John Vitz |
PAST CHAIR, DPS & member since the '60s |
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Dear Editor,
Here we go again. The annual push to add more peaks to the list. It is interesting to note that more often than not, most proposals, if not all, come from list finishers. Why is this? A better question might be when will it end? Will the DPS be like the HPS ? I hope not.
I would like to see a DPS list of peaks that is complete. Which means no more peaks added or deleted.
The current list is fines as it is, But if there is an overwhelming demand for more peaks, I support Marie Valkass' proposal of setting the number at one hundred.
There are good reasons for this as he pointed out in the Desert Sage #218. The main one being that everyone would know exactly how many peaks they need to climb to finish the list. And that it wouldn't change.
Let those who want more peaks on the list climb a few unlisted peaks just for the love of climbing and being in the desert. Isn't that why the DPS was founded?
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Dan Sherman P.O. Box 172 Days Creek, OR 97429 |
Dear DPS member, Dan Sherman -
A few of the reasons why some DPSers would like to see a few more peak on the DPS list include: perhaps there are too few peaks now on the list. Note the recent ballot measure requiring Section membership for one year before obtaining an Emblem. It is possible to get an emblem in just one year.
Our membership is very loyal to the Section. One-third of them have Emblems and 20% have finished the list. Rather than set up new goals such as a "pathfinder emblem" requiring climbing each listed peak by at least two different routes or a "leader-list finisher emblem", where you have to lead every peak on the list, the long-time members are looking to improve the quality of the DPS list and from time-to-time add a few new challenges.
The DPS area is so large, there is certainly room for more peaks.
List finishers (48. current members) love the desert and in addition to leading unlisted peaks, botany trips, desert clean-up trips, canyon traverses etc, they want a little NEW action! --Editor