OCTOBER 27-28, 1990
32 folks signed up for this weekend but only 11 met us at Scissors Crossing in the beautiful (but very dry) Anza Borrego State Park. The morning was crystal clear and beginning to get warm as we caravaned to our campsite in Little Blair Valley.
After getting camp areas staked out, we carpooled to the road head for Yaquitepec, the former residence for 16 years of Marshall and Tanya South and their 3 children. After Lou and Ron's brief and informative history of the South family and the area, we headed up the park trail to the site near the top of Ghost Mtn. The system used by the South's for collecting water was a series of cisterns collecting rain and storing it in covered, cemented areas. All supplies were driven out from Julian in a Model T ford and then transported by foot and mule to the top of the mountain. A pole was permanently placed during their residence and would indicate with a flag flying or not if they were home.
To our delight, Bob Greenawalt, who was on his way to the Grand Canyon later that morning, brought with him 3 articles that Marshall South had written for DESERT Magazine while living at Yaquitepec during the early 40's and provided minimal income for their existence. Tanya was quite the poet and spent many of her hours putting this talent to good work. They raised their children and educated them on the mountain.
Several of the group hiked over to the actual summit of Ghost Mountain, approximately 1/2 mile beyond the homesite. There is a register on top placed earlier by Paul Freiman. After a brief stay on top, we all headed down for the cars. It was getting very warm, perhaps 95 degrees or so, and the "cold frosty ones" back at camp were calling for us. Upon our return, 5 more members of the trip were patiently waiting after driving around the park trying to find us.
In typical DPS fashion we spent a few hours socializing and partaking in various food and drink while waiting for the heat to subside. We had a lovely afternoon in the shade of the McCosker's and the Lutz's vehicles.
No Halloween party that we would have, however, could remain in such a mellow state. We had several rounds of horseshoes and began to feel the festive spirit surround us. We carved the most elaborate array of pumpkins one could ever hope to find. About this time we were joined by Jay & Sue, Bruce & Terry and Igor, Suzanne and Tanya. Apple bobbing was a highlight of the soon approaching twilight. Shadows fell and a Mexican potluck was a feast beyond compare with tacos, chile relleno casserole, bbq'd spareribs, enchiladas....