Here is
information on two Desert Peaks Exploratory trips since the beginning of the
year:
January 1. |
Explorers
Willard Dean; Elsie, Eric, and Roland Kent; Margaret and Bill Henderson,
climbed the highest point (latitude 33° 45.57', longitude 115° 52.82')
of the Cottonwood Mountains, and the second highest point (latitude 33°
43.28', longitude 115° 54,31') of the same range. Neither peak was named,
and each was shown on the map to be within the same 50' contour interval.
Though they were separated by 3 or 4 miles, each was climbed, and their heights
compared with a sighting level. (There are a few other ranges such as the
Chocolate mountains in which a sighting level will be needed to determine which
of two peaks some distance apart is the higher.) The higher peak was nothing
outstanding, whereas the second high peak has an exceptional view of the Salton
Sea, and Santa Rosa Mtns. A large wash on its north slope should be a fine
desert flower garden in spring. The Hendersons were so impressed that they hope
to return there around desert flower time, and since the truck driven up a
large dry wash cuts off many miles of walking, others interested might contact
them. |
February 5. |
Twenty
one explorers (Here I have no explorers names to offer, since, as is general
practice, no record is kept of those enjoying that particular climb. So I now
have obtained a little note book, which will be passed along to future
chairmen, in which will go the names of all those participating in each trip.
These names are to be received from the leader of each trip) climbed Black
Butte, 4490' Elevation, highest peak in the Chuckawalla Mountains. The view
from the summit was exceptional, though the trip to and from it was not. Twelve
others climbed Pilot Peak, second highest peak in the same range. The view from
the summit was also very fine, and the climb to it would no doubt make a more
interesting trip. The hike began at 4 A.M. and a high ridge was reached for one
of those never-to-be-forgotten sun rises. |
So much for the past. Let's
look to the future. And it really looks good. I would advise you to start
packing your knapsacks right now.
March 11, 12. |
Martinez Peak, Santa Rosa Mtns. Many people who were on the trip to
Martinez two years ago have asked to have it rescheduled, since they enjoyed it
so much. Also there will probably be some new DPS members as a result of this
climb, getting their sixth for membership, or their seventh peak for the pin.
It is a country of heavy desert foliage, which is just about now beginning to
bloom. The beautiful pinyon forest, and rough and jagged rock formation adds
much to the scenic value. Also the view of the Salton Sea Basin is one of the
finest, being only surpassed maybe by that from Rabbit Peak, which is a little
nearer the Salton Sea. For further details, read your schedule. |
March 25, 26. |
Rabbit
Peak, Santa Rosa Mtns. The San Diego Chapter will make this trip with Jerry
Zagorites as leader. Jerry is anxious to have all those from L.A. who wish to
accompany him. Rabbit may well be about the toughest climb in So. Calif.,
though the view is well worth it. Those interested should write Jerry for
particulars, since those in the schedule are not correct from his climb. His
address is 3421 - 5th Ave., San Diego 3, Calif. |
April 1, 2 |
Highest Peak of the Providence Mtns. Willard Dean was very impressed
with these rugged and beautiful mountains. He is planning a very interesting
trip into a country that should abound in desert flowers at this time of year.
This will be an entirely new climb for the section, so it should be fun to come
along and see it. For further particulars read your schedule. |
I hope this letter has been of
some interest to you. It's sole purpose is to keep the membership informed
about the section activities. Of particular interest will be a brief account of
all exploratory trips whether scheduled or not. Thus, if you make an
interesting exploratory trip, be sure to send me a few interesting details of
it, to put in the next, newsletter. I am not interested in publishing articles
in this letter; they should go to legitimate publications. Only a few lines
will be written here about each trip. The information I would like would be who
were members of trip, and whether there were any outstanding things about the
mountain. Also several members of the party should fill out the mountaineering
forms about the trip, and sent to Bob Bear.
|
Sincerely
yours, Bill Henderson, Chairman, Desert Peaks Section |
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