The next morning the fall was ascended via a loose third.class route up the right hand side where we encountered an old piton. From here to the 7000 foot level there was much bush-whacking and boulder scrambling. From this point, where we had encountered snow, we climbed to the obvious saddle between the peak and point 9650’. The summit was not visible, but there was a spectacular view of the West Face Wash. Continuing up the north ridge we soon came upon the steep-walled notch that is visible from the summit. This spectacular gash could be traversed only by very high class rock climbing. We tried to contour the east face below the notch in two different places but were stopped both times by steep rock and loose snow. It appears that one would have to traverse directly from the saddle in order to avoid the steepest rocks. Having run out of time we descended to camp and started down the wash the next day. We climbed out of the wash to look for a mine mentioned by McLain but could find no trace of it and had to hack through thick brush to return to the main canyon. I think we all agreed that the trip was a wonderful experience and I for one will be back to try it again. My only regret in returning to Canyon del Diablo after an absence of seven years was the great amount of trash one finds littering the area. I saw tin foil, cans, bottles, etc in many places buried in the sand or thrown into the brush. I hope that future parties will be conscious of this mess and work to maintain this beautiful canyon in an uncluttered state.

PREVIEWS OF COMING ATTRACTIONS

Coming up next time (and there will be a, next time) will be the latest episodes in Andy‘s valiant attempt to climb every non—moving object in San Bernardino County, the thrilling story of Vitz and Haven’s run—in with the Mexican Federales over the existence of a couple bodies, and the most recent stories of Bill Banks attempts to climb everything as long as it is in California. Also will be included all the trips which have been led and as yet not written up — get the hint leaders and outlaws. We also welcome any and all articles of interest regarding the desert and its environment.

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