SUMMIT REGISTERS
Sage #211, Jan 1991, Page 44
In my article early entries in the oldest register book (probably placed by DPSer Gene Gail in 1966) I recorded a partial entry without signature for 2/13/67 of a 1 day climb from the north with a 360 ft waterfall. Shortly afterwards I received a letter from a SAGE subscriber identifying the entry as being by Eleanor Dart who along with her fiancé, Ogden Kellog, was lost for almost 3 weeks until found and rescued by Bud Bernhard, the late San Pedro Martir expert from San Diego. This was a highly publicized massive rescue involving nearly 100 searchers including some DPS members. Read a short account of this rescue in John Robinson's book, Camping & Climbing in Baja on pages 86 & 87 with a photo on page 88). My SAGE friend sent as a copy of a paperback published in 1989 by Harbinger House in Tucson entitled, Coming Home From Devil Mountain, and written (after battles with cancer, bankruptcy & divorce) by Eleanor Dart O'Bryon!! I have lost the name of this kind individual during the last 6 months. Would he please contact me for credit upon reading this article. The register entry in my hands reads, "Feb 13, 1967 -- hiked from La Trinidad road two days across desert, Three days climbing first canyon south of Diablo canyon. A dozen spectacular waterfalls, one 360 ft. ----- granite. Bivouac (sic)----- I'm ----- of the North buttress. Three days on the North ridge, including Hells canyon traverse (one day) (recently named by this party). Final bivouac on south, wall of Hells canyon on small snow ledge. Ominous store front passed over during night. Made north summit at 11:00 A.M. Will continue on to San Pedro Martir Plateau and out to Rancho San Jose. This is our 10th day from Claremont Calif. 739-1/2 Harvard St. We hike hiked (sic) down liars and will ------- ----- ?? ----"... THE NEXT PAGE IS MISSING.
The account in her book (after 7-1/2 days of backpacking--some of it roped up) for Feb 13, 1967 reads; "We slowly reach the Lop of the (north) face, climbing on icy rock with numb fingers, & see the summit, not far above us, & beyond it the ridge leading out to the plateau. We are saved. I am exhausted. In the sun below the summit we make tea &, leaving our packs, we ascend to the north summit of El Picacho del Diablo, The So. summit is too far away & too difficult for us to climb. We find the summit book in a heavy iron container & sign it, describing our route. We are glad to have made it, but not exhilarated or proud-we are too tired, almost out of food, & a long trial remains ahead of us-the tricky ridge to the plateau." They become lost & Eleanor is rescued after 16 days, in Diablo Canyon on 3/1/67. Ogden is found the next day in the Slot Wash. A moving book, BUT OUT OF PRINT.
