This is our signature campout of the year, and we typically have a turnout of over 100 for the long weekend—all your friends will be there, so come on up and join the party! Our tent campground will once again be broken into 3 neighborhoods: quiet (Sun City), not so quiet (Minneapolis/St Paul), and quiet when the park says we have to be quiet—10pm (West Hollywood). Before setting up camp, make sure you select the appropriate neighborhood.

Exciting - New - Fabulous

&

Might We Even Say

“Grand”

Thursday Night

After you’ve set up camp, wandered down to view the canyon and before you end up at the DA campsite, we’re offering you something new this year, a “Grand Pub Crawl.” We’re asking those who would like to participate in this mixer to bring an appetizer, snack, or fun cocktail (adult or virgin) to share with fellow campers. Each campsite playing “host” will be identified, and everyone else will promenade through the neighborhoods getting reacquainted with old friends or making new ones while sampling the appetizers, bar snacks, or tasty signature beverages offered by the “host” campers. If you’re new to the group or this is your first time camping with us, this is a fabulous opportunity to get to know your neighbors. After a “on your own” dinner, we’ll all meet by the communal fire pit to wind down the evening.

Friday Night

After you’ve hiked to the Colorado River and back or tchotche shopped along the grand boulevard, take a quick disco nap, eat a high protein dinner, and strap on those dancing shoes because we’re dancing until dawn (or at least a little after when the rangers tell us to stop)! Be shy at home, and let it all hang out. Remember what happens at the rim stays at the rim, so let’s have a (disco) ball! This will be a BYOB event—we’ll provide the music, atmosphere, and maybe even a dancing boy or girl. There will also be a communal fire for those afraid of falling down and breaking a hip.

Saturday Night

Please bring a side dish or dessert to compliment the DA provided chicken and vegetarian fettuccini Alfredo dinner—one of Stan’s specialties. Dinner is included if you’re camping and only $10 for those staying elsewhere in the park or coming up just for the dinner. Please be sure to get a wristband from a DA responsible person so we know you belong.  Cocktail hour begins at 5 PM with dinner around 6 PM. That’s when you can share your real or made up wild tales with your new best friends. After dinner and dessert, enjoy a few nightcaps around the communal fire while making plans to attend upcoming Desert Adventures events.

That's not all! We are also going to try something else this year: Your well-behaved, kept-on-a-leash dog will be welcome to join you camping. We ask that fido not be left unattended, that he/she does not hover around where while we’re dining, and obviously that you pick up after poochie goes potty (all common sense stuff).

If tent camping is not your thing, talk to the park people, and make a reservation (877-444-6777) at one of the near-by RV campsites—it’ll only be a five-to-ten-minute stumble to the DA site. For those whose camping experience includes a firm mattress, a television, and their own private flush toilet, the Yavapai Lodge (888-297-2757) is the closest and least expensive of all accommodations at the park.

What should you bring? Some campers bring nothing, as it’s a five-minute stroll to the general store that has a snack shop and restaurant. However, we ask that you bring firewood, as we’ll need to keep the fire going for three evenings. A pop-up shade can be handy as well, as it can get pretty sunny, or there’s always a (slim) chance it might rain and a bit of shelter can make you some new fast friends. Quarters are handy for the nearby showers and ice machine. Also, we ask that you bring either a side or dessert—we (Stan) will be providing an Italian-themed dinner of chicken (and vegetarian) Alfredo on Saturday evening, so bring something fun to share.

As usual there will be different hikes and shopping expeditions held during the daylight hours. Once you land, talk to your neighbors to find out who will be hiking which trail during the weekend. Parking can be a challenge. We’re allowed three spots per campsite, which makes nine all together. We ask that when you arrive, please unpack, and drive your car back down the hill a bit to where the showers are located. That will allow new arrivals the opportunity to easily unload. We also like to leave a few spots open for those members who are staying at far-away lodges, so lets please leave spots open.

If you have any questions, please call your trip leader Bobby at 480-580-2381.

So what will all this excitement at the most spectacular national park in the country cost?

There is a National Park fee of $25 per vehicle so carpool and save (this is paid directly to the Park when you arrive).

The fee for this event is $35 for members, $45 for guests (non-members). If you are staying at the RV campground or in one of the nearby hotels the fee to join us for the Saturday night dinner is $10.

Please pay as early as possible and whether you are tent camping, RV camping or Hotel camping please click the RSVP icon on the left and RSVP on the Web so that we have a handle on how much food, adult beverages and party supplies to haul up north.

This is a good, moderate hike, a few tough ups near the beginning and not nearly enough downs.  Because we’re not going to do the really big up to the top, the trail tends not to be terribly crowded.  We’ll meet at the end of the parking lot, off of Glendale Ave, near the bathroom.  As it will be hot as the day progresses, be sure to bring lots of water, sunscreen and a hat.  This hike usually takes around two to three hours, and afterwards we’ll stop for lunch somewhere in town.

Any questions call trip leader, Jeff at 623-780-1717 or 623-670-8909.

This is not a DA event but we like to keep our members informed about the big events in our favorite getaways!

Please join us at our next new and improved social meeting! We'll take over the patio, and DA will provide some appetizers to enjoy. Catch up with old friends and find out what's coming up.

While we think you'll find it very easy to pay for upcoming events online with PayPal if you prefer to pay with cash or check we'll be glad to assist you!

Please be sure to RSVP so we can make sure that Fez will have sufficient staffing available.

Reynolds Creek Group site is located at 5200 feet amidst Sycamore and Ponderosa pine. There are several hiking trails in the area, and the site is within walking distance of the Salome and Sierra Ancha Wilderness areas. Wildlife in the area includes whitetail deer, elk, and wild turkey.

You can arrive anytime after 1pm on Thursday, September 30th. The gate will be locked before that time. After 1pm on Thursday, the gate will be closed and appear locked, but it is not locked. Please close the gate once you drive through. On Saturday, dinner will be served at 4:30 pm and will feature extra-lean burgers and grilled chicken. We gather around the eating area at 3:30 pm for appetizers. Please bring an appetizer to share. Side dishes & dessert will be provided. Homemade Irish Crème will be available each night. Check out time on Monday is 11 am.

The site features: Covered food preparation table with grill, picnic tables, and vault toilets. There is no water or trash collection on site. Remember to bring food, drinking water, hiking gear, and firewood. Your moderately behaved dogs are welcome.

Your trip leaders will once again be Mountain Men Joe & Hans who can be reached at RC@ComputerComprehension.com.

Directions: Take US 60 toward Globe. Turn north on SH 88, (the signs will say 188). There is a Wal-Mart & Safeway on the right before the turnoff. Near mm229 is the turnoff for Young, SH 288. Turn right onto 288, and follow the signs to Young. At mm286 there will be a sign for Young, 20 miles ahead. The Reynolds Creek Group Site is just ahead on the left. GPS is 33.872594, -110.976766.

Nearest commercial services are 19 miles north in Young (gas, ice, food, telephone, Llamas, ice cream, and the Antlers Café) or back in Globe/Claypool/Miami, where all services are available.

This is not a DA event but we like to keep our members informed about the big events in our favorite getaways!

This is not a DA event but we like to keep our members informed about the big events in our favorite getaways!

As the name implies, Lookout Mountain will offer some nice views of the city while climbing some precipitous slopes.  This moderate hike should take us about two hours, bring the usual stuff, water, hat, good hiking shoes and a good attitude.  For those so inclined, we will go to brunch at a local restaurant.

Any questions call trip leader, Roy at 602-485-4176.

Come join Desert Adventures’ members – past and present – as we continue to celebrate our 30th Anniversary. This is an extraordinary accomplishment for any organization.

We'll be holding our quarterly members party and campout nearby at the Estrella Regional Park. You can simply join us for the Saturday night dinner or you can join us for the full camping experience (perfect for camping newbies)! As always, please bring firewood.

We’ll have some fun and games planned to keep everyone occupied during the day on Saturday, and local hiking is plentiful.

For the Saturday night dinner we will provide hamburgers, bratwurst, veggie burgers, beer, soft drinks and water. We're asking everyone to bring a side dish to share.

Don't forget to RSVP (by clicking the RSVP icon on the left) whether you are camping or just joining us for the dinner so that we can be sure have enough food and drink for everyone!

If you have any questions, text Stan McWhorter at 623-238-4435, or email him at camper.goodyear@gmail.com
Also, feel free to call Jeff at 623-780-1717 or 623-670-8909.

The park is located at 14805 West Vineyard Ave in Goodyear. From I-10 West, take the Estrella/Pebble Creek exit, go south on Estrella Parkway to Vineyard Ave, and turn left (this will be after the road transitions to two lanes and after crossing the bridge). The park entrance will be on your right after passing the golf course.

DESERT  ADVENTURES PRESENTS:
HAPPY HALLOWEEN II
REVENGE OF ROOSEVELT LAKE CAMPOUT
(last year we were just practicing)

Come back to beautiful Camp Crystal Lake (aka Roosevelt Lake), and celebrate a ghoulish and garish Halloween weekend you’ll try to remember! Host Bobby has once again booked the Grapevine Group and Goose Loop Campsites. 
The gates (of hell) will be open after 11:00 am, should you dare to enter!

Facilities include water, showers, flushing toilets, ramadas, and limited electricity.

Once again we’ll decorate our tents and campsites, and don’t forget a costume. As always, you will be judged.  Your well-behaved dog is also encouraged to attend and get into the spirit with a costume. We’ll try to avoid sharp objects in the evening, so if you are going to participate in the jack-o-lantern contest and barbeque, please carve early in the day before the sprits overtake us. Quiet time will be from 10pm until 9am, should you make it through the night.

PLEASE BRING FIREWOOD!!! We ask everyone (and Stan) to bring food to share for breakfast. Coffee will be provided. Our Saturday dinner will be “Cauldron Luck,” which is kind of like “pot luck,” but more seasonal, so bring your favorite Halloween/Autumnal dish to share, but nothing too scary. For Saturday afternoon/evening/night, please also bring your own cocktails. DA provided appetizers will be served at 4 pm, and dinner should begin at 5 pm.

Any questions? Ask trip leader, Bobby at 480-580-2381.

This is not a DA event but we like to keep our members informed about the big events in our favorite getaways!

Come join DA for an Early Thanksgiving in the Woods Weekend at Alamo Lake State Park. We will be camping in the main park area (exact site location to be announced on web site). Electricity and water is available on site along with non-electric sites.

We are not reserving a group camping area, so come early to get the best spots!

Alamo Lake State Park is one of Arizona's best-kept secrets. The stark desert beauty is reflected off the water. Cacti dot the mountainous landscape that surrounds the lake. Nestled in the Bill Williams River Valley away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Alamo Lake State Park offers outdoor fun, premier bass fishing, rest, and relaxation. For nature lovers, spring rains bring an abundance of wild flowers, and the lake environment attracts a variety of wildlife year round, including bald and golden eagles, waterfowl, fox, coyotes, mule deer, and wild burros. Stargazers are sure to enjoy the unbelievable view of the night sky with the nearest city lights some forty miles away!

Alamo Lake, located on the Bill Williams River where the Big Sandy River and Santa Maria River come together, was created with the completion of Alamo Dam in 1968. The Army Corps of Engineers designed the earthen dam primarily for flood control. During floods, the lake basin is capable of “capturing” large amounts of water in a relatively short time. The lake has been recorded rising 11 vertical feet in one night! Unusually high flows during the late 1970s and through the 1980s have increased the average size of the lake, helping to create one of Arizona's best fishing holes. Fishing tournaments are common at the lake, and anglers have an excellent opportunity to catch bluegill, largemouth bass, channel catfish, and black crappie.

Remember that the desert can be harsh and dangerous, but it is also very fragile. Help us protect it, and yourself, by camping in the designated camp areas and keeping vehicles on maintained roadways.

Sites will be available from Friday noon November 19, 2010 to Sunday November 21, 2010.

We will provide the dinner on Saturday night along with some special treats, and breakfast will be available each morning The Park sells firewood, ice and misc. food items.

Park has swimming, boating, fishing, stargazing, cycling, hiking and extensive ATV trails. Come join Stan for a quiet weekend before the start of the busy Holiday Season. Come for both nights, one night, or just for the day. Make sure you click the RSVP icon on the right and RSVP so that we have a count.

Pets are welcome but must be on a leash at all times.

For more information email me at camper.goodyear@gmail.com, or send me a text message at 623-238-4435.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS: From Phoenix take HWY 60 (Grand Ave) west toward Wickenburg. In Wickenburg continue following HWY. 60 W toward Wenden. Turn right at Alamo Lake State Park sign. The Park is 38 miles north of Wenden. When you arrive at Park, turn right on main park entrance, and proceed to the main camp area. You can also go I-10 West to exit 81, Salome Rd. Go 31 miles to HWY 60, right turn for 6 miles and then left at Alamo Lake Park Sign.

The camping fee must be paid directly to the Park at the Ranger Station when you arrive and it's $15 per unit per night for undeveloped and $22 per unit per night for sites with water and electricity.

The DA fee which includes the Saturday night dinner is $12 for members and $15 for guests (non-members).

The Pope of Trash is hoping you will have yourself a tacky little Christmas when he delivers his heartfelt and eccentric one-man show that’s intended to place the “X” firmly in X-mas. The crass commercialization and pseudo-pagan pageantry of Christmas with its orgy of unwrapping is right up Waters’ alley, and he pulls no punches in proving once again that the lowest common denominator of any holiday season is the true soul of America. But he swears that he actually enjoys Christmas. In Waters’ own words, “If you don’t have yourself a merry little Christmas, you might as well kill yourself.”

An evangelist for kitsch, John Waters is best known as the film director for such classic cult movies as Pink Flamingos, Polyester, and Hairspray, as well as Cry Baby, the break-through film of a fresh-faced Johnny Depp. (Includes adult content.)

Your trip leaders are Joe & Hans who can be reached at:
LiveTheatre@ComputerComprehension.com

A John Waters Christmas is presented at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts in the Virginia G. Piper Theater, located at 7380 E. 2nd St., in Scottsdale. Free parking is available in the garage located west of the Center & directly behind Los Olivos Restaurant.

We will meet at 7:30 pm in the Atrium, (inside Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts), & tickets will be handed out. If you arrive late your ticket will be at will call.

Tour Arizona's only working olive farm & mill. On the tour you will learn about their products & farm, their unique olive tree varieties, see how Extra Virgin Olive Oil is made, the different classes of Olive Oil & the health benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil. You will also taste flavored olive oils, stuffed olives & tapenades, (a Provencial dish consisting of finely chopped olives, capers & olive oil).

Christmas is just 2 weeks away, so shop for unique gifts & local foods. The Olive Mill’s unique gift boxes are perfect for those hard to shop for. The Queen Creek Olive Mill is the only producer of Arizona Extra Virgin Olive Oil & is used by top chefs in Arizona, so your gift will be uniquely Arizonan. They also have a nice array of wines.

When you purchase a bottle of Queen Creek Olive Mill olive oil you are literally buying one of the best olive oils in the world. Their olive grove in Queen Creek is at the base of the San Tan Mountains in an area known for its fertile soil. In the Gila River flood plains, this region is famous for its high quality fruits and vegetables. The combination of long sunny days and cool desert nights provide the ideal growing conditions for their trees.

After the tour, you can join us for al fresco dining in the grove. We will have lunch at The Olive Mill’s del Piero Mediterranean cafe & dine in their new olive grove. Shaded patio seating is also available. This is a no-host lunch.

Your trip leaders are Joe & Hans and you can contact them at QCOMTour@ComputerComprehension.com

The fee for this event is $6 for members, $8 for guests. Pre-payment is required and you must have your payment made by December 9th (which is also the non-refund date). This is a group tour, which lasts 30 minutes and requires reservations.