Sombrero Peak-Dec 11-12-Harry Melts
On Sat Dec 11 twenty-one persons had gathered at Bow Willow Campground. Nineteen of these people started the hike led by Harry Melts, assisted by Bill Banks, and all reached the top.
On the way up we visited Sombrero Palm grove, such stand warrants a trip in itself. I have seen many palm groups but this with its compactness and vigor(92 counted) surpasses most of them, and is a real desert beauty. Due to its inaccessible location high in the mountains it has escaped vandalism.
Return was made by a ridge route to add variety, The views from Sombrero are outstanding, and the boulder scramble makes this a worthy Qualifier. So on our next business agenda, we will ask for its inclusion on our DPS list.
The weather couldn't have been more in our favor; sunny and warm with no wind. The Saturday nite campfire ended a pleasant day.Know your desert peaks.
For Sunday's activities, several groups formed and several places in the neighborhood were visited.
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THE CALL OF BAJA'S HIGH COUNTRY
             -John Robinson
Extending from the California border south some 150 miles down the middle of the Baja California peninsula are two rugged mountain ranges-the Sierra Juarez and the Sierra de San Pedro Martir. These picturesque, pine forested chains stand out boldly in stark contrast to the arid desert country below their escarpments, and offer a wild, primitive paradise to those of us tired of our mountains adorned with tranmways, ski lifts, endless paved roads, assorted resorts and miscellaneous litter.
A guidebook of sorts to these scenic below-the~border Sierras is presently being prepared by the writer of this opuscule and Walt Wheelook. This little book will include sketches of the geography, geology, history, plant and animal life, and the roads, trails, and climbing routes of both ranges. It is in the latter three categories that we could use help. Route info, especially in regard to the less-frequented parts, and/or good black and white photos would be sincerely appreciated.
These mtns are being methodically explored this winter and spring season. DPSers interested in joining exploratory excursions of this nature should contact the writer. One jaunt In particular might appeal to many Section members, that being a knapsack trip during the first four or five days of spring vacation, now being organized to penetrate the southern section of the forested San Pedro Martir plateau.
The approach will probably be from the eastern desert side, up the old Canyon El Cajon trail to Santa Rosa Meadow, the ruins of old Mission San
 
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