enter Supai Village, there is a Candy / Drink / Ice Cream Store on the left hand side. The Tourist Enterprise building is on the left hand side another ¼ mile or so. Right past that is a Restaurant and General Store. Be aware that the stock available, and hours of operation are not always what you would expect. Don't depend on them for your basic needs.

It is most fun, and safer to move down the trail with a group of four or six. Make sure at least one adult or senior Scout is in your group.

While hiking, always try to be aware of where you are, not only on the trail, but relative to the rest of the Troop. Who you passed on the trail, who passed you, are you near the back or front of the group, etc.

Make sure you are courteous and polite to all you meet on the trail. If someone needs to pass you on the trail, move off the trail a bit, normally the right side, but use judgment for what is most appropriate.

When mules or horses are involved, make sure your whole group stays to one side, still and quiet. If there is a drop off on one side, hill on the other, go to the hill side as far as possible.

A quick, friendly, "how's it going" is always nice to hear when you pass or get passed.

The Supai Indians prefer you do not take pictures of them. Please respect this.

If horses or a mule train needs to pass, stop, be quiet and give them LOTS of clearance.

Unless you want a flea & tick infested dog sharing your tent with you, DO NOT FEED THE DOGS!

Food and garbage left in packs on or near the ground will be feasted upon by numerous species of mini-bears. They are ingenious, and have razor sharp teeth, claws that can easily go through your pack, tent, or you.

As usual, the Buddy system needs to be adhered to all the times. Anytime a group is interested in splitting from the rest, they must get the OK from a responsible adult. The rules of safe swim and safe climbing must be followed so your whole day (and life) doesn't get ruined.

Remember, Havasupai is not Disneyland, your poor choices or inattention to what you are doing can get you injured or dead real quick. The Troop will be signing an agreement that states all will respect Havasupai and its residents. Climbing and jumping from the canyon walls is forbidden. I have personally seen the results of mishaps, and they weren't pretty.

Hiking in, I consume 2 quarts of water, on the way out a full 4 quarts barely cover it. You have to use your own judgment based on your own weight, condition, and past experience. I usually hike fast, so for slow hikers, you will probably consume more. (Remember the "time on the trail" consideration we have discussed in the past)

NOTE: Below are procedures used in 2004 modified with names of new "in charges".

NOTE: The following procedures may be different, consult Ms. Gersztyn or Mr. Axline!

• Traveling with a buddy (two vehicles, three max.) is highly recommended.
• Caravans (more than three) can be dangerous and counterproductive.
• Bring your FRS radios, and set them to 4 - 7 (alternate is 7 - 4)
• When arriving at the Hilltop, make sure to check in with Mr. Axline so he knows you are there.
• In the morning, you may step off for the campground when you are ready, but with certain restrictions. See Ms. Gersztyn or Mr. Axline for details.
• You must make Mr. Axline aware when you are ready to step off.
• The first person (from Troop 474) down to the village MUST perform the check in procedure at the Tourist Enterprise Office before proceeding to the campground. If you are first down and you are not the one who will do this, wait until that person arrives at the Office. Make sure no one else from our Troop continues down until permits are secured.
• If you KNOW you are not first down to the Village, and you see no one else from our Troop to check with, you will receive your reservation tag at the entrance to the campground (2 miles further), not in the village.
• Mr. Axline will be drag initially, so everyone must be hiking by about 5:30 am from the Hilltop.
• Make sure someone takes a quality "group picture" during the stay in the campground for the website.
• The same rules apply for the hike out. (back to the top)
• Saturday, everyone should be on the trail absolutely no later than 4:00 am (shoot for 3:30 am).
• You may leave earlier, but anything before three is sort of silly. (my belief)
• Any movement before it is light or after it is dark should be performed with the utmost care and with the utmost QUIET!

I am happy to answer, or get answers to any questions you have. Feel free to call or e-mail me anytime. Do not wait to the last minute, please!

Remember, Ms. Gersztyn & Mr. Axline are in charge this year!

John Kwilosz - 602-437-1413 Day / 480-838-1741 Evening / john@recycledmicro.com