early in the afternoon. Although the group was fairly large we made good time and had no serious problems even though it was our rookie outing as leaders. I should expound for some length on the great beauty, of the New York Mountains, but it really must be seen first hand. DRY MTN - TIN MTN          APRIL 12-13          Art de Goede After meeting at Ubehebe Crater, we caravaned S to our starting point in the valley between Tin and Dry. Ed Stork led the way across the flatlands and into a big wash. Climbing out from the head of the wash area and up to a saddle is the most difficult part of this climb as it-is steep and loose. After a 700-ft. loss along a gentle ridge, one is in a position to begin the final 1400-ft. assault on Dry, which all completed but for one or two of the 12 present. The length and gain on this trip (14 mi. r.t., 5700-ft.) meant that a few people finished slightly after dark, but no one required flashlights. The following morning, Ed proved that a climber's breakfast should be four doughnuts (or was it 6'?) as he breezed up the steep ridge between two narrow canyon's on the way toward Tin. After the hard work was done, pleasant hiking was found among the pinyons, along a gentle wash. On a ridge to our right (at 8640-ft.) we saw a natural arch which did support one though appeared to be poorly cemented. All nine who started reached the top for tremendous views of the Sierra and the entire sweep of Death Valley. Wally Henry and two others returned to the cars via the northern canyon and were required to use a rope to negotiate some dry waterfalls. The consensus of the group was that Tin was, much the more enjoyable climb as it was easier, had better views, was easier, had better scenery with more trees and the arch, and was a lot easier. AVAWATZ - KINGSTON        APRIL 19-20               Fran Smith At 8:30 a.m. 14 eager desert peakers left Sheep Creek Spring to begin the long stretch of dry stream bed to within sight of, and 40 mins from, the top of Avawatz. The final 30 mins. of the stream involved a steep climb, and it being 1:00 p.m., the leader heard grumblings, concerning food as he directed traffic up this stretch. With a comfortable spot for lunch (with view) just ahead, all tummies were soon appeased. Twelve signed the register and the weather was perfect except for haziness. We returned by ridging a mile before descending a rugged slope with one good stretch of scree. A 60-ft. drop off necessitated a detour but we soon reached the stream bed, and returned to the point of departure. Time nine and a half hours.

Page Index	Prev	Page 14	Next	Issue Index