Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire 2018 SW New Mexico Camp and Shoot

Paul, if y'all want possum stew, I will give it a go. Might find some reruns of The Beverly Hillbillies to get a recipe. miles

Should be a sticky by now...

Well Miles, I have seen the insides of more than one possum - and will pass on that offer. But, would love to have a taste of your serious stew if ever we get the opp.

Gentleman I am doubtful on making it. My job has changed some making it difficult, and this year we will be trying to get Stephen prepared for his freshman year of high school. Not to mention Gigi prepared for not having her brother with at the same school.
There is a very slim chance I could come up Saturday for the one night, but don't count me in any plans.

Have fun, be safe, and take pics.
Regards,
Tom

Paul, when a bunch of us get there early, I usually make a pot. You are close enough to just show up. miles

I’d like to make it but I ain’t hauling a travel trailer thru the desert in July or August again. Might can come and stay in a tent. I’ll decide in time to stake out my portion of the supplies.

Tom - all of us understand that kids' needs come very first for Brandy and you, but we're going to be disappointed if we don't have you amongst us. Just last eve I was thinking about that first one up this way that you helped organize - we were at the lake in a parking lot because the landscape was parched and the forest was closed for fires - and I think you took the opp to do some fishing from the boat ramp.

Still hoping to see you here.

Gene, it's high time you were here again. There's lots for us to talk about with you, and the shooting setup ain't bad - matter of fact, it's pretty nice. It will be good tent weather and nice spots to pitch 'em. Also note, Border Doc generously has offered a bunk or two in his trailer as might be needed. He's one fine fellow - don't know if he snores.

Miles, when that old bunch starts rolling in we will no doubt see them - so will tune our nostrils from downwind. If a whiff of your stew wafts by, I'll make the trip.

Yup.

We did it last year in a 12x12 Cabela's XWT Outfitter tent that I had bought here on the Fire. It was darned heavy and a bear to set up, but it surely was big and comfortable for four people when it rained every day!

I don't think we'll have that rain this year. but it turned out fine last year and nobody seemed to mind.

This year I got a modest cargo trailer to carry all our stuff, but we'll still sleep in the tent.

Weekend Bump

Still working out the details. I love packing lists and dreams of vistas along the road. The last ten years or so have been bitter but these gatherings are like an oasis to a parched soul. I am praying for rain, but selfishly as I love the smell of wood smoke and hope to gather around an actual campfire. Hearing elk bugle will just be frosting on the cake. If the night skies are clear, I cannot wait to show my girls the stars as they should be seen.

Nice post, Tracy. "Oasis" indeed. In driving to these parts there are some great vistas along the way and when stopping to rest a bit. if knowing your general route, others here and I can suggest some things to see.

Paul, If all my plans happen as I've tried to schedule them in my head, I'll be there either Tuesday, or Wednesday.

Miles, if you're making stew, I'm bringing a large bowel and a big spoon.

Anyone else's cooking has to be better than mine !

I will probably be taking I40 to Holbrook, then swing down to Show Low. East from there, through Springerville to Quemado, then south to Armijo Springs.

My fun part starts at the named towns. Everything before that is just spent time to get out of California. If I get lucky and squeeze out more time off, I hope to stop at El Morro for a picnic lunch with the kids. They are too young to appreciate history, but I want to plant a memory that will last their lifetimes.

I would gladly take any suggestions. In my line of work, and at my age, you never know if this will be the last trip.

Owl - maybe best if you bring your very largest bowels - never know how much or how long it will take for you to digest Miles' stew.

Tracy - you named what is probably the shortest route - in miles and time. But. for me, the stretch on I40 from Flagstaff to Holbrook, and from there to Springerville, is not as scenic as a slightly longer trip.

If you have a bit more time, you can leave I40 at Winslow and drive south on AZ87 through some gorgeous forest to Payson and see more of the famous Mogollon Rim area by turning east on 260 at Payson to Show Low. From there, drive US 60 into NM. Even more scenic from Flagstaff would be to drive the road going southeast from Flag past Mormon Lake and through Happy Jack (may be Route 3) eventually to intersect AZ87 and then south to Payson, etc.

With some more time, you can leave I40 at Ash Fork, AZ driving south on AZ89 almost to Prescott, AZ, then turn east on AZ89A and go "over the top" of Mingus Mtn, dropping down through the old mining town of Jerome (still alive and interesting) then downhill and take AZ260 over to nearby Camp Verde and then east (that's a nice scenic drive - Gen. Crook Trail) to intersect AZ87 that comes down from Winslow and turn south on AZ260/AZ87 to Strawberry, Pine and Payson, then the aforementioned route on AZ260 and US60. If you wish any specific details for the above, let me know. Several guys on here know more than do I and can make suggestions. Wish I were making that drive again.

This sounds so good that if I can't do it this trip, it will go on the Bucket List.