Boundary & Montgomery Peaks, June 12-14, 1981. (Private trip)

Participants included Don & Nickey Beverage, Bob & Ella Hoselton, Lou Brecheen, Bill Kitto and Jack Koshear. The group encountered severe winds and blowing dirt Friday evening, particularly through Mojave, en route to Big Pine. After overnighting in the campground at the Westgard Pass turn-off and breakfast in the cafe, it was over the hills and into Nevada. Fish Lake Valley was pretty and green backdropped by the eastern side of the White Mountains. Arrived at the Trail Cyn. turn-off just past Chiatovich Creek at about 9:00 A. M. This road is marked with "Trail Canyon" signs at this turn-off and at the junction with the "Middle Canyon" road. As dirt roads go, this one was in good condition and easily negotiated by a VW Squareback and a Pinto station wagon. Larger sedans might have some problems. Arrived at the trailhead and got under way a little before 11:00 A. M. Weather was clear, cool and windy. A two hour walk up Trail Canyon, which has a flowing stream and green meadows this time of year, brought us to base camp at 10,200' in the wooded area below Trail Canyon Saddle. Sighted a ruffed grouse at close range in the meadow area and numerous wild mustangs up on the hillsides en route. After lunch, various of the group either flaked out or went on exploratory walks. Weather was turning steadily colder and windier. A good deal of time was spent watching the wild horses which we counted as thirteen including two colts. Dinner and bed came early due to the cold and wind. Any water bottles left out became solid chunks of ice.
Sunday morning the wind had eased up somewhat by the time we left camp at 6:00 A. M. When we arrived at the 12,200' first bump on the main ridge to the peaks the wind was light to moderate and the day looked much more promising. There was minimal snow left on the ridge so the trip proceeded mainly on rock and scree over Boundary and arrived atop Montgomery about 10:30 A. M. Lou Brecheen announced that Montgomery completed his DPS Emblem and produced a bottle of champagne to celebrate the occasion. This was enjoyed by all along with the magnificent view of Owens Valley and the northern Sierras. There is nothing like champagne to lend class to a peanut butter sandwich. Arrived back at the cars about 3:30 P.M. and into L. A, about midnight to cap a most enjoyable weekend.
Jack Koshear
 
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