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| To the Editor Desert Sage The recent letters to the Editor (Van Dalsem, August 1986, Bloland, September/October 1986, and Knudtson, January/ February 1987) are at least in agreement that some intermediate recognition is desirable to encourage DPS outing participation. I definitely agree. My experience has been that DPS led outings usually include such experiences as dunes, cacti, and dry washes as extolled by Knudtson. I think they are part of DPS trips, but should not count toward any special recognition. Let's keep it a Desert "Peak" section. 1 do believe that exploratory "climbs of desert peaks should be encouraged if we are to have meaningful votes on any peak additions. I would like to suggest a simplification of Bloland's list of requirement for an intermediate emblem. 1. Is an cable. holder. (Any emblem holder has already been a DPS member for at least a year. If such a person can climb 50 or 65 peaks in less than another year, he should be acclaimed). 2. Has climbed 65 (or 60 or 50) desert peaks of which all but 5 should be on the DPS list. Up to 5 may be climbed on DPS exploratory trips. (No requirements on geographical area or emblem peaks should be made as long as the Mexican peaks cannot be led. If a person has climbed 55 peaks, there's a high probability all other regions represented. An emblem holder has already 5 of the 7 emblem peaks. 3. Has app1ied to the DPS section secretary, etc. The name of the emblem is difficult. I agree that advanced" implies skill and "senior has an age connotation. Perhaps it could be called "Emblem wreath" and someone can design a wreath of braided cholla to put around our DPS patches (a la HPS). Finally, I agree with Van Dalsem and Bloland. The other experiences are there for the taking, but let us remain a peak climbing section. |
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February 17, 1987 |
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Letter to the Editor The Desert Sage Bruce Knudtson's letter in the January/February Sage convinced me that a variety of outings designed to "increase participants" awareness of the many diverse and unique features of the desert environment" is a good idea. He did not convince me that we should honor these outings with an "advanced" emblem. "Advanced" to me denotes a higher order of skill and competence, not participation in a wide range of miscellaneous activities. Instead, why not carry out the intent of the original proposal with the initiation of a new emblem to be called the "Desert Exploratory Emblem" or some such title? Establish a set of desert experiences that will bring the aspirant into contact with the many and various facets of the desert experience including attainment of the DPS Emblem and participation in a section sponsored desert conservation project. Concurrently, but separately, establish a Senior Emblem" based upon raw and unabashed peak bagging. I could really get behind this kind of proposal. This suggestion addresses Bruce Knudtson's concerns directly instead of obliquely and should warm the hearts of the most unregenerate peak baggers and hot springs soakers. |
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-Paul A. Bloland |
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