No. 239 • March 2016

Saturdaymorning we took 2 vehicles to the drop off point at about 1100 ft. elevation, then all of us piled into the back of Bill’s truck. We then took a sometimes hair-raising and cold ride up to the top (over 2200 feet) of the old Panamint Stage road. Bill said the road was not used past the 1950s and today it is broken up by a wash and several Panamint places where you have to scramble over rocks. It is in a wilderness area so Valley you have to walk it now. We saw lots Stage Road of cool old trash (artifacts now) by the side of the road, things we had never February 20-21, 2016 seen before! We took pictures and left Leader: Bill Gossett them there. After we finished the 6 mile In This Issue downhill hike at about 4 p.m. we headed Stage Road . .1 Rodman Mountains ...... 3 ignon Slentz, Ron Lipari, back to camp. Potluck consisted of DE Rendezvous 2016 Update . . . .5 Charles and Mary Hughes, turkey, dressing, gravy, potato soup and M salad. Calendar of Upcoming Trips . . . . . 6 and myself met Bill and Barbara Friday President’s Corner ...... 8 at the Trails Drive In at Trona and On Sunday we started on the trail Labor Day in & Darwin . .9 proceeded to the camping spot. early and headed to Panamint Valley. Our Tribe ...... 10 Info, A Recipe & Free Stuff . . . . . 11 Where Am I? ...... 12 THIS is the Panamint Stage Road! Meeting Minutes ...... 13 Rondy Registration Form ...... 14 Leader List & Subscription Info . . . .15 www.desertexplorers.org

1 Desert Explorers 4WD Section of the Mojave River Valley Museum no. 239 March 2016 The first thing we saw were quite a few Geoglyphs on the desert pavement. From there we headed to explore what Ron by 1907 Marker we think was an old CCC camp. It was interesting seeing all the trash they left behind, cone top beer cans, broken glass, head gaskets. This must have been a bustling place long ago! Next we climbed to the top of a hill over 4000 feet where we had lunch looking down at Homewood Canyon 1000 feet below Lunch spot on Top of the world us. We were on top of the world near the Orondo and Davenport mines. After Long way down lunch we went to the Gold Bottom Mine where I learned what Rock Nettle is and we saw very old inscriptions from the 1800s. As usual Bill showed us some Bill, Mignon really great stuff! and Ron THANKS BILL AND BARBARA for a GREAT trip!

. — Mal Roode Norvege

Start of the hike Geoglyphs

Searles inscription 1862 Hikers at the Peace Sign

Old AAA sign post Water cut Panamint Stage Ron Road Washout

2 Desert Explorers 4WD Section of the Mojave River Valley Museum no. 239 March 2016 the box canyon Rodman we continued on to Kane Mountains Springs, which still flows into Exploration two troughs. Saturday, February 20, 2016 However, we By: Nelson Miller did not see any sign of big This Saturday was overcrowded with horn sheep. trips and activities, with a Museum trip, Just north of another DE trip by Bill Gossett, and Kane Springs construction is a little mill of another water a 200-foot long tunnel and a small rock guzzler at house and with considerable rock walls site with 29 Palms by built in the area. Continuing up the the remains the Sheep canyon we topped out at a saddle that of a double Society gave us a nice view of the snow–capped arrastre. with Steve San Bernardino Mountains. However, Marschke. We drove along Camp Rock Road this probably So only six and around the corner to approach the dates from people: Jerry still active cinder mine at the volcano the early and Dolly where the lava flow originated. Driving 1900’s as it Dupree, on, past the mine we came to the was apparently driven by a motor. Bob Jacoby, Nan Savage Healy, Barbara Rodman Mountain petroglyphs, but From Kane Springs we crossed the Midlikowski, and Nelson Miller set since we had all visited them before, we out to explore the Rodman Mountains. Before we left the Museum we had a nice visit with the folks going on the Museum trip lead by Richard Shappell. Cliff Walker provided us some refreshments. As we started into the Rodman Mountains we crossed over a lava flow that originated from the volcano on the other side of the mountains, by the Rodman Mountain petroglyphs. This lava flow stretches 8.5 miles and is about 20,000 years old. We crossed the lava flow and turned up into a box canyon formed by the lava flow, which is a branch of the Grand Canyon of the Rodmans. focused on the cliff face along the road pipeline road and headed up a pretty You can see where the lava flowed over before entering the canyon and found a the underlying rock formations. After canyon that lead us to a mine with about

3 Desert Explorers 4WD Section of the Mojave River Valley Museum no. 239 March 2016 number of nice petroglyphs, mostly of geometric design. The route then took us out to the powerline road and around to the east end of Rodman Mountains where we followed the last canyon to the north to explore the Silver Cliffs and Silver Bell Mine. On the way we passed a rock shelter built on the side of the canyon. The Museum has an ore bucket from the Silver Cliffs mine, where there are a couple of 200-foot deep, vertical shafts right next to a rather large mill site. Unfortunately, all that is left are foundations and the open shafts, as well as some foundations of a couple of buildings which may have been a bunkhouse and mine office. Pat Schoffstall reports in the Mojave Desert

Dictionary, that this mine was owned by a Mr. Legg in 1908. The ruins appear to be consistent with that time period. The Silver Bell Mine is about two miles west of the Silver Cliffs Mine and appears to be wonderfully and a similar, although perhaps more recent we had a beautiful and a somewhat smaller operation, trip through an also with a small mill site, some rock interesting, but foundations, and a rusted car. often overlooked We headed back toward the freeway, area. where we had exited, at Fort Cady — Nelson Miller Road. The weather had cooperated

4 Desert Explorers 4WD Section of the Mojave River Valley Museum no. 239 March 2016 Update for the DE 2016 Rendezvous Shoshone, April 1-3, 2016

It is nearly Rendezvous time! Most of the details were in Schedule of Rondy Activities the February newsletter, but here are a few additional items of Friday April 1 information: Send your registration form to Ted Kalil prior to March 24th. Don’t forget to include a SASE. (The registration 10:00 Inbound trip on Old Spanish Trail (Las Vegas to form is included in this newsletter.) Shoshone). Nelson Miller will lead. 12:00 Trip and hike to Grand Canyon of the Tecopa n Please make your own reservation with Shoshone RV leaving from Shoshone and led by Bob Jassaud. Park. Call the Shoshone RV Park and Motel at 760-852-4224 5:00 Happy Hour (Flower Building) for reservations. 6:00 Potluck Dinner (Flower Building) n The motel rooms in Shoshone may be full by the time you 7:00 Silent Auction Begins (Flower Building) read this. There are accommodations nearby in Tecopa and at Saturday April 2 Death Valley Junction and the Longstreet Casino. 8:30 Trip and hike to Greenwater pictographs n Be sure to bring an item for the Friday potluck and and habitation sites led by Ron Lipari leaves BYOB. The Friday evening Happy Hour (5:00 p.m.) and Shoshone. potluck (6:00 p.m.) will be held at the Flower Building. There 9:00 Trip to Denning Springs led by Ted Kalil leaves will be kitchen facilities available. Shoshone. 1:00 Hike to Dublin Gulch and pupfish ponds led by Susan n The Saturday evening Happy Hour (5:00 p.m.) will also Sorrells leaves Shoshone. be held at the Flower Building area as well as the catered BBQ 5:00 Saturday Happy Hour begins dinner (6:00 p.m.). 6:00 Catered BBQ Dinner n Susan Sorrels, the owner of Shoshone, will be our guest 7:00 Presentation by Guest Speaker, Susan Sorrells. The speaker after dinner on Saturday. title will be “The Ashford Brothers of Dublin Gulch.” 9:00 Silent Auction closes. n Don’t forget to bring some items for the Silent Auction. Sunday April 2 n There are a total of seven Rondy related trips. (There are two 9:00 Outbound trip on Old Spanish Trail begins Friday trips, three events on Saturday and two Sunday outbound (Shoshone to Barstow). trips.) For the Friday trips you should contact the leader in 9:15 Outbound trip to southern end of Death Valley led advance of the Rondy to get the necessary information. You can by Bill Neill. sign up for the other trips at the Rondy.

A Little Desert Explorers Rendezvous History from Sue Jaussaud

Date: Location, Speaker, Topic 4/2007 Amboy “Memories of the Trail” (“Get Neal”) 3/1998 Panamint Springs Awards Program 4/2008 Shoshone Susan Sorrells/Creative Showcase 3/1999 Calico Serena Steiner, Calico history 3/2009 Nipton Dan Messersmith & Jerry Freeman 3/2000 Shoshone Dr. John Cooper, geology 3/2010 Death Valley Junction Performance honoring 3/2001 Panamint Springs Graham Mackintosh, on Baja Marta Becket 3/2002 Bullhead City Graham Mackintosh, on Baja on 4/2011 Palm Canyon Resort, Borrego Springs Mark Baja California Jorgenson, on bighorn sheep 3/2003 Ocotillo Diana Lindsey, on Anza Borrego 4/2012 Desert View RV Park, Needles Ron Ross, on 4/2004 Ridgecrest Fairgrounds Emmett Harder as Death Minnie Braithwaite/Ft. Mojave Valley Scotty 3/2013 Zzyzx Rob Fulton, on Zzyzx 3/2005 Lone Wolf Colony, Apple Valley Bill Gossett’s 4/2014 Longstreet Casino Glenn Shaw, on Jack adventures Longstreet 4/2006 S.Bench Ranch, Helendale Neil Morrison, Ft. 4/2015 Boulder Creek, Lone Pine BLM Jim Jennings, Irwin archaeologist on the Owens Valley

5 Desert Explorers 4WD Section of the Mojave River Valley Museum no. 239 March 2016 Calendar of Upcoming Trips

Red Rock Canyon East gets closer. If you are interested contact 5.5 miles to Cimaron Road. Turn left Bob Jacoby at [email protected]! (south) and go 0.4 miles to Tara Avenue, March 19 & 20, 2016 turn left (east) and turn into parking lot Leader: Jay Lawrence • CB:13 on the left. The Old Spanish Trail ran We’ll be exploring the back country m RendezvouS Trips v diagonally through this park and there near Red Rocks Canyon, including are a number of exhibits and a marker the incredible Red Rocks geological for the Old Spanish Trail in the park that formations, Old Dutch Cleanser Mine, Rondy Pre-Trip are worth exploring. Burro Schmidt’s Tunnel, Last Chance Shoshone South Ron Lipari mentioned that some Canyon and Mesquite Canyon. Dry Boonies people may want to drive up from Los camp Saturday night with potluck Angeles Friday, so if you would like dinner. If you would like to join us email March 29-31, 2016 to join later, meet at Nevada 160 and Jay at [email protected] Leader: BobnSue • CB:13 Pahrump Road, a dirt road 5.2 miles Just prior to the DE Rendezvous, west of Mountain Springs (360.355’ N Tejon Ranch Tour Sue and I are planning a 3 day, 2 night 1150 35.852’ W). We will exit Nevada NEW DATE! boonie camping trip south east of 160 to the south at about 10:30 AM. If Saturday, March 26, 2016 Shoshone. We have scheduled this trip you are not able to locate this road, meet Leader: Bob Jacoby • CB:13 so you won’t need to miss any of the at the pull-out on the south side of the other great Rondy trips. We will meet road, just to the west of Williams Ranch We will be returning to the Tejon Tuesday, March 29, late morning some Road in Mountain Springs just before Ranch Property to tour the unique Tejon where near Baker and plan to arrive in 10:30 AM. Hills area. Very little of this route, which Shoshone by mid afternoon on Thursday, From Old Spanish Trail Park we will is largely in the San Joaquin Valley, was March 31. We have discovered a lot proceed to Blue Diamond, Mountain covered during our Tejon Ranch trips of fun things to see, plus we will be Springs, Stump Spring, Emigrant Pass last May and June. We will be led by doing some exploring. This trip will be and Tecopa following the route of the Tejon Conservancy docent, Scot Pipkin, for high clearance 4x4 vehicles only. Old Spanish Trail. If interested, e-mail who will guide us through what should No large campers. The trip is weather Nelson Miller at Nemiller47@yahoo. be an incredible wildflower scene along permitting and the number of vehicles com, or with any questions. Tecopa is with many other rare plants which could will be strictly limited. If interested, only about 8 miles south of Shoshone be in bloom at that time. email [email protected] for more We will meet on Saturday morning, information. Grand Canyon March 26, at the Conservancy of the Tecopas headquarters in the Frazier Park area and Rondy Inbound Trip Friday, April 1, 2016 the tour will last the entire day. The dirt Old Spanish Trail roads will be moderately difficult with Leader: Bob Jaussaud CB: Ch. 15 the potential for mud and significant Las Vegas to Tecopa I will lead a hike into the “Grand erosion. Therefore, high clearance and Added: Alternate Canyon of the Tecopa” leaving from four wheel drive will be a necessity. Meeting Place Shoshone at 12 noon on Friday. The The tour will be restricted to seven Friday, April 1, 2016 hike is short and steep. It leads to the cars at the request of the Conservancy. site of the Lois Clark Ranch and is It would be, therefore, a good idea Leader: Nelson Miller • CB:13 described in Bill Mann’s Guide, Volume to reserve a spot early. We will be Meet at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, April 2. I have not done this hike before, so providing more information as the time 1 at Old Spanish Trail Park, 8150 Tara it will be an exploratory. It should be a Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89117. From I-15 good one, though. – Bob Freeway, take Sahara Avenue west

6 Desert Explorers 4WD Section of the Mojave River Valley Museum no. 239 March 2016 Denning Springs parts of Sperry Wash. South of Silurian stretches of maintained dirt. We’ll cross Dry Lake, we will follow the Powerline the San Gabriel Mountains on Lake Saturday, April 2, 2016 Road around Fort Irwin, since Bitter Hughes Road; stop for picnic lunch Leader: Ted Kalil • CB:13 Springs is located on Fort Irwin. Along at Elizabeth Lake; then climb Portal We will meet at 9:00 a.m. in the Powerline Road are the Silver Ridge for viewing the San Andreas Shoshone and head south on highway Lake Rock Cairns (another Bill Man Fault Zone and Mojave Desert. Our 27 and then soon turn west on the Henry site, Volume 1, page 54). We will go afternoon destination will be Piute Mack Road and begin our dirt road up to Impassable Pass in the Alvord Ponds at the southwest corner of journey to the site of Denning Springs. Mountains, where the Old Spanish Trail Edwards Air Force Base. These ponds Denning Springs is one of a half dozen exits Fort Irwin, and end at “Forks in- are the largest freshwater marsh in Los mining camps that sprang up in the the-Road”, east of Yermo. Angeles County, popular with migrating Alvarez Mountains during the mining If interested, e-mail Nelson Miller at waterfowl, but are not open to public boom in the early 20th Century. There [email protected], or with any visitation except by special arrangement. are still a number of foundations and questions. For more information, see www. rock walls at the site. The trip will last piuteponds.com. In the late afternoon, at most of the day, but we will be back in Rondy Outbound Trip Edwards’ west gate we’ll view an exhibit plenty of time for the Rondy Saturday South End of of fighter jets tested during the 1950’s evening festivities. Most of the trip will Death Valley and 60’s. Finally, in Rosamond, we’ll be easy, but there are some stretches Sunday, April 3, 2016 visit the Exotic Feline Conservation where high clearance and even four Center (see www.cathouse-fcc.org) for wheel drive may be necessary. To sign Leader: Bill Neill • CB:15 a special “Twilight Tour” when the cats up for the trip notify Ted Kalil or reserve Starting from Shoshone at 9:15 are more active; and the trip will end at a spot at the Rondy by signing the trip a.m., we will head west on Jubilee a Mexican restaurant in Rosamond. For board for this adventure. Pass Road into southern Death Valley, more information contact Bill Neill at with emphasis on geology and mining [email protected] Greenwater history. Primary sights will be the California to Pictographs Amargosa Chaos — a geology formation Saturday, April 2, 2016 of busted rock layers; Shoreline Butte; Washington Trip Ashford Mills Ruins; Saratoga Spring; Leader: Ron Lipari • CB:15 July 2 – 9, 2016 and Salt Creek Hills, with optional hike Leader: Bill Powell • CB:13 Ron Lipari, Mike Vollmert and Mal to Amargosa Spring. Trip will end at Roode are planning on leading a trip Salt Creek in early afternoon, next to Let’s head North for a week-long to the Greenwater pictographs and Highway 127 about 30 miles north of trip on the Oregon Back Country Route habitation sites on Saturday during the Baker. Roads are paved or maintained #5. This route will take us from the Rondy. We would meet at 8:30 to drive dirt. Sign up at the Rendezvous, and California/Oregon border on US 395 to to the trailhead. The hike is 6 miles send questions to Bill Neill at bgneill@ Walla Walla, WA over a 750 mile (nearly round trip over rough and rocky terrain. earthlink.net. all dirt) route that will see us traversing Bring water and lunch for the trail. mountain and desert terrain on mostly Castaic to Lake Forest Service roads. There will be food Rondy Outbound Trip Hughes to Piute and gas available on or near the route Old Spanish Trail Ponds (at Edwards every one hundred miles or so. Expect to Tecopa to Barstow camp out every night, so bring all your AFB) to Exotic Feline gear for that. Sunday, April 3, 2016 Conservation Center in Our journey will start at a breakfast Leader: Nelson Miller • CB:13 Rosamond rendezvous in Lakeview, OR on We will depart from Shoshone at Saturday, July 2nd. We will then convoy Saturday April 30, 2016 South on US 395 to just across the State 9:00 a.m. and pick up the Old Spanish Leader: Bill Neill • CB:13 Trail heading south. We will proceed line where we will turn left onto County past Dumont Dunes, Salt Springs, and After meeting at 9:30 a.m. in Road 2 and begin the route. We will Silurian Dry Lake. This also parallels Castaic (north of Santa Clarita), we’ll loop back through Lakeview and then the T & T Railroad grade. If there is caravan about 80 miles northward, head north toward Summer Lake where interest and it is open, we may explore mostly on pavement but with several the 1843 John C. Fremont expedition

7 Desert Explorers 4WD Section of the Mojave River Valley Museum no. 239 March 2016 wintered over. there we will head North to Sumner, Vehicle Association. Their web site is: From there we will be entering OR where we will have an opportunity http://www.oohva.org high desert and will make our way to to explore a gold dredge. The following If you wish, you can purchase the Christmas Valley and a side trip to Crack stop will be the town of Granite where route maps from them. Alternatively, in the Ground, a three mile long fissure there is an historic power house. I can email you a set of .kml files to which can be explored on foot. From Crossing I-84, we will continue North import into your favorite GPS. There there we will continue across desert to through the Blue Mountains and finally are quite a number of lovely pictures on US 20. There will be a slight jog on the cross the Washington border and finish the web site as well as a video. Other highway and then back to dirt. We will in Walla Walla. videos can be seen on YouTube.com by then start gaining altitude and get back It is not necessary to travel the whole searching for OBCDR or OBDR. into forested lands. route. There will be daily opportunities If you are interested in this trip, Next we will travel East back across to leave and head back home. please send me an email and many more US 395 at Seneca, OR and then proceed I have not had an opportunity to scout details can be provided. Northwest toward Unity, OR. From this route, but it is pretty well mapped Bill Powell [email protected] courtesy of the Oregon Off Highway

The President’s Corner • Bob Jacoby

f you haven’t done so already, please the nearby Grand Canyon of the Tecopa. the afternoon. seriously consider registering for the This trip will start at noon. This should To cap off the day we will be having I2016 Desert Explorers Rendezvous be a very interesting and scenic hike. our Happy Hour at 5:00 to be followed The dates are April 1-3 and the location Bill Mann described this area in his by a catered BBQ dinner at 6:00. The is Shoshone on the edge of Death Valley. book (Vol. 2) as “an undiscovered gem catering will be performed by the We are very fortunate to be hosted by of the desert.” The hike into the canyon Crowbar Café in Shoshone and the Susan Sorrells who is the proprietor is steep but oh so worth it. quality will be very hard to beat. After of the town of Shoshone and is a dear After the adventures on Friday dinner, Susan Sorrells will speak on friend of the Desert Explorers. morning and afternoon it will be time one of her favorite topics, “The Ashford Susan will be actively with us the for the Happy Hour at 5:00 and the Brothers of Dublin Gulch.” This is a entire weekend. Not only will she be Potluck at 6:00. This will be a chance fascinating story and no one can tell it visiting with us whenever possible, for everyone to get acquainted and like Susan. That evening we will close but she also will be leading a hike on reacquainted and to swap stories on the out the silent auction around 9:00. Saturday and she will be our guest adventures experienced earlier in the All Desert Explorer Rondys end with speaker after the catered dinner on day. The silent auction will also be set interesting outbound trips and this year Saturday night. Having her dynamic up that evening. will be no exception. To begin with presence throughout the weekend will Saturday offers two interesting Nelson will lead the second half of his certainly be very important. trips. Our legendary leader, Ted Kalil, Spanish Trail tour. This time the route The weekend will begin on Friday will be leading a fun dirt road trip will be from Shoshone to Barstow. Also, morning in the Las Vegas area where to the Denning Springs mining area Bill Neill will be leading a geology another excellent leader, Nelson Miller, south of Shoshone. This trip promises and history trip to the southern end of will lead the first half of his Old Spanish to offer some interesting roads and, Death Valley. Bill’s trips are always Trail trip from southern Nevada to maybe, a wildflower display. Another very informative and are particularly Shoshone. Nelson is very active in the choice would be Ron Lipari’s trip to interesting if you have an interest in Old Spanish Trail Association and this the Greenwater area. This will include geology. trip promises to be scenic and very a hike with an opportunity to view All in all, April 1-3 should be a interesting from a historical standpoint. pictographs and habitation sites. Finally, special weekend for all of us. If you The trip should arrive in Shoshone in if you hang around Shoshone you haven’t sent in your registration, please time for the Happy Hour and Potluck. can visit the museum and enjoy other do so ASAP. If you don’t, you will be If you can’t do Nelson’s trip on activities in the morning followed by an missing out on a great time! Friday, please note that Bob Jassaud is interesting hike led by Susan Sorrells in Bob Jacoby leading a trip and hike from Shoshone to

8 Desert Explorers 4WD Section of the Mojave River Valley Museum no. 239 March 2016 Labor Day in Death Valley & Darwin • Photos by Leonard Friedman

Amargosa River flows past ‘entrance’ to Death Valley

14 15 9 Desert Explorers 4WD Section of the Mojave River Valley Museum no. 239 March 2016 February Meeting at Don & Betty’s In Memoriam Photos by Allan Wicker Gary Preston

Gary Preston, a member of both Desert Explorers and the Old Spanish Trail Association, passed away at the age of 79, on February 24, 2016, doing what he loved best, on a trip in the desert. The peace and solitude of the desert was what he most enjoyed. He was a quiet, private person, but he was often there in the background. Gary helped Nelson Miller pre-run most of the trips that Nelson lead for Desert Explorers, also often accompanied by Ted Kalil. We managed to explore much of the West Mojave Desert over the last couple of years. Gary and Nelson had also hoped to one day travel the entire length of the Old Spanish Trail, from Santa Fe, New Mexico to Los Angeles, parts of which they had already traveled. Gary was very active in the early days of off-road racing. In 1967, he was leading the first Baja 1000 by a wide margin when his motorcycle broke down. In 1968, he and his partner, Larry Berquist, returned and won the second Baja 1000 with the best overall time. He also had a number of other wins in off-road racing, often on his big Triumph motorcycle. Gary will be fondly remembered and sorely missed! — Nelson Miller

New Subscribers Maria Marvosh & Chris Parker

10 Desert Explorers 4WD Section of the Mojave River Valley Museum no. 239 March 2016 Eggs Rockefeller? Amargosa Conservancy I learned a lot in the Boy Scouts, • 1 can sliced Spam, or ham, or although most of it was not in the Canadian bacon Handbook. We improvised, modified, • 1 package of English muffins Info on the web improved, invented, or just disregarded. Mix everything together and heat Most of our ideas were more “high in a coffee can, which can be flattened Anne Stoll recommends a fine tech” than the old fashioned ways. We and thrown away rather than washing a resource for info on nature walks in and just wanted to have more fun running pot. Spoon over English muffins or slice around Shoshone maybe for Sunday around in the mountains and less time them up and mix with the rest of the morning on our Rondy weekend. cooking and cleaning up. We tried a lot ingredients. The Amargosa Conservancy’s of ideas and admittedly some were better Bam! Feeds about six scouts. delightful webpage than others. Among the best was Eggs Our son was very active in scouting www.amargosaconservancy.org Rockefeller, Tiger Patrol style. and became an Eagle Scout. His troop which includes many goodies also Ingredients: also developed recipes and cooking provides a printable map of the birding • One can cheddar cheese soup methods which I am sure he wouldn’t trails around Shoshone. The Blue, Aqua • One can stewed tomatoes, drained (I mind my sharing some of them. Our and RedTrails leave from the Shoshone like the juice). grandson is a new scout, so he can carry Museum and head out into the 1000- • 1 dozen hardboiled eggs (boiled at on some traditions and teach some to us. acre private Shoshone Wetlands Nature home). – Jerry Dupree Preserve. The White Trail goes west, up into Dublin Gulch maybe? You can probably guess where there Swimming Desert Explorer Calling Card Pool Trail leads. In the days before the internet, We have a template that allows introducing people to the Desert us to easily and quickly insert the Desert Explorer Hams Explorers was as easy as shaking personalized info and deliver back a Janet Austin Diamond Bar KF6FZE somebody’s hand, telling them a high resolution, print-ready PDF by Pete Austin Diamond Bar KF6FZD little bit about our group and handing email. The subscriber (you) can have Bruce Barnett Brea KD6BOY them a copy of the newsletter. Do it printed very inexpensively online at David Bullock Los Angeles N3CUE De’Angelo Friedman Eastvale KG6YGD you see the VistaPrint, at a Barbara Gossett Ridgecrest KI6YLR 2016 problem? Kinko’s FedEx, Bill Gossett Ridgecrest KI6YLQ Melinda McPetro Emmett Harder Devore KK6WET We no longer Gnarly Aridologist Staples, a local print our printshop or Neal Johns Lytle Creek AG6HR www.desertexplorers.org Ted Kalil Apple Valley KG6AIT newsletter, so [email protected] you can run 555.760.3335 Jay Lawrence Long Beach KI6KAV there is nothing them out at Ham: KH6GBD 145.535MHz Homer Meek Torrance K6HKT with our info CB: Channel 13 home on Avery Steve Marschke Torrance KK6EOS to hand to pre-cut card Debbie Miller Marschke Torrance KK6EOW Desert Explorers 4WD Section of the Mojave River Valley Museum Carl Noah Lake Forest AB7KD someone. sheets available Nancy Noah Lake Forest AE6XL In the interest of having something locally. Print instructions are included William Powell Corvallis OR KE7ZKH to hand them that will direct them to in the email. No cost to the Desert Malcolm Roode Highland KF6GZH our website and let them see a copy Explorers, easy to print and a simple Bill Smith Flagstaff AZ KQ1S of our newsletter, we are offering our three dimensional vehicle that is easy Joan Steiner Irvine KJ6AIK Betty Wallin Desert Hot Springs KD6CY subscribers a free DE calling card to carry and hand to people who are Al Walter San Diego KG6GSM with whatever personal information interested in our group. a person cares to share on it, along If you would like a card, email Jay with the DE logo, name and website at [email protected] for all information. FREE. the details. It’s easy.

11 Desert Explorers 4WD Section of the Mojave River Valley Museum no. 239 March 2016 Howard Blair’s window

Photo: Volkan Yuksel Where Am I?

Rock offers by the local population as well as Bob’s February Where Am I ? Image enticements of a visitors from the United States and different nature many foreign countries. Two million including a visitors each year enjoy the spectacular 13-mile scenic desert landscape, climbing and hiking drive, miles of opportunities, and interpretive programs hiking trails, sponsored by the BLM.” rock climbing, BLM web site. horseback As you may have guessed, Bob riding, mountain Peltzman is lost again (!) and wants biking, road to know where he is. Our compadre biking, picnic “Where am I?” Bob went right areas, nature February 2016: Only two correct when everyone else went left, and is observing and guessers this month: Nelson Miller, and completely lost. Send your guess as to visitor center with indoor and outdoor Bill Neill. I think the usual suspects where he is to Bob at bopeltzman@ exhibits as well as a book store. were asleep at the wheel in February. aol.com (with the word “lost” in the The unique geologic features, plants The Answer was: Near Red Rock subject), and he will send me the names and animals of Red Rock represent some Canyon road, West of Las Vegas. of people who correctly guess the of the best examples of the Mojave “Red Rock Canyon was designated location along with a different lost map Desert. In 1990, special legislation as Nevada’s first National Conservation to publish in another newsletter. supported by the Nevada congressional Area. Red Rock Canyon is located Your answer to Bob should let him delegation, changed the status of the Red 17 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip know what area he is in such as “The Rock Recreation Lands to a National on Charleston Boulevard/State Route southern part of Death Valley near the Conservation Area, the seventh to be 159. The area is visited by more Devil’s Golf Course.” designated nationally. This legislation than two million people each year. Here’s the next one. Keep up the provides the funding to protect and In marked contrast to a town geared good work. improve the area. RedThe Rock Desert Canyon Megaphone, we do NOT know WHY or What or WHO to entertainment and gaming, Red — Bob P National Conservation Area is enjoyed 12 Desert Explorers 4WD Section of the Mojave River Valley Museum no. 239 March 2016 This is preventative and no issues have Meeting Minutes been reported to date. It was suggested February 13, 2016 to put a photo of the author with the Attending Emmett & Ruth Harder, Ted articles on the site and in the newsletter Kalil, Allan & Ding Wicker, Bob Jacoby, so we could more easily put a name Desert Mal Roode, Neal & Marian Johns, with the faces we see on trips. It was Jay Lawrence, Daniel Dick & Bobbie suggested that we put one trip report per Sanchez, Jerry & Dolly Dupree, Bob & month on our FaceBook page. Mal has Explorers Sue Jaussaud, , Don Sweinhart & Betty been doing this on an informal basis. Wallin, Sunny & Jean Hansen, Terry & Museum - Next BBQ is May 14th at the Eileen Ogden museum. Regrets Nan Savage Healy, Vicki Hill, Upcoming Trips May Debbie & Steve Marschke Nelson Miller - Holy cow! You Rock! Call to Order The meeting was called Everybody is/was in awe of the great to order at 11:15 a.m. job Nelson has been doing leading trips. Meeting Minutes Minutes were approved as is. Thank you Nelson! Saturday, May 7th Treasurer’s Report - Ted Kalil (via Bob Bob Jacoby - Tejon Ranch trip in March. Jacoby) Current balance $4,977.08. Ted Jay Lawrence - Red Rocks area trip in 11:00am moved $3,500 to savings so we have March free checking. We have 90+ current Potluck lunch Bill Powell - 7 day Oregon trip in July subscriptions. PayPal is working fine Neal & Marian Johns’ on the website for subscriptions and Rendezvous - Lots of Rondy trips, MVRM membership. Ted is working leaders, silent auction, food, hikes, Lytle Creek Hideaway with the museum board on their tax camping and facilities, clipboards, return paperwork. campfire ring, liability waivers, etc. were discussed. Check the Rondy News Newsletter - Jay Lawrence Everybody section of the newsletter for the latest Directions to likes the President’s Corner and info. Tech Report. A ham radio article was Neal & Marian suggested and Neal was volunteered. DE Apparel - Neal’s survey showed that Johns’ House Mal was asked if he could write we didn’t hit the minimum for ordering Take I-15 Exit Sierra Ave. and something up on using Gaia GPS on iOS apparel, it was moved and approved to proceed uphill, Northwest into the devices like iPas and iPhone. Jay will order the balance with DE funds and mountains following Lytle Creek be doing the first informal class on page keep the extras available for sale at the Wash. construction for Indesign soon (April) Rondy and later on. Jay will send Neal You will pass the Valero gas at the Joso bunkhouse at the River. Date the artwork needed for the printer. station (on your left) and shortly will be announced by email and in the New Business - We need trips for the continue through a stoplight. next newsletter. A regular “Member Bio” summer. Bill Powell wants to make Go six and one fourth miles, column was talked about and Neal said his Oregon trip a yearly event. There passing the Ranger Station and he will write a draft version. We will be was some new interest in personalized two stores on the right and our two experimenting with putting ‘live links’ DE calling cards, so the info will be story house is on the left behind a on key web addresses in the newsletter published in the upcoming newsletter. black iron fence directly across the so they can be clicked on to direct the There was brief discussion both pro and street from the white, modular Post reader to that site. This needs a little con on the upcoming three new national Office. testing to see if it would be a worthwhile monument areas to be designated in the If you get to cross street Valley addition. local desert. Vista, you have gone 100 feet too Website - Debbie Miller-Marschke Next Meeting - The next meeting will far. Several friendly dogs will greet reported (relayed by Bob Jacoby) be held at at the home of Marian and you but are confined behind fences. that she is looking into privacy issues Neal Johns in Lytle Creek on May 7th. Desperate calls for assistance: regarding names and info on the website. (909) 887-1549 Adjourned - 1:15 p.m.

13 Desert Explorers 4WD Section of the Mojave River Valley Museum no. 239 March 2016 Desert Explorers Rendezvous 2016 Shoshone, Calif. APRIL 1-3 (Friday, Saturday & Sunday) Registration Form All Names in Party ______

______

Contact Info Address:______

Phone:______Email:______

The following fees will be charged: Amount Total Number $ Total Registration Fee (per vehicle) $ 5 x ______= $______Saturday Night Dinner (per individual) $15 x ______= $______(includes tax & tip) Overall Total = $______

Make checks payable to Mojave River Valley Museum. Mail check and this form to Ted Kalil • 22170 Moonbeam Trail • Apple Valley, CA 92308. We must receive registration materials no later than March 24. There will be no refunds. Please include a Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope! You must be a member of MRVM to go on any trip.

Meals Accommodations Don’t forget a dish to share for the Friday Everyone will make their own space reservations for Potluck at 6:00 p.m. in the Flower Building. There the Shoshone RV Park and motel. This can be done by will be kitchen facilities available, if necessary. calling 760-852-4224. In order to get the DE discount, Happy Hour is at 5:00 in the same area; BYOB. identify yourself as a “Desert Explorer.” All spaces have Our Saturday Dinner Buffet – (clubhouse) full hookups and there is room for tent camping as well. Buffet time is 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Dinner will include The special rate for a space with a full hookup is $20 per the following items. BBQ Chicken, Ranch Beans, night. The rate for tent camping is $15 per night. Garlic Bread, Dessert & Drink There are also motel rooms available that can sleep up Special Notice! This year the Rondy will feature to four people. (The rate for one or two people is $85 per a vegetarian option for those who prefer it. Probably night.) All reservations are paid directly to Shoshone RV it will be enchiladas. Be sure to note it on your Park. Do not send money for reservations to Ted Kalil. We registration form. If you have additional special strongly urge everyone to make reservations by January dietary needs, you will need to bring your own food. 31, 2016. The special rates for DE members may not be available after that time. Anyone who has not paid for the buffet may not participate in any part of the buffet. Please note there are other options in the area including in nearby Tecopa. We hope to see you there!

14 Desert Explorers 4WD Section of the Mojave River Valley Museum no. 239 March 2016 Desert Explorers Trip Leaders List

Name Also Known As Address City State / Zip Home Phone Cell Phone Email Robert & Shirley Bolin Distributors Emeritus 1066 Corsica Place Costa Mesa CA 92626 714-549-4361 [email protected] David Given Tire-Some Fellow :-) 12848 Gifford Way Victorville CA 92392 760-956-1776 951-757-3128 [email protected] Bill Gossett Wild Bill 433 Valley St Ridgecrest CA 93555 760-375-6169 775-537-7717 [email protected] Jean Hansen Sure Foot, Secretary Emeritus P.O. Box 290729 Phelan CA 92329 760-868-5316 [email protected] Sunny Hansen Glyphologist P.O. Box 290729 Phelan CA 92329 760-868-5316 760-217-7555 [email protected] Emmett Harder Scotty 18201 Muriel Ave San Bernardino CA 92407 909-887-3436 909-260-7189 [email protected] Ruth Harder Chairperson Emeritus 18201 Muriel Ave San Bernardino CA 92407 909-887-3436 909-260-7189 [email protected] Alan Heller Big Al 277 Opal Canyon Rd Duarte CA 91010 626-893-0321 626-893-3266 [email protected] Vicki Hill Glyphartist 26111 Parmelee Ct Hemet CA 92544 951-306-4464 951-927-6476 [email protected] Charles Hughes He Who Talks Funny P.O. Box 1893 Hampton NH 03842 928-763-3927 [email protected] Mary Hughes Young and Enthusiastic P.O. Box 1893 Hampton NH 03842 928-763-3927 [email protected] Bob Jacoby Chairman, Treasurer Emeritus 2245 Wellesley Ave Los Angeles CA 90064 310-490-6873 [email protected] Bob Jaussaud Sue’s Husband & Chairman Viejo P.O. Box 5279 Mohave Valley AZ 86446 818-585-6464 818-585-6468 [email protected] Sue Jaussaud Chairchick Vieja P.O. Box 5279 Mohave Valley AZ 86446 818-585-6464 760-876-9227 [email protected] Marian Johns Chairperson Emeritus & Neal Keeper 406 Lytle Creek Rd Lytle Creek CA 92358 909-887-1549 [email protected] Neal Johns Chm. Emeritus, Aridologist, Asst. Ed. 406 Lytle Creek Rd Lytle Creek CA 92358 909-887-1549 [email protected] Ted Kalil Aged Athlete, Treasurer 22170 Moonbeam Trail Apple Valley CA 92308 760-240-0406 760-985-6307 [email protected] Jay Lawrence Quicksand Guy, Ed. Emeritus, Sec. 530 Ohio Ave Long Beach CA 90814 562-439-5323 562-760-1999 [email protected] Debbie Miller-Marschke Webchick/Roadrunner 4904 Reynolds Rd Torrance CA 90505 310-543-1862 [email protected] Steve Marschke The Quiet Man 4904 Reynolds Rd Torrance CA 90505 310-543-1862 951-316-6545 [email protected] Joan McGovern-White Newsletter Distributor Emeritus 33624A Winston Way Temecula CA 92592 951-303-3021 [email protected] Nelson Miller The Planner 13043 Quapaw Rd Apple Valley CA 92308 760-247-0984 951-733-5242 [email protected] Dan Messersmith M.O.E. Chief & Jeep Sleeper 2945 E, Leroy Ave Kingman AZ 86409 928-757-8953 928-715-0579 [email protected] Bill Neill Tamarisk Eradicator 6623 Craner Ave North Hollywood CA 91606 818-769-0678 [email protected] Bob Peltzman Lost Again 32014 Grenville Ct Westlake Village CA 91361 818-865-8464 [email protected] Malcolm Roode Trip Coordinator 7014 Mountain Ave Highland CA 92346 909-907-0767 [email protected] Jean Roode Newsletter Editor, Emeritus Sub. 7014 Mountain Ave Highland CA 92346 909-907-0767 909-534-3822 [email protected] Nan Savage Healy Emeritus Newsltr. Dist./Xterra Terror 12354 Sarah St Studio City CA 91604 818-766-0401 [email protected] Allan Schoenherr The Good Allan 414 Bluebird Cyn Dr Laguna Beach CA 92651 949-351-5450 [email protected] Richard & Lori Shapel Museum Trip Leaders P.O. Box 412 Yermo CA 92398 760-254-3997 406-291-1448 [email protected] Glenn Shaw Desert Wanderer P.O. Box 68 Blue Diamond NV 89004 702-875-9136 [email protected] Bill & Julie Smith Too soon to say... 5712 Cosnino Road Flagstaff AZ 86004 928-699-8554 928-853-9634 [email protected] Anne Stoll Canologist 143 Monterrey Drive Claremont CA 91711 909-621-7521 909-730-0137 [email protected] George Stoll Lens Cleaner 143 Monterrey Drive Claremont CA 91711 909-621-7521 [email protected] Allan Wicker Chairperson Emeritus 1430 Sitka Court Claremont CA 91711 909-445-0082 909-239-5786 [email protected] Mojave River Valley Museum Membership Application Send a separate envelope and a check made out to: Mojave River Valley Museum Association, Inc. 270 E. Virginia, Barstow, CA 92321 • Questions? Phone (760) 256-5452 Family Annual Membership: $25 Entitles family to all privileges of membership (One vote per Annual Membership) including Museum Newsletter, ten per cent discount on publications sold by the Museum and participation in Association activities. Individual Annual Membership: $20

Name Spouse Children

Address City State Zip Phone Email

Desert Explorers E-Newsletter Subscription Form To subscribe for one year to the monthly email newsletter of the Desert Explorers of the Mojave River Valley Museum send a $10.00 check made out to: Mojave River Valley Museum c/o Ted Kalil, 22170 Moonbeam Trail, Apple Valley, CA 92308

Name Ham Call Sign Spouse Ham Call Sign Address City State Zip Email (required) Phone: Home Cell

15 Desert Explorers 4WD Section of the Mojave River Valley Museum no. 239 March 2016