Volume 62 ◭ Number 1 ◭ January-March 2018The Sierra Echo
New climber Donovan Pair finds treasure on Smith Mountain, story page 6 (Photo by Jason Pair).
Also in this issue: Langley & Cirque; Jebel Toubkal; RJ Secor, Vieve Weldon, Rick Jali Passages
IjuststartedreadingTheLogofaSnowSurveybyPatrickArmstrong,ourbanquetspeaker,andamIeverenjoyingit.It’safascina=nglookattheworkofthesnowsurveyorsandwhattheyencounterinthewinterworldoftheSierra.Lotsofgreatstories,notjustaboutsnowsurveying.I’mlookingforwardtohearingwhatPatrickhastotellus;Iknowit’llbebothentertainingandinforma=ve.
Wehadagreatyearin2017forgainingnewmembers:twenty-three.Hopingtokeepthatballrolling,themanagementcommiLeeapprovedtwoincen=ves.Oneisforafreefirstyear’ssubscrip=ontotheEchoorsubscrip=onwithmembershipforthosewhoqualify.Theotherisanincen=ve
Echoes from the Chair
IwassosorrytolearnofthedeathofVieveMetcalfeandRickJali,formerSPSersandmorerecentlyofR.J.Secor,amembersincethe1970sandchairin1998whoauthored,ofcourse,TheHighSierra:Peaks,Passes,Trails.See“Passages”inthisissueforobituariesandreminiscences.
2 SierraEcho▴January-March2018
By Tina Bowman
In this issue:Chair’s Column 2Leader Incentives 2 Banquet 3Member News 4-6Foxtail Pines 7Trail Tech 8Management Committee 8Land & Water Conservation Fund 9Langley and Cirque 10-12Mt. Toubkal 12-13Outings 14-19Wilderness Permits 16SPS Treasurer’s Report 17Minutes 18-19Mystery Peak Challenge 20-21Passages: RJ Secor 22-28Passages: Rick Jali 29-30Passages: Vieve Metcalfe 31
forleaderstoleadSPSou=ngs––afreeyearoftheEcho.We’rehopingtohaveevenmoreou=ngsin2018thanin2017.Seetheno=cesinthisissueoftheEchooronthewebsitehere:hLp://sierraclub.org/angeles/sierra-peaks.
Here’stoanothergreatyearfortheSPS!Seeyouatthebanquet!Don’tforgetthatit’s=metorenewyourEchosubscrip=ontomaintainyourSPSmembership!
Happytrails,TinaTinaBowman,[email protected]
Beginningin2018,weareofferingafreeyear’sSPSmembershipinreturnforleadingoneormoreou=ngsfortheSPS.Wehavetwoleadercategories:currentleaders––i.e.,thosewhohaveledfortheSPSinthepastthreeyears––andneworreturningleaders,thosewhohaveneverledfortheSPSorhaven’tledfortheSPSforthreeormoreyears.
Tobeeligibleforthefreeyear’sEchosubscrip=onandSPSmembership,currentleadersneedtodothefollowing:
1.submitthepost-trippaperworkina=melymanner,whichmeanssimplytosendtheou=ngschairthesign-insheet(andmedicalformsforrestrictedou=ngs)soonaaertheou=ng;2.sendtheEchoeditorsatripreport,wriLen
byoneoftheleadersorapar=cipant.Thear=clecanbemostlyphotoswithcap=onsforou=ngsthatarefairlystandard.
Onlytwoleadersperou=ngareeligibleforthefreeyear.
Weasknewandreturningleaderstosendinthepaperworkshortlyaaertheou=ng.WhileanEchoar=clewouldbenice,wearenotrequiringitasanaddedincen=vetoleadfortheSPS.Asforcurrentleaders,onlytwoleadersperou=ngareeligibleforthefreeyear.
Wegreatlyappreciateleaderswholeadmorethanoneou=ngperyear,butwe’llbegivingonlyonefreeyearperleader.Thefreeyearwillgotowardthenextsubscrip=onandmembershipcycle,i.e.,2019.Thankyou,leaders,forconduc=ngou=ngsfortheSPS!
New Leader Incentives
3SierraEcho▴October-December2017
Presented by Patrick Armstrong, author of The Log of a Snow Survey: Skiing and Working in the Winter World of the Sierra Nevada
2018 Sierra Peaks Section Annual BANQUETSnow Surveying in The Sierra Nevada
Sunday, January 28, 2018
Almansor Court700 S. Almansor St.Alhambra 91801626-570-46005:00 Social Hour, 6:30 Dinner
Name_________________________________________ E-Mail________________________________________
Phone_________________________________________
Number of tickets:
TOTAL DUE =Make checks payable to “Sierra Peaks Section”
To order tickets by mail, send this form and payment to:
Alexander Smirnoff1701 Paloma St.Pasadena, CA 91104
Entree choice:(Please indicate total number of each)
Log on to:
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3091658
(A $2.57 service fee applies)
— OR — You may order tickets electronically.
Fish
Vegetarian
Beef
PatrickArmstrongbegandoingsnowsurveysintheSierrain1972,whenhewasalsoontheUSBiathlonteam,andhasdonethemeverywintersince.Havingbeenacollegeinstructor,ForestServicewildernesssupervisor,trailbuildingcontractor,andacommercialDishermaninAlaska,helivesinBishopandMcCall,Idaho,wherehehasaranch.
@ $45 / each if postmarked by January 18.Ticket price increases to $50 each thereafter.
Dinner ◭ Drinks ◭ Discussion ◭ Good Cheer
4 SierraEcho▴January-March2018
Ana=veoftheEastCoast,JohnwasintroducedtotheSierrainthelate90sbyhisbrother-in-lawKevinonahiketoMidnightLakeoutofLakeSabrina.ThoughwearingacoLonshirtandcarryingthree=meshisbodyweight,John’sloveoftheSierrawasborn.Localhikeswithfriendsandfamilyblossomedintopeakbagging,beitcountyhighpoints(nine),statehighpoints(fiaeen),ortherecentlyaddedSPS(nine).AshisfamilyandfriendscanaLest,JohnembodiesJohnMuir’squote“ThemountainsarecallingandImustgo.”
John Sheehe
John Sheehe on Mt. WIlliamson.
Welcome new members!
WealsowelcomenewmemberMa/Hooper.
Signe’sintroduc=ontotheSierrabeganwhenacollegefriendtookherbackpackinginYosemiteandSignewasleawiththelas=ngimpressionofatrailsignsta=ngthatMt.Whitneywassome215milesaway.Shebecamedeterminedtoaccomplishthisfeat,whichshedidaaergradua=ngfromcollege,butwhatwastobeaone-=me“checkitoffyourlist”kindofadventure,evolvedintoaforty-yearquesttoexplorethecountlesssidetrailsshehadseenwhilehikingtheJMT.Oncesheclimbedherfirstoff-trailmountain,nearlyeverybackpacktripincludedclimbingoneormorepeaks.WhileSignehastraveledtohikeandclimbinCanada,Nepal,Peru,andArgen=na,theRangeofLightremainsherspecialhome.
Signe Swenson
Aweekaaersummi=ngMt.WhitneywithhiswifeJanetonhisthirty-fourthbirthday,Davesufferedadebilita=ngbackinjury.LessthanayearlaterheovercametheoddsandreachedthesummitofWhitneyagain.Theaccomplishmentturnedintoapassion,andtwentyyearslaterhe’sclosetoreachinghisgoaltobagahundredpeaks.
Dave Titus
Dave Titus on Black Giant.
5SierraEcho▴January-March2018
JackmovedtoCaliforniain2010becauseofajobopportunity,butexploringtheSierraNevadaquicklybecameapriority.HenowmakeshiswaytotheHighSierraasmuchaspossible.Since2010hehassummitedfiay-fourdifferentpeaksover9,000’,includingfourteenSPSpeaksand9nineoftheCalifornia14ers.Hisexplora=onoftheSierrahasinspiredhimtoclimblargermountains,andhehassummitedpeakssuchasMt.ChimborazuinEcuadorandMt.OrizabainMexico.Hecanonlydreamofeventuallybaggingtheen=reSPSlistbutdoesplantofinishthelistofCalifornia14ersbytheendof2018.HelooksforwardtobeinginspiredbyalloftheSPSpeakbaggersoutthereandhopestoseeyouintheSierra.
Jack Eichler
Jack Eichler on San Gorgonio.
Atanearlyage,KatewasintroducedtotheSierraonyearlycampingtripstoYosemiteandSequoiainhergrandparent’sRV.Thesefondmemorieslatersparkedafirewhichignitedthepassionofherlife—themountains.Overthepasttenyearsshehasquenchedherthirstthroughdozensofbackpacking,canyoneering,andmountaineeringtrips.ThoughshefrequentlyhikeslocallyandhassummitedovereightypeaksintheSanGabriels,goingtotheSierraforherisgoinghome,andshehopestocompletetheSPSlistsome=meinherlife=me!Themountainshavebeengenerous,andinthemshehasfoundlove,friendship,solitude,peace,renewal,andthethrillofseeingtheworldfromthetopsofloayheights!Kateandherhusband,AJ,hopetotackleRainierin2018.
Kate Ledesma
Nile SorensonNileSorensonhasaLainedhisSmatkoEmblem.
Congratulations!
6 SierraEcho▴January-March2018
JasoncancredithisdadforhisloveoftheSierra.HewouldtakeJasonfishingeveryyearwhenhewasachild;whiledrowningwormswasfun,thehighpeaksandpassesbeckoned.Aaerbackpackingforanumberofyears,Jasonbeganto"peakbag"andnowcan'tstop.Heenjoysthesolitudeofagoodsolojaunt,thecamaraderieofgreatfriends,andtheprideofwatchinghissonbagpeaksalongwithhim.
Jason Pair
The Pair family on their Smith Mountain hike, left to right: Donovan, seen also on our cover, Jasper and twin sister Scarlet, and older sister Belen, with their dad Jason behind.
FromJasonPair:
WithhisbrotherJasperonmyback,twinsisterScarleton
hikingpartnerJohn’sback,andoldersisterBelenkeepingpace,mysonDonovanledthewayupSmithMountain,findingtrailmarkeraaertrailmarker.BecauseouraLen=onwassome=mesdivertedonques=onsrangingfrombirdstobigrockstotreetunnels,Donovantookchargeandmarchedusuptothebaseofthe9533’peakontheKernPlateau.Afellowhikerhadreachedthesiteearlierandwasnowcommunica=ngwithsomeonefromEuropeviamorsecodeandhismakeshiapole/antenna/radio.DonovanandImadetheshortscrambletothepeakwhileJohnstayedwiththekidsbelow,nego=a=ngallotmentsofGummyBears.Arrivingatthetop,wetookinthepanoramicviewsandlocatedtheoldammoboxcontainingthelogbook.Donovanwrotedownhisnameandthedate,capturinghisfirstSPSpeakonSeptember23,2017,attheripeoldageoftwelve.
The cover of this issue shows Donovan Pair, the son of new member Jason Pair, on the summit of Smith Mtn. Below, Jason describes his family’s adventure on Smith.
Wecalledhimthecairnwhisperer.
New members!
New for 2018––FREE First Year's Membership or Echo Subscription
Beginning in 2018 new subscribers and members can receive their first year’s subscription for free! See the Membership Application Form available for downloading on the Membership page at http://sierraclub.org/angeles/sierra-peaks/new-members#mr. Please contact the chair if you have any questions.
SpoilerAlert:Pinusbalfouriana,foxtailpine,isatreeandthereforedoesn’tsayanything,butitsstoryispreLyinteres=nganyway.Foxtailpinesarethehighest(al=tude)treesthatcanshadeyouasyoupauseonyourwaytoyourclimbingadventures.Thistreeisacousintotheancientbristleconepine,Pinuslongaeva,foundhighinthemountainrangesoftheGreatBasin.Ifyoulookcloselyatthebranches,thefoliageisalmostiden=cal.Denselypackedbundlesoffiveneedlesgrowalongthelengthofthebranches,andthelong-livedneedlescanstayonthetreefiaeentothirtyyears.Likethebristlecones,foxtailpinesgrowathigheleva=onsfrom10,000-11,000feet,exceptforthenorthernsubspeciesthatgrowsintheinteriorCoastRangesat5000-6000feet.Alsolikethebristlecones,thetreesarerotanddisease
7SierraEcho▴January-March2018
What Does The Foxtail Say?
BySharonMooreSPSConservaEonChair
resistantandcanbesustainedbyanarrowstripofbarkthatreachesdowntosoil.Theybothgrowinopenstandsonrockysoilsthatdon’teasilysupportfires.Unlikethebristleconepines,foxtailpinesalwaysgrowupright,andtheydonotlivemuchbeyond3000years,whereastheoldestbristleconeshavesurvivedfor5000.Scien=stsarenotsurewhytherangeofthistreeissobifurcatedandlimited.Theini=alcausewasIceAgeglacia=on,butforsomereasonthefoxtailpinedidnotreclaimalargeterritorylikeotherconifers.AlmostallofthesouthernspeciesarefoundwithintheboundariesofSequoia-KingsCanyonNa=onalPark,whichironicallywascreatedtoprotectitsnamesaketree.Theyareprotectedbytheseboundariesfromloggingorotherdevelopmentthreats,butvulnerabletoseveredroughtasalltheirwatersupplycomesfromwintersnow.Ourwarmingclimatemayleadtotheex=rpa=onofthenorthernspecieswhilecausingstressforthesouthernspecies.EnjoythemwhileyoucanasyouascendtothehighpeaksofthesouthernSierraNevada.Theyarewai=ngforyounearthepassesoutofHorseshoeMeadow,MineralKing,theKaweahGap,KearsargePass,andothersubalpineloca=ons.
Anexcellentresourceforinforma=ononallconifersisTheGymnospermDatabase,hLp://www.conifers.org/index.php.
Distribu=onmap,Pinusbalfouriana-hLps://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1kghjPm5x99nNEf_GbIf6tv59AGI&usp=sharing
Top: Foxtails in Nine Lakes Basin. Right: Foxtails near Twin Peaks West (Photos by Sharon Moore).
8 SierraEcho▴January-March2018
This continues a series of brief articles contributed by SPS members who would like to share information about their favorite pieces of trail technology. For this issue Tina Bowman tells us about a piece of technical equipment that makes her life better in the mountains. How about you? Send your proposal or article to Tina Bowman at [email protected]
TrailTech
TwoyearsagoafriendgavemeaLucisolar-poweredlightmadebyMpowerd.Iloveit,asdoeseveryoneI’vemetwhohasone,likeMaryJoDungfelder.Becauseit’sinflatable,itflaLenswellforcarryinginapackoraLachingtotheoutsideofthepacktochargewhileIhike.Withthevalveopen,allIhavetodoispulltheendsapartwhilesqueezingthevalve,anditpreLymuchinflatesitself.Evenonthelowsexng,it’sbrightenoughformetoreadby,anditoffersabrightersexngaswellasaflashingone.Thewebsitesaysonthebrightsexng,thechargeofthelithium-ionrechargeablebaLerywilllasttwelvehours.MyLuciOriginallighthastenLEDS(50lumens),chargesinsevenhours,hasanindicatortoshowthechargelevel,andweighsonly4.4ounces.ThenewerOutdoor2.0model,picturedhere,isverysimilarandisthesamepricebuthasanextra“middle”sexngandtwostraps,oneofwhichisadjustablesoyoudon’tneedaseparatehookforhangingit.Usingthestrapon
By Tina Bowman
The Luci Light
mine,Iclipitonmypacktochargeorinsidemytentatthepeakandhavegreatillumina=on.I’vealsomoveditoutsideforpackingupinthedark.Allthisforabout$20!CheckoutthewebsiteandothermodelsathLps://mpowerd.com/
ElectedTinaBowman [email protected] Vice-chair/[email protected] [email protected] Fiahofficer/[email protected]
AppointedArchives [email protected]=onChair [email protected] [email protected], BethEpsteinEchomailer TinaBowmanEmblemCommiLee PaulGarry,KathyRich,DarynDodge, ShaneSmith,RonBartellITSupport [email protected], [email protected] TinaBowman
2017 SPS Management Committee
RegionalRepresentaFvesSanDiego JoeWhiteCentralCalifornia DarynDodgeNorthernCalifornia LisaBarbozaEasternSierra ShaneSmith
Merchandise [email protected] HarryLangenbacher [email protected]=ngs [email protected] DougMantleWebmaster JoeWankum [email protected] HarryLagenbacher [email protected]
9SierraEcho▴January-March2018
TheLandandWaterConserva=onFundwillexpireattheendofnextyear—unlessCongressreauthorizesit.
TheLandandWhatFund?Aha–LWCFisnotonthe=pof
yourtongue–eh?Andyet,thisvenerablefund—for
morethanfiayyearsconsideredAmerica’smostimportantprogramtoconserveirreplaceablelandsandimproveoutdoorrecrea=onopportuni=esthroughoutthena=on—hashelpedfundcountlessnewcommunityparksandotheroutdoorpublicrecrea=onfacili=eslikebikepaths,tenniscourts,swimmingpools,campgrounds,marinas.Americanfamiliesenjoytheseplaceseveniftheydon’tknowwherethemoneycomesfrom.SeehLps://www.lwcfcoali=on.com/tolearnmoreabouttheLWCFworkinCaliforniaandotherstatesandspecificprojectsfordifferentcoun=es,suchastheEasternSierra’sMonoandInyo.
SierraClubsupportstheLWCFreauthoriza=onbillsinbothHouses.WeseekmoreCongressionalcosponsorsforthispopularprogram.IntheSenatethereareforty-fivebipar=sancosponsorsandintheHouse209.Unfortunately,theHousebillisbeingheldhostagebyONEpowerfulpoli=cian—RobBishop,ofUtah,chairmanoftheNaturalResourcesCommiLee.Togetaroundhisobstruc=on,weneedmorethanhalftheHouseascosponsors—219ormore.We’reclose!
HowcanCalifornianshelp?AllCalifornia’sDemocra=cmembersofCongressarealready
cosponsorsoftheHouseLWCFreauthoriza=onbill––HR502––exceptone.(AndourSenatorsarebothLWCFcosponsors.)
CongresswomanKarenBass,fromLosAngeles,whocosponsoredthebilllastCongress,hasfailedtoreturntoherpastsupport.Mostofhercolleagueshave,butKarenBass’sstaffseemstoneedextrapressuretosignontoHR502.StafffolksinDCareoverworkedandhavemanyissuesflyingatthem,butcons=tuentpressureorcallsfromanywherearoundtheLosAngelesareawillhelptoraisethisbillhigherontheir“todo”list.
KarenBass’s37thCongressionalDistrictincludesSouthLosAngeles,Crenshaw,BaldwinHills,MiracleMile,Pico-Robertson,CenturyCity,CheviotHills,WestLosAngeles,CulverCity,and
unincorporatedViewParkandLaderaHeights.IfYOUliveinornearthisarea,pleasecallherDCofficeat202-225-7084,andtelltherecep=onistwhoanswersthatyouurgetheCongresswomantocosponsorHR502.YoucanaddthatyouaregratefultoherforcosponsoringlastCongressandhopeshewillnowreturn.Also,ifyoucantakeoneextrastep,thenaskforherstafferBrandonNeal.LeavethatmessageforBrandon.AndfollowupwithanemailtohimatBrandon.neal@mail.house.gov.WhataboutRepublicans?WhileHR502hasmorethantwodozenRepublicancosponsorsna=onwide,therearehardlyanyfromtheWestandnonefromCalifornia.However,maybetherecouldbe:whoisgameforachallenge?SeveralRepublicanCongressmenfrom
southernCaliforniamightrespondtocons=tuentpressure.AreyouinthedistrictofCongressmanSteveKnight(SantaClaritaarea),EdRoyce(Fullerton),DarrellIssa,orDuncanHunter?HowaboutaskingthemtocosponsorLWCFreauthoriza=on—HR502?
Themessageisthesame,exceptfornopastsupport.ButURGENCYduetoimminentexpira=onisara=onale.Men=onthatCaliforniahashadmoremoneysfromLWCFthananyotherstateandwewanttokeepthatfunding,whichcomesfromoffshoredrillingroyal=es—NOTfromustaxpayers––going.
AndyoucanpointoutthatCalifornia’sexpandingurbanpopula=onstrulyneedmorepublicparksandothergreenspacesforfamiliestorecreateoutdoorsandenjoynature.
Contactinfo:Knight,CA25:202-225-1956.Royce:CA39-202-225-4111;staff
[email protected],CA49:202-225-3906;staff
[email protected],CA50:202-225-5672;staff
[email protected]:doyouhavefriendsor
familyinPennsylvania,NewYork,NewJersey,Missouri,NorthCarolina,orTexas?Ourtargetsinthosestatesneedabitmorelobbying.Goforit,[email protected].
VickyHooverChair,SierraClubLWCFTaskForce415-977-5527
HowYouCanHelpKeepAmerica’sMostSuccessfulConservaFonProgramAlive
10 SierraEcho▴January-March2018
September 15-17, 2017Cirque Peak and Mt. Langley
By Jim Fleming
Thistripcoincidentallyoccurredaweekaaeranothergrouphadscheduledthesepeaksbut,duetothepopularityofMt.Langley,s=llworkedoutwell.Aaerhavingnumerouschangesintherosterofpar=cipants,thefinalgroupofeightclimbersmetearly(6:30a.m.)onthemorningofthe15th.SeveralinourgroupwereabletostayovernightattheCoLonwoodLakestrailhead,whichisalmostthehighestintheSierraatover10,000feet(MosquitoFlatisaliLlehigher).
Themorningwasverycool,ifnotdown-rightcold,tothoseofusLosAngelinoswhohadsufferedextremeheatrecently.Nevertheless,wegotallthepreliminariesdoneandwereoffhikingby6:55a.m.Suchagentletrailtobeginourascent,withstretchesofdownhillandafewstreamcrossings.ArrivingatourcampsiteatLongLakeabitaaer10:00a.m.,thegroupminusonefeltenerge=cenoughtosetupcampandgofortheclimbofCirquePeak.
Withmuchlighterdaypacks,westrodeupthetrailandreachedNewArmyPassingood=me,wherewehadlunch;thenwehikedalongthetopofthecurvedescarpmentanduptherockstothesummit,arrivingthereat2:00.Nowwecouldgazenorthwardtosee
Mt.Whitney,Mt.Russell,andmanyotherpeakstothewestandsouth.Therouteviadis=nctusetrailtothesummitofMt.Langleywasalsoeasilyvisible.ConsideringareturnrouteviathemoredirectdescentonthesteepnorthsideofCirque,thegroupdecidedagainstit.SowewentbackaroundthearctoNewArmyPassandfollowedthetrailbacktocamp,arrivingat4:40.Agoodday’sworkoutatfourteenmilesand3,000plusfeetofgain!
Saturdaymorningwasanotherearly,coldone.HavingarrangedtosetofftoascendMt.Langleyat6:30a.m.,withonlyaslightdelaythegroupmanagedtogetgoingby6:36.Thefullcon=ngentofeighteagermountaineerswantedtoreachthesouthernmost14,000’peakintherange,
Top: on the way to Langley. Above: The view of Langley from Cottonwood Lakes (Photos by Tina Bowman).
11SierraEcho▴January-March2018
andasteadypacesoonbroughtusuptothetopofNewArmyPass,thenaaerabreak,overtothepointofdeparturefortheusetrailabout400'belowthepass.TheNa=onalParkServicehasbuiltlargecairnsalongtheroutetokeeptheever-increasingfoottrafficfromwanderingalloverthelandscapeanddamagingthesparsevegeta=on.Theusetrailisveryobvious,exceptatonesec=on(approximately12,800')whereonemustnego=ateasteeprockypor=on.Thoughtricky,itisshort,andonesoonregainsthesteadybutsteepuphill,finallylevelingofftowardsthesummit.
Arrivingthereat10:30,wemarveledatthefantas=cviewsallabout.Itwasearlyenoughtoconsiderourop=onsforthereturnroutetocamp,andsowedecidedtoplanonstoppingattheoldArmyPassandconsidermakingaloopreturn
Above: Coming back to camp at Long Lake from Cirque. Right: On the summit of Langley, left to right: James Bias, Charles Corbett, Nuri Cabrera, Dmitry Medvedev, Jim Fleming, Ning Yeh, and Tina Bowman (Photos by Tina Bowman).
tocamp.Workingourwaybackdownthesteepslopes,wearrivedattheoldpassjustbefore12:30andhadagreatlunchbreak––whew!Withnumeroushikerscomingupandgoingdownthetrailthere,wedecidedthatitwouldbeago.Althoughwedidencounterseveralsec=onswherebouldersandrockfallmadethegoingslow,theroutewaspassable,andsoonwewerehikingthetrailsthroughtheupperCoLonwoodLakes.Thetrailswere
12 SierraEcho▴January-March2018
Cirque & Langley, continued
wellmarkedbutwemissedonesec=onandcrossedamarshyareatojointhetrailbackuptoLongLakeandourcampsite.Anotherlongday(twelvemiles,3,800’gain)butgreattohaveclimbedbothpeaks!Wereachedcampbefore3:00.
Wedecidedthatwecouldtakeaslightlymoreleisurely=megexngtogetherinthemorning,andleaveby8:00a.m.Onepar=cipanthadtogethomesoonerandoptedtosignouttohikeoutonSaturdayevening.Anothercold,butbeau=fulnightatourcampsiteinthepines.Nextmorningwedepartedandwerebacktothetrailheadbefore10:45.Ourconvivialgroupstoppedforbreakfast/brunch/lunchattheAlabama
HillsCaféinLonePine(goodfood,decentprices),andthenwewerealloffhome.Thanks,Tina,forbeingmyenthusias=c,pa=entfriendandtopar=cipantsNuriCabrera,ChrisWahl,CharlesCorbeL,NingYeh,JamesBias,andDmitryMedvedev.Y’allweregreattohangwith––HappyTrails!
LocatedintheAtlasMountainsaboutfortymiles(sixtykm)southofMarrakech,Mt.Toubkal,13,671’(alsocalledJbel[orJebel]Toubkal)isthehighpointofMoroccoandthehighestpeakinNorthAfrica.Itisnormallyclimbedintwodays.InthehotelinMarrakeshImetafewotherhikersalsoplanningtohikethemountain.ThenextmorningwehiredavantoImlil(thetrekstar=ngloca=on),arideofaboutanhourandahalf.Aaerarrivingintown,wehiredanEnglish-speakingguide.Healsoarrangedthenightreserva=onattherefuge,dinner,andbreakfastforthenextday,andamuletocarryotherbelongings.
Dayonewestartedtrekkingaround10:00a.m.,goingthroughsmallalleyswithsouvenirstores,restaurants,andstorestobuysnacksandwater.Theairwasfullofthearomaofdifferentspices.Aaeraboutforty-fiveminutes,wefinallygotonthetrail.Thetrailbendstotheeasttothe=nyseLlementofSidiChamharouch,whichhasgrownaroundafamousMuslimshrine.FromheretherouteleadsoverthestreamandrunssteeplyuphilltotherightsideoftheIsougouanevalley.Fourhoursintothehike,westoppedforaquicklunchbreak.Aaerhikingaboutsixtosevenhours,finallyaround6:00p.m.wearrivedattheRefugeduToubkal,whichisusedasbasecampat3,207m(10,522’).Therewasaconstantstreamofpeople
Mt. Toubkal, MoroccoAugust 18-19, 2017ByWasimKhan
Did You Know?AccordingtoPlaceNamesoftheSierraNevada:FromAbbottoZumwaltbyPeterBrowning,ArmyPassis“Arouteoriginallyusedbysheepmen.Thetrailwasbuiltin1892,ata=mewhentheUSArmywaspatrollingSequoiaNa=onalPark,byblacksoldiersfromGeorgia––TroopKoftheFourthCavalry.Thenamefirstappearedonthe1907Olancha30’map”(page7).BecauseArmyPassusuallyretainssnowlateintothesummer,theNewArmyPasstrailwasbuiltin1955asanalterna=ve(Browning,158).
13SierraEcho▴January-March2018
arrivingattherefugeatdifferent=mes.Itgetsverynoisy,sogexnganyrestisnearlyimpossible.
Daytwowehadaquicksnackaround12:30a.m.andstartedhikingtowardsthesummit.Thetrekgoesthroughnumerousscreefields,aseeminglyendlesscarpetofbouldersandlooserockswithsomeboulderhopping,butnothingextreme.Aaeraboutfivehourswemadeittothesummitaroundsunrise.AaertakingafewpicturesandhavingaliLlerest,itwas=metodescend.Theroutehasnoshadeandisallveryexposed.Wehadalmostno=metorestattherefugebeforeheadingbacktoImlilandthereturnbytaxitoMarrakesh.
Iwouldcallthishikeamedium-to-hardtrek.Peopleusedtohikinglongdistancesathighal=tudeshouldfindthishikepreLystraightforwardandenjoyable.Iwouldnotrecommendthistoabeginner.Weatherandal=tudewillalsomakeadifference.
Photo bottom of page 12: Wasim Khan on the ascent of Toubkal (Courtesy of Wasim Khan). (Map at right credit CountryReports.org).
Dare to Lead! Spring Leadership Training Seminar Set for April 14, 2018 Becoming a Sierra Club outings leader starts with curiosity and a love of the outdoors. What better way to step up and lead than by taking advantage of the training opportunities that the Angeles Chapter's Leadership Training Committee provides each year?
As home to one of the largest outings programs on the planet, the Sierra Club Angeles Chapter's many groups, sections, and committees sponsor thousands of trips ranging from beach barbecues to mountaineering expeditions. You can take the first step toward becoming a leader by attending a class offered April 14th, location to be determined. Deadline to register is March 31st.
The seminar covers all the basics of leadership. Experienced leaders will tell you how to plan a trip, prevent problems on the trail and make sure that everyone––including you––has a great time. They’ll also explain good conservation and safety practices. And they’ll give you tips for getting your “O” rating quickly and then, if you choose, pursuing more advanced ratings.
The all-day class costs $25. The application is on-line at angeles.sierraclub.org/ltc. At this same site, you can pore over more of LTC's upcoming offerings, which are also on the Schedule of Activities page.
Mail the application and check, payable to Sierra Club, to Steve Botan, LTC Registrar, 18816 Thornwood Circle, Huntington Beach 92646. You also can reach Steve by email ([email protected]) or by phone (714-321-1296).
Scholarships are available for those with financial need. Apply to LTC Chair Anne Marie Richardson [email protected]
!
Jebel Toubkal
14 SierraEcho▴January-March2018
Dec10|Sun LTC,WTC,HPS,DPS,SPSI:NavigaFon:WarrenPointNavigaFonNoodle:Naviga=onnoodleatJoshuaTreeNa=onalParkforeithercheckofforprac=cetosa=sfythebasic(I/M)levelorAdvanced(E)levelnaviga=onrequirements.Topar=cipate,sendemailwithcontactinfo,naviga=onexperience/training,anyWTC,leaderra=ng,ridesharetoLdr:RobertMyers.Asst:AnnShields.Note:Early(atleasttwoweekspriortotheevent)sign-upforallnaviga=oncheckoffsandprac=cesisrecommended.Theseou=ngsrequiresubstan=alpre-ou=ngprepara=onwork,includingcomple=onofbothacomprehensivewriLenexamandarouteplanningassignmentthatwillbemailedtoyoupriortothecheckoff.SeeChapter6oftheLeader’sReferenceBookformoreinforma=on.Sendcontactinforma=on(includingmailingaddress)andyourqualifica=onstothe
leaderassoonaspossible.
Jan6-7|Sat-SunLTC,WTC,HPS,DPS,SPSI:NavigaFon:IndianCoveNavigaFonNoodle:Naviga=onnoodleatJoshuaTreeNa=onalParktosa=sfythebasic(I/M)levelnaviga=onrequirements.Satforprac=ce,skillsrefresher,al=meter,homework,campfire.Suncheckout.Sendemail/sase,contactinfo,naviga=onexperience/training,anyWTC,leaderra=ng,ridesharetoLdr:RobertMyers.Asst:AnnShields.Note:Early(atleasttwoweekspriortotheevent)sign-upforallnaviga=oncheckoffsandprac=cesisrecommended.Theseou=ngsrequiresubstan=alpre-ou=ngprepara=onwork,includingcomple=onofbothacomprehensivewriLenexamandarouteplanningassignmentthatwillbemailedtoyoupriortothecheckoff.SeeChapter6oftheLeader’sReferenceBookformoreinforma=on.Sendcontactinforma=on(includingmailing
address)andyourqualifica=onstotheleaderassoonaspossible.
Feb3|Sat LTC,WTC,HPS,DPS,SPSI:NavigaFon:Mt.PinosNavigaFonPracFceonSnowshoes:Everwonderwhatitisliketonavigateinsnow?Findoutonthisnaviga=onprac=ceaswetakeacross-countryroutetoMountPinos(8831').Fourmilesroundtrip,700feetgain.Snowshoesrequired.Sendemail/sase,contactinfo,naviga=onexperience/training,anyWTC,leaderra=ng,ridesharetoLdr:RobertMyers.Co-Ldr:AnnPedreschiShields.
Mar31|Sat LTCDeadlinetoregisterfortheApril14thLeadershipTrainingProgramseminar.Forinforma=on,seetheLTCwebsite(hLp://angeles.sierraclub.org/ltc/).
Apr14|Sat LTCLeadershipTrainingSeminar:BecomeaqualifiedSierraClubleader.Forinforma=on,seetheLTCwebsite(hLp://angeles.sierraclub.org/ltc/).Nextseminar:Fall2018.
SPSouFngscanalwaysbeviewedonlineontheelectronicAngelesChapterScheduleofAcFviFes:hLp://angeles.sierraclub.org/ac=vi=eshLps://sierraclub.org/angeles/sierra-peaks/ou=ngs-schedule
Ascending Mt. Emerson on August 27, 2017 (Photo by Mat Kelliher).
We’ve chosen the photo above showing climbers ascending Mt. Emerson on an SPS trip to represent the outings section. Do you have a photo you would like to see here? If so, please send your submission as an email attachment to [email protected] or via USPS to Tina Bowman.
Outings
15SierraEcho▴January-March2018
O U T I N G SApr18|Wed LTCM/E-R:AdvancedMountaineeringProgram(Spring2018):KnotsandBasicSafetySystems:Firstoffourclimbingworkshopsaimedatdevelopingskillsfor3rd,4th,and5thclassclimbingbothasapar=cipantorafutureSierraClubMandEleader.Thiswillbeanindoorworkshopheldintheevening,reviewingropes,harnesses,helmets,basicclimbinggear,andknotsinprepara=onforlaterworkshops.Allpar=cipantsmusthavepriorropedclimbingexperienceandcommittoallfourclasses.ToregisterpleaseseehLp://www.advancedmountaineeringprogram.orgLdr:MaLhewHengst.Assts:DanRichter,PatrickMcKusky.
Apr21|Sat LTC,SPS,DPS,WTCM/E-R:AdvancedMountaineeringProgram(Spring2018):BelaySkills:Secondoffourclimbingworkshopsaimedatdevelopingskillsfor3rd,4th,and5thclassclimbingbothasapar=cipantorafutureSierraClubMandEleader.Thisworkshopwillfocusonbelayingandrelatedprinciples,star=ngwithstandardsportclimbingallthewayuptoadvancedtechniquestomovelargegroupsacrossdangerousterrain.Allpar=cipantsmusthavepriorropedclimbingexperienceandcommittoallfourclasses.ToregisterpleaseseehLp://www.advancedmountaineeringprogram.orgLdr:MaLhewHengst.Assts:DanRichter,PatrickMcKusky.
Apr21-22|Sat-Sun LTC,WTC,HPS,DPS,SPSI:NavigaFon:MissionCreekNavigaFonNoodle:Naviga=onnoodleatMissionCreekPreservetosa=sfythebasic(I/M)levelnaviga=onrequirements.Satforprac=ce,skillsrefresher,al=meter,homework,campfire.Suncheckout.Sendemail/sase,contactinfo,naviga=onexperience/training,anyWTC,leaderra=ng,ridesharetoLdr:RobertMyers.Asst:AnnShields.Note:Early(atleasttwoweekspriortotheevent)sign-upforallnaviga=oncheckoffsandprac=cesisrecommended.Theseou=ngsrequiresubstan=alpre-ou=ngprepara=onwork,includingcomple=onofbothacomprehensivewriLenexamandarouteplanningassignmentthatwillbemailedtoyoupriortothecheckoff.SeeChapter6oftheLeader’sReferenceBookformoreinforma=on.Sendcontactinforma=on(includingmailingaddress)andyourqualifica=onstotheleaderassoonaspossible.
Apr28|Sat LTC,SPS,DPS,WTCM/E-R:AdvancedMountaineeringProgram(Spring2018):Rappelling:Thirdoffourclimbingworkshopsaimedatdevelopingskillsfor3rd,4th,and5thclassclimbingbothasa
par=cipantorafutureSierraClubMandEleader.Thisworkshopwillfocusonrappellingusingavarietyoftechniqueswithaheavyemphasisonredundancy,safety,andefficiency.Allpar=cipantsmusthavepriorropedclimbingexperienceandcommittoallfourclasses.ToregisterpleaseseehLp://www.advancedmountaineeringprogram.orgLdr:MaLhewHengst.Assts:DanRichter,PatrickMcKusky.
May4-6|Fri-Sun LTCC:WildernessFirstAidCourseatHarwoodLodge:Thecourserunsfrom7:15amFridayto5:30pmSunday.Feeincludesinstruc=on,lodging,andmeals.ProofofCPRwithinprevious4yrsrequiredtoenroll.Fee$250(fullrefundun=l
Leaders in this issue’s schedule:PhilBates949-786-8475philipabates@gmail.comRichardBoardman310-374-4371DianeDunbar818-248-0455dianedunbar@charter.netMaLhewHengstmaLhew.hengst@gmail.comPatrickMcKusky626-794-7321pamckusky@aL.netRobertMyers310-829-3177rmmyers@ix.netcom.comDanRichter818-970-6737dan@danrichter.comNealRobbins310-540-5089neal.robbins@[email protected]
Call for Outings!ByGarySchenk,OuEngsChair
It’sthat=meofyeartostartplanningtripsfor2018!Dayhikesareagoodwaytoavoidthequotacrunch.Introductorytripsarealsoagreatidea.ItcanbetoughtogetastartintheSierra,andanintrotripcanbequitewelcomingtothoselookingforastart.JohnMuirwouldapprove.
ForMRandEtrips,pleasegivesufficientlead=meforMOCreview.AndforprovisionalleadsalsobesurethetriphasbeenapprovedbytheprovisionalleadcommiLee.
Asalways,sendanyques=ons,ideas,[email protected].
16 SierraEcho▴January-March2018
9/22).Forsign-up,seeinstruc=onsandapplica=onatwww.wildernessfirstaidcourse.org
May5-6|Sat-Sun LTC,SPS,DPS,WTCM/E-R:AdvancedMountaineeringProgram(Spring2018):AnchorsandRealWorldApplicaFons:Fourthoffourclimbingworkshopsaimedatdevelopingskillsfor3rd,4th,and5thclassclimbingbothasapar=cipantorafutureSierra
ClubMandEleader.ThisweekendcompletestheseriesofAMPworkshopsatJoshuaTreeNa=onalParkandfocusesonbuildinganchorsandapplyingpreviouslylearnedskillsinrealworldclimbingsitua=onswithmul=plepar=cipants.Allpar=cipantsmusthavepriorropedclimbingexperienceandcommittoallfourclasses.ToregisterpleaseseehLp://www.advancedmountaineeringprogram.orgLdr:MaLhewHengst.Assts:DanRichter,PatrickMcKusky.
May19|Sat LTC,WTC,HPSI:NavigaFon:BeginningClinic:Spendthedayone-on-onewithaninstructor,learning/prac=cingmapandcompassinourlocalmountains.Beginnerstorustyold-=merswelcome,andprac=ceisavailableatallskilllevels.Notacheckout,butitwillhelpyouprepare.ManyexpertleaderswillaLend;manyI-ratedleadersstartedhereinthepast.4mi,500'gain.Sendsase,phones,rideshareinfo,$25deposit,refundedat
O U T I N G S
Visit the SPS website for an even more up-to-date listing of upcoming trips at http://www.sierraclub.org/sps
Also, please check at summitregister.org whether a peak needs a register book or pencil before you go on a climb.
In addition to the permit information described below, most reservations for the Inyo National Forest and the Desolation Wilderness up to 48 hours in advance of entry can be handled at: http://recreation.gov
INYO NATIONAL FOREST Web site: www.fs.usda.gov/main/inyo/homePick up permit closest to departure trailhead.
Eastern Sierra InterAgency Visitor Center, Lone Pine, CA (760) 876-6200
White Mountain Ranger Station, Bishop, CA 93514 (760) 873-2500
Mammoth Lakes Visitor Center, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546 (760) 924-5500
Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center, Lee Vining, CA 93541 (760) 647-304
KERN PLATEAUWeb site: www.r5.fs.fed.us/sequoia
Cannell Meadow Ranger District 105 Whitney Road P.O. Box 9Kernville, CA 93238Phone: 760/376-3781 fax: 760/376-3795
Tule River Ranger District32588 Highway 190Springville, CA 93265Phone: (559) 539-2607
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK Web site: www.nps.gov/yoseReservation requests for summer trips (mid-May through September) are accepted from 2 weeks to 24 weeks in advance on-line or by writing toYosemite AssociationPO Box 545Yosemite, CA 95389
By phone: reservations for summer trips are accepted by calling (209) 372-0740.
Obtain your free permit from the Wilderness Permit Station nearest your departure trailhead. Call (209) 372-0200 for permit station locations.
If entering park from Cherry Lake in the Stanislaus National Forest to Kibbie Lake and Lake Eleanor in
Yosemite, you must get your permit from the Stanislaus National Forest Ranger Station on Highway 120 in Groveland. Call (209) 962-7825.If entering the park from Chiquito Pass in Sierra National Forest, permits for the whole trip must be obtained from the forest Service in North Fork. Call (559) 877-2218
SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NP Web site: www.fs.usda.gov/sequoia47050 Generals HighwayThree Rivers, CA. 93271-9599Phone (559) 565-3766 for permit & trail info. Fax (559) 565-4239
SIERRA NATIONAL FOREST (WESTSIDE) ENTRYWeb site: https://www.fs.usda.gov/sierraAnsel Adams Wilderness–North Bass Lake Ranger District57003 Road 225North Fork, CA 93643Phone: (559) 887-2218
Ansel Adams Wilderness–South John Muir, Kaiser and Dinkey Lakes WildernessesPineridge/Kings River Ranger District 29688 Auberry RoadPrather, CA 93651 Phone: (559) 855-5355
Wilderness Permit Info
trailhead(SierraClub)toLdr:DianeDunbar.Co-Ldr:RichardBoardman.
Jun16-17|Sat-Sun LTC,WTC,HPS,DPS,SPSI:NavigaFon:Mt.PinosNavigaFonNoodle:Naviga=onNoodleinLosPadresNa=onalForestforeithercheckoutorprac=cetosa=sfyBasic(I/M)orAdvanced(E)levelnaviga=onrequirements.Satforprac=ce,skillsrefresher,al=meter,homework,campfire.Suncheckoutoraddi=onalprac=ce.Sendemailwithcontactinfo,naviga=onexperience/training,anyWTC,leaderra=ng,rideshare,toLdr:RobertMyers.Asst:AnnShields.Note:Early(atleasttwoweekspriortotheevent)sign-upforallnaviga=oncheckoffsandprac=cesisrecommended.Theseou=ngsrequiresubstan=alpre-ou=ngprepara=onwork,includingcomple=onofbothacomprehensivewriLenexamandarouteplanningassignmentthatwillbemailedtoyoupriortothecheckoff.
SeeChapter6oftheLeader’sReferenceBookformoreinforma=on.Sendcontactinforma=on(includingmailingaddress)andyourqualifica=onstotheleaderassoonaspossible.
Sep8-9|Fri-Sun SPSER:ThunderboltPk(14,003’):ClimboneofthemostspectacularandtechnicalMountaineers’Peaks.EarlyFridepartfromSouthLakeParkingLotBishopPassTH.HikeontrialtoBishopPass,con=nueofftrialtomakecamponbenchesSEofThunderboltPass(7mi,3000’gain).AlpinestartSuntoclimbThunderboltviaSouthwestChute1(1mi,1800’gain).WewillreturntocampandTHviasameroute.Technicalgear:climbinghelmet,alpineharness,ATC,2standardand1double6mmprusiks,2lockingbiners,1non-lockingwiregatebiner.Mandatoryalpineclimbingskills:rappelling,ascendingropewithprusiks,andclimbingonclass
17SierraEcho▴January-March2018
O U T I N G S
SPS Income Statement 11-19-2017SPS Income Statement 11-19-2017SPS Income Statement 11-19-2017SPS Income Statement 11-19-2017SPS Income Statement 11-19-2017SPS Income Statement 11-19-2017SPS Income Statement 11-19-2017SPS Income Statement 11-19-2017SPS Income Statement 11-19-2017SPS Income Statement 11-19-2017SPS Income Statement 11-19-2017SPS Income Statement 11-19-2017SPS Income Statement 11-19-2017
YTD YTD YTD YTD YTD YTD YTD Final Final Final Final YTD2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
INCOMEEcho Subscriptions 1,580 1,020 460 180 120 60 20 1,835 1,360 1,560 1,560 1,630Banquet Income 2,840 - - - - - - 2,800 2,940 4,610 4,110 3,760Donations 670 465 160 60 30 15 - 340 440 575 651 873Merchandise Sales 112 - - - - - - 39 27 276 395 262
- - - - - - - - - - - - Total Income 5,202 1,485 620 240 150 75 20 5,014 4,767 7,021 6,716 6,525
EXPENSESPostage 90 - - - - - - 609 -4 14 938 522Printing 229 - - - - - - 578 898 640 706 433Merchandise - - - - - - - - - 196 234 130Raffle - - - - - - - - - 250 - - Banquet Expenses 3,553 3,500 - - - - - 3,216 4,206 5,640 4,772 4,710Bank Fees 10 - - - - - - 18 2 10 6 18Website 96 20 - - - - - - 268 36 84Charitable contributions - - - - - - - 400 - - 200 200Outreach 82 - - - - - - - - - 899 254Membership meetings/activities - - - - - - - - - - 1,257 174Register Related - - - - - - - - - - - 57
- - - - - - - - - - - - Total Expenses 4,060 3,520 - - - - - 4,821 5,103 7,019 9,048 6,583
OVERALL TOTAL 1,142 -2,035 620 240 150 75 20 193 -336 2 -2,332 -58
18 SierraEcho▴January-March2018
O U T I N G S4terrain.Emailclimbingresume,andal=tudetraininginfotoLdr:PhilipBates.Asst.Ldr.NealRobbins.
Sep23|Sun LTC,WTC,HPS,DPS,SPSI:NavigaFon:Mt.PinosNavigaFonNoodle:Naviga=onNoodleinLosPadresNa=onalForestforeithercheckoutorprac=cetosa=sfyBasic(I/M)orAdvanced(E)levelnaviga=onrequirements.Sendemailwithcontactinfo,naviga=onexperience/training,anyWTC,leaderra=ng,rideshare,toLdr:RobertMyers.Asst:AnnShields.Note:Early(atleasttwoweekspriortotheevent)sign-upforallnaviga=oncheckoffsandprac=cesisrecommended.Theseou=ngsrequiresubstan=alpre-ou=ngprepara=onwork,includingcomple=onofbothacomprehensivewriLenexamandarouteplanningassignmentthatwillbemailedtoyoupriortothecheckoff.SeeChapter6oftheLeader’sReferenceBookformoreinforma=on.Sendcontactinforma=on(includingmailingaddress)andyourqualifica=onstotheleaderassoonaspossible.
Oct20|Sat LTC,WTC,HPSI:NavigaFon:BeginningClinic:Spendthedayone-on-onewithaninstructor,learning/prac=cingmapandcompassinourlocalmountains.Beginnerstorustyold-=merswelcome,andprac=ceisavailableatallskilllevels.Notacheckout,butitwillhelpyouprepare.ManyexpertleaderswillaLend;manyI-ratedleadersstartedhereinthepast.4mi,500'gain.Sendsase,phones,rideshareinfo,$25deposit,refundedattrailhead(SierraClub)toLdr:DianeDunbar.Co-Ldr:RichardBoardman.
Nov17-18|Sat-Sun LTC,WTC,HPS,DPS,SPSI:NavigaFon:WarrenPointNavigaFonNoodle:Naviga=onnoodleatJoshuaTreeNa=onalParkforeithercheckofforprac=cetosa=sfythebasic(I/M)levelorAdvanced(E)levelnaviga=onrequirements.Satforprac=ce,skillsrefresher,al=meter,homework,campfire.Suncheckout.Topar=cipate,sendemailwithcontactinfo,naviga=onexperience/training,anyWTC,leaderra=ng,ridesharetoLdr:RobertMyers.Asst:
SPSManagementCommi`eeMeeFngMinutesMonday,August14,2017,7:00p.m.
AlexanderSmirnoff’shome1701PalomaSt.,Pasadena91104
1.Calltoorder.Present:TinaBowman,JimFleming,PaulGarry,AlexanderSmirnoff.2.Standardbusinessandreports a.Approvalofminutes––alreadyapprovedviaemail b.Chair––seereportsunder“Oldbusiness” c.ViceChair
i.Banquetspeaker—PatrickArmstrong(Sierrasnowsurveyor,livesinBishop,wroteLogofaSnowSurvey).JimtocontactPatrickforBioforflyer.ii.Banquetflyer/adforEchoanddistribu=on.ItwillbeinOct-DecEcho.iii.We’llbeininPalmCourtatAlmansor.OctoberdepositsubmiLed.
d.Ou=ngs––noreport e.Treasurer’sreport––$5921balance
f.EmblemCommiLeeReport––Paultofollow-upwithregardtoShaneSmith’ssubmiLalofSmatkoExplorerlist.g.Outreach––noreport
h.Archivist––noreport i.Echo
i.August25thdeadlinefornextissueii.MoreoldissuestobescannedanduploadedtothewebsitegiventoPaul.
j.MountainRecords––Noreport k.IT––Noreport
l.Website––Ques=onabouttheindextotripreportsonthewebsite—whendidthatstop(whatarethemostcurrentreports)[2009].AskHarryaboutindexing,linkingtoreports.m.Conserva=on––noreport
n.SafetyChair––noreport3.Oldbusiness
a.UnofficiallynameapeakforAndySmatko?Decidedtoleavetheissueopenfornowwithpossiblytwopeaksunofficiallynamedforhim,theoneweproposednearShermanPassinthesouthernSierraandtheotherclosetoCoLonwoodPass.
4.Newbusinessa.ReviselistresummitofColosseum(westsummit)?Yes,Tinawilldo.Registerisnowoneastsummitatbenchmarkloca=onontopomap.Tinawillupdatelisttoswitchpeaktohigherwestsummit.b.Nomina=ngcommiLee,peopletorunformanagementcommiLee:TinawillcontactMaryMcMannes,DonSparks,MaLHengst,KristenLindbergh.c.Candidatesforleadershipand/orlife=meachievementawards:discussedonepersonforeachaward.d.Par=cipa=onin2017CalTechlectureseries:Wai=ngforinvita=onfromCaltech,probablynotpar=cipa=ngbutnotruledout.e.MedalsforSPSemblems:seehLp://www.hikermedals.com/.Decidedtooexpensive,tooliLleinteresttopursue.f.Nextmee=ngdate:Wednesday,October18th,7:00p.m.,atAlexander’shouse.
19SierraEcho▴January-March2018
SPSManagementCommi`eeMeeFngMinutesWednesday,October18,2017,7:00p.m.
AlexanderSmirnoff’shome1701PalomaSt.,Pasadena91104
1.Calltoorder.Present:TinaBowman,JimFleming,PaulGarry,AlexanderSmirnoff.2.Standardbusinessandreports a.Approvalofminutes:nominutestoapprove.Paulto sendoutbyemail. b.Chair:Colosseumsummitrestoredonlist(west,not eastsummit).
c.ViceChair––Banquet:JimhadaspreadsheetofbanquettasksforeachmemberofthecommiLee,whichwewentover.ThebannerneedstobedeliveredtoTina.Finaldepositpaid.AskLisaMiyaketoprovideFacebookposttoasknewSPSGroupmemberstojointheSec=on.
d.Ou=ngs:noreport e.Treasurer’sreport:balanceof$6191attheendof September.
f.EmblemCommiLeeReport:ShanesmithandNileSorensonhaveappliedfortheSmatkoAward.g.Outreach:noreport
h.Archivist:noreport i.Echo
i.November24thdeadlinefornextissueii.Handovermoreoldissuestobescannedanduploadedtothewebsite—Noupdateiii.MovetoHTMLversion––postponeddiscussion=llwhenBethEpsteinhasmoreinforma=on.
j.MountainRecords:Harrysentreport k.IT:noreport l.Website:noreport
m.Conserva=on:noreport n.SafetyChair:noreport
3.Oldbusinessa.UnofficiallynameapeakforAndySmatko?ThecommiLeedecidedtorecognizethelastpeakintheSierrathatAndySmatkoclimbedasSmatkoPeak,thoughthedesigna=onisunofficial.JimsuggestedaskingMarkAllen,whohasmadesignsforHPSpeaks,tomakeasignforSmatkoPeak.Tinawillinquire.
b.Firstyearmembership/subscrip=onfreestar=ngin 2018?Yes.
c.PeopletorunformanagementcommiLee?Jim,Paul,Alexander,andTinawereallwillingtorunagain.TinawillsuggestthatMaryMcMannes,chairofthenomina=ngcommiLee,contactLauraNewmanandSandyLaraandanyothersshethinksmightrun.d.Candidatesforleadershipand/orlife=meachievementawards?Con=nueddiscussionfromlastmee=ng.Decidedagainsttheleadershipawardcandidateforthisyear.Willpresentalife=meachievementawardatthebanquet.
e.CaltechAlpineClubspeakerseries?Notpar=cipa=ng thisyear.4.Newbusiness
a.Freeyear’smembership/subscrip=onforthosewholeadoneormoreSPSou=ngs,submitallpaperworkina=melymanner,andsubmitatripreportfortheEcho(wriLenbyaleaderorpar=cipant)?Thefreeyearwouldbeforthefollowingyear,andonlytwoleadersperou=ngareeligible.Decidedtotrythistoencouragemoreleaderstoleadou=ngsfortheSPS.b.Donatetothechapter?Yes,$200asinthepastseveralyears.c.Nomina=onsforchapterawards(dueNovember1st)?TheSPSwillnominateJimFlemingforanou=ngsserviceaward.d.Nextmee=ngdate:Tuesday,December5th,7:00,at
Alexander’shome.
O U T I N G SAnnShields.Note:Early(atleasttwoweekspriortotheevent)sign-upforallnaviga=oncheckoffsandprac=cesisrecommended.Theseou=ngsrequiresubstan=alpre-ou=ngprepara=onwork,includingcomple=onofbothacomprehensivewriLenexamandarouteplanningassignmentthatwillbemailedtoyoupriortothecheckoff.SeeChapter6oftheLeader’sReferenceBookformoreinforma=on.Sendcontactinforma=on(includingmailingaddress)andyourqualifica=onstotheleaderassoonaspossible.
Dec9|Sun LTC,WTC,HPS,DPS,SPSI:NavigaFon:WarrenPointNavigaFonNoodle:Naviga=onnoodleatJoshuaTreeNa=onalParkforeithercheckoffor
prac=cetosa=sfythebasic(I/M)levelorAdvanced(E)levelnaviga=onrequirements.Topar=cipate,sendemailwithcontactinfo,naviga=onexperience/training,anyWTC,leaderra=ng,ridesharetoLdr:RobertMyers.Asst:AnnShields.Note:Early(atleasttwoweekspriortotheevent)sign-upforallnaviga=oncheckoffsandprac=cesisrecommended.Theseou=ngsrequiresubstan=alpre-ou=ngprepara=onwork,includingcomple=onofbothacomprehensivewriLenexamandarouteplanningassignmentthatwillbemailedtoyoupriortothecheckoff.SeeChapter6oftheLeader’sReferenceBookformoreinforma=on.Sendcontactinforma=on(includingmailingaddress)andyourqualifica=onstotheleaderassoonaspossible.
20 SierraEcho▴January-March2018
TheanswertothelastpuzzleistheMt.JordansummitstepacrossframingSouthGuard.ShaneSmithcorrectlysolvedthepuzzletwenty-eightminutesaaerthenewEcholinkswereemailed!Talkaboutwai=ngbythe(electronic)mailbox!GarySchenkalsoknewtheanswer,asdidRonBartell.
Mystery Peak Challenge Answer
Don’t let your Sierra Echo subscription expire! The annual $10 subscription is due each year by January 1st and delinquent after March 31st.
For more information, see the back cover of this issue. Please make out checks to the Sierra Peaks Section and mail to the treasurer:
SPS Treasurer1701 Paloma St.Pasadena, CA 91104
Time to Renew!
21SierraEcho▴January-March2018
Thisoccasionaljust-for-funpuzzleisforyoutofigureoutwhichSierrapeakorpeaksarefeaturedintheimage.IfyouhaveafinemysterypeakpuzzletochallengeEchoreaders,[email protected],includingthosefrompopularculture–imageryusedandabusedinfilmandprint!
Mystery Peak Challenge
ShaneSmithsentthisphotooftheB-52,B-1,andB-2bombersflyingovertheSierra.Canyounamethepeaksandmaybesomeotherfeaturesinthephoto?SendyouranswertoTinaBowmanatFna@bowmanchange.com.
REGARDINGDISTRIBUTIONOFTHEECHOPleasecontactthisemailaddressnewsleLer@sierrapeaks.orgforanyproblemswithdistribu=onofhardcopyoremailversions.
FREE: "Traditional" Italian mountaineering boots--heavy-duty leather, Norwegian welt, new and used.
Men's sizes 7 & 1/2, 8 & 1/2 and 9. Can bring them to SPS banquet or to a meeting place in the San Fernando Valley. Would rather give them to a peak climber than to charity. Contact:
Barbara LilleyP.O. Box 128Simi Valley, CA 93062805-527-7703 (leave message)
22 SierraEcho▴January-March2018
R.J.Secor,SierraClubmountaineerandauthorofadetailedclimber’sguidetoSierrapeaks,mayneverknowhowmanypeopleheinspiredtotacklethehighestpointsintheRangeofLight.His1992bookHighSierra:Peaks,Passes,Trailsbecameaclimber’sbible,onethatreflectedhisowndevo=ontoclimbingandtokeepingtheSierraClub’srichmountaineeringtradi=onalive.
Secor(theR.J.standsforRobertJohn),wholivedinPasadena,diedOctober26attheageofsixty-one.HehadconquerednumerouspeaksintheUnitedStatesaswellas
Canada,Mexico,SouthAmerica,theHimalayas,andtheKarakoramregiononthePakistan-Indianborder.Hisalpinavitae(climbingresume)includessummitsofAlaska’sDenali(1995),AconcaguainArgen=na(1986),andtheMexicanvolcanoes.
Tothosewhoclimbedandhikedwithhim,Secorwasagoodfriendwithawrysenseofhumor.HiscousinJoanColgrovesaystheSierraClubwasabigpartofhislife.“Thefriendshipshemadewereimportanttohimandbroughthimmuchjoy,”shesaid.
In2013,SecorreceivedtheSierraClub’spres=giousFrancisP.FarquharMountaineeringAward,whichhonors“anindividual'scontribu=ontomountaineeringandenhancementoftheClub'spres=geinthisfield.”
HighSierra,nowinitsthirdprin=ng,isthesuccessortothepioneeringworkbegunbytheSierraClubinthelate1930s.SecorcreditsthosewhoprovidedguidancebeforehimandwritesabouthisbelovedSierrapeaksinthebook:
Oneofmygoalsinlifeistogoaroundtheworldthree=mesandvisiteverymountainrangetwice.ButwheneverIhavewanderedothermountains,IhavebeenhomesickfortheHighSierra.Iamahopelessroman=c,andthereforemyopinionscannotberegardedasobjec=ve.ButhowcanIbeobjec=vewhilediscussingthemountainsIlove?
Inworkingonthemammothproject,Secorcompletedmorethan700Sierramountainascentsonabout300differentpeaks,climbingasmanyassixtypeaksinoneyear.Thebookcoversmorethan600Sierrapeaksandprovidesagreatdealofhistoryandfirstascentrecords,plusavastnumberofinvaluablephotosandmanymaps.
P A S S A G E S
RJ SecorSeptember 1, 1956–October 26, 2017
By Mary Forgione
Remembering RJ: Sierra Club Mountaineer and Author
In honor of R. J. Secor, a memorial hike to Henninger Flats and picnic will be held Sunday, April 15th. Details about time and meeting place will follow.
23SierraEcho▴January-March2018
Throughhisbook,SecorprovidedaninvaluableservicetocountlessthousandsofmountaineerswhohaveenteredtheHighSierrafarbeLerpreparedtocontendwithandtosucceedonitsvastarrayofpeaksthanotherwisewouldhavebeenthecase.
Secorhasalsoearnedinterna=onalrecogni=onforproducingthreeedi=onsofMexico’sVolcanoes:aClimbingGuide,twoedi=onsofAconcagua:aClimbingGuide,andoneedi=onofDenaliClimbingGuide.Allfourbooksares=llinprintandavailableonAmazon,whichhasan“R.J.SecorPage.”Allhisbookshaveastrongstatementaboutminimizingtheenvironmentalimpactofclimbing.
In1997hebecamethesecondpersontohavetwiceclimbedthe247peaksontheAngelesChapter’sSierraPeaksSec=on’speakslist.Hewasalsoac=veandheldposi=onsintheChapter’sSkiMountaineeringSec=on.In1989-90,heservedaspresidentoftheCaliforniaMountaineeringClubandin1998heservedaschairoftheAngelesChapter’sSierraPeaksSec=on.
SecorlivedinPasadena,theonlysonofLetaandJackSecor.Hismotherwasextremelysuppor=veandproudofhisconsiderableachievements.Hismotherdiedin2016;hisfatherin2008.Hiscousinremembershimevenatayoungageas“aself-starterandaninteres=ngpersonbecausehewassointerestedintheworldaroundhim.Althoughhewasoaenthesmartestpersonintheroom,hewasaninnatelykindperson...”
In2005,SecorsufferedskullfracturesandotherinjuriesfromaglissadingaccidentonMt.BaldyinSouthernCalifornia.Heregainedmostofhismobilitybutlastyearsufferedasecondheadinjurythatul=matelyledtohisdeath,Colgrovesaid.
AmemorialmaybeplannedinAltadenaatalaterdate.Contribu=onsmaybemadeinhishonortotheSierraClubAngelesChapter.
ThosewhowanttosharememoriesandstoriesaboutR.J.Secorwithhisfamilyshouldemailsouthern.sierran@sierraclub.org.
P A S S A G E S
Above: Glen Dawson and RJ Secor at the Angeles Chapter Centennial Picnic held at Malibu Wilderness Preserve on July 16, 2011 (Photo by Allan Der, Sierra Club-Angeles Chapter Archives). On page 22: RJ Secor with his book High Sierra: Peaks, Passes, and Trails (Photo by Dan Richter).
By Dan Richter
R J
Eccentric?Sure.IprefertothinkofR.J.aslisteningtoadifferentdrummer.Folkslikethatoaendospecialthings,andR.J.wroteTheHighSierra:Peaks,Passes,andTrailswhichopeneduptheSierrafortensofthousandsofpeople.Beforehisbook,theexis=ngguidebooksjustscratchedthesurface,andunlessyouwereanexperiencedmountaineer,thebackcountrywasoaenunreachable.R.J.changedallthat.HisyearsofclimbingallovertheSierrathatheloved,combinedwithendlesshoursinhisfamilyhomeonLasLunasinPasadena,wherehelivedwithhismomanddad,researchingoldtripreportsfromtheSPSarchivesandnumerousothersources,finallygaveclimbersathoroughanddetailedguidethatbecametheSierraclimbers’bible.
AdoublelistfinisherwithaMasteremblem,R.J.wasclosetofinishingthelistathird=me.He
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certainlywouldhavedonethathadhenothadhisaccidentonBaldy.Hehadmanyawards,themostpres=giousbeingtheFrancisFarquharAward.AswellashisSierraguidebook,healsowroteguidestotheMexicanvolcanos,Aconcagua,andDenali.
Ifyoueverclimbedwithhim,youwouldhaveseenthatthegearandclothingheworewerefromlongagoorjustplaineccentric.HewasanaccomplishedrockclimberandafoundingandhonorarymemberoftheSouthernCaliforniaMountaineersAssocia=on,thecon=nua=onoftheoldSierraClubRockClimbingSec=on.Insteadofaharnessheused1”webbingandbelayedwithabodyorshoulderbelay.Thegearheworeinthemountainswasancientanddeligh�ullyquirky.Heusedaveryoldwoodenshaaediceaxe,andhissnowpantswereanoldpairoffoulweathergear,whichhewaswearingonthatfatefuldaycomingownBaldyBowlwhenhelostcontrolofasteepglissadeonhardsnow.Somesaytheywerethereasonhegotgoingtoofast.
Overtheyearsweclimbedquiteabittogether,andeverytripwasuniquebecausehewasonit.OncewewereonatripbeingledbyGregVernonandEllenHoldentoclimbDisappointmentandfoundourselvesstuckinadownpourincampjustbelowtheMiddlePalisadeGlacier.IwasinacrampedGore-Texbivysack,andtherainjustkeptcomingdown.IwasdrybutfeltlikeIwasinacoffin.R.J.hadanoldBlackDiamondMegamidpyramidtentheldupwithacenterpolewithnofloorbutsomespace.RandyKirkpatrickwasalsoontheclimbwithonlyabivy.
“R.J.,canwecomein?”“Byallmeans,gentlemen.”Wespentadayandahalfcrowdedintherewithhim
astherainrelentlesslyfell.ThroughitallR.J.was,well,R.J.,carefullydressedin
gearfromanother=melongago,readingfromcovertocoverCFOMagazine.
RJ from Dan Richter, continued
TheonlythingIclearlyrememberfromthefirstSPSmee=ngIaLendedisRJ.Helookedmyage,butwasactuallytenyearsyounger.Hehadbeenrockclimbingandmountaineeringformanyyears,andhehadpublishedatleastoneofhisguidebooks.
Iwasnewtoclimbingandseriousmountaineeringbutquiteenthusias=c.WhenIapproachedRJ,Igotthefeelinghedidn'treallyhave=meforme.Someyearslaterwewerefindingourselvesonthesametrips(ledbyothers),andwegottoknoweachotherbeLer.Ihappilysharedmyfoodwithhim.
Myreputa=onasaclimberandmountaineerwasmostlygood.Bythelate80sRJtoldmeaboutsometripshewasplanning.Igotlucky.WithRJIendedupdoingatleastthreeofmybestSPS/CMCou=ngs.
FinDomeI'dadmiredsincethefirst=meIsawitinthe70sontheRaeLakesLoopandreallywantedtoclimbit.Itturnedouttobeoneofthebestclass3and4climbingIhaddoneonapeak.Wesetupthe
ropeforjustonemove,upandbackonahighledge.NowthatIthinkofit,FinDomewouldbeawonderfuladdi=ontotheSPSlist.
From Asher Waxman
John Secor’s portrait of his son, RJ, for RJ’s book Mexican Volcanoes: A Climbing Guide (copyright Mountaineers Books)
25SierraEcho▴January-March2018
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AaerthatIwasonRJ’striptoThunderboltandStarlight.DescendingfromStarlight,itgottoodarktocon=nue,withonlyseveralhundredmorefeettogo.Webivouackednexttoeachotheronadownwardslopingledge,allofus=edintothewall,unpreparedforanightout.Irememberpuxngmyfeetinmydaypacktohelpkeepthemwarm.Alotofgoodthatdid.Comemorningwegotdowninajiffy(seemslikeanRJword)ingoodspiritsandnotmuchtheworseforwear.
Finally,in1999IgottojoinRJonatriptotheMexicanvolcanoes,hisfiaeenth+=me.RJdrovedownwithhisdad,FatherJohn,andmetusinMexicoCity.From
therehedroveustoPasodeCortes,forIxtacciuatl.AtthepasswegotouttoenjoytheviewsandsawsomemountaineersfromGermany.WhentheysawRJ,theydidadouble-take.TheywereholdinghisMexicanVolcanoesbook,whichhadaphotoofRJ,wearingthesameclothesasthatday(andprobablyonhislastglissade).RJhappilyautographeditforthem.Fortherecord,theothersonthistripwereallgoodfriendsandmountainbuddies:MaLhewRichardson,ErikSiering,VirgilPopescu.
AaerdoingIxta(Popowasalreadyoff-limits),weheadedtoCitlaltepetl(Orizaba),Mexico'shighpoint(~18,400').Theregularrouteisupfromthenorthwithanight
Here'saphotoofRJinhappier=mes.He'ssigningtheregisteronTahquitzRockaaerourclimboftheWhiteMaiden.Hehaddeclared2004theYearofRock,andwe'ddoneseveralclimbsatTahquitzandJoshuaTreewithRJ.RJbeingRJ,eachwasmemorableinitsownway.Weevenhadamini-epicatTahquitz.MJ[MaryJoDungfelder]joinedusseveral=mes,andwealwayshadalotoffun (PhotobyYvonneTsai).
From Gary Schenk
26 SierraEcho▴January-March2018
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OnenightaaeranSCMAmee=ng,abunchofus,includingRJ,re=redtotheTamfordrinksaswasusual.BecauseRJhadalwaysbeenabitofanenigmatome,I
decidedaaerlubrica=ngmytonguewithafewBlackandTans,thatIshouldengagehiminconversa=on,hopingtodivineafullerunderstandingoftheman.RJwasamountaineer,guidebookauthor,occasionalclimbingpartner,andrespectedfellowmemberoftheAAC,butRJthemanremainedmuchablankareaonthemapforme.
Aaeranhouroftalkingclimbing,wri=ng,andthehardshipsofcollec=ngaccurateinforma=ononclimbingroutesandfirstascents,IfeltIwasnowhereclosertoadeeperunderstandingofRJ.Finally,inabitoffrustra=on,
From Tony Yeary
Chair of the Southwest Section of the American Alpine Club and member of SCMA (Southern California Mountaineering Association)
atGlacierdeJamapa.Aswedrovetowardsthemountain,RJsaystous."Thesouthslopesarecoveredwithsnow,whichisveryrare,andlookingverygood.Howwouldyoufeelaboutheadingupthatway?"Weallthoughtitmahvelous.
IappreciatedRJ'sflexibilityaboutchangingourapproachandhispuxngittous,ratherthanjustpresen=ngafaitaccompli(pardonmyFrench).
ThatnightwestayedattheFaustoGonzalezGomarhut,around15,000',andmycoldestnightever.RJtookapictureofusfourandputitinhisnextedi=on.Thenextmorningwassunnyandclearandthewayupwasastraigh�orwardtrudgetothesummit(thehighestpointI'vebeento,sofar).
ThreeofmymostmemorabletripstothemountainswereRJ'sgia.Imisshim.
RJ Secor from Asher Waxman, continued
isaquarterlypublica=onoftheSierraPeaksSec=onoftheSierraClub’sAngelesChapter.Formoreinforma=on,seethebackofthisnewsleLer.Allques=ons,copy,andphotosubmissionsshouldbedirectedtoTinaBowman,Editor,TheSierraEcho,preferablyviaemailat=na@bowmanchange.com.RefertotheSPSRosterformailingaddress.TheEchowillalsobeavailableasaPDFdownloadattheSPSwebsiteandviaalinksenttoallSPSmembersop=ngforthismethod.
TheSierraEcho
WildernessFirst Aid Course
Learn wilderness first aid during an intensive three-day course that will teach you how to stay safe in the outdoors. The spring Wilderness First Aid Course will be offered May 4-6 for a cost of $275, which includes food and lodging. For more information, see http://www.wildernessfirstaidcourse.org.
SierraEcho▴January-March2018 27
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RJfoundStevePorcellaandmeduringournowwell-known(Iguess)blitzesoftheSierraNevadain1989and1990.GregVernonsomehowknewwhatwewereuptoandsuggestedRJcontactus.
Hewantedinfoonrouteswe'dbeendoing(65routeson14ersthesummerof1989and12morerouteson14ersinthesummerof1990,includingwhatwebelievewasthefirst5.11onaCA14er.)
RJwrotethesecarefulleLersaboutEXACTLYwhathewanted.He'dencloseenvelopeswithstampssowedidn'thavetopayforpostage.He'daddresstheenvelopessoweCro-Magnon-esqueclimbersdidn'thavetothink.Hewasverycarefulandverysmart.AllIknewabouthimatthatpointwasthathelivedinPasadena,althoughIhadusedhisbookonMexico'sVolcanoesin1988and1989.
Inabout1990orsoImethimatanAACevent,andwe'dcarryonmee=ngatthoseforsevenoreightyears.Hewasanoddguy,butextremelylikable.He'dshowupattheAACeventswithhisfather,achapwhosenameIcan'tremember.John,Ithink.Overthecourseofseveraldaysof"AACing,"we'deatabout3or4mealstogether.
*FromWikipedia:CameronM."Cam"Burns(b.1965–)isanAustralian-
Americanauthorandclimber.[1]BorninMelbourne,BurnsgrewupinSydney,Australia,wherehewasexposedtosurfingandclimbingatayoungage.In1978,hisfamilymovedtoupstateNewYorkwherehetookupskiing,thensubsequentlydevelopedalas=nginterestinclimbing.In1991,heandfellowclimberStephenF.PorcellapublishedthefirstguidetoCalifornia'sfourteeners.In1996,hewrotethefirstguidebooktoColoradoiceclimbing.
From Cameron Burns*
IaskedRJwhathereallydidforaliving.Imean,like,whatdidhereallydobesidewriteguidebooks?RJtookalong,evendrawfromhisBlackandTanandmaLer-of-factlysaid,“I'maninterna=onalplayboy.”Ismiledandsaid,“Right,RJ,whatdoyoureallydo?”Helookedmestraightintheeyeandsaidrathersmugly,“Iamaninterna=onalplayboy.”Thentheconversa=onreturnedtomyclimbofAconcaguawithoutskippingabeat.Whatacharacter!IfyouknewRJ,youknewthatbeinganinterna=onalplayboywasabout180degreesoutfromwhohereallywas.IlaughedsohardIalmostpeedmypants,butIthinkRJwasserious!
Irememberthatday,uponBaldy,thedayhehadhisaccident.Itwasabluebirdday,andhordesoffolksweretrudgingupBaldyfromalldirec=ons.Onceonthesummit,IenjoyedtheviewfromCatalinaIslandtotheSouthernSierra.IsworeIcouldjustmakeoutWhitney.
RJwassixngnearus,ea=nghisPBandJ.MypartnerandIweredonewithlunchandmakingprepara=onstoheadondown,soIaskedRJifhewantedustowaitforhimandthenwe'dallgodowntogether.Hedeclinedsaying,“No,I'mgoingtofinishmysandwich,andthenI'llbedown.”Sodownthehillwewent.Itwasn'tun=lwewerenearingtheparkingthatweheardthethump,
thump,thumpoftherotorsofahelicoptermakingitswayupcanyontowardusthatwehadanyinklingofwhathadtranspired.Aaerhissurgeries,IwenttovisitRJatthehospital.Hewass=llunresponsive,inavegeta=vestate.Therejustdidn'tseemtobealotofhopeatthatpoint.IleainhisroomapictureofAlpamayoandabundleofCaliforniaSage.With=me,RJfoughtbackandmade,inlightofhisgrievousinjuries,aremarkablerecovery.
Wesaweachothersporadicallyaaerhisaccident,un=lheallbutdisappeared.At=mesheseemedthesame;however,moreoaen,thelingeringimpactofhisinjurieswaspainfullyobvious.
RJ'senduringlegacywillcertainlybehiswriLenworks:guidestoDenali,theMexicanVolcanoes,Aconcagua,andaboveallelse,hisguidetotheSierra–-TheHighSierr:,Peaks,Passes,andTrails.IonceaskedRJiftherewereanyunclimbedpeaksleaintheSierra.Hesaidthathewascertaintherewereafewandgavemeashortlist.Butitwasnotcomplete.Hehadpurposelyleaatleastonepeakoffthatlistinthehopesofalwaysknowingthereremainedoneuntroddensummitlea.
I'dliketothinkhe'scampedbelowthatpeaknow,dreamingofitssummitsecrets,watchingaskyonfireatsunset,inhisbelovedRangeofLight.
RJ Secor from Tony Yeary, continued
28 SierraEcho▴January-March2018
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From Brian Smith
IhavehadliLle=metoreflectonthepassingofRJ.Secor,asIonlyheardaboutittwodaysago.Needlesstosay,Iwasshockedtohearthebadnews.InlosingRJ,wehavelostamountaineeringgiant.Hisfourfamousmountaineeringbooksarenowclassicandindispensableworksforbothbuddingandexperiencedmountaineers.HisfinishingtheSPSListtwicespeakvolumesforhisdedica=ontoandloveoftheSierraNevada.
Whilesomefoundhimabrupt("thoseofyouwhothinkyoumightnotbeabletodothistrip,youprobablycan't"orsimilar)ordifficulttogetalongwith,Ivaluedhisfriendshipandenjoyedour=mesinthemountainstogetherverymuch.Withouthisleadership,adviceandexample,IamsureIwouldnothavebeenanSPSListFinisher,andifIhadnotdonepeakswithhim(notablyStarrKingandGardiner),Imaynothavedonethematall.Therearemanymemoriesfromthe90's,butjusttwowouldbeourweeklongadventureto"bag"ninepeaksintheGreatWesternDivideandourthreeweekstogetheronDenali,whichresultedinsummitsuccessforbothofus(thoughonseparatedays).Inboth,Icanrememberinteres=ngandenlighteningconversa=onsonallmanneroftopicsasthesunwentdownincamp.
RJ,youleatooearly,butIshallnotforgetyou.
Hewasalwaysverypolite,butherarelylaughed.Hewasextremelysarcas=candfunnyhimself,sosillyjokesfromatwenty-four-year-oldclimberbarelymadearipple.Hehadthislooktoo,thekindoflookthatsaid,"You'rejoking,right,andontopofthatdoyourealizeyou'reanidiot?"I'mnotkidding.Itwasthatkindoflook.
Hewasanheirofsorts,didn'thavearegularjob,andheusedtocomplaintomethatmanagingallhismoneywasreallyhard,=me-consumingwork.I'dscoffatthatandgetsomeveryRJ-esqueglares.
Iinvitedhimtoclimbwithmemany=mes,butheneverdid.Isuspectthatwasduetotheagedifferenceorabilityorsomething.Maybejustschedules.
Hisbookswerefirstclass.WhenIwentalonetoOrizabainMexico,IfollowedhisbooktoaT,anditgotmeeverywhereIneedtogoperfectly.Andtheoldguy,SeñorReyes,whoranthehostel/hut/bungalow/whateverinTlachichuca,wasthereexactlyashesaid.IhungoutabitwithSeñorReyesbeforegoingupthemountainthenextday.
RJwasanimpressiveanddeterminedclimber,atrue"every-scrap-with-a-note-counts"scholar,andagentleman.Hewasalsofuntobearound.
Restinpeace,oldfriend.
RJ Secor from Cameron Burns, continued
RJ Secor carrying “Sawtooth Pass” sign up to Sawtooth Pass, September 4, 1981 (Sierra Club Angeles Chapter Archives).
SierraEcho▴January-March2018 29
P A S S A G E S
BornDecember1,1932,inPortland,Oregon,Richard(Rick)MiltonJaliwasanonlychild.Hepassedawaypeacefullyinhissleepattheageofeighty-fouronOctober7,2017,atSolheimLutheranHomeinLosAngelesaaersufferingfromAlzheimer’sforseven-and-a-halfyears.
OvertheyearsRicklivedinPortland,southernCalifornia,Malaysia,Iran,SeaLle,MammothLakes,Bishop(threeyearsatSterlingHeightsAssistedLiving),andLosAngeles(threeyearsatSolheimLutheranHome).Anoutstandingstudent,hewasbrilliantwithanIQofabout130.RickdecidedtotakeonanintellectualchallengeandaLendedCaltechwhereheearnedtwodegrees,a
bachelorsandmastersinphysics.Hebecameanengineerworkingintheaerospaceindustry,including=mewithHughesAircraaandBoeing.Intheearly1970s,whentheaerospaceindustrytookadownturn,RickenrolledinthePeaceCorpsandtaughthighschoolphysicsinMalaysia,adecisionheoaensaidwasthebestoneinhislife.RickwasworkingforHughesAircraainitsmissiledivisioninIranfornearlytwoyearswhenhedecidedthatthesitua=oninthecountrywasveryunstableandabouttogetworse.Hewasofferedanewtwo-yearcontract,whichhedeclined,andleathecountry,lessthansixmonthspriortothe1979Revolu=on.
Rickwasrecognized,butoaennotknownbyname,tomanyinMammothLakes.YoumayhaveseenhimskiingMammothMountaininhisoldfadedjacketsandcolorfuljesterhelmetcoverorridinghisbikearoundtown,wearinghisbrightyellowhelmet.Manyofhisacquaintancesandfriendsfoundhimquirky,butlovable.HewasahikerandapeakbaggerandmemberoftheSierraClub,SierraPeaksSec=on(SPS),ofwhichRickwaschairmanin1967.Herecorded142climbsofthe247namedpeaksontheSPSlist.Hewasoneofthreementhatini=atedape==onthatresultedinthenamingofapreviouslyunnamed,butprominentpeak,nowknownasCaltechpeak.Rickhadmadethethirdrecordedascentofthepeak.
Heenjoyedbackpacking,camping,kayaking,reading,modelairplanebuilding,andskiing.Itwascleartoallwhoknewhimthathisbiggestpassionwastotravel.Rickmostfrequentlytraveledtoloca=onsthatwerefarfromaverage.Henevertookatradi=onal“cruise”ashiscruisesforhiminvolvedstayinginthecrewquartersofadeadheadingfreighter.OaenRickwouldavoidtradi=onaltourgroupsandthroughextensiveresearchwoulddesignhisowntours,whichwerealwaysfarfromthe“beatenpath.”Hewouldreturnfromthesetripsandpresentincrediblyinteres=ngslide
Rick JaliDecember 1, 1932–October 7, 2017
By Fred and Barbara Richter
30 SierraEcho▴January-March2018
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showsattheMammothLakesLibraryaspartofhiscollec=onofover47,000slides.Inhistravelshemadesamplingbeerahighpriority,somethinghedidinmorethanonehundredcountries.IfbeerwasincludedinaneventinMammothLakes,Rickwouldusuallybetherefrontandcenter.
Asanonlychildwhoneverhadchildrenofhisown,hisinterestinyoungpeoplewaskeen.HewasanAssistantScoutmasterwithTroop370inMammothLakesfrom1989to2001.
Hewasourdearfriendfornearlythirtyyears,andwewillmisshimsoverymuch.
Rickissurvivedbyhiscousinandonlylivingrela=ve,NormanBaLaglia,andNorman’swife,Rachelle,ofPortland,Oregon;parishionerfriendsfromSt.Joseph’sCatholicChurchinMammothLakes;andhisdearfriendsandcaregiversforthepastnineyears,FredandBarbaraRichterofMammothLakes.
ItwashiswishtobecrematedandhisashestobespreadovertheSierraNevadanearMammothLakes.ACelebra=onofLifewilltakeplaceatafuturedatetobedeterminedandwillbeannounced.
Dona=onsmaybemadetotheAlzheimer’sAssocia=onatwww.alz.org.
FromJerryKeaEng:Ididn'tknowRickwellenoughtoaddthingsthat
reallyshouldbepartofanobit,butIcanoffersomefactualmaterialthatIfoundinmyfiles.Dick(ashefirstwasknownintheSPS)livedinLA'swestside(thenzone49),whileIfirstlivedinResedaasanSPSerbutthenmovedtoSacramentoin1961.Then,IcamebacktoSoCalin1967andhaveresidedinOrangeCountythereaaer.
RickwasSPSchairin1966,vicechairin1967,andtreasurerin1969.HeearnedhisSPSembleminAugust1959andhisseniorembleminOctober1978.
RickwasaCaltechalumnus,andIsuspecthewasanengineer.You'llrecallhewasamajoradvocateforadding
CaltechtotheSPSqualifyinglist,andhesubmiLedsomethough�ulthoughtsaboutlistaddi=onsonp.6oftheMay-June1964issueofTheSierraEcho.Inthatsameissue(pp.12-13)appearshistripreportonwhatstandsastheSPS'slargesttripturnout:124personsfortheApril25-26,1964,beginner'smountaineeringtrainingfieldtrip.ItwasintheSouthern
SierrawithSmithMtn.andCragPeakclimbed.IcheckedmyphotofilesandconfirmedthatRickwas
onanindependenttripwithmetoMaLerhornPeakfromthewestsideonJuly30-August1,1959,andonthejointSPS/DPStriptoMonoCratersandBloodyMtn.onMay23-24,1964.ALachedphoto1[onpage29]wastakeninSpillerCanyonontheMaLerhorntrip,andphoto2[above]wastakenonthejointSPS/DPStriponMay23,1964,atHotCreekwithRickinthelowerlea,LotharKolbigcenter,TedMaierdirectlybehindLotharandBarbaraLilleytotheright.(Note:Acroppedversionofphoto2appearedonp.9oftheJanuary-March2015issuebutshowedonlyTed.)
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VieveMetcalfe*,aresidentofLaCrescentaforthepasttwenty-fiveyears,diedonAugust22.BorninBostonMassachuseLsonNovember2,1934,shewasthedaughterofJohnBrownlowMetcalfeandGenevieveAliceParkerMetcalfe.
VievegrewupinMassachuseLswhilemaintainingastronglinktoAlaskathroughhermother’sfamilyconnec=onstothatstate.ShegraduatedwithaBAdegreefromCornellUniversityandanMBAfromSantaClaraUniversity.WhileshelivedintheBayArea,oneofheremployerswasStanfordResearchIns=tute.Aaer
reloca=ngtotheLosAngelesarea,shewasemployedbyTimesMirrorCorpora=onwhere,atthe=meofherre=rement,shewasaBusinessResearchManager.
Amonghermanyinterestsweretravel,genealogyandfamilyhistory,andgardening.Anaccomplishedpianistinheryouth,inlaterlifesheenjoyedhandbellringingatNeighborhoodUnitarianUniversalistChurchinPasadena.Shewasalsoalong=meenthusiastofoutdoorac=vi=esandtheenvironmentalmovement.
Hervolunteerac=vi=esincludedmanyyearsasaNa=onalSkiPatrolmember.Shewasveryac=veintheSierraClubandservedastreasureroftheclub’sAngelesChapter.Inthe1980ssheclimbedwiththeSPS,andafavoritememorablebackpackandclimbofherswasanou=ngtoPe=t,Piute,andVolunteer,ledbyNormRohnandWaltonKabler.MorerecentlyshevolunteeredattheSouthernCaliforniaGenealogicalSocietyasadirectorandasco-chairoftheLibraryOpera=onsCommiLee.
Vievewillberememberedforherkindness,readysmile,wrysenseofhumor,intelligence,livelycuriosity,andwillingnesstohelp.
SheissurvivedbyherLifePartnerJayHolladayandhistwograndchildren;herbrotherJohnParkerMetcalfeandsister-in-lawAlisonofSalisbury,Vermont;sisterNancyMetcalfeHearneandbrother-in-lawBillSalvo,whoresideinItaly;fiveniecesandnephews;andsixgreat-niecesandgreat-nephews.
Dona=onsinVieve’smemorymaybemadetoTheSierraClubFounda=on,2101WebsterStreet,Suite1250,Oakland,CA,94612,ortoCityofHope,1500EastDuarteRoad,Duarte,CA91010.
*ManyknewherasVieveWeldonduringherassocia=onwiththeSPS.
Formoreinforma=on:[email protected]
Vieve MetcalfeNovember 2, 1934–August 22, 2017
By Jay Holladay
Photo from the Vieve Metcalfe Collection
TheSierraEchoispublishedquarterlybytheSierraPeaksSecEon(SPS)oftheSierraClub,AngelesChapter.
Publica=ondatesareMar15,Jun15,Sept15,andDec15.Alltextsubmissionsforpublica=on,includingtripreports,ar=cles,etc.,canbesubmiLedinelectronicformatsuchasMSWord(preferred),WordPerfect,email(electronicformatispreferable),orthroughregularU.S.mail.PhotosmaybesubmiLedaselectronicfiles(jpeg,=fforPhotoshopinaresolu=onhighenoughforprintmedia)orsubmiLedasprintsorslides.Ifsubmissionsaretobereturnedtoyou,pleaseincludeareturnenvelopewithsufficientpostage.AllsubmissionsshouldbesenttoTinaBowmanoremailedtoFna@bowmanchange.com
Deadlineforallsubmissionsisthree(3)weekspriortothepublicaFondate,i.e.,Feb22,May25,Aug25,andNov24.
TheSierraEchoisthepropertyoftheSierraPeaksSec=onoftheSierraClub,AngelesChapter.Allrightsreserved.TheSierraPeaksSec=onmaintainsawebsiteatwww.sierraclub.org/sps
SubscripFons$10peryear,duebyJanuary1,delinquentaaerMarch31.SubscribingtotheEchoisarequirementformembershipintheSPS.Asuggesteddona=ontothesec=onis$25.00,whichincludesthe$10.00subscrip=onanda$15.00dona=ontotheSPSopera=ngfund.ThankyouforyoursupportoftheSPS.Submitnewsubscrip=onapplica=onsandrenewalstotheSPSTreasurer,1701PalomaSt.,Pasadena,CA91104;includeyourSierraClubnumber.Newapplica=onsreceivedaaerOct1arecreditedtothe
followingyear.OnlyoneEchosubscrip=onisnecessaryformul=plemembersofafamilyresidingatoneaddress.Contribu=onsorgiastotheSierraCluborSPSarenottaxdeduc=ble.
AdverFsingPrivateac=vityannouncementsandadver=sementsareacceptedatthefollowingrates:$1forthefirstfourlinesand$1eachaddi=onalline.Otherannouncementsandproduct/serviceadver=sementsare$1perlineor$25forhalf-pagespace.SendcopyandchecktotheEchoEditor,payabletoSPS.
AddressChangesSendtothetreasurerviaemailtreasurer@sierrapeaks.org
PeaksListCopiesoftheSPSPeaksListcanbedownloadedfromthewebsitehere:hLp://sierraclub.org/angeles/sierra-peaks/sps-peaks-list
MissingIssuesInquiresregardingmissingissuesshouldbedirectedtothesec=onmailerat:[email protected].
AwardsSendno=fica=ontoSecretaryPaulGarry:emailsecretary@sierrapeaks.orgAwardsmerchandiseisavailablethroughPaLyKlineat20362CallonDrive,Topanga,CA90290,andincludeemblempins($15)andSPSsec=onpatches($5).MakecheckspayabletoSPS.Allpricesincludesalestax.
The Sierra EchoVolume 62 ◭ Number 1 ◭ January-March 2018
SierraClub,AngelesChapterSierraPeaksSecFon3250WilshireBlvd.,Suite1106LosAngeles,CA90010
ADDRESSSERVICEREQUESTED
