The Oasis. Salton Sea/Mecca Beach Camping. Also in this issue Saline Valley Tent Camping Page 2

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1 The Oasis VOLUME 21 ISSUE 3, March 2017 Salton Sea/Mecca Beach Camping March 17-19, 2017 With warm days and cool evenings, this is the perfect time to visit the Salton Sea. It is peak time for migratory birds along the shore and stunning sunsets against the mountains and the sea. Kayaking along the shore is one of the most popular activities. The Mecca Hills have hidden canyons that twist and turn and narrow down to a tight slot canyon. We will get up close and personal with active geothermal features and the volcanoes along the sea. Salvation Mountain and Slab City offer an inside perspective on unique cultures and lifestyles. Our campsites at Mecca Beach with evening campfire activities and potluck provide relaxing times for enjoying and sharing experiences with friends in the great outdoors Click here for trip notes Also in this issue Saline Valley Tent Camping Page 2 Save the Date: Corporate Jamboree: Sage Hill Page 2 Wonderland Rocks Garret Arch Page 3 Rainbow Rocks and Grotto Hike Page 3 Build a new Trail Page 4 Coachella Valley Wild Flower Festival Page 4 Speaker Event: Dunn Road Wild Stories Page 4 Twin Tanks Joshua Tree Hike Page 5 Palm Springs Citywide Bike Ride Page 5 Welcome to our New Members Page 6 Game Night with Joe and Mike Page 6 Cathedral City LGBT Days Page 7 Tecopa Hot Springs Campout Report Page 7 N. Lykken Hike Report Page 8 Quail Springs to JTSRR Hike Page 8 Farm Smart Trip Report Page 9 Valentines Day Bike Ride Page 9 Super Bike Ride Report Page 10 We re on Twitter and Instagram Page 10 Membership Meeting: Saline Valley Page 11 1

2 Saline Valley Camping Trip April 23-29, 2017 Great Outdoors will be car camping at the Warm Springs in Saline Valley, one of the most remote parts of Death Valley National Park. There you will be able to fill your days with a whole lot of nothing: no radio, no TV, no internet, no phone, no electricity, no flush toilets. But you won t be bored. You can fill that nothing with endless, clothing-optional bathing in numerous pools filled with naturally hot spring water. (If nudity offends you, we recommend that you do not go on this trip. There will be naked people there. Nudity is not required) The climate is like that of Coachella Valley, including possibly strong winds. There are mountain vistas in all directions and the night sky is without compare. There will be a new moon on April 26th while we are there, which means there will be no moonlight to hide the stars. Beginning in the 1960s, volunteers built concrete tubs and a shower. Those improvements, which could not be built in the national park today, are accepted by the park service, as is the clothing-optional nature of the area. You will meet all sorts of interesting, friendly people, some of whom have been coming to the Warm Springs for decades. Besides the bathing in the springs, those who are coming with 4-wheel drive vehicles will organize day trips to explore parts of Saline Valley or even go out of the valley into other parts of Death Valley National Park. You may need to bring extra gas! We ll have a potluck on Monday night. Bring something to share if you wish to participate. We ll also have a wine tasting one afternoon. Our goal is to identify a cheap, yet durable wine that travels well in the desert. Box wines, cheap bottled wine, and even non-wine are your welcome contribution. We ll provide an array of fine plastic ware, cheese & crackers. You can tent camp or bring an RV, but your vehicle must be able to traverse at least 40 miles of sometimes rough dirt road to get to the springs. The last 7 miles of the road into Warm Springs will be a challenge for most RVs. A high clearance vehicle with good tires (and a good, fullsize spare tire) is required. 4WD vehicles may be required on some of the optional treks from camp during the week. Extra seating in those vehicles may be available for passengers, but we do not guarantee it. Click here for Trip Notes. Corporate Jamboree - Sage Hill Campground May 11-14, 2017 SAVE THE DATE Nestled in the Santa Ynez Mountain Range, Sage Hill Campground is a great group camping spot with easy access to the Santa Ynez River. The Santa Ynez Mountains make up part of the Transverse Range along the Pacific Coast of California. Spend time taking in the epic scenery on one of the trails designed for both hikers and horseback riders. The campground is near the river, which flows into Cachuma Lake about seven miles west. The Aliso Canyon Trail begins at the rear of the facility and continues to Upper Oso Campground, which is where the Santa Cruz Trail begins. The nearby Cachuma Lake Recreation Area is perfect for boating, fishing and kayaking. The campsite has flush toilets, drinking water and the roads are paved. Extra large parking area can accommodate RVs. However the closest dump station is at Cachuma Lake. Trip Notes will be issued soon. 2

3 Wonderland Rocks Garrets Arch Hike Thursday, March 9, 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM Start time: 9:30 AM Start Location: Hunter s Nightclub 302 E. Arenas Road, Palm Springs Difficulty: Moderate+ with some rock scrambling Elevation Gain: 300 ft. Trailhead Elevation: 4200 ft. Duration: 3.0 hours for the hike (Drive time one way - 1-1/4 hours to the trailhead) Distance: 5 miles loop, mostly off trail Hike Leader: Scott The Wonderland of Rocks is one of the premier attractions of Joshua Tree National Park. There are no trails here, so we ll make our own on this adventurous exploration through the boulder fields and use routes. Sights on the way include pictographs in a secret cave, towering Garrett s Arch, historic Wall Street Mill, and the millions of rocks and boulders of all shapes and sizes in the Wonderland. 75% of this hike is off trail and requires the ability to navigate rocky open desert terrain with some modest rock scrambling creating an advanced dimension to this hike. Bring Ten Essentials (click here), water (2 liters recommended), lunch and snacks. Sun Protection and layered clothing are recommended. Carry Emergency Contact Information (ICE). Sturdy hiking footwear with good tread and adequate drinking water are required. There is an entrance fee (if you carpool we suggest you split the fee) Please RSVP to Scott: Carpooling is encouraged and may be available if offered by driver. You are responsible for arranging you own transportation or ride share. Inclement weather will cancel this hike. NOTE: Please check the calendar regularly. More hikes or activities may be added throughout the month Rainbow Rocks and Grotto Hike Sunday March 5, 2017, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM Time: 9:00 AM departure promptly on time Location: Meet at PetsMart at Ramon/Crossley(May carpool from there) Difficulty: Moderate plus Elevation: Total gain 800 ft. Distance: 7 miles Pace: Slow to moderate Hike Leader: Sherwood Covill From the trailhead, the hike climbs for a short distance to a grand vista of Mecca Hills and the Salton Sea. The trail then descends to a long ridge before dropping into the main canyon which will be followed to the end and the grotto. Along this canyon and especially at the end are very colorful explosions of soil and rock formations. Entrance to the grotto is low and narrow but after a quick crawl it opens into the cave system. This leads to a rock wall which requires careful climbing. Some hikers may feel uncomfortable doing this and can backtrack out. Those who continue will find themselves in Alice in Wonderland! This hike is most enjoyable even if the grotto is not entered. BRING A FLASHLIGHT FOR THE GROTTO. 3

4 Build a New Trail in the East Indio Hills Wednesday March 8, 2017, 7:30 AM Time: 7:30 AM - Day Two of Three Location: Meet at the north end of Golf Center Parkway Native California fan palms thrive in many locations but rarely in such numbers as in the canyons of the Indio Hills. Here, along a line where the San Andreas fault captures groundwater that nurtures the palms, is a wild parkland which is part of the adjacent Coachella Valley Preserve. Volunteers from the Coachella Valley hiking clubs, working with Friends of the Desert Mountains (FODM) will be installing signage, cutting switchbacks, improving the ridge trail and removing graffiti. The trailhead is at the north end of Golf Center Parkway. If you would like to participate, contact Scott C. Coachella Valley Wildflower Festival Saturday, March 4, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM The Coachella Valley Wildflower Festival is a FREE event celebrating wellness, recreation, and the outdoors. In addition to great wildflower viewing, the festival will feature, art, sand sculpting, a 5k trail run, mountain biking, and interpretive hikes. There will be raffles, vendors, exhibitors, and live music in the beer and wine garden, as well as food and beverages available for purchase. Great Outdoors Palm Springs is a participating vendor at the Desert Trails Coalition booth. Sponsored by Friends of the Desert Mountains Location: Park at St. Margaret s Episcopal Church, Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA. Free parking and shuttles up to the Visitor Center. Wildflower Festival Website Speaker Event: Dunn Road Wild Stories Monday March 13, 2017, 4:00 PM Time: 4:00 PM Location: Palm Desert Library Buford Crites, long time CV resident, former Palm Desert City Councilman, and wildlife and open space advocate will speak about Mike Dunn, the would-be developer of a mega-resort in what is now Pinyon and the road Dunn bull-dozed up to his planned town. Sierra Club advocate and long time desert resident Joan Taylor will also share stories about how she and others fought Dunn. This will be a fascinating talk with slides about wildlife and open space preservation efforts in the 1960s-70s. Hikers benefit enoromously today from the work of Crites and Taylor. This event is open to the public at the Palm Desert Library Community Room located on Fred Waring just east of the McCallum/Monterey. No advance sign up is necessary. However, seating is limited and we anticipate a big audience (don t come late!) Sponsored by the Coachella Valley Hiking Club. Contact: VPO-PS@GreatOutdoors.org 4

5 Twin Tanks Joshua Tree Park Hike Saturday, March 12, 2017, 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM Start time: 9:30 AM 3:00 PM Start Location: Hunters on Arenas (or meet at the National Park Visitor Center 6892 Utah Trail, Twenty- Nine Palms, CA Duration: About 3 hours depending on breaks Difficulty: Moderate-Old road trail and cross country with bouldering Terrain: off trail routes, loose rocks, uneven trail, sandy washes Elevation: Trailhead 3,900 ft. total gain 600 ft. Distance: 5 miles loop Pace: Slow to moderate Hike Leader: Scott The Twin Tanks area has petrogpyphs and historic dams built by long ago cattle rancher. The wonderful scenery makes for a short by beautiful day hike. There are boulder formations and waterfalls which, with the recent rains may have water flowing over them. There is an per car entrance fee. If you carpool with someone, a donation to this fee is suggested. Wear sturdy hiking foot wear and bring 2-3 liters of water. Weather Policy: Inclement weather cancels Contact Scott Palm Springs Citywide Bicycle Ride Saturday March 11, 2017, 10:00 AM Join Bond Shands on a mile Palm Springs bicycle ride. The planned route closely follows the City s signed citywide bicycle loop. Smoke Tree Village at Sunrise and East Palm Canyon Dr. will be our 10 am starting point (in front of the U.S. Post Office). Portions of the route will be on sidewalk bicycle paths, signed and striped bicycle roadway lanes, signed Bicycles May Occupy Entire Lane roadway routes and quiet residential streets. The City Loop is a nice way to cycle through differing Palm Springs neighborhoods. We ll ride through many, including Sonora Sunrise, Sunmor, Sunrise Park, Movie Colony East, The Movie Colony, Old Las Palmas, Vista Las Palmas, Historic Tennis Club, Tahquitz River Estates, Twin Palms and Indian Canyons. The route passes Mesquite and Tahquitz Creek golf courses, Palm Springs High School, Police Department headquarters and K-9 Unit area, Riverside County Administrative Center, City Hall and Dog Park, Ruth Hardy Park, Katherine Finchy Elementary School, Desert Healthcare Wellness Park, Desert Regional Medical Center, Wellwood Murray Cemetary, Temple Isaiah, O Donnell Club golf course, Palm Springs Art Museum, Casa Cody Historic Palm Springs Inn, Tahquitz Creek Channel bicycle-pedestrian crossing bridge, Cahuilla Elementary School, ACE Hotel, Indian Canyons Golf Resort North, Smoke Tree Stables and more, before returning to our Smoke Tree Village starting point. Please RSVP to bond.shands@gmail.com 5

6 Welcome to our New Members A major oversight occurred last month. The editor checked the new members for January and missed a bunch. So, We ll make up for it by listing them this month. Actually twelve people joined Great Outdoors Palm Springs in January: Anthony B, Charles F, Clyde K, Dennis R, Fernando V, James C, James M, Riley H, Robert H, Spencer B, Tom W, and Tomas B. Eleven people joined in February Allan S, Billy M, Christopher J, D. Craig K, James M, Larry P, Michael M, Michael, K, Richard L, Salim A, and Wayne B This isn t the only game in town, especially in a town like Palm Springs, so a big welcome to these men and women for choosing Great Outdoors. So now, the two of you, get involved, we have lots to do in this club. We look forward to seeing you on a hike, camping trip or a game night. Game Night to be hosted by Joe and Mike Friday, March 10, 6:00-9:00 PM Host: Joe Lucente and Mike Owen 962 Oceo Circle South, Palm Springs, CA 6:00 PM to 6:15 PM - SOCIAL PERIOD 6:15 PM to 7:00 PM - POTLUCK 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM GAME TIME It s time to test the Luck of the Irish. The game night this month will be at the home of Joe Lucente and Mike Owen. Bring your Potluck dish (see below) and your favorite game and join us for a fun evening of laughter and games. As in previous events, we are trying to balance the Potluck fare by suggesting specific categories of dishes based on your name. If your last name begins between Ac and By (Acosta to Byer), bring a DESSERT; if your last name begins between Ca and Fl (Caldwell to Flood), bring a APPETIZER or SNACK; if your last name begins between Fr and Ph (Frank to Phillips), bring a MAIN DISH; and if your last name begins between Po and Yo (Postma to Yoon), bring an SALAD or SIDE DISH. Hopefully this will help provide an evenly balanced dinner. Dishes should feed 4 guests. 6

7 Great Outdoors Palm Springs is going to sponsor a Booth at the Cathedral City LGBT Days Festival on Saturday March 25! The Booth will be open Saturday, March 25, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. We need 16 to 20 volunteers to help staff the booth. If you join us you ll work short 2 hour shifts. You ll tell folks about our hikes, outings, and other activities like Game Nights. You ll also sign them up to receive complementary newsletters for three months. We did this at Palm Springs Pride this year and had over 100 people sign up. Some of them have now joined the club. This is a great way to meet other people and help your club. Watch for an giving you more information Cathedral City LGBT Days March about signing up to help out at the Booth! Volunteer or not, come out and meet your Great Outdoors friends, and explore the Pride events. Tecopa Hot Springs Campout By Byron Sixteen Great Outdoors RV and tent campers spent a weekend at Tecopa Hot Springs, about 230 miles from Palm Springs, south of Death Valley National Park. The weather was in the high 60 s, perfect for daytime activities, but a bit chilly at night (low of 35 degrees) for tent campers. It was great to be able to shower and soak at any time of the day or night in the nearby thermal hot springs. Friday morning, 13 hikers took on the Amargosa River Trail, which follows the river about seven miles from the small town of Tecopa to the China Ranch Date Farm. The trail was mostly flat, taking advantage of an abandoned rail grade for much of the distance. The scenery was varied and spectacular, with multicolored cliffs and hills lining the valley, and the day mild and windless. We reached the end of the trail about 2:30, at the Date Farm and Bakery. Many of us had their famous date shakes and purchased the excellent date bread and cookies. Others drove to Pahrump, Nevada for lunch, or stayed around camp, helping to shuttle the hikers back from the Date Farm. Saturday there was a choice of activities, including a tour of the Amargosa Opera House, a drive through the southern part of Death Valley and a more strenuous 7-mile hike in Kaleidoscope Canyon. Saturday evening s potluck had a great choice of food standouts were the quesadillas and beans and weenies. 7

8 I hiked a portion of the North Lykken Trail on February 3rd with a dozen members of the Great Outdoors Palm Springs (GOPS) chapter. Our leader, David Stewart, is an experienced hiker and regularly scheduled GOPS leader who was watchfully attentive to the pace limitations of all. The North Lykken Trail route started from its Ramon Road trailhead where we began a trek up the mountain. After several miles of up and down hiking we reached our turnaround destination at the Picnic Table plateau intersection with a trail coming up from the Palm Spring Museum. Pausing a short time for snacks and photos we then retraced our route back to the trailhead. The hike started shortly after 8 AM, took just under three hours and included approximately 800 ft. of elevation. The continuous view looking east above Palm Springs was spectacular with perfect weather and excellent trail conditions. If the South Lykken holds the most favorite trail in Palm Springs claim, then the North Lykken Trail probably N. Lykken Hike By Bond 8 ranks a close second. During our hike we encountered more than a dozen hikers, in both directions, along the route. We definitely experienced an enjoyable way to start the day with a bit of cardiovascular activity in a nearby pleasant setting. Quail Springs to Joshua Tree & Southern Rail Road By Bond On February 7th, Scott Connelly led seventeen Great Outdoors Palm Springs members on a midday 6 mile hike through Mojave Desert Land Trust property adjacent to Joshua Tree National Park. The route began at the Quail Wash trailhead above Yucca Valley and continued to Yucca Valley s Joshua Tree Southern Rail Road Museum destination. The trail, normally filled with sand, was firm enough due to the recent rains to make walking it a bit easier. Portions of it eventually climbed several hundred feet over ridges and then continued down a dry stream bed. Climbing around several dry waterfalls proved an invigorating challenge but did not deter any from continuing. Clouds above helped protect from the sun s rays but significant winds were encountered throughout the hike. We arrived at the Museum shortly after pausing for a midday snack. It was not open the day of our visit and no model trains were seen using the tracks. There were no signs or other indications barring visitors so we spent time wandering around the outdoor rail road tracks and grounds. The JTSRR Museum is a railroad hobbyist organization created to establish, maintain, and improve an interpretive, historical display of full size and scale exhibits of railroad equipment and associated industrial artifacts. It s a membership organization featuring model railroads operated on the property for educational, recreational and interpretive purposes. The members operate fully operational 15 gauge, 7 1/2 gauge, and G-scale trains which wander amid the rocks, sagebrush, trees, and cactus in an outdoor desert setting. The museum also features several full-sized railroad cars, and a railroad station building with a live steam model collection. After spending time on the museum grounds we began our return to the Quail Wash trailhead. It started out uphill on a dirt road to the top of a ridge where we exited onto a rock and sagebrush scramble down towards the desert floor. Our cross-country route ended on a named street dirt road that eventually led us to the trailhead and our parked vehicles. All in our group agreed it was a good hike on a pleasant day with an interesting route. The hike ended around 2 PM and by 3 PM we had returned to Palm Springs and had a visit to a local Yogurt Palace.

9 Farm Smart Trip Report By Scott As we approached our destination, the Navy s Blue Angel Thunderbirds were practicing at nearby Naval Air Station El Centro with quite a show of aerial formations with visible contrails. The friendly staff at the UC Desert Research and Extension Center greeted us with coffee and refreshments. One of our members, Richard, was selected to help demonstrate the preparation of Golden Sunshine Carrot Salad. Richard donned his newly acquired apron and expertly prepared the recipe as directed. Next was an indoor audio visual presentation of the Imperial County agricultural history and current operations. This research facility established in 1912 supports up to 50 research projects year- round, including all aspects of cutting edge technologies. Lots of interesting information on the magnitude and importance of the agricultural business. Lunch was a buffet style salad selection and enjoyed outside with warm and clear weather. The adventure began as we climbed aboard the custom-made trailers pulled by vintage surplus Navy tractors. We were greeted by several burrowing owls along the way. These owls are adorable and reside in burrows along the fields. Our first stop was at an alfalfa field where entomologists were collecting samples. The researcher explained how this project would be used to identify pests and ways to control them. A variety of irrigation systems are tested and used at the facility. One stop involved a hands-on demonstration of a siphon system. One of the highlights of the tour was our contact with a researcher who was using a drone to collect data for a geographic information system (GIS). GIS can show many kinds of data on one map. This enables people to more easily see, analyze, and understand patterns and relationships. He hovered the craft at sea level, which was about 100 feet above our heads. The final stop was collecting all the veggies loading up our large collection bags with carrots, beets, radishes, celery, cabbage, lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, chard. Ice cream and gifts were provided as we prepared to head home. Valentine s Day Bike Ride By Bond The Valentine s Day Great Outdoors bicycle ride in Palm Springs began with a tour of Smoke Tree Village and Smoke Tree Commons shopping centers. We headed into the Araby Commons neighborhood, crossed East Palm Canyon Drive and reached El Cielo Rd. Riding north the group of eight riders crossed over Tahquitz Creek filled with fast-moving snow melt from Mt. San Jacinto. We then road past Mesquite Golf Course and passed Palm Springs International Airport, the County Courthouse, City Hall and the Dog Park. The group peddled through several of Palm Springs recognized neighborhoods including Sunmor, Sunrise Park, Oasis del Sol, Sunrise Vista Chino, and Vista Norte. Crossing Vista Chino near the Stater Brothers to Via Esquela marked the northern point in the ride. Riding south on Avenida Caballeros, a quick detour in the Movie Colony neighborhood brought us to the famous Robolights home. Then the route crossed through downtown on Amado Rd. past the Convention Center, Spa Resort Casino, the U.S. Main Post Office, O Donnell Golf Club, Palm Springs Art Museum, and the Desert 9 Fashion Plaza construction site. We rode through the Historic Tennis Club neighborhood, passed Casa Cody Bed & Breakfast, Palm Springs Women s Club, Chairman Richard M. Milanovich Bridge, and Plaza Del Sol Shopping Center. Then we rode into the Indian Canyons neighborhood. Passing Mooten Botanical Garden, Indian Canyons Golf Resort and Smoke Tree Stables, riders experienced another long downhill stretch 10 Smoke Tree Village where we started.

10 On February 5th Scott Connelly and I led a Sunday morning bicycle ride for members of the local GOPS (Great Outdoors Palm Springs) chapter. Fourteen of us met in front of the Demuth Park Community Center starting point at 10 am. It was a perfect day for a bicycle ride with moderate temperatures, just enough cloud cover to provide protection from the sun and almost no wind. Our planned ride via the Tahquitz Creek Loop bicycle route started through portions of DeMuth Park, continued onto a path bordering the Tahquitz Creek Golf Course greens, under the Gene Autry bridge and then past the Water Park. Continuing east to Golf Club drive we next headed south past the Tahquitz Creek Resort entrance to the crossing at South Palm Canyon wash. Leaving the Tahquitz Creek Loop we turned east on the future CV Link Connector bicycle path (bordering the wash) and continued via the Jenkins Trail to the Cathedral Canyon Drive crossing. Our route in Cathedral City continued along the Whitewater River trail east, under the Date Super Bike Ride By Bond 10 Palm Bridge, up behind Palm Springs Motors and on into Rancho Mirage towards Frank Sinatra Drive. Crossing the Whitewater River on Frank Sinatra Drive we entered Michael Wolfson park where we encountered the Butler- Abrams trail heading south to Country Club Drive. On our way we detoured to view a long wall designed to appear as a bookcase, followed by a stop facing a farm of future goat parents. After members satisfied their goat viewing quest we proceeded to the turnaround point at Country Club Drive. We then retraced our route until exiting the Jenkins Trail where we headed south on Calle Arriba and then west on Bolero Road until it terminated at Golf Club Drive where we rejoined the Tahquitz Creek Loop trail. We then proceeded south on Golf Club Drive until East Palm Canyon where we headed west to Escoba Drive then east to El Cielo Road and north to Mesquite Avenue. We turned east and ended our ride at the Demuth Community Center at 12:15 pm. Our route consisted of dedicated Class 1 bicycle paths, Class 2 bike paths adjacent to vehicle lanes, and a few unofficial bicycle paths (not maintained) that included dirt, sand and gravel surfaces. A portion of ride included the path in the Whitewater River wash and we were able to observe places where rushing water had left its mark. Walking our bikes though one short sandy section of the path proved beneficial. This was a ride where those with plans or need to leave the group proved easy. By ride s end only three of us were left in the group that returned to our starting point. However, from reports heard during the ride all appeared to have enjoyed the 16 mile opportunity to spend a few hours on their bicycle Follow us on the new Social Media Accounts Great Outdoors is now on two new Social Media platforms: Twitter and Instagram. At the February Membership meeting, Brian H. our new Publicity Coordinator announced the new accounts and how to find them. He also explained in some detail what hashtags and Tagging meant in both Twitter and Instagram. In next months newsletter he will have an complete write up of how to use these social opportunities. We hope these new accounts will help you stay informed about what the Palm Springs chapter is doing. You have Frended us on Facebook, now you can follow us on T w i t t e r and Instagram. Join the conversation and comment on the great activities we sponsor.

11 Membership Meeting: Great information about Saline Valley Tuesday, March 28, :45-9:00 PM This month, the Membership Meeting will feature information about the next upcoming campout: Saline Valley It s a challenge to get to and it is COMPLETELY off the grid (No phone, no TV, no flush toilets) but the trip will be well worth it. And you won t be bored. You can fill your days with endless, clothing-optional bathing in numerous pools filled with naturally hot spring water. (If nudity offends you, we recommend that you do not go on this trip. There will be naked people there, though nudity is not required) The climate is like that of Coachella Valley, including possibly strong winds. There are mountain vistas in all directions and the night sky is without compare. So join us for the meeting and then consider joining us for one of the most unusual trips planned this year. The Editor 11 Our Phone: GOPS Palm Springs Core Group core-ps@greatoutdoors.org President Dennis Curran president-ps@greatoutdoors.org Newsletter Publisher/Editor Ritch Barron newsletter-ps@greatoutdoors.org V.P. Outings Scott Connelly vpo-ps@greatoutdoors.org Treasurer Richard Debner treasurer-ps greatoutdoors.org Publicity Coordinator Brian Harradine publicity-ps@greaoutdoors.org Game Night Coordinator David Warren gamenightcoordinator-ps@greatoutdoors.org Social Events Coordinator Joe Lucente socialeventscoordinator-ps@greatoutdoors.org Secretary John Morrison secretary-ps@greatoutdoors.org Board Representative Cliff Clue boardrep-ps@greatoutdoors.org Webmaster Membership Chair Ed Emond webmaster-ps@greatoutdoors.org membership-ps@greatoutdoors.org Member at Large Bob Jaworski membershipatlarge-ps@greatoutdoors.org The Oasis VOLUME 21 ISSUE 3 March 2017 The Oasis is published monthly by the Palm Springs Chapter of Great Outdoors, Inc. The opinions expressed are those of the authors. All rights are reserved.

12 Members Only! If you want to place an Ad, the mail newsletter editor: It s free, until further notice. 12