DAVE BURDETT
Despite the previous snowstorm in the desert the week before, eighteen climbers woke up to a sunny and somewhat warm morning on Saturday. After the typical trip Introduction, our group caravaned to our roadhead for Old Dad Mtn. We climbed Old Dad via the south side of the southeast chute. It took us two hours to the summit from our cars parked in section thirty-two of the topo. We had a warm and relaxing time on the summit. After about one hour on top, we descended back to the cars. This time we drove the powerline road as much as possible to avoid getting stuck in the road, since this did occur on the way in.
We then drove back to the Kelbaker Road, down to Kelso, and up to our camp near Arrowweed Spring. We met Jack Grams shortly before reaching camp where he informed us that How Bailey had taken a fall off the summit of Granite Mtn. (We later got in touch with How and found out that he broke some ribs and was somewhat bruised up). Its too bad this had to happen, but certainly we are all relieved it wasn't worse.
Our night was very enjoyable. Part I of the evening festivities consisted of two birthday celebrations with too much to eat (I counted three cakes and one pie, plus various liquid refreshments.) Part II involved the gigantic tire fire. It was a peaceful night with the exception of the coyotes, an owl and Dave's snoring.
On Sunday morning, an eight o'clock start made it possible for people to get up early and have nothing to do for an hour. Several people thought Jack Grams was going to fight the boredom by starting another tire fire. Sure enough, Jack was indeed removing a tire from his car. As it turned out, I think Jack would have liked to burn the cactus that made his tire get flat. Anyway, we finally started our climb of "Foshay" (Providence Bench Mark) promptly at eight. At the end of the road a game trail took us into the main canyon that led to the saddle at 5,400'. Upon gaining the ridge, we traversed the east side of the ridge all the way to the summit, with one small loss and gain. A verticle mine shaft and related operations were seen in the small valley southwest of the summit. Another clear, sunny day was enjoyed on the top of the scenic, pinyon-covered peak. Our group believed this would have made an excellent addition to the list, except what would we call It? The register also showed that a trip was led there twelve years ago, on the exact same day!
I would like to thank everyone for making this one of the most enjoyable and successful climbs that I have had for awhile. We also couldn't have asked for better weather. A perfect trip!
