Note: Unless otherwise specified in an activity’s description, there is no need to contact the leader to sign up for the activity – just show up on time at the designated meeting spot.

Saturday, May 3 – Stepping Stones of Hope Charity "Hike for Hope," Murphy Bridle Path – Central Phoenix
RATING: C/D  LENGTH: 5 mi 
LEADER: Greg Cravener  480 797-2450 greg@tubesandmore.com
Meet at 7 am (depart at 7:30) at the First United Methodist Church, 5510 N Central Ave (NW Corner Missouri & Central). Come enjoy a beautiful day and walk along the tree-lined Murphy Bridle Path and help raise funds and community awareness for Stepping Stones of Hope, a local charity that provides comprehensive support-based programs, continuum of care and education to grieving children, families and adults after the death of a loved one. Event registration fee of $20 includes a T-shirt, water, snack bag, sunscreen and participation in a healing ceremony to honor loved ones who have died. Advance registration is requested to allow time to order shirts, but no one will be turned away (we'll have a few extra shirts)! Registration forms can be found at www.steppingstonesofhope.org, or contact  Greg.

Tuesday, May 6 – Exercise Hike, Phoenix Mountain Preserve
RATING: B-  LENGTH: 5-7 mi  ELEV GAIN: <1000 ft 
LEADERS: Gary  623 878-6106 Tom  602 264-9813
Meet at 7:45 am (depart at 8) at the Loehman's parking lot, SW corner of 32nd Street and Lincoln. This is a quick-paced exercise hike through the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, encompassing a variety of trails. Bring water and sunscreen. Cost to non-members is $5.

Tuesday, May 6 – General Membership Meeting
7 pm, Hotel Scottsdale, 5101 N. Scottsdale Rd (east side of Scottsdale Rd, just north of Chaparral)
Join us for a spectacular slideshow presentation of Kevin Cherilla's successful climb of Mount Everest last year. Experience some of Kevin's most challenging and humorous situations in temperatures as low as 50° below zero, on the extremely difficult north side of the mountain. See video footage that rivals some of the best ever from the top of the world, in winds over 80 miles an hour! Bring your friends... you don't want to miss this one. Meeting starts at 7 pm.

Wednesday, May 7 – Horton Creek Hike (Payson area)
RATING: C+  LENGTH: 7 mi  ELEV GAIN: 1060 ft  LEADER: Ralph Engler  bpiralph@juno.com
Meet at 8 am (depart 8:15) at Wendy’s, Shea Blvd and the Beeline Hwy. Join us for this “below the rim” hike alongside Horton Creek to a flowing natural spring. This trail is steep in sections, so wear appropriate footwear. Walking stick recommended. Bring plenty of fluids/electrolytes and a sack lunch, which we will eat at the spring. Call leader the day before, in case hike is cancelled due to weather or forest closures. Cost to non-members is $5. 

Wednesday, May 7 – Papago Park Bike Ride
LENGTH: 7 to 11 mi  LEADER: Julie Bond  juliebond@oxfordlife.com
Meet in the north end of the zoo parking lot. Be ready to ride at 5:30 pm. We will finish before dark, so lights are not necessary. We will ride at an easy pace. Bring your working mountain bike, your mandatory helmet, and water. Contact leader for any additional details. $5 for non-members.

Friday-Monday, May 9-19 – Bike Holland
LEADERS: Bev  480 415-7147  blkoslow@yahoo.com, Jan S.  602 376-0196  jansthehiker@yahoo.com
Come cycle with us amid colorful tulip fields stretching for miles, and see the Netherlands as the Dutch do, from the water and from the saddle of a bicycle. You will ride along some of the major sites Holland has to offer, but you’ll also encounter charming little villages, where many traditions are still part of everyday life. This is an all-inclusive trip: airfare, meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) bike rental, and guides. And our hotel? Well, it’s a ship/barge. What a great way to see the country and get exercise at the same time! Cost is approximately $3000. A deposit of $500 is required at time of sign-up. The trip is full and we have a small waiting list. Please contact either leader if you'd like your name placed on the waiting list.

Saturday, May 10 – Eastern End of West Clear Creek Hike
RATING: B  LENGTH: 6-7 mi  ELEV GAIN: 700 ft  LEADERS: Jim  480 540-4362 
Dan  480 991-1647
Meet at 6:30 am (depart at 6:45) at Wendy's on Shea in Fountain Hills, just west of Highway 87. This hike starts with a fairly steep (but not scary) descent to the creek, then along the creek 3-4 miles. Beside the beauty of the canyon, with its 500- to 700-foot walls, we'll see the Grotto (a slot canyon that opens into a huge, cathedral-like room) with an Indian rock wall, and trees growing horizontally, seeking the sunlight. We'll continue to an area with about 100 feet of petroglyphs, where we'll snack before returning. We'll cross the shallow creek several times, so water shoes are recommended. The creek is at 6000 feet elevation, so temps should be pleasant. Those who live in the northern end of the valley could come up I-17 and meet us on 260 (almost to 87). Call Jim for directions and to get names of other "northerners" who might want to car pool. Cost to non-members is $5.

Sat, May 10 – Upper First Water Creek Hike
RATING: C+  LENGTH: 7.2 mi  ELEV GAIN: 960 ft  LEADERS: Paula and Roger Bentley 
480 981-7859  pbentley@truevine.net
Meet at 6:30 am (depart 6:45) at the Home Depot on Power and Highway 60, near the Burger King - or meet us at the First Water Trailhead by about 7 am. We will hike to the headwaters of First Water Creek in the Superstition Wilderness, and see expansive views of the Superstition Mountains’ north slopes - plus a view of Weaver’s Needle from Parker Pass. Bring lunch, snacks, at least a gallon of water and/or electrolyte fluids, plus cash for carpooling. Boots, long pants and a hat are recommended. Call leader the day before and listen to message to confirm the hike is going forward as planned. Email/call leader with questions. Guest fee of $5.

Tue, May 13 – Exercise Hike, Phoenix Mountain Preserve
RATING: B-  LENGTH: 5-7 mi  ELEV GAIN: <1000 ft  LEADERS: Gary  623 878-6106  Tom  602 264-9813
Meet at 7:45 am (depart at 8) at the Loehman's parking lot, SW corner of 32nd Street and Lincoln. This is a quick-paced exercise hike through the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, encompassing a variety of trails. Bring water and sunscreen. Cost to non-members is $5.

Wednesday, May 14 – Spring Valley Hike
RATING: C+  LENGTH:  6 mi  ELEV GAIN: 300 ft  LEADER: Jon K  602 237-3138
Meet at 8 am (depart at 8:15) at Denny’s south parking lot, southwest corner of Bell Rd and I-17. Enjoy a leisurely hike in the Hell’s Canyon Wilderness Area, southwest of Castle Hot Springs.  At the trailhead, we’ll cross Castle Creek and connect with a meandering pack trail to the bottom of Garfias Wash. Panoramic views of Lake Pleasant, the Hieroglyphic Mountains and Bradshaws are captured from several vantage points along the trail. Bring 1 liter (minimum) H₂O, electrolytes, snacks, sturdy footwear, sun protection and cheerful attitude. Hike will be canceled if Castle Creek is flooded. Contact leader prior to hike. No dogs or children. $5 non-members fee. 

Wed, May 14 – Dreamy Draw Bike Ride
LENGTH: 7 to 11 mi  LEADER: Julie Bond  juliebond@oxfordlife.com
Meet in the Dreamy Draw parking lot (exit Northern Ave from the 51 freeway, follow signs east to the trail parking lot). Be ready to ride at 5:30 pm. Easy to moderate pace. Bring your working mountain bike, your mandatory helmet and water. Lights not necessary. Contact leader for any additional details. $5 for non-members.

Tuesday, May 20 – Exercise Hike, Phoenix Mountain Preserve
RATING: B-  LENGTH: 5-7 mi  ELEV GAIN: <1000 ft 
LEADERS: Gary  623 878-6106  Tom  602 264-9813
Meet at 7:45 am (depart at 8) at the Loehman's parking lot, SW corner of 32nd Street and Lincoln. This is a quick-paced exercise hike through the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, encompassing a variety of trails. Bring water and sunscreen. Cost to non-members is $5.

Wednesday, May 21 – 7th Street Bike Ride
LENGTH: About 8 mi  LEADER: Julie Bond  juliebond@oxfordlife.com
Meet at the Phoenix Mountain Preserve visitor center parking lot, west side of 7th Street (not avenue) north of Peoria and south of Thunderbird. Be ready to ride at 5:30 pm. There are some hills and loose rock, but nothing really technical. Lights are not necessary. Bring your working mountain bike, mandatory helmet and water. Contact leader for any additional details. $5 for non-members.

Wednesday, May 21 – Happy Hour
Co-Hostesses: Myrna W.  480 947-5837  Linda H.  480 947-3441, lindaanne@cox.net
Meet us at El Chorro Lodge, located at 5550 E. Lincoln Dr. 3 to 5:30 pm complimentary food selections, and 3 to 6:30 pm reduced-price colas and various alcohol drinks. This restaurant is located in a very nice, secluded area for socializing, either on the patio or inside. Relax and enjoy visiting with your AOTC friends. See you there.

Thu-Mon, May 22-26 – Memorial Day Weekend at Grand Canyon North Rim
LEADERS: Joyce Morningstar & Dave Tutch  602 299-7244
See the North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park in the springtime! We'll hike a variety of trails along the rim and down into the canyon on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and on Monday morning. Cost is $200 per person for 4 nights lodging. Without a National Park Pass, the entry fee to the park is an additional $25 per vehicle. Trip is currently full. Call trip leader for availability.

Saturday, May 24 – Casner Canyon/Munds Wagon Loop Hike, Sedona
RATING: B+  LENGTH: 12 mi  ELEV GAIN: 2200’ 
LEADER: Dan Rothman  480 991-1647, 480 773-5197
Meet at 6:30 am (depart 6:45) at the Park and Ride near Denny’s, SW corner of Bell Rd and I-17. We’ll carpool to the Huckaby trailhead on Schnebly Hill Road (Red Rock Pass required). Our route will include the Huckaby Trail to and along Oak Creek, up the Casner Canyon Trail to a high elevation of around 6000 feet, then back to the start along Munds Wagon Trail. Great scenery along Oak Creek (expect some water crossings and boulder hopping) and, from higher up, of Bear Wallow Canyon, Wilson Mountain and Oak Creek Canyon. This hike has exposed sections, so be sure to bring your sunscreen, plenty of water and sturdy hiking boots (water shoes optional). Non-member cost is $5. 

Saturday, May 24 – Mockingbird/Invergordon/Menagerie Bike Ride
RATING: B-, about 25 mi @ 12-13 MPH 
LEADER: Linda Holman  480 947-3441  Lindaanne@cox.net.
Meet at 7:45 am (depart at 8) at Chaparral Park, northeast corner of Jackrabbit and Hayden in central Scottsdale. This loop will take us north and west through areas affording views of Mummy Mountain, Paradise Valley and surprise menagerie. There are no hills involved. Then we'll head back to Chaparral Park. HELMETS required.
Bring plenty of water. Ride will be canceled in case of rain. $5 for non-members.

Sunday, May 25 – Mt. Eldon Lookout Hike, Flagstaff
RATING: B  LENGTH: 6 mi  ELEV GAIN: 2400 ft  LEADER: Beth Brookhouse  480 363-8840
Meet 5:45 am (depart 6:15) at the Park & Ride, east of Denny’s, I-17 and Bell Road.  We depart at 6:15 sharp for Flagstaff. Mt. Eldon Lookout Trail leads up a staircase of petrified lava to the mountain’s summit. Along the way, we will stop, catch our breath, and enjoy outstanding views of the city and surrounding area. We will see how a simple campfire got out of control, causing the Radio Fire of 1977. Groves of aspen trees are springing up where pines once stood! A fire tower awaits us, worth exploring. Bring 3 liters of H₂O, and energy snacks.  $5 fee for non-members. For the survivors, lunch in Flagstaff before the drive home! 

Tuesday, May 27 – Exercise Hike, Phoenix Mountain Preserve
RATING: B-  LENGTH: 5-7 mi  ELEV GAIN: <1000’ 
LEADERS: Gary 623 878-6106 Tom 602 264-9813
Meet at 7:45 am (depart at 8) at the Loehman's parking lot, SW corner of 32nd Street and Lincoln. This is a quick-paced exercise hike through the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, encompassing a variety of trails. Bring water and sunscreen. Cost to non-members is $5.

Tuesday, May 27 – Tuesday Night Bike Ride
RATING: C+  LEADER: Linda Holman  480 947-3441  Lindaanne@cox.net
Meet at 6 pm (depart 6:15) at Zipps Restaurant, SW corner of Camelback Rd and Miller. The leader will choose the route prior to the ride, it will be and around the central Scottsdale area. Bring some money for an optional stop into Zipps after the ride. Bring your bike lights, water and required helmet. Ride will be cancelled in the event of rain. $5 for non-members.

Wednesday, May 28 – Holbert Trail Hike, South Mountain Park
RATING: C+  LENGTH: 5 mi  ELEV GAIN: 600 ft  LEADER: Jon K  602 237-3138
Meet at 7 am (depart at 7:15) at the original stone administration building, 10919 S Central Ave. The path ascends a tranquil canyon on winding switchbacks to a stone ramada, built by the CCC in the 1930s. Mesmerizing, panoramic views of the metropolitan area can be enjoyed prior to returning via the same route. Bring minimum 2 quarts of H₂O, electrolytes, sun protection, hiking boots, snacks, and cheerful attitude. Hike will proceed in rain, snow, sleet or hail. Unsuitable for small children or dogs.  Cost to non-members is $5.

Wednesday, May 28 – South Mountain Desert Classic Trail Bike Ride
LENGTH: About 8 mi  LEADER: Julie Bond  juliebond@oxfordlife.com
Meet in the parking area off 48^th St & Guadalupe. Be ready to ride at 5:30 pm. There are some hills and dips, but nothing really technical. Lights are not necessary. Bring your working mountain bike, mandatory helmet and water. Contact leader for any additional details. Cost to non-members is $5.

Looking Ahead:
 

Sunday, June 1 – 25^th Anniversary Reunion Picnic
PLACE & TIME: Covered ramada at South Mountain Park, 11am - 4pm
All current and past members of AOTC are invited to celebrate 25 years of this great club. Please spread the word to all former members. Please set aside this date and join us. AOTC will provide the meat, beverages, and a 25^th anniversary cake. Other items will be a potluck. Sign up at the general membership meeting OR by calling Jan at 623 937-7155,or by e-mailing aotcreunion @yahoo.com. Please leave name, how many people will attend and what kind of dish you are bringing. Come out earlier if you want to ride bikes or hike.

June 6-8 – Watson Lake Kayak, Car Camp and C+ Hike
LEADER: Julia  jgenevy@juno.com
Watson Lake is a 70-acre lake described as a "mini Lake Powell" in Prescott. See www. pbase.com/etne1881/watson for a photo gallery. Earlybirds on Friday will enjoy dinner at Golden Corral Steak Buffet in Prescott. On Saturday, we kayak Watson Lake (lakeside rentals available on first-come, first-served basis). Saturday night communal potluck dinner at campgrounds. On Sunday, after a potluck breakfast, choose between boulder-hopping to a lookout point over the dam, or kayaking again. Camp fees are $5-$10/day depending on if you share sites, and include showers. If you want to come as a day-trip without camping, please state which day when you sign up. No children or dogs. This is a Sierra Club event to which AOTC is invited.

June 8-13 – Yosemite National Park
RATING: A-C  LENGTH, ELEV GAIN: varied 
LEADERS: Don  dgmowry@gmail.com and Beth mountaingirlbeth@cox.net
This trip is full, with a substantial waiting list. To be placed on the waiting list, email Don.

June 28-29 – AZ Trail New Construction – San Francisco Peaks, Flagstaff
LEADERS: Gay & Gary Hohner sghohner@cox.net   480 595-9303
This is an Arizona Trail Association event to which AOTC members are invited. "Close the Gap" in the AZ Trail near Mt. Humphreys. Help build trail on San Francisco Peaks segment. No experience necessary. Experienced crew leaders. Bring friends and family; make your reservations now! Tools, Saturday lunch, and prizes provided. Porta-potty available. Options: room for RV's and campers – Snowbowl. May camp Friday and Saturday. May work Saturday or Sunday or both. Prime hiking area. Think about combining Saturday trail work day with a Sunday hike. More info on schedule, location and what to bring will be provided when you make your reservation.

August 1-12 – Hike the Canadian Rockies
LEADERS: Bev 480 415-7147 and Rosie 480 612-1133
Have you ever been to Lake Mary? Lake Louise? Banff? Jasper? If not, you are in for a special treat. We’ll fly into Calgary, then rent vehicles and hit the road! The area is absolutely gorgeous, with beautiful lakes, glaciers, and wildlife. We’ll have 12 wonderful days to explore and hike. We’ll be spending two nights in Calgary, 5 nights in Jasper, and 4 nights in Banff. The cost is approx. $1600. Our trip is limited to 18 AOTC members. A $500 deposit is due at sign-up.

August 23-30 – Hike the Cascades, Washington State
LEADER: John Nichols  480 860-5758  jnichols13@cox,net
This trip is full. Contact the leader to have your name placed on the waiting list.

September 3-9 – Wind River Range, Wyoming Backpack Loop
RATING: A-  LENGTH: 37 mi  PACE\STEEPNESS: Moderate  ELEV GAIN: 6600’  MAX ELEV: 11000’  LEADER: Peter Yanover  480 614-9910 pyanover@qwest.net
This trip is full. Contact the leader to have your name placed on the waiting list.
 

Obtain Discount Harkins Movie Tickets, $6  Proceeds support the AZ chapter Special Olympics Adaptive Sports Programs. Purchase from Jeff Peebles, 480 363-1687, and at the meetings.