May, 2007 Volume 8, Issue 5 Palm Springs, California

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5001 No R.S.V.P Non-members $5.00 A Sedona trip is being planned over the Labor Day weekend. Stand by for details.

Rising from the depths of Death Valley and topping out at 11,049 feet, Telescope is the pinnacle of Death Valley National Park.

1 The Oasis May, 2007 Volume 8, Issue 5 Palm Springs, California Sunday, May 6 Our Annual Spring Pool Party 12 noon to 4:00 pm at the home of: Scott Connelly 2071 Marguerite Street, Palm Springs No R.S.V.P Non-members $5.00 A Sedona trip is being planned over the Labor Day weekend. Stand by for details. Telescope Peak-Death Valley Camping/Hiking/4X4 May I f San Gorgonio is considered a Daddy and San Jacinto a Mother Goddess, then Telescope Peak is their Brazen Son. Rising from the depths of Death Valley and topping out at 11,049 feet, Telescope is the pinnacle of Death Valley National Park. From the top, you are awarded views of the entire length of Death Valley to the East, and the entire stretch of the snow capped Sierra Nevadas to the West. And you will also be able to ogle neighboring Nevada's prominent Mount Charleston, and California's mega Mount Whitney. For those not wanting to partake in the full day (strenuous), 14 mile round trip hike (3,000 foot elevation gain), you can option out 1/3 the way at a 9,600 foot saddle (moderate), and get a good idea of the climatic views from the top. But why come all this way and not summit? In combination with the hike up Telescope Peak, there will also be an opportunity to explore the area in off-road vehicles. We will all drive up Thursday, May 10 and stay as a group at the Mahogany Flats campground, which is high enough to offer a great view of Death Valley. Those who are interested will hike Telescope Peak on Friday; another group will do a 4x4 trip on Saturday and maybe a short one on Sunday before returning to Palm Springs. There are a number of 4x4 trips in the area, ranging from 10 to 50 miles, with a wide range of difficulties. There are the expected attractions: the scenery, old mines, ghost towns, etc. and maybe some surprises. There are other drives further from Mahogany Flats. Participants are encouraged to research the possibilities and the group will decide which trips to do. There is no expectation that anyone will have scouted any of the 4x4 trips before hand. That is part of the adventure! Chris or cporter220@dc.rr.com A registration form will be ed to you by contacting: newsletter@dc.rr.com ( you may register up to last day) The General Meeting is at Desert Pride Center, Palm Springs The meeting month, is the first Tuesday of the month, May 1, from 7:30-8:00 pm for social hour, and members meeting from 8:00-9:00 pm. The Core Group meets from 6:30-7:30 PM. The Center s address is 611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Unit A., Palms Springs, CA.

2 Got Hike! Most hikes meet in front of HUNTER S on Arenas Road, Palm Springs, unless otherwise specified. Bring plenty of water and a snack or lunch. Zen Center to the Pacific Crest Trail, Saturday May 9:00 am The trail begins at the Zen Center east of Idyllwild near Hemet Lake. After short walk through the center's cottages there is a steep 1,200 feet gain in just over a mile through beautiful cedar, pine, manzanita, and oak. At the top we meet up with one of the most scenic sections of the Pacific Crest Trail along which are views of awesome sheer drops, colorful rock formations, Red Taquitz, Murray Canyon, the Salton Sea, and stunning vistas east into the Coachella Valley and west toward San Diego. A truly beautiful and exciting hike. Note: Bring water, lunch and snacks. Length: Hiking time: Elevation Gain/ (Loss) Difficulty: Return at: Hike leader: 8 miles 4 hours 2500 feet Strenuous Approx. 3:00 pm Don Note: Carpooling may be available Telescope Peak, Death Valley, Thursday-Sunday, May 10,11,12,13 (See page 1) Deep Creek, Wednesday, May 7:30 am Deep Creek is a natural hot springs on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land, near Hesperia and Apple Valley in the high desert. We will park at Bowen Ranch and hike approx 950' down an easy trail. Please bring good hiking shoes/boots as the trail can be slippery in spots. You might also consider bringing "beach shoes" or "Teva" kind of sandals for use in the slippery hot pools. There are usually about 5 thermal pools (depending upon creek height) and a creek where one can swim. One has to wade across a shin-deep creek (sometimes cold water) to get to hot pools. There is another route you can take and hop over rocks in the river to avoid wading across the creek. PLEASE NOTE: Deep Creek Hot Springs is known as a clothing optional area. If nudity offends you, you should not go on this trip. Bring lunch, towel, lots of water, sun screen, sunglasses, hat, book or magazine to read if you like, plus $5.00 for the admission fee at Bowen Ranch. If you are a passenger, you should be prepared to give your driver a decent donation towards gas due to the distance we'll be traveling to Bowen Ranch and back. You decide when you want to leave and start climbing back up the steep hill (950'). The hike back up, particularly after spending the day in the hot sun, can be a bit overwhelming for some. This trip is not for the faint of heart or those really out of shape. Road Conditions: The last 6 or so miles is dirt road to Bowen Ranch. Although the road is wide and well maintained, it seasonally has "washboard" type, horizontal ruts which can test the shock absorbers on smaller passenger vehicles. You don't need a 4x4 vehicle, but you will need to take it slow in a regular passenger car. Length: Hiking time: Elevation gain/loss Difficulty: Return at: Hike leader: 5 mile RT 2 hours (950)feet Moderate 6:00 pm Ed Moonlight Hike, South Lykken Trail, Wednesday, May 8:00 pm (see page 3)

Moonlight Hike Wednesday, May 30 @ 8:00 pm We'll carpool down South Palm Canyon to hike the south end of the South Lykken Trail. The round trip hiking distance is less than 2.

3 Moonlight Hike Wednesday, May 8:00 pm We'll carpool down South Palm Canyon to hike the south end of the South Lykken Trail. The round trip hiking distance is less than 2.5 miles and the elevation gain is only a tad over 500 feet. As we climb the trail, most of our view is toward the mountains which will be partly lighted by the moon. Once we've reached our destination, the picnic tables, we'll have a broad view across the lights of Palm Springs and Cathedral City. Flashlights are recommended as some of the trail will be in moon shadow. Meet at Hunter s Ron rbgilbert@gmail.com Game Night Tuesday May 6:00 pm Bill and Rick 755 N Arquilla Palm Springs Please bring your own beverage, a potluck dish to share and perhaps a game you d like to play. Directions: Sunrise to Alejo, West to Arquilla, North to 755. Cross street is Via Altamira Our chapter is looking for a Game Night Coordinator if interested please contact: Bill McPike at or any member of the core group. Thank you Got Newsletter? Important Message You got this newsletter or you wouldn t be reading this. You should receive each month s newsletter by late in the prior month. That s the goal. If you have not received your newsletter by the 1st of the month, please contact a member of the Core Group. (Our phone numbers and addresses are in each newsletter you did receive and on the web site.) We will arrange to mail another copy, and we will try to figure out why you did not get the newsletter so that it does not happen again. Sometimes the problem is the Post Office. When that happens, all we can do is mail another copy of the newsletter. Sometimes the problem is that we do not have your correct address. If your address has changed or we have recorded it incorrectly, please contact a member of the Core Group. Also, if your newsletter has not arrived or you have misplaced your copy and you have internet access and you are a current member of our Yahoo group list: you can go to To read the latest newsletter online. While we are on the subject of newsletters, the mailing label contains two pieces of information in addition to your address. It displays the date on which your membership expires. Please renew by the 15th of the month in which your membership expires to ensure that you continue to receive the newsletter without interruption. If you do not, renew by then we will contact you with a reminder. The label also displays your membership number, which was assigned when you first joined Great Outdoors. You may be asked for your membership number when you sign up for one of the outings offered by other chapters. Our chapter rarely uses membership numbers, but we still assign them. Thanks for being a member of the Palm Springs Chapter of the Great Outdoors. Enjoy the wide variety of activities offered by Great Outdoors! Miniature Golf Tuesday, May 1:00 pm Location: Boomers East Palm Canyon Drive, Cathedral City Cost: $7.00 Contact: Doug

G R E AT O U T D O O R S PA L M S P R I N G S Information: Yahoo Email Group at: http://groups.yahoo.com/gops4x4 Coming 4x4 Events: May 3.

Description: This will be our club's fourth visit up or down Berdoo Canyon - except this time, WE'LL DO IT IN THE DARK - a first for our club!

It can found in the book: Backcountry Adventures - Southern California and it's called South Coast #39. It connects with the Joshua Tree National Park Geology Tour (South Coast #40). It is a 14.

10 in scenery (hmmm, maybe not at night). Attractions include Berdoo Camp (time permitting, we'll take a side trip up to the camp), high walled canyons and sandy washes.

4 G R E AT O U T D O O R S PA L M S P R I N G S Information: Yahoo Group at: Coming 4x4 Events: May 3... a night run thru Joshua Tree/ Berdoo Canyon (see below) 4 X 4 May 10...a hike, campout and 4x4 to Telescope Peak, Death Valley (see page 1) In the planning stages... a campout 4x4 near Lake Isabella. Description: This will be our club's fourth visit up or down Berdoo Canyon - except this time, WE'LL DO IT IN THE DARK - a first for our club! Berdoo Canyon is located partially in Joshua Tree National Park (JTNP) and runs through the San Bernardino Mountains from Dillon Road into JTNP. It can found in the book: Backcountry Adventures - Southern California and it's called South Coast #39. It connects with the Joshua Tree National Park Geology Tour (South Coast #40). It is a 14.9 mile long trail (one-way), takes about 2 hours (one-way) to drive (if you don't stop along the way), goes from 4,400 to 900 feet in elevation loss, is rated 4 out of 10 in difficulty and 8 out of 10 in scenery (hmmm, maybe not at night). Attractions include Berdoo Camp (time permitting, we'll take a side trip up to the camp), high walled canyons and sandy washes. For those that want to have dinner prior to the night run, we'll meet at 6 pm at the Crossroads Cafe & Tavern which is located near the west entrance to Joshua Tree National Park (JTNP). The west entrance is located five miles south of the junction of Highway 62 and Park Boulevard at Joshua Tree Village. Here's the restaurant info: Crossroads Cafe & Tavern - (760) Palms Hwy Joshua Tree, CA We hope to finish dinner in an hour and then start off into the park. If you wish to go on this run and not join us for dinner, meet us at the Cafe at 7 pm. There are entrance fees to JTNP but they can be avoided with appropriate passes (which many of our members have). Although you might be able to carpool with someone from the Cafe, as a group, we will not be returning to the Cafe or the west entrance to JTNP. Requirements: 4 wheel drive with high clearance, off road tires, difficulty 4 (out of 10) at a few spots. Bring flashlights to view the canyon walls and search for animals that come out at night. Drivers willing to accommodate additional passengers are requested to RSVP to the contact listed below. Passengers who call the contact listed below will be accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis. It all depends upon how many additional 4x4 vehicles sign up. We will only assign 3 people to the smaller Jeep vehicles. This will leave room for carrying backpacks and supplies in the rear of the smaller vehicles. Also, in case a vehicle has to drop out at the last minute (which has happened), the extra space will prevent someone from being turned away on the day of the event. Contact: Ed (760) or EdEmond@gmail.com

5 Wizard Pool Saline Valley Warm Springs Death Valley Volcano Pool Computer Repair and upgrades! Full Service Computer Technician Home or Business Software or Hardware Wireless Networking Reasonable Rates Andre Lapierre PC Technician 5

California Great Outdoors Inc presents Big Bear Memorial Day Summer Kamp 2007 May 25-28, 2007 Contact: Byron: blpostma@gmail.com or 562 424-1670 or Ritch: Ritch_barron@yahoo.

6 California Great Outdoors Inc presents Big Bear Memorial Day Summer Kamp 2007 May 25-28, 2007 Contact: Byron: or or Ritch: Remember all those great things about summer camp when you were a kid? The Great Outdoors Memorial Day Summer Kamp 2007 will be held in California s beautiful San Bernardino National Forest near Big Bear Lake, CA. Bring your tent or RV and join up to 99 other campers at the Oso Group Camp from Friday, May 25 to Monday, May 28th! High in the mountains with forests, lush sub-alpine meadows and sparkling lakes, this magical place is a refreshing summer getaway! Many special activities are planned, including: Party cruise: Tour Big Bear Lake on an all-gay chartered boat on Sunday evening -- complete with drinks, music, food and 84 other friends. Hikes: Day hikes, both easy and difficult (Mt. San Gorgonio, the highest peak in Southern California, is close by) Activities: All the good things you remember storytelling, games, Geocaching, crafts, and outdoor skills presentations without the bullies and the snipe hunt. CAMPGROUND INFORMATION Just 25 minutes from Big Bear Lake, CA, Oso Group Camp is located at 6600 elevation in the secluded Barton Flats area off of Highway 38. Nestled in a pine and fir forest, the group camp holds 100 campers and has plenty of parking for RVs (no hook-ups). Drinking water and toilets are onsite, with inexpensive pay showers just a 5-minute drive away (Barton Flats). COST $50.00 member registration fee - includes campground registration, activities, Saturday dinner and parking ($70.00 for non-members) RVs: $70.00 for RV member ($90.00 non-member) and one person, plus $30.00 each additional person. Special Event (optional, cost in addition to registration fee or separate for day users): $20.00 per person all-great Outdoors two-hour Party Cruise (Sunday, 3:00-4:30pm) -- includes music and narrated tour of Big Bear Lake on an 85-passenger tour boat with a heated lower deck and outside upper deck, restrooms and no-host bar. REGISTRATION Pre-registration is required. Limited to 100 people. Cruise is limited to 85 people. Register online or complete the enclosed registration form and send with check (payable to Great Outdoors ) to: Byron Postma, 2301 Golden Avenue, Long Beach, CA Sign up for camping and optional events, OR just an optional Event(s) if you don t want to camp for the weekend. Carpooling is recommended to help reduce gas cost and parking. WHAT TO BRING You ll need to bring shelter (tent, van or RV), 2 bundles firewood per person, sleeping Gear (sleeping bag & pad), food, cooking gear (gas stove, etc), flashlight, rain gear, warm clothes, and the 10 essentials listed at It can still be cold in late May, so prepare accordingly. Also, please bring a dish for the Sunday night potluck to feed 4 people (entrée, side dish, or dessert). For more detailed information, see our Camper s Guide at camp_guide.html. CHECK-IN The check-in table will be staffed during the hours shown. If you arrive at another time, please find Byron, Ritch or a Corporate Board Member to check in. Parking is tight, so you may be directed where to park your RV or vehicle. DIRECTIONS Take Interstate 10 to Redlands, exit Alabama street and go north to Lugonia Avenue. Turn right) this street becomes Mentone Blvd and then Hwy 38). Stay on Hwy 38 for about 18 miles (you ll go through Angeles Oaks) past Barton Flats to the Oso Lobo Group Camps on the left side of the road. Follow the dirt road to the right to the Oso Group Campground. Detailed Schedule and Registration Form can be found at: Memorial Day Big Bear Jamboree Scroll down to:

MAY Allen Weaver, National Trails Day, Big Morongo Canyon Preserve 1 General meeting Social 7:30 pm 3 4x4 5:00 pm 5 Zen Center/ Pacific Crest Trail 9:00 am 6 Spring Pool Party 12:00 noon 10 Telescope

7 MAY Allen Weaver, National Trails Day, Big Morongo Canyon Preserve 1 General meeting Social 7:30 pm 3 4x4 5:00 pm 5 Zen Center/ Pacific Crest Trail 9:00 am 6 Spring Pool Party 12:00 noon 10 Telescope Peak 15 Game Night 6:00 pm 23 Deep Creek 7:30 am 25 Summer Kamp 29 Miniature Golf 1:00 pm Great Outdoors Palm Springs Welcome New Members Walter Anderson Marve Applbaum Thomas La Liberte Michael Storlie When it s time to renew your membership, please turn in the form with your payment. It is extremely important! Proposed schedule of activities The yearly schedule of activities is subject to change, so please check the newsletter or web site for the most up-to-date information about the chapter s activities. In addition there is always room to add new activities, so if you are interested in leading a hike, a camping trip, 4x4 or another outing, please contact: Craig or any other member of the Core Group. Non-Members We will add you to our newsletter mailing list free of charge for 3 months. Please note, however, that a two dollar fee will be charged on day hikes, 4x4 outings, and moonlight hikes. Articles for this newsletter should be submitted as Microsoft Word attachments via by the 15th of the month to: newsletter@dc.rr.com If you wish to purchase advertising space in The Oasis please submit your inquiries to Patrick at the above address. Ads should be submitted in jpg format if possible Moonlight Hike 8:00 pm Palm Springs Core Group greatoutdoors.org/ps President Bruce Maughan Brmaughan@dc.rr.com V.P. Outings Craig Courtright Gpsgocraig@aol.com Treasurer Game Night Coordinator Bill McPike Preston9@dc.rr.com Secretary Scott Connelly Mscottconnelly@aol.com Board Representative Doug Quigley GrtOtdrsDoug@aol.com Newsletter Designer/Publisher/ Editor Patrick McNeil Richard Cabitto newsletter@dc.rr.com Web Site Administrator Ed Emond EdEmond@gmail.com

8 Simply fill out this form and send it in. Yes. I want to join Great Outdoors. Please enter my membership in the category checked below. I am not ready to join Great Outdoors but would like additional information. Renewal Membership # MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES $25 Regular $20 Senior (60 years or older) $45 Couple ($40 2 Seniors) I do/do not want my name/address on the roster to be shared with members of group. (Circle the appropriate answer.) Name Address City State ZIP Phone By joining Great Outdoors and/or attending the club s events, I acknowledge that in order for Great Outdoors to assume full legal responsibility it would have to charge higher fees than it does now. I waive the right to ever lay claim for injuries I might suffer before, during or after any Great Outdoors event. My guests will agree to these principles in writing before attending events. Signature Date Send this form and check made payable to: GREAT OUTDOORS P.O. Box 361 Palm Springs CA Phone: Great Outdoors Palm Springs PO BOX 361 Palm Springs, CA Great Outdoors sounds great! How do I join? QUESTIONS? Write us at: Gpsgocraig@aol.com

The Oasis.

The Oasis. The Oasis JULY, 2006 Volume 7, Issue 7 www.greatoutdoors.org/ps Take Me Out To The Ballgame, Wednesday, July 26 Join other Great Outdoors members in attending the Palm Springs Power baseball game against