HER NAME IS EVELYN, or HOW TO DO IT UP BROWN!

During the past March 3-4 weekend, five Desert Peaks within a 20 mile radius, and all in the T & T Domain, hosted a number of DPS climbers. Three distinct groups enjoyed the routes and summit views of Stewart, Eagle #2, and Pyramid, while a few other choosers wanted Pahrump and Brown, and duly captured them. The previous day's heavy rain had given the parched soil new feelings on Saturday, with 100% climbing weather. So many Desert Peaks were visible in the distance, and with snowcaps, if above about the 7000 ft level. Interesting, also, is that whichever of these five summits one may be on, the other four loom up within relatively short view. Each of these peaks, too, offer a visual T & T route picture. I was one of the choosers needing Brown Peak, so did it on my own on Sunday. I could find no other takers from the group assembled at Leora and Ron Jones' fine Chili Cookoff near Pyramid Pk, the evening before. I do not, advise solo ventures, due to the dangers involved, however such climbs do give one a chance to think more clearly. Also the pace is of one's own. And remaining on the summit as long as one wishes is also a luxury. While climbing, I know I find myself talking aloud, mostly reminding myself of the necessary safety precautions to heed. I proceeded to tackle this peak, using Route C, as given in the DPS Road & Peak Guide--the northwesterly entry. I miscalculated the correct high point. There are three possible candidates above a high semi-plateau, as one contemplates this mountain [role below. I chose the easternmost hump and after a general first-level arrival, I approached it from its east face. As I passed around long, vertical rock columns, the scene before me was reminiscent of a giant pipe organ. The wind seemed to whistle across the pillars with a more than normal, audible sound. Also to be noted are the prolific lichens that cling to the porphyritic rocks. Such stone chemistry must provide ample nutrients to the very-varied lichen hues. They come in green, chartreuse, ochre, and other colors more numerous than the number of constituents in a can of V-8 Cocktail Juice! Being a T & T fan, I kept looking down on the old right of way as it winds across the 'street', just short of Eagle #2. I could not make out the 28-car capacity Evelyn Siding, but know its ghost is there. I lost elevation to begin accessing the next westerly bump--the true high point. Greeting the usual wire and lumber sticks of the survey target (usually downed on most summits today, but still fragilely standing here). I soon found the bench mark indicating this to be EVELYN. The thought then hit me--that of 'Borax' Smith's notion of honoring family members within the T & T Domain. This is named for his wife! I made such an entry in the register. Going down EVELYN'S west side, within a steep, rocky draw, numerous well-filled tinajas(those rock depressions that retain water to the delight of birds, bees and beasts) were encountered--one describing a full 12 ft circle with an 18 inch water depth! Several dry waterfalls had to be circumvented before I completely egressed the mountain along a flat, dry wash, Presumably, Brown Peak is named for the late California Senator, Charles Brown of Shoshone, however here we are dealing with a personality that predates his fame. Being honored is Evelyn K Ellis, 'Borax Smith's spouse. As I meditated beside the bench mark, I thought that this lady

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