Nine of the group decided to add Diadic to their "Conquered list", and with a bit of coaxing, Leader Ernie Spiehler got everyone up his favorite route. We just barely made it back to the main road by dark, and then headed on for Palen Mtn. There was a bit of wind at the campsite, so at 5:30 AM we arose, shook the sand out of our ears, and struck out across the desert toward our faraway mountain. The hot trudge up the peak was somewhat relieved by the 60 mph, 32 degree wind most of the way but it was calm on top and the air was so very clear. We could identify at least twelve familiar peaks against the magnificent horizon. Howland Bailey won his Emblem with this climb and received heartiest congratulations from his eight companions. Due to our having found a very neat route, we were back at the cars by 1:15 PM and had time for a leisurely drive home. See page 5.... (continued from page 5) acle to the broken-up east face. At this time we heard calls from the summit by the exploratory group which had ascended a fourth class chute on the west face. On moderate third class we arrived at the summit at 11:15 AM. Visibility was very good and we could clearly make out Little Picacho the west and Kofa to the north. A short ceremony in which Bill Heusel was awarded his Emblem pin was conducted on a peak very suitable for the occasion. After watching the exploratory group disappear over the shoulder of the west face, we started our descent at noon and were back at the cars an hour later. With 75 man-peaks to our credit, and above all, the special experience imparted by these fascinating wild Arizona desert ranges, we could now return to the sprawling megalopolis relaxed and contented. The writer wishes to express his appreciation to Vern Stiles, Glen Lougee, and Ed Hill, whose assistance insured a well-organized and successful weekend. New Years Desert Exploratory Hike-New Years -Bob Greenawalt I have recently discovered what I think to be a delightful hike in some exciting desert topography, not too far from home. Lying right in the PM shadows of Avawatz Mtn is 12-mile long Amargosa River Canyon, virtually abandoned and unvisited since the old 20-Mule Team's Tonopah & Tidewater borax RR lifted their rails in 1943. Highway 127 uses Ibex Pass rather than chance this tortuous canyon. The RR used it for almost 40 yrs! After two false starts, both due to high water-imagine the Amargosa River having water! It has been impossible to traverse the Canyon's length. The lower end of the canyon was the RR stop of Sperry while the upper end opens up into Tecopa. I think we can work out an enjoyable future bus trip and can also see some of the best examples of desert sand dunes. There are several gushing springs in the immediate area. Speaking of springs-a sad note. All of you that have ever been to Saratoga Springs-unusual rendezvous after Avawatz climbs-know of their beauty. Right now it isn't too wonderful. On a jaunt there last month we were greeted with the reports of rifles end shotguns, noting hunter's taking the migratory wildfowl. When challenged, the hunters informed us that they had authority to take fowl, and trap rodents. At least several dozen animal traps were found hidden in the surrounding brush. A checkup reveals that these persons do have permits, and are making a year study of the ecological features of the area. They work out of the U of N in Las Vegas. These permits should be posted in a conspicuous location so that newcomers won't rebel at the sight. First impression of the project is very distasteful. The authorities at Death Valley National Monument have been notified and action is being taken to better remedy the situation.

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