Sunday morning came early and wet, and all began their packout to the cars. People had some trouble finding their cars, since it was already dark, but thanks to Louise Werners' group and their car horns, we all reached our cars. But the event was not over! We had to cross Diablo dry lake - only to find it too muddy to cross. Only a few dry sleeping bags were present. Monday morning greeted us with sun, which allowed us to dry out our gear a bit. The Mexican rancher showed us a route out, though in spots everyone had to get out and push. Once out on the paved Hiway 5, the home drive was without problems. The 1967 Picacho climb will be a long-remembered occurrence.
Ed Note: Joe Darrow was a DPS Newsletter subscriber, and was working on his Desert Peaks, apparently for membership. His memorial service was held here the following Sunday. It is indeed a shock to hear of such a happening.
Big Maria & Palen Mtns			Dec 9-10	-Dick Sykes
Six climbers showed on a very wind and cool Sat AM to try Bog Maria from the east, the ususal route being from the west. The road was no picnic and we got stuck at three times. After some wrong turns, we arrived wherever we were, about 10 o'clock. This route is pretty well straight towards the peak, although slightly to the right up a canyon. Once on top, after no particular difficulties, we searched around and found one of the summits. This was the northern one and considerable controversy still exists as to where the true high point really is. We hadn't enough daylight left to try the south summit, sometimes referred to as the "middle summit". On the downward march, my ankle acted up and Bill Banks volunteering led to his leadership of Palen on Sunday. The wife and I left the group and sojourned to Wiley Well, where it appears the State will develop this lovely area into a Park. Stkes have been set for establishing camp sites. Folks who like the semi-tame will enjoy this area in the future. -Bill Banks At 7 AM Sunday Art deGoede, Dr Frank Riseley, Leon Pimple and I drove north up a sandy road about 15 miles west of Blythe. This road runs up a broad wash midway between Palen and McCoy Mtns. DON'T TAKE IT! The correct approach is no doubt from a road east of Palen leading past Inca and the Arlington Mine. The one we took deteriorated into a series of sand traps and two hours later we abandoned our idea of going to Palen Mtn! A look at the map and we decided Orocopia would be conquered instead! Not accepting defeat, we approached Hiway 195 and passed Mecca, turning left on Hiway 111 for 4.9 miles, just below the Dos Palmas Spring road, the canal is crossed with a turn to the NE on a mine road at BM 67 on the topo. We could go no further than one mile. The end of the road however is two miles on, ending at a mine tunnel. Just before this tunnel one should gain the ridge to the east and follow it in a NNEasterly direction to the summit, passing south of Peak 3,297'. Allow 3-4 hours up and 2 hrs down for a group. December thru March is the best time. All of us were on top by 2:30 PM and enjoyed the vantage view, which is far superior to any other in the valley. Rabbit Peak bade us to come around again some time on the western side of Salton Sea. Once again a strong, friendly group of Desert Peakers completed a challenging and enjoyable outing.
Be-Deviled Devil Peaks Weekend			Dec 16-17	-Andy Smatko
This weekend was a most unusual one indeed. With 8-10 inches of snow in Barstow and over a foot on Baker grade (closed Fri nite) and with more snow

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