"Interesting Facet On John
Lemoigne" -Bob Greenawalt
Each year on Veterans Day weekend is staged
the Death Valley Encampment. This writer has been involved with the event for a
number of years, and this past November acted as a leader of a group interested
in visiting John Lemoigne's grave. About twenty enthused persons attended the
four-mile round trip junket.
Very recently I received an entertaining token
of one participant's interest. I feel It bears publishing in the Sage, as it is
very desert-related.
It was written by Mrs Jack Hammel, of Agoura, CA and
well expresses her thoughts on the Lemoigne affair.
It was most gratifying
to me to think that at least one person was so devoted to the legendary
Lemoigne that she would take time to compose such thoughts, and present me with
a copy-her appreciation of the little hike.
It is enlightening to know that
such persons do exist! |
Tucki Mountain - Private Trip
9-13-86
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I have heard many uncomplimentary
comments about this peak, such as boring, a grind, never ending, etc. Since
Anna and I needed it, the only thing left was to do it.
We followed
Dale Van Dalsem's route description in the Sage #184. It was very good and
accurate. I also parked the car directly on the road, thus avoiding a possible
fine.
This was one of the more quiet weekends that I have seen in this
area. We did not see any cars on the Skidoo road, and only about a half a dozen
between Trona and the Skidoo turnoff. The weather was nice with a cool breeze,
but the sky was a bit hazy.
I thought that the hike was quite pleasant,
and not deserving the bad comments. Although the hike is hard with many ups and
downs (both ways), it was interesting, and tine passed quickly.
Adrienne Knute told us about a small cabin which is unofficially maintained
by hikers. This cabin is found in the "mile of flat between 5532..." in Dale's
writeup. It would be nice to backpack there Sat am, do the peak and spend the
night in total solitude, then hike out next day.
Anna and I completed
the trip in 8 hours. We were tired, but we thought that Tucki is a nice
peak.
Restaurant Recommendation
There is a restaurant in
Trona! I give it three stars. It is a part of The Desert Rose Inn, and is
located in the Death Valley end of town. Prices are reasonable. Add this one to
our Fine Restaurant List.
Tortoise Reserve
On our way back
from Death Valley, we decided to visit the Tortoise Reserve near California
City. It is a large area fenced off, with a small display and self guided
tours. These tours identify various plants and animal habitats and are quite
interesting. The sign says that the best time to see the tortoises is spring. I
think that it is well, worth the drive out there. |
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Maris Valkass
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