To the families of Graham, Arkel, John and Ben, the deepest sympathy of fellow climbers and other Sierra Club members is extended. The victims knew---as do those of us who survive----the great risks seeking out the high places in the Himalayas. Yet the sorrow remains as we try to accept the loss of these four men whose love for the high places was matched only by their compassion for their fellow climbers.
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MARTINEZ, SHEEP	OCT 30, 1976	McCOSKER/McDANIEL
Eight sleepy hikers left Pinyon Flat campground at 6:45 a.m. and after a short drive started the hike past the dolomite mine towards Martinez Mountain. It was a beautiful fall day and there was plenty of water in Horsethief Creek for refreshing drinks and to fill canteens. The group passed Cactus Spring and climbed Martinez by way of the "primary route," the large white gully to the south of the peak. Everyone made the top by 11:45 in time a leisurely lunch. The group descended Martinez by way of the next gully to the north, which is steeper than the primary route but ends closer to Sheep Mountain. Everyone also climbed Sheep, thanks to Dick Akawie, who acted as assistant leader in the absence of Frank McDaniel. After a short rest on Sheep, the hikers descended to Cactus Spring and returned by way of the trail, getting hack to the cars at about 6:45 p.m.

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