The sum of $ 20 has recently been sent to the Desert Protective Council as yearly dues.
TRIP REPORTS
Argus Peak-Nov 13-14=Bob Greenawalt
About 1 PM Sat all hands (15 in all) found themselves trying to sign in at the summit of Argus Pk, the most prominent height of the Argus Range north of Trona some 10 miles, The sign-in consists of shinnying up a 15' high summit block since some wiseacre had placed the register there. Everyone signed in as we munched our lunches and took things generally easy. Argus is a wonderful desert peak to me, since it has the qualities one desires in walking up a mtn. There are several groves of pinyons and even one stand of Joshua trees along the way. There is some second class rock work on the northern flanks of the mtn with several near-chimneys to add interest.
Though our day was overcast (welcomed situation for temperature) the views were still great to the west toward Coso Hot Springs and Telescope Pk could be seen throughout most of the hike as a cone-thrust in the fog. Our elevation was low enough to evade such fog but on the way down some sleet formed with the crowd. The route we followed wasn't the best on the ascent, but coming down we made up for lost time with an appealing scree slope.
Basically, Argus it can be said to be about three huge lifts to its top, Pinyon pines are reached at the first "step", and continue intermittently thereon. There are also several "parks" along the way that would be fine for overnight dry camp, but then this peak is only about a 6 mile round trip so wouldn't warrant knapsaoking. I strongly recommend Argus Pk for newcomers searching for interesting and non-beating Qualifiers.
Off the peak, most of the bunch journeyed down to Ballarat, where a street dance was held in conjunction with the Death Valley Encampment. The group camped together in the mesquite thickets out of town and rain started to fall about 2 AM. Through Hugh Parshall's generosity and know-how a war surplus parachute was quickly hoisted over a beach umbrella and most of the gang survived the rest-of-the night storm without consequence. Ever camped in a circus tent?
