THE DESERT PAGE

by Bob Michael, SAGE associate editor

Howdy! Maris Valkass has asked me to take over the Associate Editor's duties of this distinguished periodical. Part of this involves writing a column now and then. I'll be sharing with you notes on the geology of our beloved dry high country, plus some suggestions on neat places to go that are off of/beyond The List. However, being basically rather lazy, I thought I'd let the readership write the first couple columns. Thus is launched the First (known) Desert Sage Readership Survey.

The opening Survey deals with what is our reason for being (after wildflowers, hot springs and apres-climb happy hours)-- PEAKS. I'd like to ask the membership to vote on their three favorite listed peaks -- and their three least favorite. A sentence or two explaining why you like (or dislike) each peak would be interesting, and I will include some sample comments with the vote tally. Please send your "ballots" to me - a postcard would be fine - at 1066 Miramonte Drive, #9, Santa Barbara 93109 by the next issue deadline (3/1/86).

Also, please send your thoughts on topics I should cover in this column, aside from those mentioned at the beginning. Possible topics include -- Peaks That Should Be on the List (but aren't) and What I Bob MichaelLike (and Dislike) About DPS, Leaders, Trips, etc.

See you out where the cholla and the tumbleweeds play.

Closing quota: "The pipe-smoking, song-singing, and yarn-spinning around the evening camp-fire in the still solitude of the desert was a happy, care-free sort of recreation that seemed the very summit and culmination of earthly luxury. It is a kind of life that has a potent charm for all men, whether city or country-bred." -- Mark Twain, Roughing It


Below is a list which I believe is reasonably correct. I am sure there are more kids who climb that have not put in for their Emblems for one reason or another. But maybe this is not that important, it's the fun of going to the Desert with your parents and learning about yourself and the wilderness that counts. My kids: Glen and Julie, who are now hiking with me, ask that other parents bring their kids with them on DPS trips to join in the fun. This list only proves that many kids have climbed with us and we really do encourage families to join us.
  Randy Bernard

YOUNGEST DPS EMBLEM HOLDERS

Name: Birth date: Emblem date: Age at emblem:
 
Laura Jones Mar 15, 1962 Dec 29, 1972 l0yrs 9mo
Eric Fracisco Jan 29, 1963 Apr 20, 1974 11 3
Mike Inskeep Apr 16, 1956 Apr 21, 1968 12 0
Bruce Jones Apr 17, 1960 Jun 18, 1972 12 2
Dan Inskeep Aug 22, 1961 Jun 29, 1974 12 10
Mike Risely May 26, 1958 Apr 26, 1970 12 11
Glen Bernard Jul 31, 1971 Oct. 7, 1984 13 2
Alex Fracisco Apr. 8, 1960 Jan 26, 1974 13 8
 
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