While I, Joe, would like to take credit for finishing the list, credit really should go to the leaders who pushed, pulled, dragged, cajoled, threatened, and by other devious means got me up the peaks. Above all, to Duane McRuer who gave me the motivation to finish the list rather than continue climbing just for enjoyment. Thanks to Ron Jones for several leads and for getting my truck out of the sands of Orocopia and below Needle Mountain. I thank Steve Smith for fine leads of Sandy and Last Chance this weekend and for the many other peaks he has lead. And thanks to Bill T. Russell, Roy Ward, Campy, Gene Olsen, and many others. Betty and I hope to be able to see you and the other wonderful friends we have made in the DPS for many years to come.
TIN, NELSON
We met at Scotty's Castle at 6:45AM on Sat in order to prevent any camping at Ubehebe Crater; for which the Sierra Club was criticized by the Monument Rangers last year.
We caravaned to a point between Dry and Tin to attempt Tin. Six of nine participants made the peak. There was lots of loose snow on top, which took some effort to push through. Those that had waterproofed boots, gaiters, and ice axes found them useful on this desert peak.
After Tin, we attempted to caravan over the Hunter Mtn. road to Nelson. However, we ended up at Goldbelt Spring with a flat tire and an unsuitable spare for the type of roads and distance involved.
Sunday was spent obtaining an adequate replacement tire and rebuilding roads. All participants were back on paved roads by 3:30PM.
