Dates for this year's event are Feb 22, 23, 24 Friday thru Sunday.

Tonto Basin Arizona, just outside of Punkin Center.

Meals provided from Friday dinner to Sunday breakfast.

Most of us camp on site, it's a huge dispersed camping area on national forest, no faculties.
There is lodging available close also. We shoot on site also.

Lots of fun, shooting and BSing.

Some come early, I usually try to get there thursday.

I'm out hunting now and more details will come up, the regulars can answer questions,
just getting the dates out for those interested.

Kent

Best news I had all week.
Thanks.

Watching 4 bulls eating across the canyon, about a 10% chance they will cross over and give me an archery shot, most likely they will head up into the unhuntable manzanita patch.

Kent

Good Hunting Kent!

I really hope I can manage to be there!!!! This year I wanna see Camp Reno! 😉

We will plan some fun shoots and have a great time. Weather should be pretty good by then-certainly better than what a lot of the country will be seeing! I have a javelina hunt that weekend in the unit across the street but intend to go kill my pig Friday morning and be back in time for the festivities.

For us pussified men do you need 4 WD to get in to camp.

I drove an old Cadillac CTS in a few years back so I would say definitely "no" unless the road has taken a turn for the worse.

Saved the dates in my phone.

Well,Judy and I discussed it and due to my health issues we will not be attending.

We take RVs, cars, trucks, trailers. Pretty much anything can get there. I would advise against a Corvette or similar low-profile car as there are a couple of dips in the road. The dirt road is less than 2 miles and all but the last 1/4 mile is very nice graded road.

ttt

Roger that.

In this old 1881 map you can see the Old Camp Reno in the top right. The road from Tempe, which was the hub of what is now the valley including Phoenix, Mesa ect, Hayden's ferry on the Salt river... I was born a couple miles from Hayden's ferry on the other side of the river.

Anyway, the road from Ft McDowell to Camp Reno went through Sunflower, which is still there and an old mercury mine, we used to picnic there on Sycamore creek when I was a kid, and exploring an old mine shaft found a wooden box with blasting caps, Dad took them and being an engineer did something with them I can't remember. Though back then him and his hunting buddy also an engineer could get dynamite, Ray his buddy was an avid hunter and when he killed his mountain lion it went under a rock boulder to die and they had to dynamite it out.

That road is impassable now, I tried it on a quad 20 years ago, it goes over a steep mountain, I don't know how they used wagons to get supplies over from Ft McDowell, but that was the reason the camp didn't last long. Once the Apaches found out the camp was deserted they burned it down.

Kent

Here's an 1873 map showing Camp Reno.

Kent

Awesome. Hope my work schedule doesn't screw me again this year.

If your trailer axles are low to the ground, it will give you problems, but I knocked the tops off of a few rocks with a hammer and made it OK. Too early for me to know yet. miles

ttt

Well friend, that really sucks should I be able to make it. My wife is having a hip replaced in Jan, I have a knee scheduled for new parts in March, and I think I drew a HAM tag over a couple of hours west of the camp about the same time. I was hoping to fit it all in. Crazy yes, but I ain't dead yet so I figure I should keep busy having fun while I can.

Just take care of yourself. Maybe sometime I can make it to NM.

Geno

If I'm still alive I should be there.....hated missing Quemado last summer...

I've penciled it in. We'll see.

Norm

My wife and I are planning to be there Kent and we will plan on doing cleanup after the meals. By the way, our trailer axles are not low. Milo can attest to that.

bump

Mark, I thought washing the dishes was my job.....

Was your wife complaining I didn't get them clean enough last time?

I'll have to scrub them better and bring my reading glasses so I can see those small particles better..

Any help will be appreciated Seafire

Tonto 2019 is now a little more than two months away, so maybe it is time to ask that it be made a sticky(?)

Norm

+1

bump

Sounds like a lot of fun guys. 'Wish it wasn't so darned far away for me. 'Hope you guys have a great time.

ttt

ttt

Merry Christmas all.

Kent

Would anyone be interested in doing a t-shirt of coffee mug for this years gathering ?

Something like this ? They're not cheap, but would be a nice memento.

Maybe one of Greg's quotes like...

If I wanted any chit out of you I'd squeeze your head mister...

Kent

Yup,that would be an excellent choice!

Yeah, I'd spring for one....include me on the list. good idea Jeff..

Same here. Especially with a quote.

An outsider comment here, but why not gun(s)/Target(s) on the cup.

Whoa!

It wouldn't be right for Tonto to take place without considering ElkhunterNM, who is prohibited from driving, so I volunteer to bring his worthless carcass to this party. His wife, Judy/Lady Elkhunter, will be working and unable to participate.

(I expect a great outpouring of sympathy here, best expressed by donations). Please sign up in the preferred category below:

A. Let's welcome Ken to this shindig in the best way possible, including gas money and motel expenses.
1. (your name here, amount of scholarship money pledged)
2. "
3. "

B. I met Ken, remember him vaguely, and regret the experience. Here is my name and pledge.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5. (This is not a PDF, you can add more than 5 names.)

Let's keep this "popularity contest" a little secret amongst ourselves. No donations will be refused . . or acknowledged (in Ken's presence) and all this is off the books, no taxes or IRS nonsense. Besides, they may still be on furlough.

I will gauge actions according to the pledged amounts, so give 'til it hurts, or until you think it is enough to keep him and his 460 WB in powder and primers at home in New Mexico. Once again, our little secret, guys. PM me for donation address.

And remember, tightwads, a small donation means that he will be there, a big one keeps him near home, and a VERY generous contribution will keep him at home for maybe 6 months, killin' defenseless bunnies with his howitzer and laughing his skinny azzoff. Promise.

Pics to follow.

Border Doc

Not sure that I could get this to fit on a coffee cup...

Doc,you may get more money to keep me away and bring Judy instead.

We would love to come. Here is the lizard in the stew so to speak. Ken has 1 good day, then must rest for a few before he can function like himself. Seizures are the other thing that is concerning. Lastly, when he gets over tired talking becomes an issue. We would love to go to Tonto Basin. I’m willing to take time off works it would be one day that I would miss.

I'll pay for the hotel if you guys come.

Kent

Judy and I will discuss it and let you all know.

Well, discuss away and plan on me picking you up as I come through the Valley if you think it is do-able from the standpoint of your health.

If Judy can get away also, I'll still drive.

The Campfire folks would sure like to see you at Tonto.

Amen to that Ken...

and Kent, If you need some help to split the bill for their hotel, count me in...

I’ll be driving IF we go. Brenna will be joining us as it takes 2 of us with Ken on his bad days. We are letting Ken decide. It’s up to all if you to convince him he needs to go.

Here are my concerns,IF I have a TIA or a massive seizure I am 40 minutes or so from a hospital. To get there would take longer as you folks would have to get me in a vehicle,so that would be a bit past the "Golden Hour."

Also,my stamina is not what it used to be. For instance,I helped out in the pecan orchard yesterday for two hours and the rest of the day I was napping and I had small seizures i.e. my right hand shakes(like when you're cold) and trouble communicating.

I would love to go,it's just that I don't want to miss a bunch of fun because I am napping or just not feeling up to it. Then it cuts into Judy and my daughters fun cause they have to watch me,or someone else while those two are having fun.

About 50 days out.

Ken it's hard to know how you'll be feeling this fat out... hopefully better.

Kent

Ken, We would love to have you. We all understand your health concerns.

If you do decide to visit, do not worry about someone sitting with you, as that is what most of us do anyway... Sit, talk, eat and tell lies.

We'd all love to see you, Judy and the daughters if you can make it.

I am going.

I am going to bring camera and spotting scope. One to watch you fellas shoot and the other to "shoot" you fellas.

Well, shoot, I'll not be able to make it as my wife is having hip replacement in about 2 weeks. Docs say no driving for her for 4-6 weeks and I can't leave her out here by herself, 15 miles from town with the dogs , chickens and a pile of firewood to heat the house with.

Once again, I'll have to wait another year at least.

I'm going to have to give back my HAM tag down there in Unit 18 too. Not sure if I got the point protection this time, if not, I may donate it to Hunt of a Lifetime for some youngster to use.

Ken, be sure and take as many pics as can comfortably do. I need to enjoy the show...............vicariously.

The rest of you animals, take care of Ken and his family.

Geno

I will be sitting and taking pictures. Got a telephoto lens yesterday for the camera I am taking.

Trouble maker...

Kent

Perfectomundo baby!

Enjoy,

And take care, too

Geno

Will do,Geno!

Kent,yeah and?

Nutt'n... just say'n the obvious...

Kent

You do realize they just wanna see Judy and Brenna don't you...........

Yep he knows...

Kent

Of course.

Ken, I had seen where you had health issues, did not realize the serious extent that continues to plague you.....Best of luck with a full recovery...

Thanks Kenneth.

I have an appointment for Barrows in Phoenix on March 27th. The ward/section I will be going to is the Concussion/Brain Injury.

Till then I am not driving,but I do work a little bit on the farm until I get tired,which is about a half day.

Ken

Ken has traumatic brain injury x 3. He has daily seizures and is trying to get back to some sort of "normal" for him now.
Judy (his wife)

Well it will be good to see you guys. Bu, Ken and Judy, not if it puts you at great risk. Prepare to get a lot of hard looks and funny questions, just to make sure you are okay. And what Warden Jr says, goes.

Get that whether I am sick or not.

Ken . . Great news, thanks for the update.

Looking forward to seeing you and family there, or we could caravan. I may be solo due to Niki's work and training schedule, but I will be there.

Kent . . what can I contribute? Food, motel costs, etc.?

Looks like the Michigan crew is getting together this spring, and I'll be heading there. They're a way better class of miscreants than yous guyses.......

If I may ask, this is the result of a stroke?

So...is an RSVP necessary for this gig? I'm thinking I'd like to visit my uncle in El Paso in the next month or two and could swing out that way myself for a couple of days. I guess I could represent some of the Texas contingent, but I'm much more a contemporary of elkhunternm, being from the trans-Pecos.

Yes,we can caravan. The blind leading the blind comes to mind.

Brenna is staying home cause Judy and I don't get much alone time.

It is a result of many different things. The stroke being one of them, multiple traumatic brain injuries is the other.

No RSVP is necessary.

All are welcome, food is provided friday dinner to sunday breakfast, camp or stay in the local hotel.

Kent

Can I bring anything else besides Ken?

Judy

An extra hug!

Ed

Patience?

Kent

I plan to be there, along with the youngster.

Let me know if anything is needed.

Still trying to figger out if I can make it. 🤨

Folks should bring any snacks they want and drinks, and coffee cup... now that said there is usually an ice chest full of drinks everyone is welcome to, snacks are brought and put out for all to share by individuals, someone brings a dessert or two. The main meals are furnished by myself and others. Small, and I mean small, donations are accepted for the food kitty, but in no way required as some go overboard with their generosity.

Just get here and have fun, that's the only requirement.

Kent

I have to see if work will allow it, but I'm hoping to make it!

Ed

Bob & Ed, sure hoping that you can make it. Would be good to see your handsome mugs again.

Bob,I figure you can make it.

Ed,just let work know I gave you the okey-dokey to go to Tonto Basin.

ttt

Rick,can you make this thread a sticky?

Please.

It certainly would help if it were a sticky.

I found it this morning on the 20th page of Hunter's Campfire due to the last two days of other threads..

Norm

ttt

Glad I saw this post, this morning...

Ken, good news to hear you'll be able to make it...

Kent, if you need monetary help with Ken's hotel bill, let me know.. I'm in for whatever you might need.

Judy got a phone call from Barrows about an hour ago and my appointment has been moved to February 7 instead of March 27.

So, it is up in the air as to whether or not we make it. It will depend on what the doctors find and what will be done.

Ken

I talked to Judy and our place is available for you guys if you need a break during down time.

I was born in the hospital you are going to... I think they still use leaches as a curative...

Kent

Kent, I don't think they still use leeches when performing the much-needed brain transplant procedure Ken is undergoing. Could be wrong.

I think the leeches would starve trying to eat on what is left of my brain.

I feel the love...or something close to it.

I don't know about that, rumor has it Ken's brain is the same size as a leech's. Might work!

Ed

Better be careful about that.








I hear wimmins get prego that way, feelin' the love and all.


Geno

PS good luck with the docs, whatever date they manage to get you in to look at you.

PPS are they thinking of putting in a viewing port to make it easier to see what's going on in that brain the next time you go back? I hear modern polymers work wonders.

That is an insult to the leech.

Thanks Geno...I think.

I think they are going to plug up the holes so all I don't lose any more air.

That is an insult to the leech. [/quote]

HA! They don't have enough brains to be insulted! OH, Wait...

Can't wait to see your big grin again, amigo!

Ed

Good enough for now?

That'll do for now!

Ed

I am hoping to be in Tonto to shake your hand and toss pebbles at you while you're shooting,Ed!

Well, as long as they don't put a tire valve in and fill you up with beet juice like a tractor tire, I'm sure you'll do fine.

Geno

Still no sticky?

I will be there solo, plan to arrive noonish on Friday. Niki has a speaking engagement again in ABQ, same unfortunate timing as last year (she can't leave the conference till it is over on Friday afternoon).

Looking forward to the gathering.

I (us) am still working the schedule. I thought retirement would have ended it...

Miles ? Ben ? Blue ? Are you going to be able to make it this year ?

I still plan to be there.

It's getting iffy for me since I'd want to take my kids and it is during the school year.

Norm

about three weeks.

Kent

I will be needing help with the shooting stuff. We picked a dumb weekend for me and completely my fault. My javelina hunt starts Friday morning and I have to go to Mesa and back Saturday morning...

Would love to say for certain that we will again be at Tonto Basin, but that probably would call for a minor miracle at this point. Dennis, if we were to get there I would be happy to help you with the shoots in any way.

I can help, as well. Don't really have anything to wring out this year.

Owl, kinda up in the air right now. I am still hoping. miles

Don't count on us - a bit too far, with too much going on!
Best wishes to all who can attend, though.
"The Warden" sends hugs to all. (Her quote!)

Another thought:

iF AND WHEN THIS THREAD IS MADE A STICKY, COULD RICK KINDLY REMOVE THE "2018 SW New Mexico Camp and Shoot" ONE BUT PRESERVE THE THREAD ELSEWHERE FOR REFERENCE (IF NOT ALREADY NORMALLY DONE). THANKS.

Norm

ttt

Not lookin’ good for me.

😟

Still open for us.

I still should be able to make it... hope to be there early this year.... so that means I can assist with
whatever needs set up or done...

last I spoke with Milo, his volunteer work has him anchored at home in Redding...

Sounds like we'll have a thin turn out.. at least for us out of town folks...

two weeks out.

This year we have many who are ailing and won't make it, a tough year.

Probably 18 to 25 folks when we usually have 30 to 40... it'll be cozy.

Kent

I'm going to try to zip up very early saturday morning and stay for the day, other stuff permitting.

directions? which FR is it on? GPS location?

Sunday conflicts with Washington's Birthday match http://asrpa.com/ at Ben Avery but I'm no longer the match director so maybe I'll come out for saturday.

Poole

At Punkin Center take FS 409 west then north to camp. It's the old Reno pass rd.

OK. we have a sticky now.

Thanks, Rick

Dennis, I plan on arriving Thursday evening and can help with the shooting set-up. I will bring the usual Texas Red chili feed and anything else needed. Looking forward to seeing the crew again.

Things have changed for us so we won't be there this year.

We are back in the hotel. Labs and an eeg tomorrow morning. Depending on results will determine what happens next. Follow up appointment may 20th in the morning. Ken is currently sleeping.

Hoping for the best.

Norm

I'll be there. Not sure if camping or hotel. I use a CPAP and don't get any rest if I sleep w/o it. We'll see.

Gonna try make it this year
Gotta work around work,weather and a couple other obstacles.
Been helpin out my "kids", Pete had back surgery so been helpin cover his jobs he had on schedule and may get a break.

For those with a long memory I will try stay away from boiling water <grin>

Ate breakfast with Judy, Ken and Joe before Judy and Ken headed home.

Kent

Owl, It's still hunting season here until Fe.28 th, we have hunters until the last day, I will not be coming, you'all have a good time. Rio7

A public Happy Birthday shout out to Jeff, aka Owl...

Jeff hope you had a great day... Happy Birthday and many more in the future to ya.

cheers and best regards!

Had a blast with you and Joe! We got home last night @ 6:30 pm. There was a semi trailer on fire between Deming and Las Cruces (closer to Deming) and it took an hour to get through it.

The nap in Tucson helped ALOT on the way back!

got a bed for Ruby??

just ran thru the thread , would love to be there but no work for 8 weeks already and so much on my plate it won't work ,,
I will try for next year.

have a great time you guys.

norm

Thank you John

I finally found this thread. I don't get on the fire much lately.
Michael and I should be there sometime Friday night. Kent, Ken and Judy, I had a great time visiting (bullshitting) with you last Saterday at breakfast.
Glad the rest in Tucson helped.
It's a chemo weekend for me, I will be tired, but im not missing another gathering if I can help it.
It will be great to see everyone again.

Looks like we will be getting some weather, rain with lows in the 30s highs around 50.

Those coming come prepared.

Kent

Question: is there a plan in place to acquire an ample supply of firewood?

How far is this from Mesa? I will be around the area for awhile...

Also for those of us attending, mostly it's the old hands that started out together, we've kinda went full circle to just us again. We need to discuss moving forward.

Kent

Lots of wood around camp, mostly mesquite. We will collect a what we need, Dennis is going early to scout for his javalina hunt.

Kent

I'm in Mesa, it's a little over an hour from Power and McDowell, easy drive.

Kent

Friday dinner will be steaks as usual.

Breakfast will be eggs, meats, B&G

Lunch, hotdogs and chili.

Saturday dinner mexican dishes.

Breakfast will be burros and french toast, meats.

Kent

OK, I have been negligent in getting a list of proposed shooting events up this time around. Tentatively, we will have the following:


Prairie dog shoot- one shot with no sighters at 150 yards. Closest to center of dot wins. Any caliber but has to be a sporting rifle.

Open sight rimfire shoot. 5 shots with improvised rest at roughly 30 yards. Smallest group wins. One shot much touch the target dot. Any rimfire caliber but sporting rifles only.

Long range 22 long rifle shoot. 5 shots at 150 yards, smallest group wins. One shot must hit the dot. You can use any rest for this one. Nothing other than 22 long rifle. Sporting rifles only.

I may set some steel up for some other stuff too.

If there is time and desire, we can do a 5 shot group at 150 yards with ANY sporting rifle.

Dennis

Is anyone besides Dennis planning on getting to camp before thursday? Let me know if you are, I may drop my trailer off early for whoever may need it.

Kent

forecast is calling for thursday pm rain, friday rain, saturday partly sunny, highs in the upper 40s, lows lower 30s.

Not our usual 70s and pleasant weather. We've been having decent rain all this fall/winter and after the horrible drought last year I won't cuss rain... we will just put up with it.

Kent

Dennis is bringing his chain saw. I may bring one too. We've always been able to locate and gather what was needed for the main campfire.

Jeff and I will be there Weds some time

I'll try to get the trailer up wed afternoon to beat the rain and get setup, then head back home.

Kent

Breakfast Monday or Tuesday ?

I'll give you all of the details. Dennis runs the shooting events with CCCC (wont be able to attend this year). KRP does the cookin, Mighty tasty and there is always LOTS of food. You won't go away hungry. Darby brings an award winning pot of Red Chili.

Lots of fun, story telling etc. The longer into the night we go, the bigger the lies I mean the stories get.


Jeff

Big snow storm thursday in northern az, anyone traveling down be careful.

Kent

For those that don't have my number... 4802924554... text or call any questions or directions.

Kent

Update: I regret that will not be attending the Tonto rendezvous.

I got out of the local hospital yesterday after a scary incident at 1 AM. I woke up uncomfortable, mildly sweaty with a belly ache, and went downstairs to tend the fire. A very sudden and severe drop in my blood pressure caused me to pass out on the kitchen floor with excruciating abdominal pain. I came around in maybe 15-20 minutes in a pool of sweat, headed to the bathroom and had major digestive symptoms (TMI?). I thought it was peritonitis, like a ruptured appendix, and headed down the mountain to town.

I was treated promptly in the ER (it might have helped when they recognized my face and have a history of coming through the "ambulance only" entrance with patients on gurneys). I am considerably better now after treatments, but a little apprehensive about what the long-term implications might be. I expect this week to be educational. I was really looking forward to being more recreational and social instead of medical.

Sorry to miss the festivities.

Dadgumit Doc! I hope you are feeling better now!

Get better Jim.

Kent

Jim, Take care of yourself. They ain't making' em like you anymore!

Jim - I'm sorry to learn that you have been so ill and uncomfortable and, although you will be much missed at Tonto, you certainly are doing the correct thing by taking care of yourself. I hope the diagnosis is easy, the cause uncomplicated, and the healing very quick.
Paul

Rest up and take care of yourself. That's scary and may yet be just another way of Nature's saying "Slow down."

I am so conscious of that axiom that I've practically slowed down to a stop.

Hopefully the Quemado/Armijo Springs event will be on us before we know it. Despite a bit of much-needed rain in the past couple of years, the weather on that one has been awfully pleasant.

OTOH, over here we are predicting 4 to 12 inches of snow on Monday and Tuesday even in the lower altitudes.

Norm

Jim. Sorry to hear that you've been under the weather. We'll see you at the summer gathering.


Jeff

Gentlemen, looks like I will not make it this year. Between the wife and myself, a couple of issues that will keep me away. Nothing serious, but things that have to be taken care of. I hope that all have a wonderful and safe time. miles

Same news from me. I am deeply disappointed.

I wonder when I talk to my wife if she hears me like Lucy heard Ricky Ricardo: "Honey! You got a lot o'splainin to do."

Gentlemen, you will be missed !

To my fellow Tonto Basin Veterans,
I, too, wish you all the best. Warmest wishes to those unable to attend this year, and glad tidings to those brave souls who will be there.
Life has conspired against me this year. Sometimes one can't force the alignment of the stars. Just when I thought I could make it happen, bad weather, storm damage, and now a cold and flu-bug have eliminated any chance. I am so clogged and stuffed up right now I can hardly talk. Getting too cold and wet is what did me in, I think, so stay dry and warm, y'all.
So, I will be there in spirit, and I will raise an Amarulla toast to my friends at the Campfire, and hope to make it next year.

Milo

We'll raise a toast to you Milo. Get well.


Jeff

OK folks, here's the bad news. 8" of snow in Payson today. All the roads are forecast closed. More snow coming in Thursday and Friday. 36" forecast for Payson Thursday night. Anyone not coming from Phx is going to get stuck. Pretty much every highway will be closed. 87 might even be closed at Fountain Hills. Highs of 45 are not going to be fun to camp in etc. Kent and I talked today and decided that there is really no reason to try and do this with the weather.

The get together/campout/ shootout is hereby canceled. Wish it weren't true but it is. I hope everyone reads this. I will try to reach out to some of you that are traveling.

Dennis

The Roosevelt gathering has been CANCELED

I've notified Darby. I've sent a text to Seafire and left a voice mail.

Dennis is currently at work. Anyone needing any further information, please contact me via PM.


Jeff

.

CANCELED

Up to 36" of snow expected

Ok.

Will miss seeing everyone, but I wasn't looking forward to another snowy, wintry outing again--especially after the grandkids elk hunt the last week of December.

Hope to see everyone at Armijo Springs!

Bummer.

Well there goes our big chance to have a snowball fight...

Now, on the realistic end...

hope this finds everyone who was going to come doing well, and your families the same.

and to all of our friends with the weather holding them down with illnesses, I sure hope you
each get better real soon.

A shout out to Milo also....hope you get better real soon also Milo.. I'm doing better this winter than I
have been doing in a long time. The house that we moved to, that the wife bought as she wanted, doesn't
have the mold in it like the old house did... which was in the ventilation system and under the house.
Didn't seem to bother my wife and son, but it sure was giving me respiratory challenges all winter, and every
winter for the last 10 years or more...

Will miss all you guys, but I know that there should be no snow in Arizona this summer.

Best regards to everyone.
cheers
john chr/ seafire

Been watching the weather closely, gonna miss seeing everyone.

Even got a "critter intrusion alarm" for the tent <grin>

To all the folks with heath stuff going on, prayers offered up.

Dang, gonna take a couple days just to unload all the gear and etc from the car (as Dennis can attest to, lol)

Everyone take care till the next adventure...

Well, it was a hard decision but besides the roads most likely being closed over mt Ord plus anything north, I doubt we could get into camp on the dirt road, I've hunted those roads and when they get muddy you don't drive them you slide them... and that's on the flats.

Biggest winter storm in over 10 years, forest lakes is expecting 5 ft.

Kent

I'm in Douglas on the border and it's snowing right now. I have concrete on the ground finishing.

Kent

It was snowing here this morning. Did not stick but it was fun to watch.

Snowed a little here, too. Supposed to be a cold night.

Drove across the border last evening and ate at the ponderosa steak house, took over an hour coming back across the border, it was a holiday, buncha az plates and even a montana... party animals I guess.

Kent

Good deal calling it early. Now I'll have to go to the Crossroads show on Saturday and figure out who's wearing the stupidest t-shirt.

Me too. We have more snow at the moment than usual here.

My son came with me on our cow elk hunt in mid-December and the best thing was that he was totally intrigued and even involved in gutting the elk and getting it to the processor.

Norm

I called Barrows today. Lab work is still pending and the EEG has not been read yet for Ken.

Judy

This event was still a distant "maybe" in my case but I much appreciate the wise and timely call by Dennis and Kent - discretion is alive. We've been well snowed here at 8,000 ft. and I probably could not get anywhere close to Armijo Springs right now, even with our best 4wd. We were able to fight our way out to the highway today and drop down to lower country. Best wishes to all, and especially to those dealing with illness and nagging issues. This is one fine group. The summer gathering should be extra special this year.

It's started raining already, wunderweather is saying 2 inches plus of rain in Tonto and 2+ feet of snow on the surrounding mountains. Payson got 4" snow in Dec and they closed the roads all 3 ways into town. Doubt the roads over Mt Ord or Top of the world will be open until Friday afternoon or Saturday.

Kent

Dennisinaz, Talus in Arizona and I have a Javelina hunt near there this weekend. Hoping the weatherman was wrong.

Talked to Dennis yesterday, even going Globe route you may have a time getting over the hills from Claypool to the Young road, and A cross may be a muddy mess, you will not be able to cross Tonto creek. I don't envy you guys all the trouble for a stinking javalina.

Kent

Maybe I'll go to oracle junction and hunt rabbits....

The mex food restaurant in Oracle jt is really good.

Kent

Roads closing fast, all roads into Payson closed including south because of accidents, I40 closed in some areas, and only started snowing a few hours ago.

Kent

Listening to my HAM radio. Ham radio operators in Payson are reporting 18" so far today, and it has not stopped.

Harder than ever now

Are you guys going to attempt hunting tomorrow? Can you get over Top of the world or above Claypool?

Kent

The roads are open in Superior and Globe. Not sure what A Cross road is going to be like in the morning. We're going to talk early and decide.

Tonto basin has gotten 1.2 inches of rain and now .1 inches of snow on the ground with the biggest part to hit yet.

Kent

87 closed at Bush hwy and Beeline going to Payson, that's pretty low and blocking a bunch of low country hunters.

Kent

Hey look on the bright side... I've heard you Arizona folks complain about all the Minnesotans that show up every winter.... maybe this will give them an incentive to find somewhere else to snowbird the winter at....

They could have stayed home and got this.....

Well, all roads impassable and closed either direction to where camp is.

Kent

I am disappointed...I was planning on crashing the party and meet you folks and took seven days of vacation to do it, but a part of the plan was to visit an old favorite uncle here in El Paso and it's always nice to see him. We're engaged in a nice visit now, and sometime in the next few days I will head out into the desert east of town to see about knocking off a few jackrabbits. The trip is most definitely not a total bust.

Maybe next year. GOOD health to those ailing.

The best part of these events are meeting new folks, it's a shame we won't meet you.

Usually this event is a good getaway for those in wintery country, but not this year, looking at a record low for this date here in the valley.

Kent

I spoke to "Rocky" from Tonto Basin. Roads have 12" of snow on them and have not been plowed yet.

Holy Cow!.

26 inches so far at nearby at Armijo Springs Camp - should help make the summer gathering nice and green. If this stuff continues we finally will have decent snow pack, nicely running springs, and more water in the lake.

That's great to learn!

Norm

Agreed. i wasn't going to make Tonto due to work and the flu but the girls and I had such a good time at Armijo I am going to fight to get back there.