Arizona Paddle

We will meet at Water Users, then run most of the cars down to Phon D and leave them at the bottom so your car is waiting for you when you get there. If you have an inflatable, please arrive early to give yourself time to inflate prior to 7:00 am.

Watercraft:
Paddle boards, hard shell kayaks, and high-quality inflatables (no Intex).

What to bring:
a kayak or paddle board and paddles, obviously
life jacket
snacks and drinks
sun glasses
hat
sunscreen

Parking:
You will need either a Tonto pass or a National Parks pass to park at Phon D Sutton or Water Users. You should be able to buy a day pass at the Phon D Sutton parking lot, but the machines are often broken; it's best not to take chances and buy a pass in advance. The cost is between $8 and $12.

HOW TO FIND US:
Go to Water Users. I drive a blue Ford F-150 with a solid blue camper shell (no windows).

REMEMBER:
The AZ sun is strong and the reflection off the water makes it more so. Use plenty of sunscreen, reapply on the way down, don't forget to cover the tops of your feet and your ears and every other exposed surface. Wear a hat and sunglasses. Drink lots of fluids. If you are going to consume alcohol, drink responsibly.

DISCLAIMER:
Please note that neither myself, nor any other trip leaders are professional tour guides, nor do we have any special training in first aid or rescue. You are entirely responsible for your own safety.

PLEASE ARRIVE EARLY to set up your craft. I'd like to run the shuttle to the bottom as close to 7:00 am as possible.

After going to high school for the past 30 years I am finally graduating! Celebrate my retirement with me at Burnt Corral Campgrounds at Apache Lake. Campsites are not reservable for this time of year; it is first come, first serve. I believe the cost is $40 per night (the website lists both $20 and $40 but I think we have to pay the $40 because it is peak season, just a guess).

THE PLAN:
We will arrive at Apache Lake on Friday. Check in is at noon so you can arrive any time after that (I'll probably get there around 3 pm). We'll probably do a short moonlight paddle Friday evening after everyone arrives. We'll do a paddle Saturday morning/afternoon and when we get back, we can share food, drink, and assorted festivities. I'll bring a cornhole set if anyone is interested. If people want to, we can do another paddle on Sunday before heading home.

If anyone wants to come just for the day Saturday or just for one evening, feel free.

WHAT TO BRING:
No gifts please, but if you'd like to bring something it would be great if you could bring some food to share for Saturday evening (not required).

HOW TO FIND US:
We will be camping at the Burnt Corral campgrounds at Apache Lake. I drive a blue Ford F150 with a solid blue (no windows) camper shell; I'll be towing a 32 foot Imagine RV trailer. It shouldn't be too tough to spot me, and we can try to find campsites close together. The MeetUp Map tool can't find the campgrounds, but you can find it on Google Maps.

PADDLE CRAFT:
Paddle boards, hard-shell kayaks, or high-quality inflatables (no Intex).

REMEMBER:
The AZ sun is strong and the reflection off the water makes it more so. Use plenty of sunscreen, reapply during the trip, don't forget to cover the tops of your feet and your ears and every other exposed surface. Wear a hat and sunglasses. Drink lots of fluids. If you are going to consume alcohol, drink responsibly.

DISCLAIMER:
Please note that neither myself, nor any other trip leaders are professional tour guides, nor do we have any special training in first aid or rescue. You are entirely responsible for your own safety.