A fixed rope will be used in several places. Not for the faint-hearted! Meet Saturday afternoon at Picacho Landing, some 21 miles north of Yuma (on the California side of the river). Early birds can relax or swim. Sunday morning caravan back several miles to start of climb. Hiking about 6 miles. Leaders: ARKEL ERB



A NON-SCHEDULED ATTACK OF DRY MOUNTAIN       Bob Greenawalt

A six-person contingent of the San Fernando Valley Group's Saline Valley outing left base camp for a climb of Dry Mountain on Thanksgiving Saturday. Under the leadership of Jim Montgomery, a new route was chosen to this 8726-feet snow-laden desert peak, this time from the western slope.
An unavoidable late start put the climbers en the lofty summit at 4 p.m. one hour before sunset. However as planned, the return trip was made in full moon Light. The nature of this mountain, being of weathered limestone, preyed harsh to ungloved hands. One bighorn sheep horn was found.
Dry Mountain affords wonderful Death Valley views and grape snow scenes were enjoyed en top. A clear panorama of the Sierra Nevada was noted past the Inyo Range. This appears to be the preferable route to this peak. There is no trail as is the condition anywhere on this mountain. By 4-wheel drive vehicle, one may drive 20 miles east of the main north-south Saline Valley road. Leave the main road 7.5 miles past the upper warm springs. The hiking starts at 3200 feet and the judged distance to the peak is five miles (one way). I recommend it for a future scheduled c1imb.


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PHANTOM RANCH URGED AS AN "INVERTED" DESERT PEAK    Bob Greenawalt

At the last DPS meeting, I nominated that a new peak be added t the current DPS list of qualifying peaks. This is a well-known climb, has a respectable gain. meets the quality of being in a desert, has a fine trail, ample water, offers superb scenery supports wildlife, offers fine geologic lessens, allows swimming and fishing, provides plenty of natural science exploration, and has a store. With all these facilities left to the climber, hew could such a wonderful spot be left off our list unnoticed? Its only lack is that it is a depression instead of a mountain. I heartily recommend that Phantom Ranch in the bottom of the Grand Canyon be included en our great list of Desert Peaks. Who can disagree? (Ed. note: This one seems to be stewing up into quite an issue. Those with opinions on this subject are urged to voice them at the Feb 6th business meeting.)




MORE MISCELLANY

Persons interested in Mexico in depth and specifically in anthropology will find very useful a subscription to KATUNOB, published quarterly by Prof. George E. Fay of Wisconsin State College. Subscription is $3.00 per year to Prof. Fay of Wisconsin State College in Oshkosh Wisconsin. Each issue is from 50 to 80 pages and includes current news items about findings concerning the ancient and present inhabitants of Meso-America. A must for all Mexican buffs. - Harry Melts


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