Tom,
Yes, there is another way to go. It's what I call the six pack method. I  get 
a cold six pack of beer and grab two neighbors to help lower the mast.
I lower my mast forward. I have the two helpers guide the mast and I hang  
onto and use the traveler like a trapeze and walk forward as it comes down. It  
helps to have another person walk the genoa and fore stay towards the stern of 
 the boat, not allowing it to drag on the ground, so technically, I use three 
 helpers.
Raising the mast is just the reverse. For either process, I only undo the  
absolute minimum when it comes to stays. I also remove the boom. Some people  
will tie the boom to the mast.
Needless to say, no matter which way you do it. Make sure to disconnect the  
pop top slide before attempting to lower the mast. :)
 
Rummy