SGA (con't) To the northwest one looks out to the Kolob Plateau with its various mountain ranges and conical peaks. Between the mountains the valleys are relatively level, and support grasses and grazing animals. But in all other directions the country is exceedingly tumultuous, making this a forbidden land except for the few, strong, persistent and knowledgeable hikers not to be denied the secrets of the hinterland. Because of man' s exclusion, Zion National Park is a wonderful sanctuary for exotic wild life. On the descent from the peak one has satisfied his consuming ambition, that of mastering the peak, so now can divest himself of this drive, and can ruminate in the splendors of the natural scene, On the plateau in the sand filled watercourses was written a tapestry of the wild life abounding. Most remarkable were pawed footprints the size of man's clenched fist. These were seen over wide areas, and were judged to be mountain lion, cougar, or the like, Smaller footprints were of smaller cats, rabbits and very small clawed animals. Interspersed were bird tracks. Several deer skeletons with bones scattered about may well attest to a slaughter by a ravenous mountain lion. No animals were actually seen, but one had the feeling that a host of cunning little eyes were watching our every movement. The most dramatic bird seen was the water ouzel. These birds were seen flitting low above the lively stream, always alone. Apparently they derived their sustenance from the water creatures. The water ouzel is annoyed at being disrupted from his favorite spot. He zooms away, but seconds later he shoots back again, chirping his displeasure. John Muir had been entranced with the water ouzel and watched the little bird for long periods of time. In the sunlit lower portions of the Left Fork, were seen a host of small frogs. These were no longer than one inch in length. So, its hiking the five miles back along the Left Fork, surmounting to the Lava Ridge and shucking off the hiking psyche for the city dweller role. This is a painful transmutation. We were much impressed and stimulated with the great wonderful country called Zion. It is a little used or abused country. DRY MTN., TIN MTN.       Nov,3-4, 1973       Henry Heusinkveld These two peaks are located in the extreme NW corner of Death Valley. A DPS party of 20 met at 7:00 AM at Ubehebe Crater and caravaned 9 miles south over the rough road. They parked on the road shoulder at a place, where a large white blotch is seen on the mountain side to the east. The hike to Dry proceeds due west, picking up a rather steep spur and always aiming for the high point on the horizon. The saddle of a North-South ridge is gained. From here Dry Mtn is seen a couple of miles to the NW, One must drop 1000' through a watercourse and then ascend the opposite side to the peak. This 1000' loss and gain must he repeated on the return trip to total 2000' of non-productive gain, accounting for the big number of 5800' gain in climbing this peak. The mellow day turned chilly as the sunset while 20 tired people slithered sown the rock outcroppings and stumbled through the gullies in the dark to return to cars. A fine camp out in the desert, hut oh so quiet. Were you all that used up? The leaders were the most perky of all. Sunday: To climb Tin, a roadhead 1/2 mile south of that for Dry, was selected, There probably is no standard or optimum route to climb Tin, A variety of routes were envisioned, each one would make quite a different trip experience. Although Tin is higher than Dry, it is easier and a lot more fun, there being no loss enroute. This well-seasoned party surged up the steep crud slope easily, gained a transverse ridge, dropped through a pleasant valley, having cedar trees and on to the peak for a glorious view in all directions.

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