spectacular, especially the Whites -- Bountary, Montgomery, the Jumpoff and yes, even Dubois (well, I saw Dubois!). The weather was cold, crisp and windy on both summits. Visibility was great. Very high storm fronts were passing down from the north and enhanced the scenic beauty.

Now back to awesome reality. We returned to the car and zounds! The car didn't start.

We decided to backpack to Highway 120 (8+ Miles) and then onto Benton (another 15 miles). It was decided to get some warm soup in our bodies, so I fired up the Svea in the back seat of the Gran Torino. Just as the water boiled, the stove tipped and boiling water scalded my right ankle. I put some snow on it, put on my boots and took off ahead of the others as I felt we had a better chance of getting help in the daylight. I did not relish the thought of leaving the Gran Torino on the Sawmill Mtn. Road for the winter.

Just as the light of day sank away, I reached Highway 120 and flagged down a jeep which carried a couple of men who worked in Bishop for the highway department. They went out of their away to be of assistance. On the way to my car we passed George and Doug. They continued on down the road to Highway 120 and I picked them up on the way out. We were very fortunate to meet these fellows who were so willing to help strangers in need. Thanks to them the Gran Torino got us back to Los Angeles at 4:00 A.M. Monday.

Today, nearly a year later, George's station wagon is still available only for late late departures, Doug's desert car has been replaced by a red BMW which prefers to sit on city streets and look beautiful and the Gran Torino lives on.
Cartoon
 
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