Yes, contrary to popular notion, the 4th time is the charm!
Leader's Comments:
After becoming somewhat acquainted with the area, I feel it is one of the most pristine and unknown regions within the Monument and any hike in there is worthwhile. The views from Harris Hill give the local topography like a 3-D map, and the area is chock-full of high ridges and deep canyons. Believe me-it is easy to lose one's way! I suggest more DPS exploration into the region. Harris Hill, named for Shorty Harris, the famous old DV prospector who is buried below sea level in the Valley; overlooks the panorama @ El 5738.
P.O. Box 1911
Newport Beach, CA 92660
RE: ADDITIONS TO THE DPS LIST
Dear Editor;
I am responding to Doug Mantle's letter printed in the last SAGE regarding potential list additions. DPS list finisher, Doug Mantle, has before opposed additions to the DPS list. He now opposes adding Virgin Peak and Saline Peak to the list on the upcoming DPS ballot. (see my Dec '82 trip write-up for details on Saline Pk). Doug goes on to say that, "there are plenty of worthwhile peaks...to be explored and added to the DPS list. Let's check them out... ." (Its reported that Cuno Ranschau, list finisher, reports a recent addition to the DPS list, Moapa Pk, is, "one of the finest climbs on the DPS list").
Well Doug, you've finished the list. You are disapproving of adding Saline Pk to the list. Have you checked it out? I have, three times, and for the DPS I think it is far more worthy than some of the peaks you and I agree do not belong on the list.
The purpose of the DPS is stated, "To explore the desert mountain ranges of California and the Southwest, and to stimulate the interest of the Sierra Club membership in climbing these ranges." With Doug's acknowledging that there are, "plenty of worthwhile (desert) peaks", has he led any exploratory trips or proposed any peaks to the list, which he is about to finish twice?. I have led exploratory trips for many years and am pretty sure that Saline Pk meets our standards. It is a peak with 3,700 feet of gain in a desert range surrounded by a vast basin presently without a listed peak. If one doesn't like the drive (which I've made without a problem in my car three separate times) then it can be day hiked from upper Saline Spring. We do have long approach hikes to some peaks.
I don't think that the DPS should let the elite magic of multiple list completion come before the Sierra Club's avowed purpose to, "explore...and enjoy the wild places of the earth.
Very truly yours,
RON JONES