The trip is on Saturday Jan. 28th, 2023.  We are going to meet at 9:30 AM at the turn off for the site on AZ-177 just south of mile marker 140 (coordinates = 33.01108, -110.82079).  This means that you should get yourself ready and out the door, then get your gas/bathroom stops done before you get to the meeting spot.  For reference, the meeting spot is about 125 miles and 2 hours from Anthem.  We will leave for the mine as soon as everyone on the list has arrived, but no later than 9:45 AM. Since this is a Saturday, I would highly recommend that you check the construction closures on Friday evening (https://www.az511.gov/).  

This trip will require high clearance at a minimum and I HIGHLY recommend 4x4, which you WILL need for any side roads (no RAV4's or Corvettes).  The road out to mine area is very rocky but passable by high clearance pickup or such.(tires should be in good shape and you should have a FULL-size spare, NO donuts)  There are some turns and many side roads, so make sure you stay with the guides.  We will park in the Velasco Pit area (coordinates = 33.06652, -110.79213) which is a large flat area, with room for many vehicles.  You can just park here and explore or you can take your vehicle down/up one of the side roads, but make sure the leader (Bill Freese) knows where you are going and have a walkie-talkie with you.

I am not putting a limit on this trip but I DO want everyone to RSVP for the trip with phone number and if you sign up and then can not make it, please call/text Bill Freese (602-568-6843) so we are not looking for you.  You might want to bring a mask if you feel it necessary.  This area has many dangerous slopes and rocks, so no children under 16 and no pets.  Wear sturdy shoes and gloves, and when exploring, always face the slope so you can fall toward the slope.  On a recent scouting trip to the site, I was trying to get a specimen about 10 feet above me and would get 2/3 the way up and slid back down on all fours.  It was comical, as I tried 3 times and would end up sliding down each time, so I moved on.
We will hang out until everyone gets their fill, but we will end the trip by 2:00 PM.  I'm sure everyone will have all they can handle before that time.  If you have any other questions, just email me at bfreese77@cox.net and I will get back to you.  Be sure to check out all of the attachments for much more information.

Bill Freese
602-568-6843
bfreese77@cox.net