#1 That 8700 ft. is the trailhead. To answer your question, I checked a different map and got 7434t. rising up to around 8000 in 1.18mile. It slopes down after that The wilderness of rocks, for 3.83miles (we use only around 3 miles of that) and the campsite is around 7100ft. Tucson is give or take 2500ft., so that extra mile of elevation can catch breath on some days with so much exertion. The tip of the mountain is a tad more than 9200ft., which we look up at from this valley below.
Some days I notice the breathing more than others.
I don't remember where I got that 8700 figure, but it is incorrect. Now, do I go to the trouble to correct it with that mishmash of process?
#2 It isn't an official, or maintained site. It is deeper into the forest and not seen from the trail, so it gets less use. This dewff made a rock lined walkway mowing down ferns and the vegetation leading right up to it from another direction other than the usual access trail. The path was lined with rocks to mark it, practically leading people into camp instead of further down the main trail through Wilderness of Rocks. The Lemmon Pools are difficult to find, places to camp are left as pristine, or lightly used. It is supposed to be "Wilderness" with a trail through it. The main trail is only discernible as a well tread path generally and where the bedrock granite is the dominate feature there are a few unofficial cairns and some climbs over and through the rock, barely a trail. So, civilizing a campsite like a city park is out of line, too.
"Leave No Trace."
#3 There is oft referenced by Bob , THE book, "How to Shit in the Woods." Me? I find a spot away from where most tents are placed with so privacy and digable ground. I use my tomahawk, or a shovel, to create a hole roughly six inches or more deep. I scrape off the topsoil and mulch and set it aside if I can. I make my deposit, squatting as is natural and best. TP is tightly folded and placed into the hole with the referenced feces and what have you and as quickly as I can, generally before I even get out of squat, because of flies. Here, they seem to come out of nowhere.
Afterwards, the pile of dirt, or sand, is scraped back over and into the hole and crushed down. The mulch, etc. pile is then placed over this to make it blend in..."Leave No Trace."
Placing these holes away from leaching, or near a creek is best. Away from cactus and prickly things, for safety. Small plants, or grasses around the hole are to be avoided because when squatting they may tickle and create undo alarm, or get in the way. Dig away from camp, but not too far (dark). Latrine detail is my duty in our pairing. After the tent is set, I'll usually wander off and create a "his and hers" setup.
For a bidette, I use an old wash cloth, rinse it and hang it up to dry. This is an unusual practice for campers, but being nude, I find it useful in concern of...uh... no details here...bouquet...thoroughness, which clothing tends to hide. The idea is gross to me, I mean to walk around with such unclean, oily stuff stuck into a pair of pants and tread-mark undies, festering...ick!
I do practice my squatting, staying limber. This procedure is much better that way. I once found myself locked into place the morning after a hard hike when I'm stiff and sore. I once thought I was stuck and was ready to call DF for help, then I toughed it out with the help of the shovel handle and dang it hurt that cramped muscle! Other than those times, a squat in the pines listening to birds, or looking up into a glorious mountain in the distance can be a very lovely human experience, rather than a chore.
Mixing piss and feces makes for more smell and may attract an animal negating all the trouble to do it right and making a mess. I caution about pissing into the wind. I use bushes, not trees for splash concerns. I love revisiting my youth and streaming as far as I can over a cliff. I consider that I may be marking territory to some of the locals and disturb the balance of wildlife ecology with my intrusion. I use some common sense, mentally projecting as an animal for that.
Some wilderness areas require that you pack it out. I don't for many reasons.
Any questions class?
Jbee
