This trip was advertised as a hors d'oeuvre extravaganza, and it turned out that way. Almost everyone participated and there was so much to eat that I don't think anyone cooked dinner.

We had several people who were on a DPS trip for the first time. Mitzi Winks and Pete Hiatt thought that I had oversold them. they are both strong hikers, but prefer more greenery. Mike Paulin and Sue Barnaby came all the way from New Zealand to be on this hike. They did real well and said that they would come again. Allen Sanderson, from Oregon, also joined us for the first time, and I expect to see him again.

We were also joined by the "San Diego Chapter" of the DPS. There were eight of them. Several of them have been on our trips a number of times, and Barbara Raab is a member of DPS. Fred Wejs came on his last trip, because he is going back to Holland, and then to work in Germany. All of the San Diegans are strong hikers and good companions. We also celebrated Barbara Raab's -- birthday. Her friends had a cake and presents for her.

In the park we are not allowed to build a campfire on the ground. Thanks to Terry Suitor who brought a metal container so we could have a nice fire.

Some people elected not to go to Sombrero, while some others came especially to do that. The net result was that we had about the same number of people than, on Jacumba. I decided to sit this one out so as to give my leg a rest. Sherry, Jim, and Randy were the leaders.

We caravaned to Indian Valley Road (dirt), about 2 mi north of Bow Willow campground. We left some of the cars at the intersection in case there was a problem parking. The road was very good and plenty places to park.

The trip went like clock work, and everyone was back by noon. We tried to find the petroglyphs near the palm canyon which Ed Lubin discovered some time ago, but we could not remember the location.

My thanks to all the leaders and participants who made this trip so enjoyable.
  Maris ValkassMaris Valkass

Old Woman & Sheep Hole, Jan 4/5 1986, Van Dalsem

15 met at 9 AM, ESE of Danby & drove to Florence Mine, shown on all maps. All vehicles made it to within 150 yds of the mine & we hiked SE thru the saddle S of 1124 (Old Woman Statue 7½ metric topo, 1985), then S up the wash & right up the westernmost bump, w/some pleasant hi cl 2. Different route back: N along the ridge to saddle just S of 1498, then NE down an interesting gully & followed our footsteps back to the cars. 4+ hrs r.t, incl 45 min lunch, 2200 gain, 2½ mi r.t. for Old Woman. Ho Hum.
With plenty of time, some of us went and explored the Amboy Crater & our carload saw the Mitchell Caverns, getting there by 2:30 & catching the 3 P.M. tour, last of the day. Mediocre caves, excellent commentary. We then drove to Sheephole Summit, turned around & found the gas line or power line road going NNE, drove down it for about a mile & camped near an overturned, bullet ridden car body. We had lovely weather; warm & no wind; we heard later that it rained like mad in L.A. and that Sherry & Maris' trip (Those turkeys had a turnout of 45; I've loaded up on Ban & Scope & reverted to 6 A.M. start times!!) had wind & rain (good!)
A half-mile S of the radio tower in Sheephole Pass, we drove off the pavement a few hundred yard. to the edge of a big wash: lots of old mining activity & recent target practice. We headed SE up the interesting wash to its end just E of 1041 (Dale Lake 1985 7½ metric topo). Then a NE bearing up the ridge & turn east before hitting the summit ridge and angle up to the summit. 5¼ hrs r.t., 5 mi r.t., 2200 gain, 14 people, for Sheephole. Thanks to Edna E. for subbing for an ailing Akawie as assistant. -Dale
 
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