From the Chair
Hi climbers and ascenders of great desert peaks and avoiders of cholla, cat's claw, and alcohol tinged jello cups, Can you believe they got this old timer out of the attic, dusted me off, and am deeming me DPS chairman? I'm looking at a long line of greats, that's for sure; and I thank Michael B.. Audrey G, and Gloria M. for bringing in new blood and enthusiasm in the last few years working alongside long-time DPS seasoned members. At the Edna potluck (back in April), I was primed with wine and hair raising stories about how the section was going to become a committee and lose our section status (hear the song Desperado playing in the background) and no longer be known as the DPS (Desert Peaks Section). I offered to run for management, and now hopefully the rest of my longevity friends and cronies plus some new ones will come forth and be team members with the rest of us. Ellen Grau's idea of monthly potlucks was a genius idea, and at least now, people want to attend DPS "meetings." The banquet was a great success, and that's a good foot to start out on for the new season. Thanks Rich for a wonderful program and being so generous to the DPS. Ron's Grau and Larry Tidball's train trips, the Jamison's chili fests, and Ron Jones/Sherry Harsh's latest idea of Peaks and Songfests have added pasazz and variation to our normal peak bagging schedule.
We're studying the By-Laws and will stick to them. I'd like to see some trips called, "Introduction to a Desert Peak, the E-Z Way." Tina Bowman has agreed to lead some one-peak weekends and give newcomers suggestions for sight-seeing on Day #2 (Death Valley, Anza Borrego, and other desert sojourns). It'd be great to advertise these events in the Southern Sierran as they come up.
Tuesday night, I hiked Griffith Park with Virgil Shields (remember him as Mr. RCS--Rock Climbing Section?), and we were talking about the huge groups who are returning to our beloved urban Park. This would be a good place to hand out some flyers and make friends with people who might want a different hiking experience. We'd say,"Hey, how about coming out for an easier desert peak and an evening potluck?"
By the time you read this, we will have had our management organization meeting at Paul and Lee Cooley's to start things rolling for '08 and '09. We'd love to have persons contact us about a potluck in his or her home. And we'll be calling you leaders to lead a peak or two. If you are rusty with First Aid, you'd be surprised how easy you can re-instate your qualifications. I actually enjoyed re-taking my First Aid course, and the life we save may be one of our loved ones. Reading the Leadership hand book was easy and fast. Audrey calls it the "Q.T., " the Quick Turnaround.
I'll be journeying to Cincinnati, periodically, to check on my elderly parents. (It's not easy being a caretaker two thousand miles away.)
I'd be grateful with any help you can give me and my fellow management members. Email or drop me a personal note. Let's continue to revitalize ourselves and outings. John Muir would be proud that we are upholding his tradition of being peak-baggers and not simply political beings watching the news from our comfy armchairs. Do you agree? John Muir was also known for being the most entertaining host at his many potlucks held in his Martinez home. Following in the well trod foot paths of John Muir, I leave you with this thought. Via Trita, Via Tuti..."the beaten path is the safe path."
Mary Mac, DPS Chair