The return to Highway 22 was made during the afternoon without difficulty and we continued past the Sweetwater Ranch to the turnoff for Sweetwater Creek (4 miles) and the campground on the creek (7200’ and 4 miles) where we met John and Chuck who had already established our camp site among the pinyon pines. The following morning all seven of us rode the jeep up the jeep road to the trailhead across the creek and a short distance from the Nugent Cabin (8300’ and 4 miles). We then hiked up the remaining jeep road and the trail up Sweetwater Canyon, the trail ending a short distance past an old cabin at the Anglo Mission Mine. We followed the gully to the head of the canyon coming out on the crest (11000’ and 3-1/2 miles). Mt. Patterson, being the highest point on the ridge, is apparent from there and is about a mile distant. Having climbed the peak the year before, I waited on the crest for Don, Ralph, Polly, and Bill to make the climb and return for a cross country hike to South Sister (11339), the third named peak in the range. John and Chuck made their intended traverse to Wheeler, (2-1/2 miles) Our hike to South Sister (3-1/2 miles) was made during the afternoon with a descent from the peak to the jeep where we joined John and Chuck. The hikes from Patterson are over relatively gentle country with losses of elevation of 500 to 600 feet. All of us were in camp by five. Our weather was excellent and the views from the peaks of the northern Sierra and surrounding desert ranges were outstanding. All climbing is first class and there is ample water in the creeks. At the end of May there is sufficient snow to be interesting and result in good pictures. All of us considered that Patterson would be a reasonable addition to the qualifying peaks list. BOUNDARY PEAK, MOUNT MONTGOMERY, and GLASS MTN - Bill Banks (Editor’s note. This trip was made in June of 1969 and included to point out the things that can happen when people refuse to follow hints and orders put forth by the leader. Luckily nothing serious happened — this time) About 25 people met as scheduled at the Fish Lake Highway Maintainence Station for a one day climb of Boundary and Montgomery. All cars drove about 9.5 miles to the road terminus up Middle Creek. The snow on the slopes of Boundary had very nearly disappeared although to the south towards Mt. Dubois snow blanketed the ridges to the 9000' level. The group quickly ascended out of the canyon to the east—west ridge that reads 10400’ on the topo. From here it is a ridge climb and walk to the summit. The 5000’ gain to the first suimmit was accomplished in about 4-1/2 hours. Despite the write—up warning and the telephone screening many participants were in marginal condition. Some were as much as 1-1/2 hours behind. The traverse to Montgomery was covered with snow and ice but ice axes were not required. After another hour wait the main group started the descent. The stragglers just ascending were adamant about not turning back as I suggested, especially a young lady. She claimed that she must have her emblem. She continued to point 10400 where Wally Henry took the group back to the cars. After a two hour wait - well into the dark — first the girl and then three others were spotted coming slowly down the ridge Everyone then descended not too rapidly to the cars.

Page Index	Prev	Page 8	Next	Issue Index