  Kl4 March 29, 1993 Mr. Ron Jones 119 North Helen Drive Fullerton, CA 92635 Dear Mr. Jones, When the Desert Bill passes and we know what the boundaries of the park may be, we will begin the process of developing a management plan. What steps to be taken may vary depending upon congressional direction and the lands involved. If new lands are added we most likely, at some point, would ask for public input. We are developing a list of persons to be contacted and we are adding you to that list.  |
| Dear Ron, The emphasis on adding peaks to the list should be on the quality of the hike, remoteness, and natural features, not on road conditions or distance from LA. For those of us in San Diego most of the peaks are a lot further away. Note also that when surveys of favorite peaks are taken that those farthest away such as Ruby Dome, the Guardian Angels, and Big Picacho are top choices. Close-in peaks such as East Ord are not very interesting. Road conditions to trailheads can easily deteriorate into 4WD after storms. Most serious desert hikers have a 4WD or go with a member who does. In proposing Mohave and Needles Eye no one has mentioned that these are on the Yuma Proving Ground. Mohave is fully five miles inside the range. I did these peaks recently and yes, there are no signs marking the YPG boundaries. The same situation exists with Argus and Maturango and we have been climbing these for many years with no problems, but should more of this nature be added? Possibly we could have, a Military Peaks List for those who like to do peaks on Test Ranges. Finally, let me put in a strong recommendation for Mt. Moriah, which is my favorite of those proposed. Most people climb the northern Nevada peaks on a week-long trip and this one can easily be fit in. Sincerely,  Richard L Carey |
| Hi Editor Ron: Too bad about these people that have hangups with Canyon Point. Being a Death Valley fan, I feel it is a happy late addition to the DPS List. True, if one does the circa 10-mile 4WD route up to Cottonwood Canyon's end, Canyon Point is not a very wonderful summit, as it is too easy, provided the most direct mileage-wise hike route is chosen. The intensive driving required to reach this trailhead is a minus sign. Moreover, the Cottonwood Mtns' grandeur is bypassed with this scheme. By doing Canyon Point from northerly Hunter Mtn (stay away in winter) and by utilizing the old Keeler-Skidoo trail, one has a thrilling route all the way that makes for a most satisfying journey. Also, trailhead access is generally simple for conventional vehicles. Throw in a night at Cottonwood Springs and one can enjoy an A-1 backpacking weekend! This watered scene has to be one of the best locales within Death Valley National Monument. Nearby Canyon Point forms the icing on the cake, I say! Just seeing the few remaining early, granitized, water-indicating, finger-pointing signs along the way, has been worth all of my efforts! Canyon Point is also impressive, especially if a prior western viewing from the Stovepipe Wells region has taken place. I campaign that one of the finest 3-day desert backpack jaunts is that from Hunter Mtn via Cottonwood Springs and Out Lemoigne Canyon to Emigrant Ranger Station on Hiway 190 (maybe 25 miles)--all within DVNM and along the still-discernible old Keeler-Skidoo pathway. Here one can be rewarded with two Desert Peaks--Canyon Point and Panamint Butte--the preferable way to reach each goal. Regarding the DPS proposed additions, the mass of members do not know what they are voting for, since I feel the great majority have not done the suggested add-on.. DPSers are just too busy whittling away at the ones they need for an emblem or two. So, each new exploratory peak needs lots of ballyhoo to encourage climbers to become interested in tackling these currently-sterile ones. I suggest that each proposal be scheduled a year in advance with frequent up-front publicity. I tend to cast NAY votes on all offers until I have climbed them! -Bob Greenawalt Mar 93 |
| Dear Sir, I am doing research for a book about "Greek George" Caralasbo (naturalized as George Allen in 1867) and Nadji Au ("Hi Jolly" or Philip Tetro), two camel drivers with the United states Camel Corps from 1856 to 1863. I am interested in hearing from anyone who has any hard-to-find information on either of the two men. I would be especially interested in hearing from their descendants or descendants of people who had met either of the men. Creek George, who was involved in the capture of Tiburcio Vasquez in 1874, reportedly owned land where the Hollywood Bowl is today. Hi Jolly became an army scout, bounty hunter and prospector. STEVEN DEAN PASTIS 2639 N. Grand Ave Ste 250 Santa Ana, CA 92701 714-550-9933 |