Strolling on, it seems to me that the strangeness and wonder of existence are emphasized here, in the desert, by the comparative sparsity of the flora and fauna: life not crowded upon life as in other places but scattered abroad in sparseness and simplicity, with a generous gift of space for each herb and bush and tree, each stem of grass, so that the living organism stands out bold and brave and vivid against the lifeless sand and barren rock. The extreme clarity of the desert light is equaled by the extreme individuation of desert lifeforms.

'DESERT SOLITAIRE' by Edward Abbey

CHAIRMAN'S CORNER This year the Desert Peak Section members should make an extra effort to invite new people to the meetings and the outings. Our section should continue to grow in membership for two very important reasons. 1 Many people do not realize the beauty of the desert, how much fun the climbs are and the joy of car camping after a climb with a rather interesting group. In fact, many do not know that mountains even exist in the desert and many think it is always hot (ha!). They should be invited to enjoy these pleasures with us. 2 A section needs a strong membership to take positive stands on the many issues that sometimes seem to be generated to remove our presence as a group from the face of the earth. The DPS is quite unique in its casual approach to many things - but perhaps the time has come for a little more awareness and participation. So - when you're climbing with the SPS or HPS, or even on the local hikes, talk to the people around you and invite them to the meetings or hikes - sometimes all a person needs is a personal invitation.

Betty Wallin

RENEWALS FOR 1976 Renewals are due Jan. 1, 1976 and are delinquent Mar 31, 1976. If 76 does not appear on your Sage address label, you have not renewed. Make checks payable to the Desert Peaks Section and mail to the Sec-Treas.

Barbara Reber, Sec-Treas.

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