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The Arboretum at Flagstaff will be a very special place to visit any day during your time in Flagstaff. At an elevation of 7,150 feet, there are 2,500 species of plants of the Colorado Plateau or the several miles of trails to explore over some 200 acres.  Not to be missed is the Live Birds of Prey demonstrations.  Come face to face with hawks, owls, falcons and other raptors everyday at 12:00 and 2:00. All this for only $6.00 for adults and $3.00 for kids 6 –17 (children under 6 are free). For more information, contact Merle Thomsen at: Thomsen Landscape [thomsenlandXXXsbcglobal.net].

 The Arizona Trail will be completed from Mexico’s northern International Border, across 760 miles of Arizona, to Utah by the 2008 Convention. Segments of the “AZT” in the Flagstaff area will be hiked. Contact Larry Bagley at: lhbagleyXXXyahoo.com .    

Climbing Scenes Investigators (CSI):

Who:  Young Scientists (anyone ages 6 to 18).

Where:  Arizona Highpointers Convention - exact locale to be determined later.

When:  During Arizona Highpointers Convention - exact day and time to be determined later.

Why:  Using cutting edge Texas Instruments technology, young scientists will utilize earth and environmental science to study the region surrounding Humphrey’s Peak, and physiology to learn about effect of exercise on their bodies.  This will be hands on activity and participants must wear comfortable closed toe and closed heel shoes. Data can be taken back home to be used for reporting to their class or expanding upon for a class project.  Program will be led by Tonya Hancock, Texas Instruments employee, and Rob Hancock of the Army National Guard.

How:  Pre-Register by contacting Tonya Hancock at tonyajhancockXXXaol.com before August 15, 2008.

County Highpointing activities will have as our featured outing an easy introduction to the joys of Arizona cohp’ing. This trip will be an excursion to Mount Union, the Yavapai co-hp. The summit features a fire lookout with outstanding views, including Humphreys Peak, 76 miles away. Mount Union is about 90 paved and 20 dirt road miles from Flagstaff. There will be an easy ~2 mile round trip hike to the summit. We are open to suggestions on venues for additional co-hp trips. The “short list” for additional trips are:

           1. An easy excursion to Gila cohp, on the

           Mogollon Rim, with expansive vistas to the south.

           2. A harder trip, perhaps to Browns Peak or

           Hualapai Peak depending on demand.

Continue to check for other AZ CO HP trips. Contact Andy Martin (-suggestions or requests-) at: oldaditXXXiname.com. 

Eldon Pueblo was first excavated in 1926. The pueblo, nestled amidst the Ponderosa pines on the eastside of Flagstaff, is made up of early pit houses and some 70 rooms (pueblos are houses built above the ground) occupied by the Sinagua (“without water”) Indians from about 700AD to about 1400. They were skilled artists and farmers and had an organized society. “Brownware” and “Redware” reveal they were fine potters.  Shells, macaw feathers, minerals, painted pot shreds and even a copper bell reveal they traded with other pre-historic groups throughout the southwest.  The dig is on-going and artifacts are still being unearthed. The Coconino National Forest Archaeology Section conducts guided tours of this ancient site by reservation only.  To insure you get to see the ruins and hear the story of the Hopi ancestors, make reservations early for our guided tours: Friday 9-12-08 at 1:30 and Sat 9-13-08 at 10:00.  Space may be limited. To sign up contact: Cindy Zokhrouf at: czokXXXtheriver.com .

 The Grand Canyon National Park South Rim Trail is about 90 minutes from Flagstaff and we’ll be car-pooling there for the hike. The trail is a 12 mile trail that runs from the Pipe Creek Vista to Hermits Rest.  Unfortunately the section from the South Rim Village to Hermits Rest is closed, as the Park Service rebuilds the West Rim road. We will however enjoy a hike from the Village to the Pipe Creek Vista and back. This is about an 8 mile hike on a mostly paved path. The trail elevation is at about 7,000 feet and varies approximately 200 feet. Providing great canyon views of many areas, including Phantom Ranch and Indian Gardens, the trails winds eastward from Grand Canyon Village to the Pipe Creek Vista. Several shuttle bus access points intersect the trail for those who want to hike only part of the trail. We’ll be starting early in the day and carpool from Flagstaff.  We will finish at the Grand Canyon Village for an ice cream cone and shopping before heading back to Flagstaff. You may make the hike a one way trip and take the bus for your return to the Grand Canyon Village and our cars. To sign up contact Charlie Schulz at: crs1944XXXhotmail.com. 

The Grand Canyon Rail Road: (I-40; Exit 163) Enjoy a train ride in restored vintage engines and cars from Williams, AZ to the Grand Canyon and back.   This is an all-day activity. A three hour ride to the Canyon, with a four hour layover, leaves you ample opportunity to see one of the great scenic wonders of the world.  Be wary, danger lurks throughout the journey.  Williams Depot is a favorite hangout of gun-toting, despicable desperados.  Bandits have been known to prey on unsuspecting Highpointers while en route.  Keep your gold at home! www.thetrain.com .To sign up contact Bill Jacobs at: bjacobsXXXcableone.net.

The Humphreys Peak trail hike will be a challenge for us to pull off. The trail is within the Kachina Peaks Wilderness and we have been compelled by the U.S.F.S. in Flagstaff to manage the hikes per their Wilderness Policies. Thus, the Highpoint hikes must be limited to -3- a day with only -8- hikers on each “team”; we are allowed only Wed, Thurs and Fri H.P. hikes. No “official hikes” are allowed on Sat. These rigid rules were mandated by the U.S.F.S. Trail Supervisor. As Host, I am asking that those who attend AZ 2008 respect this situation that we are compelled to operate under. DO consider hiking the trail “pre” –or- “post” Convention or defer all-together from hiking Humphreys Peak (if you have already attained the summit) so that those who need to, may participate. To sign up for the managed official hikes, contact Rick Hartman at: rt1135XXXcableone.net.    

The Lava River Cave is a lava tube in the San Francisco Peaks Volcanic Field just north of Flagstaff.  It was formed when molten lava continued to flow out through cooling lava. The tube, which is about three-quarters of a mile long, is in the Coconino National Forest. The hike is round trip with-in the “cave”, with some mild climbing near the entrance, followed by mostly level walking inside.  A dependable flashlight or head lamp is required and layered clothing is suggested for the cool temperatures inside.  The trip is appropriate for adults and children above 8 should take about half day. We will car pool from Flagstaff to Flagstaff. Driving on mildly rough forest roads is necessary and a vehicle with high clearance is suggested.  Drive time is about an hour each way. To sign up contact Bob Packard at: robert.packardXXXnau.edu.

The Lowell Observatory will be a very interesting and educational evening visit.  With three telescopes and a staff of 27 astronomers, it is large enough to still conduct research but small enough to let the visitors view the night sky thru one of the telescopes. Highpointers on Wednesday evening only, anytime between 5:30 and 9:30 p.m., may visit the famous Observatory and actually view the sky thru their telescope. The tour is at very reasonable price:  $4 for Adults; $2 for ages 5-17 & seniors; 5 & under free. This is the same telescope that gave us Pluto, the “debatable planet” in 1930! One of the domes at the Observatory is made of native Ponderosa Pine and weighs 8 tons. Whenever you arrive, there are recurring videos about the current night sky.  Also available are other cinematic multimedia shows.  The “science center” is also open on Wednesday evening for further exploring. William Lowell Putnum is a famous climber and author of several books on mountains and climbing.  Several of his books are displayed and are for sale at the observatory store. For more information, contact Merle Thomsen at: Thomsen Landscape [thomsenlandXXXsbcglobal.net]. www.lowell.edu

 The Meteor Crater (I-40; Exit 233) will give their group rate to individual Highpointers, enabling you to visit the crater and museum either during the convention, or on your way to or from, the convention. The topographical terrain of this best preserved meteor impact site so closely resembles that of the Earth’s Moon that NASA designated it as an official training site for the Apollo astronauts. It also served as the setting for the movie “Star Man”.  The crater is 2.4 miles in circumference and over 550 feet deep. The discount rates definitely make this a family friendly activity! You will need to present a coupon to receive the discount; coupons will be included in your registration packet. NOTE: With a minimum of 1 month advance notice, a guided complete rim hike (2.5 miles) can be available one morning. The cost is $100.00 total, this pays for two guides coming in on their normal day off. Thus, if we meet the maximum of 30 participants on the hike, the per-person cost is under $4 (plus any additional gratuity you want to give the guide), in addition to your admission fee. Hike participants must be a minimum of 12 years old. The Circumference Hike will be held on Friday, September 12, 2008 in the AM. Without the guide, only about ½ mile of the rim is open to the public. www.meteorcrater.com . Contact Maura by August 1, 2008 if interested in this option. For more information or if you need a coupon for the days prior to the Convention, contact Maura Raffensperger at: mauraXXXOrganizingRx.com.  The Northern Arizona Museum is located 3 miles north of historic downtown Flagstaff on Highway 180.  Its many exhibit galleries feature collections from the Colorado Plateau, including the Grand Canyon and the Four Corners areas and the richly diverse cultures, landscapes and ecology of this unique region.  Exhibits are presented from ancient dinosaurs, volcanic upheavals, kiva traditions, to the exploration of today’s high desert flora and fauna and Native American arts and crafts (Hopi and Zuni jewelry). You will find your visit to this museum a wonderfully inspiring experience. The Museum is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm.  They have agreed to give a discount to visiting Highpointers, so bring your Convention ID with you for a dollar off the admission fee at this Flagstaff treasure. www.musnaz.org -or- infoXXXmna.mus.az.us .  For more information contact Cindy Zokhrouf at: czokXXXtheriver.com.

The Official Group Campground has been selected for those Convention attendees who prefer to camp.  The group camp ground is the Flagstaff KOA located on SR 89 phone (928) 526-9926 and 1-(800) KOA FLAG (reservations). It is our intent that Highpointers can reserve a campsite for one or more nights at a reasonable fee. For more information, contact Ken Akerman at: kenXXXhighpointer.com.

The Returning Arizona 1988 Convention Veterans. This select group needs to be acknowledged for their pioneering, (and their commitment) in the Highpointing Hobby! We intend to recognize these few who attended the Club’s Second Convention in Flagstaff, some twenty years ago. Please contact Doug Heroux at HerouxdkXXXaol.com.

The Route 66 Road Trip. Reaching its highest point very near Flagstaff, Route 66 across northern Arizona contains much of the legendary scenery and attractions that has made it world-famous.  We’ll meet in the morning in Flag and travel west to Williams to watch the Grand Canyon Railroad’s steam-driven engine leave for the canyon.  Then we’ll take our time returning to Flag on as much of the old route as possible.  We’ll look for old culverts, original pavement, historic structures and businesses, and travel over the highest point of the Mother Road’s 2000-mile journey.  We’ll stop and pass around old pictures of the route, read travelers’ recollections, and finish with a drive down the length of Route 66 in Flag with its fantastic historic buildings lined up opposite the main line of the Santa Fe railroad. Be ready for lots of stopping and looking around and plan on about five hours for this historic journey.  Don’t forget the “Winona”! Contact Scott Casterlin at: scast13XXXcox.net.

 The UT/AZ/NV Tri-Point – This activity must be addressed this way: the latest info will be made available for those interested in reaching the 3-state junction independently. There will not be a formal lead group there; considering the time, distance, and logistics of holding a caravan together.  The information material presented should suffice for independent pursuits of this goal. Contact Bill Wentzel at: hikerbillXXXaol.com .

Rick Hartman nominating Arizona at the 2006 Convention.

Help Sought Identifying Photos of 1988 Arizona Convention Attendees
Arizona will be the first time the Club has repeated a state Highpoint visit! It is the intent of Arizona 2008 to honor the “Original 33”, those who attended Arizona in 1988! It was their commitment, vision and foundations that made Highpointing (and this Club!) the great experience we have all enjoyed! Additionally, they have been members of the Highpointers Club for a minimum of twenty years, no one can best that! The Arizona 2008 Committee is asking all of the “Arizona 1988 Original 33” to please make the extra effort to join us in Arizona in 2008. It is our wish to recognize your efforts and devotion that has ultimately benefited so many in this hobby! Those “Original 33” are requested to contact Co-Hosts Rick and Terry Hartman or “Veteran” Coordinator Doug Heroux to RVSP Arizona 2008.