TELESCOPE (con't) At 3:45 we descended at a moderate pace. When we reached the saddle, where we left the one climber, we found no one. We called out and delayed approximately 45 minutes before I decided we must assume the climber returned to the oar. We left with a note at a trail post. I dispatched one group over Mt. Bennett and the rest took the trail. We could make out one set of prints returning to the cars and where they left the trail to return over Mt. Bennett. Just below the relay station we rejoined the rest and were informed that the climbers name was written in the snow, so we felt somewhat assured. Coming up, the ridge west of the road appeared to be a quicker way of descending to the road to Mahogany Flats from the Kilns. On the way down we descended this ridge finding that it was not as promising as thought. We stayed on the ridges back for quite a while till we were able to view the Kilns and our cars. Had there not been snow, this ridge would have played havoc with our legs and feet. Upon reaching the Kilns we were relieved to find the prodigal climber. The exhilarating climb, the fantastic weather and magnificent views were exceeded only by the fine, congenial climbers in the group. WAUCOBA, NELSON, PLEASANT MTS.      May 5-6,1973       John Backus A dozen and a half climbers met at the appointed spot outside Big Pine this cold Saturday morning. We caravaned in to the start of Waucoba climb, noting with some foreboding that the peak was shrouded in clouds. We started up the mountain, hoping the clouds would disappear, but they didn't: instead, it began to snow, and was soon a full-fledged blizzard, complete with gales. By this time we were past the steepest climbing, so we pushed on. Just below the summit we stopped in a somewhat sheltered spot, from which small groups dashed to the top through the blizzard, signed the register, and dashed back. The view from the summit was quite unspectacular, being limited to about 5O'. On the way down the snow stopped, and the sun was shining when we returned to the cars. We then began the long trail down the Saline Valley, which I had always wanted to see; I don't particularly care to see it again. We camped on the ridge at the south end of the valley. Sunday we drove in to the old mine which is the roadhead for Nelson Mt. This mountain was climbed without the assistance of blizzards, giving us views of Waucoba (without clouds this time) and the race track in Death Valley. Arriving back at the cars, we informed by Dick Akawie that the road to Cerro Gordo Mine from the east was blocked by snow near the top, so we decided to drive around and go in from the west, at Keeler. We almost made it to the mine without incident; unfortunately, a half mile from the mine my van got tired and refused to go any farther, much to my embarrassment. After some effort we got it parked and set off for the mine. From here Pleasant Mtn, is a straightforward climb, first along the upper road from the mine to the ridge, then along the ridge, bypassing an imposing pile of rock which at first sight appears to be the peak, but isn't. After admiring the view of the High Sierra from the peak, we hiked back to the cars and drove out to supper and home. NEWS:    We should all give a vote of thanks to Ron Fracisco and friends. Ron built a new ladder for Little Picacho, to replace the one destroyed over New Year's. He was aided in carrying this ladder to the peak by Tom Cardina and Al Toering. Work horse award of the week (year) goes to these three.

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