Auby's Blog # Down in the Havasupai!

This unique backpacking experience provides outdoor enthusiast a solid backpack/hiking challenge followed by overwhelming rewards.  There are no roads, no tom hillbilly 4X4 trails leading into the town of Supai, AZ.  The only form of transportation outside of taking mules down is by helicopter or by foot.  This isolated town was founded by the Havasupai tribe centuries ago.  Hiking down the Havasu trail is a unique opportunity to get a grasp on how the Grand Canyon and it's tributaries were formed.  Through my research on the creation of the Grand Canyon and the Geological evidence left to us today.  I will spare the reader the technical theoretical views I have on the creation of the Grand Canyon.  However, it becomes evident to me that the large floods in recent past in the Havasu Canyon provide a glimps of the destruction and power rendered by a large storm/damn failure.  The Havasu creek is formed by the snow and water runoff above the canyon as it flows down cataract(havasu canyon) it joins an underground stream at Havasu Springs.  The large amounts of limestone provide the creek with an abundant amount of Calcium Carbonate which lies at the bottom and reflects the blue-green color the human eye receives.  Yea, chemistry and that periodic table  as calcium is bonded to carbonate and oxygen to the third power.  Sure it sounds like a Beck song, but it's a molecule.

     Hikers will want to get an early start on the hike in the summer months as the temperatures get close to a hundred degrees in the canyon.  The Wualapai Hilltop trailhead to the village of Supai is about 8 miles, and there is a small store and cafe providing cold drinks and hot food.  Hike in another couple of miles to pass by the new rock springs and attain your destination at the campgrounds.

Another reason to get an early start prior 5am is to attain a nice camping spot next to the creek and not far from the one spring providing drinking water in the campground.  As the core body temperature rises and the body secrets the necessary sweat the hiker must regulate their electrolyte, and H2O intake.  In other words it feels real nice eating some real food and sitting in the sub 70 degree creek to cool off after a 10 mile trek through the desert.  A favorite destination below the campgrounds would be beaver falls which is a scenic cascade of several waterfalls creating sublime swimming holes.  To reach this beautiful destination, I recommend an early day hike.  Hikers pass through a rare riparian landscape in route to beaver falls and the Havasu creeks seems to take on a true Caribbean blue.

Auby's Blog # Hermits Rest

The South Rim at the Grand Canyon is an amazing place in July when the monsoon storm present heavy isolated thunderstorms on a regular basis.  While the weary souls are getting cooked in the basin down below; the South Rim offers an evening within the 60 degree range.  Once inside the park people are given a full spectrum of lodging options starting at the high end El Tovar to the Hermit style Mather Campground.  I opted for the later and went green with the mountain bike as the preferred mode of transportation.  I recommend the Rim trail which traverses along the rim's edge for several miles offering varied viewing options.  The map above outlines the path taken on the mountain bike from the campground to the Hermit's Rest trail head.  This 10 mile section along the rim is astounding ride which includes several lookouts and a John Wesley Powell Memorial; along with a 3mile section of the Hermit Road Greenway trail for bicycles:

  I have included several pics from the many view points available along the Hermit Road:

After bangin the pedals on the big blue beast I arrived at the Hermit Rest Trail head.  A very savvy young ranger lady greeted me at the trail head and provided history and information.  A small souvenir store along with a snack bar are a welcome sight for tired and hungry hikers.  Hermit trail offers a couple options for water along the long traverse to the Colorado river.  The Santa Maria spring enables thirsty hikers an opportunity to hydrate before hitting the steep inclines which lie above.

Starting out at 6,600 feet in elevation the weather is cool deceiving, as the day begins to heat up and the lower elevations give way to sweltering heat a hiker must be cautious.  Hermits creek offers another opportunity to hydrate and cool down:

  The Colorado was a welcome sight as it offered 45 degree relief to the 105 degree heat.  The Colorado river has many sections with raging rapids and at the confluence of the Hermit Creek there was no exception. The remanence of previous heavy flooding leaves huge boulders which create Hermit Rapids:

This must be a popular section for rafters sliding down the river within the inner gorge.  A word of caution in reference to this hike.  I wasn't expecting to see anyone else challenging this Hermit in the middle of July.  So, proper provisions are a must and drinking over 7 liters was invaluable.  This ride/hike was a true test and was a worthy adversary.

Auby's Blog #Grand Canyon R2R2R 2011

Deep within it's steep canyon walls the mind starts to negotiate with it's hiker alter ego.  Why are we hiking 25 miles within this inverted mountain?  Where is the meaning behind such a conquest?  Alter Ego reminds the mind and obtains the memories of running miles on a tread mill, and hiking hundreds of miles of trails.  Ego insists head back into the this great expanse and emerge onto the Coconino Plateau.  Personal conquest set aside, the true motivation is derived by achieving the appropriate fitness regimen.  The Goal: to hike the main corridor from the South Rim (Canyon Village) to the North Rim (Lodge and Cabins), and with a days rest hike back from the North Rim to the South Rim.  A astounding 46 total miles with an accumulative elevation gain of over 26,000  feet.   I have uploaded an image of the track files outlining both hikes:

A group of dedicated hikers have been setting this fitness goal for the past three years.  Some hikers opt to ride back with the luggage monkey, some hikers opt to hike the grueling 25 mile segment up the bright angel trail which leads back to the Grand Canyon Village.  At any rate having a dedicated luggage monkey waiting for you to arrive at the North Rim is priceless.  Taken with great pride the luggage monkey offers an assortment of tasty foods and beverages for the weary hikers.  The change in climate and elevation becomes overwhelmingly evident; after receiving a light dusting of snow on the North Rim and entering into an enduring  95degree canyon floor.  Hikers are often reminded of the elevation gain or loss indicated by the differing color of specific layers found in the Grand Canyon.  Given a day of relaxation between the grueling hikes offers unique photo shoot opportunities as we drive to remote vistas on the Kaibab Plateau.   I have uploaded a couple of picture we were able to take:

 

The North Rim offers top notch ambiance with spectacular views.  I have included a link to the Guide in PDF format for the North Rim at the Grand Canyon.  Auby's Adventures has received acceptance from the NPS at the Grand Canyon to begin day hiking tours in July of this year.  Hiking in the Canyon is challenging, but it is very rewarding if you stay within your physical limitations.  A huge motivation factor is achieved by setting hiking goals within the Canyon.  I encourage everyone to set some fitness goals to get started.  

Auby's Blog #CA

It was a vague memory stored in a megabyte format deep within this hard drive.  The visual similarities prompted the processor to engage the selected memory.  The cool breeze hitting my hair which actually attained the molecule known as H2O.  The ever present smell of the oceanic ecosystem, and the visual pleasantry of the sun setting along the rolling ocean waves.  It may have very well been the senses triggering the mind, at any rate I was back in Malibu, CA.  I was fortunate enough to be staying at house nestled right up on the pacific ocean:

Once I had arrived I began to navigate a route to a long favorite destination along the pacific coast line.  The route would involve riding along the Pacific Coast Highway until merging with the "Strand" (multi-usage pathway).  The strand connects several beaches:  Santa Monica, Venice, Manhattan, Hermosa, and Redondo to name a few.  The Santa Monica Promenade http://www.thirdstreetpromenade.com/visitors/index.html was well visited vacation destination for this Zonan and friends while growing up.  Once on the strand a rider will go under the Santa Monica Pier through a tunnel and enter into a strange like circus known as Venice Beach.  I believe this beach and the many characters whom "reside" there may be immune to the process known as the perception of time.  The smell of marijuana lingers in the air as the medical marijuana bulletin boards promote a doctors prescription.  The strand offers visual stimulation unlike the city streets found within the valley of the sun.  Hermosa Beach was a welcome sight as I had some bike adjustments to make and Hermosa Cyclery http://www.hermosacyclery.com/ actually offered tools outside the shop for adjustments.  Many props to that bike shop and the scenic variety of retail shops along Pier Ave.  While drinking a couple of brews at the Poop Deck I was referred to the Redondo Fish Market for some lunch.  Very good selection of seafood at very reasonable prices.  The marketing may have been the final push for me to hit the place up:

After fueling up on fish, frys, oysters, and beer I was ready to take on the headwinds and ride back to Malibu.  I would like to promote Tom's Shoes http://www.toms.com/ as they are making a difference in peoples lives.  I would also like to give another shout out to the Cosmopolitan Hotel http://www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com/ as they have offered Auby's Adventures another stay for the Flaming Lips concert on June 17th at the Boulevard Pool.

Auby Blog #Vegas/Camelback Ramblings

On a road trip from Phoenix to Vegas via the new Mike O'Callaghan/Pat Tillman bridge.  The Patt Tillman foundation coordinates Pat's run http://www.pattillmanfoundation.org/pats-run/ which is on April 16th.  If you register before April 9th it's $42 opposed to $50.00 for race week.  I have yet to participate in this run, but I am there this year!!!  Who's going with me?  Who doesn't want to end a 4 plus mile run on the 42 yard line at Sun Devil Stadium?  Ok, my Pat Tillman plug/rambling is over back to the meat of this blog.
I believe the trip time was significantly reduced due to the new Hoover Dam Bypass bridge
http://www.hooverdambypass.org/.  As the designated trip mule I provided a cooler full of beverages and food for my fellow revelers.  I don't want to mention how everything on the Las Vegas Strip is extremely over priced.  Well, yes that is just a part of Vegas a visitor just has to take in stride.  It's like a spiritual vortex except the money gets sucked into a black hole, with no personal or spiritual attainment.  What is the attraction?  Why are all these people walking aimlessly down this street called the strip?  To quote Hunter S Thompson:  "There was madness in any direction, at any hour.  You could strike sparks anywhere.  There was a fantastic universal sense that anything we were doing was right, that we were winning."  We find ourselves gambling at a Baccarat table being served by beautiful women at 4am in the morning.  Just like previous trips to this self induced tourist trap which specializes masochism.  There was going to be a certain justification for my actions.  Payment for my sins.  It was like all the other trips, the ride home was unbearable and ungodly.

   Hey Auby.  Isn't this blog suppose to be about hiking?  Ah yes.  It was a hike up the back side of the Camelback in South Scottsdale.  The Chola trail offers a subtle start to a more torrid segment which leads to the summit.  This trail is a nice alternative to the more popular Echo Canyon trail head.  Many people ask about dog friendly hikes, and this is one of them.  However, with dogs I recommend hiking to the pad of pavement short of the torrid segment to the top.  It must be prime time for hiking Camelback, as there were a bunch of hikers a top the summit enjoying a near perfect March day.  As the weather heats up I recommend heading to higher elevations.  I am planning a hiking trip in early April to 4peaks to try and escape the heat.  Any takers?  Let me know.     

Auby's Blog #Granite Please

It was an erect crumbling conglomeration of large granite slabs standing proud against the elements.  Pressurized and subjected to unimaginable heat well beneath the earth's crust, this granite composition is classified as metamorphic rock.  The granite's unique combination of igneous and sedimentary rock, subjected to the earth's ever wielding tectonic powers.  The Mcdowell Mountains offer several hiking options with even more climbing opportunities.  I prefer mountain biking as the risk levels are much lower with more fitness potential.  At any rate if rock climbing is an engaging activity for you, this place would be a nice challenge.  So, if you don't know a carabiner from a spring loaded camming device; I would suggest hiking any number of trails within the County Park.  The Tom's Thumb hike is accessible via the Dynamite Road turn off and heading south on 128th street (Scottsdale).  Starting at the Northern end of this range allows for nice views of the Cave Creek area.  The track log presented below will portray the traverse into this crumbling oasis of granite boulders.

   With Spring training in high gear I recommend the new Talking Stick (Salt River Field) as they provide SPF 30 for free via a dispenser at several locations in the outfield.  Any ballpark offering sunscreen has the fans best interest in mind.  The park's going to get your cash, so paying $8.00 for a beer and $9.00 for a burger helps subsidize I guess.  However, old time spring training gurus will know what is legal to transit into this rendition of Disney Land and Alice in Wonderland.  These ballparks offer a huge variety of fans from age >6month with vast baseball knowledge to fans <65 with very low baseball knowledge.  Equals an entertaining afternoon at Camelback Ranch ballpark on the wes westside!!! The route was pondered and later plotted after contemplating the options available on google maps version 11.2 using the cycling algorithm.  Plotted deep into the some times susceptible memory banks for this every evolving mind.  Where are all the circle K's in this rundown town they call Phoenix?  The challenge was rewarded by a true luxurious location achieved by a flight through the wickets.  Given the scenery wasn't the best the city has to offer, and the drivers adverse attitude towards bikers.  This thought brings the story of the recent PF Changs marathon runner Sally Meyerhoff AZ runner killed in bicycle accident incident to mind.  I believe we can learn from this tragedy as both riders and drivers should be more alert while traveling in this valley.    The "flight" translated into the 73 mile round trip mountain bike ride predominantly on the side banks of the grand canal.  The detailed one way map below outlines the incident I mean workout session.  Hmm a nice Full Sail Session Lager comes to mind, a track log from my desk to the refrigerator is located on the attached document.

Auby's Blog #Quartz Please

In February the Sonoran Desert has an enticing quality about it.  It probably has to do with the fact it's 68 degrees with moderate wind and a 48% humidity level.  For some reason those succulents out there fascinate me again.  I appreciate their ability to survive in a very harsh environment.  However, when it's a 100 degrees with a humidity level below 5% you may find me trying to suck water out of em.  The hike into the Sierra Estrella wilderness area introduced cool clean air with challenging elevation gains.  The grunt up this ever present piece of elongated granite was intense as our group tried to attack it with no regard to "pulling back".   I don't have the specific data behind the hike, oh wait yes there it is.  It's a GPS track log with my name on it.  It amazes me to be able to attain this info: wanning gibous at 74% will be setting at 9:33 AM.  Wait how many FM radio station will I be able to pull in with a transmitter.  Nevermind, meaningless techno bable will get you nowhere.  Having a map to to rely on while hiking will definitely get you somewhere.  So, I have attached the track log which displays our departure from Wild Horse Pass Casino off the I-10 in Chandler.  This hike is an all day event really, no matter how you slice her. The real challenge lies in the 9 miles of 4X4 dirt roads with periodic sandy river bottom drop outs.  It took us about an hour and a half to summit, but while on top you don't want to leave any time soon.  Amazing views of the lower lying desert, along with amiable time to let the lungs actually try to break down that element know as oxygen.  This is one of my favorite pics from the hike:

I just want to be clear those guys are drinking what looks to be Miller Lite.  I can't remember what I was drinking, diet coke?  One undeniable fact is that we are on a giant formation of Quartz.  One lone white peak standing tall within this desert landscape.  I have a meaningful plug to throw to the Cosmopolitan Hotel/Resort in Las Vegas http://www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com/.  They have provided Auby's Adventures a complementary 2 night stay for March Madness Week.  We will be promoting the Havasupai Hike as the tribe are now taking reservations.

Urban Riding:

Urban riding in the basin is comprised of two separate culture sets .  Culture number one is comprised of people out to drink and socialize at various venues.  For the most part the venues with the most popularity would be bar/local pubs.  Rating bars in this crazy place is a job unto itself.  Depending on the area in question "the Valley"  which I consider ranges from Apache Junction to Suprise.    Is composed of every conceivable bar mantra a perspective entrepreneur could imagine.  Given the wide scope of available social communes with benefits that are specific to the very College football team a perspective patron could follow.  A large percentage of our society belongs to group set #1.   Culture set two belongs to the individuals who are obsessed with their passion(cycling) and integrate into every day life.  Early symptoms for group set #2 would start with a person dedicated to commuting to work via bike.   After time passes there is a transition period in which weekends are incorporated into biking trips.  At this point even more time money sweat and tears are invested and it's a full blown case of obsession.  I know this all sounds crazy to the general public, but trust me they are out there.  Or maybe I am the only one obsessed and enjoy combining the two aforementioned cultures.  At any rate I will attempt to rate the perspective bars that seem to pull me in much like the Deathstar's Tractor Beam.


1)  Iguana Max http://www.iguanamacks.com/home.php  which lies between Warner and Ray on Almaschool Rd.  Wing night has always been one of my favorites as they offer quality wings for 33cent a piece.  Happy hours runs until 7pm and kicks back in after 10pm - half price drinks - !  Yea deals are good but what about the service a patron is expected to receive.  The bartenders and staff in general are a lively bunch, and they actually remember what type of salad you like etc.

2)  Boulders on Broadway http://bouldersonbroadway.com/ which is located on the corner of Roosevelt and Broadway in Tempe.  This bar is so bike friendly they have a solid pipe inside to hang your ride on.  The beer selection is the real saving grace as they offer a huge selection with a couple of my favorites:  Dog Fish Head and Deschutes.  Depending on how many miles you log in to get here, your appetite will be satisfied with a nice calorie filled menu.  I recommend the nachos and calzones, be careful as these two plates are going to be hard to finish.

3)  Zipps, there are several locations(chandler/south scottsdale) to chose from.  This bar has a slew of young and willing wait staff to help you guzzle those oversized beers down.  Even though this bar belongs to a chain they offer quality food and service.  The jalapeño burger is phenomenal and is available on a daily special.  They offer drink specials daily and the zipperita is a favorite as well.

Unfortunatley, I could go on and on as these are just a few bars within decent riding distance.  If anyone has any recommendations I should know about please list them.

auby out.

Auby's Blog: #AZT with a little Ballin

Starting somewhere close to Superior, Arizona the Picket Post Trail Head marks the end or beginning of the Arizona Trail section known as Alamo Canyon http://www.aztrail.org/passages/pass_17.html.  I have had the Arizona Trail on my scope of interest for along time now.  Mountain biking/bikepacking on the AZ trail intrigues me; and I find my self compelled(not by God) to validate this venture.  I went out on a day trip on the bike hitting the Alamo Canyon section to test the waters.  I had read earlier about overgrowth on the trail with cholla and cat claw.  Going south on this section provides about 1400 feet in elevation gain within the first 10 miles.  The trail was very technical in the beginning as it shares usage with the Picket Post Mountain summit trail.  To my surprise the Aloma Canyon section was well maintained, and seemed to flow better after about a couple of miles.  The picture above was taken at about 3000 feet and gives good perspective of Picket Post Mountain which at its summit is 4,300 feet.  The fist 5 miles kicked me in the pants, and I just didn't feel like getting to far into this beast.  Which brings me to another point as I have been training for the past four months at the gym and on the bike.  Being in shape provides me the opportunity to hit the basketball court from time to time.  I have been involved with a minor C-league basketball operation often referred to as Sunday Hoops.  Amazingly this league has been in operation for 17 years.  This league is comprised of "older" once athletic Al Bundees.  Once in a great while when the stars are lined up and the exercise regimen has been adhered to; some playas actually perform well.    

Auby's Blog #Dos

When it comes to surviving in the wilderness and living as a minimalist Cody Lundin demonstrates these abilities to the fullest. I learned about this amazing individual while watching the Dual Survivor show on the Discover Channel. More amazing to me is the home he built and lives in here in Arizona:http://www.codylundin.com/codys_house.html
Another aspect I find myself in awe about is the fact he has been hiking and surviving without shoes.  Really?  Yes really.  As seen on the Dual Survivor show he goes barefoot on the actual survival trips they take.  He runs a wilderness survival school "Aboriginal Living Skills School" in Arizona.  

Auby's Blog #Intro

This is the very first installment for Auby's blog in reference to the very first Auby's Advenutre. How exciting!!! Ok maybe not for everyone. We took a hike up to a high point within the South Mountain Park on the National trail. What a beautiful day in the Valley of the Sun with a high of 73 degrees. It was weird as the next day we watched the Chicago Bears push the Sea Chickens around in the snow.