| ARGUS PEAK (6542'), November
17-18 Bob Bear Numb fingers and drippy noses were the rule as 28 hikers scrambled up 6,542 foot Argus Peak north of Trona on the chilly and windy weekend of November 17-18. Despite the fact that seven children and several newcomers were in the party, all starters made the rocky climb to the summit. At the campfire Saturday evening 13 members from each of the Riverside and Angeles Chapters, which jointly sponsored the trip, enjoyed meeting each other. In addition, Virgil Lewis brought his family from nearby China Lake to swell our ranks. Obliging Virgil allowed himself to be drafted as assistant Leader, subbing for Polly Connable, who was still away on vacation. As the Leader's (Bob Bear's) car approached the Trona airport side road, the occupants were surprised to spot three "gypsys" warming themselves over a small brush fire, with three Kelty packs stacked prominently beside them. The gypsys turned out to be Sierra Clubbers John Nevius, Helen and Abe Siemans, who had flown up in the latter's private plane from Santa Monica. The Bear's king-sized International Travelall proved its worth by easily accommodating three additional passengers for the short ride to the campsite at the head of Homewood Canyon. |
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CHRISTMAS BONUS! RECIPE FOR DELUXE HOMEMADE "DESERT PEAK" BEEF JERKY ! (Ed- note: On another ill-fated Smatko attempt on Arc Dome recently, your chairman was invited to taste some homemade beef jerky made by John Lotts especially for the trip. It was so flavorfully delicious and practical for backpacking, we felt all desert peakers might like to know how to make it. The following is John's special recipe.) (1) Slice lean beef 1/8" to 1/4" thick. Be sure to remove all fat. (2) Marinate in refrigerator in Wrght's Liquid Smoke 8-12 hours. Season with garlic powder, seasoning salt, and sugar if desired before marinating. (3) Lay slices on oven rack (not on pan in oven). Dry in oven 100°f to 125°f. for 12 to 24 hours, depending on thickness of slices. The pilot light of the oven is sufficient. If there is no pilot light, use an oven thermometer to determine how far open to prop the oven door to ensure that the temperature does not exceed 150°f. maximum. Any fat present in the beef will render the resultant product less long lasting. If no fat is present, and if the beef is thoroughly dried, the beef should last indefinitely outside the refrigerator. |
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MISCELLANEOUS BITS & BITES: Some people are jinxed. ANDY SMATKO was thwarted for the fourth time last October in an attempt to climb Arc Dome. Your chairman was along on this junket that saw a light snow storm route the climbers out of their sacks and back to the cars empty-peaked. We'll try again next summer. ARKY ERB's climbing obituary was premature (last Newsletter), Ark is back with us after an absence and resides at 1604 Manzanita Lane, Manhattan Beach. |
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