From there, it was about 5 miles on good dirt and then 5 miles on pavement into Borrego Springs where Mark had located a garage (Rich's) via his HAM radio. Leaving the Justy there, we consolidated gear and people into his truck and proceeded back to San Diego. Later that week, to no one's amazement, the Justy's owner incurred a $350 clutch replacement. In retrospect, we would not have been able to retrieve the Justy (a VERY lightweight car) if it hadn't of been for the combined efforts of the off-roaders we met that day. Their unsolicited aid and willingness to help us was unexpected and appreciated. This scenario also reveals our vulnerability to catastrophic vehicle breakdown and rescue in remote areas. On most any other DPS hike, there wouldn't have been ANY off-roader traffic. The lesson to be learned is do not take low clearance inadequately powered vehicles (even a Subaru 4WD Justy) on a serious drive in. This is a case where the leader should have screened out the Subaru. I'd recommend carrying at least one, and preferably two, strong tow ropes, along with several hooks/devises to attach tow ropes to your vehicle's frame. Survey your vehicle's under-side for a strong "hookup" point in the event you are towed, or are a tower. A come-along might also be a good ideas as a winch work-alike. Thanks to Igor for another great assist and thanks to the following climbers for a good trip: Carolyn Gannett, Tom Moumblow, Marilyn Krist, Paul Freiman, Susan Leverton, J Holshuh, Ed Lozano, John Strauch, Steve Cowen, Suzanne Mamedalin, Leora Jones and desert dog Comet. Sunday we scattered to various private hikes. Some went on the Ranger Guided hike to the most active earthquake fault zone in California. This is the Coyote Canyon fault near Clark Dry Lake just where we start our hike of Rosa Pt. and Villager.

Mark Adrian and Ron Jones

Road Conditions- (800) 427-ROAD

Up-to-date information on highway conditions throughout the state can now be obtained by calling a single toll-free number operated by Caltrans, which replaces 41 separate numbers that previously covered different parts of the state. Callers within California may dial (800) 427-7623 (ROAD) on a touchtone phone to reach the Caltrans Highway Information Network. By punching in a highway number (e.g., 395) and the pound (#) sign, information can be obtained about specific highways within the state. A prerecorded message, which is updated as changes occur, will alert motorists to delays caused by weather, accidents or construction. Delays due to rush-hour traffic in cities are not reported. It is not necessary to wait for the introductory message to end. [Source: Auto Club News.]

BLM closes two south county roads

Friday. April 16, 1993-INVO REGISTER

The ridge road from Cerro Gordo to New York Butte has been closed by the Bureau of Land Management. Also closed will be the Swansea road from the community of Swansea to where it dead ends at the ridge road. The roads are being closed until the ground in the area dries out. The two roads at the 7,000 to 8,000 foot level are between two BLM wilderness areas in the Inyo Mountains. There is a lot of snowpack in the area and the ground is thoroughly soaked. The dirt roads are not maintained and there is concern that any vehicle traffic will cause severe rutting problems) or cause resource damage as vehicle slide off the roadway. There is also a safety concern since anyone travelling these roads could suffer vehicle damage or get stuck and become stranded. BLM's Bishop Resource Manager Genivieve Hannon ordered the closure. "We are not willing to risk public safety or to risk resource damage," said Hannon. "The roads will stay closed until we know it is safe." BLM staff will post the road with signs. The closure went into effect on Sunday, April 11.

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