FEEDBACK CORNER
Los Angeles, Calif.
January 13, 1975
Dear Sage Editor,

Recent excursions to the desert have caused me to reflect anew upon the growth of the Desert Peaks List. On one day, Helen and I climbed Jacumba, which involves about 1100 feet of elevation gain. Because of rain, snow, and 50 yard visibility, we wandered from one rock outcropping to another in search of a summit. Although we reached the summit in 90 minutes, I am confident that many of our peak baggers could sign the register within an hour of leaving their car. Getting to the correct roadhead is probably more of a challenge than achieving the summit. On a subsequent day, we ascended to Rosa Point. Although Rosa Point involves considerable e1evation gain, it is nothing more than a nondescript high point on the long ridge of the Santa Rosa Range. In fact, the ridge is several hundred feet higher less than one mile away. In short, I don't think either of these peaks belongs on the List. Other members could no doubt suggest additional peaks equally undeserving.

In reviewing some of our older Newsletters, I noted that many interesting trips were led to climb unlisted peaks which were never proposed for addition to the list. The leader and participants apparently felt no compulsion to immortalize their name by adding peaks to the List. Possibly anyone who suggests an addition to the List should also suggest a less deserving peak for deletion from the List.

I suggest that the Desert Peaks Section needs a Peaks Purging Committee which would recommend peaks for delisting and would also recommend some modest guidelines for retention of peaks on the List. I recognize that setting any guidelines will, prove both difficult and controversial. Nevertheless, some guidelines should be preferable to the present practice of "whatever suits our fancy today."

Until such time as the List has been purged, I suggest that we impose a moratorium on all additions to the List.
 
Sincerely,
Abe Siemans
Abe Siemans
Editor's comments; Better nor truer words have not been spoken about List additions in some time. On Jacumba would you believe 40 minutes.
 
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