The Oasis VOLUME 20 ISSUE 5, May 2016

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The Oasis VOLUME 20 ISSUE 5, May 2016 Bartlett Lake Bash Thursday to Sunday, May 19-22, 2016 Bartlett Lake Bash was started 25 years ago by the customers and owners of Apollo s Lounge in Phoenix.

The event is for primarily for Gay men and Lesbians, however anyone is welcome. We expect this to be a great place to hook up with friends or make new friends.

Join us at Bartlett Lake for a stress-free time with your friends on the water! The lake is located 45 minutes north of downtown Phoenix (5-1/2 hours from Palm Springs).

Formed by Bartlett Dam and fed by the Verde River, it is a popular favorite among water recreation enthusiasts. It is big enough for speed boats to cut loose.

1 The Oasis VOLUME 20 ISSUE 5, May 2016 Bartlett Lake Bash Thursday to Sunday, May 19-22, 2016 Bartlett Lake Bash was started 25 years ago by the customers and owners of Apollo s Lounge in Phoenix. The event has grown every year since. The Bash happens twice a year. Great Outdoors members will be attending the May Bash. The event is for primarily for Gay men and Lesbians, however anyone is welcome. We expect this to be a great place to hook up with friends or make new friends. It will be a great place to relax and unwind if you are feeling stressed from work or just need a break or to work on that tan line. Join us at Bartlett Lake for a stress-free time with your friends on the water! The lake is located 45 minutes north of downtown Phoenix (5-1/2 hours from Palm Springs). Bartlett Lake is noted for the wall of pink and green colored rock. The hills are dotted with saguaro. Formed by Bartlett Dam and fed by the Verde River, it is a popular favorite among water recreation enthusiasts. It is big enough for speed boats to cut loose. If you know how, you can strap-on the water skis or jump-on a Jet Ski. Jet Ski rentals are available at Bartlett Marina which makes it easy and convenient. If you want to bring your own boat or Jet Ski, there are convenient, paved launch ramps. This event is free, but it s not free to camp in the Tonto National Forest. You will need to buy an $8.00 Tonto Pass for each day you will be there. You can either buy the passes online or purchase them at various stores. Each person is responsible for their own supplies and their own camp. Click here for Trip Notes Also in this issue Summer Pool Party Page 2 Hurkey Creek Campout Page 2 Whitewater to Red Dome Hike Page 3 San Jacinto Peak Tramway Hike Page 3 Eagle Mountain Expansion of Joshua Tree Page 4 Wanted: Volunteer Organizer to Produce GOPS Pride Page 4 Membership Meeting: Yosemite High Sierra Camps Page 5 New Members Welcome Page 5 New Social Events Coordinator Page 5 Game Night at Mark & Bill s Page 5 What a Great Club Page 6 Cottonwood Campout Page 7 Pushawalla Palms Hike Page 8 Clip and Save Calendar Page 10 1

Summer Pool Party Sunday, June 12, 2016, 12 Noon One of the benefits of joining the Great Outdoors is social events.

We have a new Special Events Coordinator, Joe Lucente, who is working up the details and will be looking for volunteers to help.

There are trails for hiking and biking in or near the park. Some of them will require a permit. When there is water in the creek, you can wade or splash in the water.

2 Summer Pool Party Sunday, June 12, 2016, 12 Noon One of the benefits of joining the Great Outdoors is social events. Members and their guests are invited to attend a summer pool party with lunch provided by the Club. The party will be held this year at Ed and Peter s home. We have a new Special Events Coordinator, Joe Lucente, who is working up the details and will be looking for volunteers to help. So put this on your This trip is still in the planning stage, but you will want to put it on your calendar now. Hurkey Creek is a beautiful, woodsy, campground in Riverside County near Idyllwild. There are trails for hiking and biking in or near the park. Some of them will require a permit. When there is water in the creek, you can wade or splash in the water. The Palm Springs Chapter is planning a visit there this summer. There will be areas for both tents and RVs. And as a special treat for our members, the chapter will be providing two full dinners during the weekend. You will be able to just 2 calendar, plan to attend and plan to help with the tasks too. An invitation will be sent to all Palm Springs Chapter members. You must respond to that invitation in order to attend this event. The event is limited to 80 persons and in previous years the event was sold out. So respond as soon as you get the invitation. If you want to help with this event, contact Joe at socialeventscoordinator-ps@greatoutdoors.org. Hurkey Creek with Great Outdoors Palm Springs Friday to Sunday, July 29-31, 2016 kick back and visit with your friends rather than bending over a cook stove preparing your pot-luck contribution. There will be more information as the date approaches.

with many canyons all around the area. Along the way, we ll be on a section of the famous Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). There is a possible water crossing (bridge).

3 Whitewater Preserve Visitor Center to Red Dome Hike Sunday, May 8, 7:45-12:45 am Distance: 4.5 miles -- out and back Pace: Slow to Moderate Difficulty: Easy/Moderate Elevation Gain: About 400ft (gradual) Hike Leader: David Stewart The Whitewater Preserve to Red Dome is a very scenic hike with many canyons all around the area. Along the way, we ll be on a section of the famous Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). There is a possible water crossing (bridge). Whitewater River is in the distance and we re surrounded by an array of desert vegetation and views of San Jacinto and San Gorgonio mountains forming a majestic horizon. Meet at Hunter s no later than 7:45 am for carpooling to the trailhead. Or you can meet us at 8:30 at the Whitewater Preserve Ranger Station / Visitor s Center parking lot. If you are going to meet at the trailhead let David know. Wear appropriate hiking shoes, bring plenty of water (2 liters or more is recommended), snacks, a hat, and sunscreen. And don t forget a wonderful attitude. If you have them, dogs are allowed. Directions to Whitewater: From Interstate 10, take the Whitewater exit and turn north. Turn left on Whitewater Creek Road and drive 5 miles to the Visitor s Center. Start time: 9am at the Tram s Valley Station Duration: Around 7-8 hours depending on pace/# of breaks, includes a leisurely lunch at the peak Distance: 11 miles -- out and back Pace: Slow Elevation Gain: 2,300 ft or 701 m - Summit: 10,834 Difficulty: Strenuous due to altitude, hike distance and some minor bouldering. Meet Location: Tram s Ticket / Waiting area at around 9am Hike Leader: David Stewart Hike to San Jacinto Peak Sunday, May 22, 9:00am - 5:30 pm 3 The trip starts out by taking the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway almost a mile straight up into the San Jacinto wilderness. The first 2 miles of trail traverses a lovely pine forest, passing through Round Valley. The trail then begins a 1 mile ascent to Wellman Divide, a great spot for a snack break with breathtaking views. At this point the trail heads north towards the peak. The forest is somewhat open with the ground covered in lush vegetation, and ever more stunning views of the desert below. Near the summit you will encounter a small stone cabin, and after an easy rock scramble up 100 yards or so, you will be at the peak. We ll spend a leisurely lunch break at the peak. The views up there are stunning! (John Muir considered the view from San Jacinto peak one of the most sublime on earth.) Only those who are in good shape can complete this unique hiking adventure. (Warning: if you tend to get altitude sickness at high elevation, please do not attempt this hike. This is for your safety and the others around you.) What to bring: 3-liters of liquid, snacks, lunch, jacket (could be cool!), gloves (optional), sun protection (sunscreen/hat), good hiking footwear, hiking poles (recommended), camera, and a fun attitude to share in the altitude. This all-day outing is as good as it gets. NOTE!!! Tickets for the Tram: You will need to purchase a Tram ticket for this hike. Cost is $24.95 for Adults. AAA Auto Club offers a discount of 10%. They do have tickets available each day. But why take the chance (weekend mornings tend to sell out). I recommend purchasing online at least a day before the event. Remember, the tram departure we want to take is at 9:30am. com. Please call or David for inquiries.

Eagle Mountain Expansion of Joshua Tree Hearing Tuesday May 3, 6:00pm - 8:00 pm The boundary study/ea considers the feasibility and impacts of expanding Joshua Tree National Park to include

The boundary study/ea also evaluates the potential effects of a withdrawal and transfer of jurisdiction of federal lands in the area from the BLM to the NPS to protect resources related to the

The NPS has requested the withdrawal of public lands within the study area (approximately 22,515 acres managed by the BLM) for 20 years from settlement, sale, location, and entry under the public

The purpose of the withdrawal is to complete an administrative transfer of the identified public lands from the BLM to the NPS in accordance with 54 U.S.C.

4 The NPS study team will explain the study findings, answer your questions, and gather your comments about the alternatives evaluated in the boundary study/ea.

4 Eagle Mountain Expansion of Joshua Tree Hearing Tuesday May 3, 6:00pm - 8:00 pm The boundary study/ea considers the feasibility and impacts of expanding Joshua Tree National Park to include additional lands in the Eagle Mountain area. The boundary study/ea also evaluates the potential effects of a withdrawal and transfer of jurisdiction of federal lands in the area from the BLM to the NPS to protect resources related to the purpose of Joshua Tree National Park. The NPS has requested the withdrawal of public lands within the study area (approximately 22,515 acres managed by the BLM) for 20 years from settlement, sale, location, and entry under the public land laws, including the United States mining laws, and leasing or other disposition under mineral or geothermal leasing laws. The purpose of the withdrawal is to complete an administrative transfer of the identified public lands from the BLM to the NPS in accordance with 54 U.S.C (c) (1)(B) for administration as part of Joshua Tree National Park. 4 The NPS study team will explain the study findings, answer your questions, and gather your comments about the alternatives evaluated in the boundary study/ea. Location: University of California, Riverside - Palm Desert Center Second Floor, Room B Frank Sinatra Drive Additional information and links to make comments online click here Dianne Feinstein Thanks the Chapter for Our Help Recently we received a letter from Senator Dianne Feinstein thanking us for our support of President Obama s designation of three new National Monuments: Mojave Trails, Sand to Snow, and Castle Mountains - encompassing 1.8 million acres of the California desert. I want to personally thank you, the indefatigable desert advocates, who helped make this a reality. She also mentioned a bill that she has sponsored that will achieve even more protection for our precious desert. Wanted: Volunteer Organizer to Produce the GOPS Pride Activities Palm Springs Pride is several months away yet, but we need to get started on the plans to participate. In past years we have had a booth or marched in the parade. The results of this publicity has been mixed. The core group discussed this at the last meeting, but did not come to a firm vote was taken about which way we want to go this year. One thing that was obvious is that we need someone to organize whatever we decide to do. And if you volunteer now, you will be able to share you ideas and designs for floats or the booth. This is an important activity becuase there are many things in Palm Springs that people can be involved with. So, crack out your creativity and help the club. Contact the President, Ritch for more information.

Membership Meeting: Yosemite High Sierra Camps Tuesday, May 24, 2016 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm A Unique Yosemite Back County Experience Why are these camps so special?

Join us for this entertaining presentation and see why so many hikers apply for the lottery and hope to get a chance to stay in the camps and hike the trails.

5 Membership Meeting: Yosemite High Sierra Camps Tuesday, May 24, :30 pm - 9:00 pm A Unique Yosemite Back County Experience Why are these camps so special? You will see and hear about some of the most scenic trails in North America. Join us for this entertaining presentation and see why so many hikers apply for the lottery and hope to get a chance to stay in the camps and hike the trails. Our VP of Outings, Scott Connelly, will take you on a virtual journey from preparation, acclimation, and adventure of the trails with a PowerPoint presentation with some great photos. There will be veteran Yosemite High Camp hikers present to share experiences. Social Time: 7:30 pm, Featured Speaker: 8:00-9:00 pm Welcome to our new members Three new people joined Great Outdoors Palm Springs in April: David B, David P, and John B This isn t the only game in town, especially in a town like Palm Springs, so a big welcome to these guys for choosing Great Outdoors. So now, the three of you, get involved. It s a great way to get to know your fellow members! Game Night at Mark and Bill s Home Friday, May 13, 4:30-9:00 pm New Social Events Coordinator Named Joe Lucente initially contacted Ritch asking for information about the expectations for the position. The President momentarily thought it might be an April Fools day joke as it arrived on April 1. But that idea was quickly quashed and the conversation began. Joe was sent the job description and Ed and Pete who are hosting the party in June. They have been involved in Pool Party preparation and have sample task lists and other information that would be helpful. If you want to help, Contact Joe here. Thank you, Joe, for getting involved. Hosts: Mark Reinecke and Bill Weddington (626) Schedule: 4:30 PM To 6 PM - POOL TIME 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 Our Game Night this month will be hosted by Mark and Bill. They have a beautiful new home with a big pool. So bring your favorite game, swimsuit and towel and join the fun. After relaxing by the pool we ll have a Pot Luck. Again this month we re suggesting that each person bring a dish for at least 4 people that corresponds to an assigned category based on your last name. If you last name falls between: A and CH (Acosta to Chapman) bring a DESSERT (Cake, pie, fruit salad, cookies etc.) Cl and HE (Clement to Heeman) bring a main dish (Meat dish, veggie casserole) HE RE (Henry to Reinecke) bring a side dish or salad (tossed salad, peas or potatos) RI to ZZ (Richardson to Yoon) please bring a SNACK for at least 4 people (chips, nuts, cheese/crackers/etc.) NOTE: For those partnered, use your discretion in bringing a larger quantity or an assortment in accordance with the above guidelines So for example, Byron POSTMA would bring his favorite Blue corn chips and Salsa and Ritch BARRON would bring a homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies. All dishes should feed at least four people. If you have any questions please call David at or send him an . 5

What a Great Outdoors Club When my husband, Byron, and I were deciding where we wanted to retire, we wrote down all the places we had enjoyed living and then listed the pros and cons for each place:

6 What a Great Outdoors Club When my husband, Byron, and I were deciding where we wanted to retire, we wrote down all the places we had enjoyed living and then listed the pros and cons for each place: was there affordable housing, were there things to do in the area, are there cultural activities available, what was the weather like. That last one was usually the deal breaker. Neither of would volunteer to shovel snow. That narrowed it down to Palm Springs. Of course, weather in Palm Springs isn t always ideal think monsoon. When the moist air comes up from Baja and the heat hits 100 we think about those other places that we turned down. Then I think about the Great Outdoors club and I realize that it s not all that bad. Even when it s 100 degrees in the shade, there are four other chapters, sponsoring activities that we, as member of Great Outdoors can attend. During July, August and September these chapters are leading some very interesting trips: Starting in the south, San Diego has their Pride Festival and then trips to San Elijo State Beach and Catalina Island. Orange County/Long Beach is leading backpacking trips to Half Moon and Crown Lake and to the high Sierras. Los Angeles is leading trips to Quaking Aspen, (Sequoia National Forest) and Rock Creek Canyon. Santa Barbara/Ventura County has a backpacking trip, also to the high Sierras and a trip to Jalama Beach. Of course, there are opportunities right here in Palm Springs too: Game Nights, Pool Parties, trips to the top of the tram and hikes in the mountains as well as camping trips to Hurkey Creek, Burning Man and Big Bear. With all these opportunities there s no reason to run the air conditioner or melt in the heat. So sign up for some of these opportunities and get out of town. Our Phone: GOPS Palm Springs Core Group core-ps@greatoutdoors.org President Newsletter Publisher/Editor Ritch Barron president-ps@greatoutdoors.org newsletter-ps@greatoutdoors.org V.P. Outings Scott Connelly vpo-ps@greatoutdoors.org Treasurer Bob Jaworski treasurer-ps greatoutdoors.org Publicity Coordinator Position Currently Vacant Game Night Coordinator David Warren gamenightcoordinator-ps@greatoutdoors.org Social Events Coordinator Joe Lucente socialeventscoordinator-ps@greatoutdoors.org Member-at-Large Cliff Brown memberatlarge-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 The Oasis VOLUME 20 ISSUE 5 MAY 2016 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. 6

Cottonwood Campout By Byron Thirty-eight campers from three chapters of Great Outdoors gathered in the Cottonwood Group camps in Joshua Tree National Park.

The two leaders, John and Scott, talked about the hikes and activities that were planned for the weekend. Friday morning, 14 of the campers hiked to the Coyote Mine.

Sadly, the mine area was no longer accessible, but the views from the ridge were great.

This was a fascinating presentation of the history of General Patton who led the U.S. Third Army in France and Germany following the invasion of Normandy in June 1944.

One display that was most interesting was a series of Cartoons by Bill Maudlin. His characters Willie and Joe were two grunts on the front line.

7 Cottonwood Campout By Byron Thirty-eight campers from three chapters of Great Outdoors gathered in the Cottonwood Group camps in Joshua Tree National Park. Thursday evening we set up camp and then gathered around the picnic table to introduce ourselves and have the traditional Meet and Greet. The two leaders, John and Scott, talked about the hikes and activities that were planned for the weekend. Friday morning, 14 of the campers hiked to the Coyote Mine. This was mostly off trail and a bit of rock scrambling. At one point the group broke into two groups with the more adventurous climbing up the face of the mountain to get a good look at the mine. Sadly, the mine area was no longer accessible, but the views from the ridge were great. Six others continued up the wash enjoying the abundant spring foliage of the desert, including a lush ocotillo in full bloom. After lunch, we carpooled to the Patton Museum. This was a fascinating presentation of the history of General Patton who led the U.S. Third Army in France and Germany following the invasion of Normandy in June There were many displays of everything from yellowed newspapers on VE day and the death of Patton 6 months later, weapons and medals from many different wars. One display that was most interesting was a series of Cartoons by Bill Maudlin. His characters Willie and Joe were two grunts on the front line. The depictions, in my opinion were realistic and human, but Patton did not approve. The cartoonist won the Pulitzer prize twice. Several people had dinner at a nearby café. Saturday morning was a bit windy, but Scott led a 7.2 miles round-trip hike to Lost Palms Oasis. Six of us took a driving tour to the North side of the park. We explored the beautiful and amazing Hidden Valley, a one-mile loop hike complete with rock climbers to watch. The tour then took us to Keys View, an overlook of the entire Coachella Valley from an elevation of 5185 feet. The wind was very cold and so strong that children were unable to walk. We made a brief stop at Skull Rock, which looked 7

more like an ape s head or Bart Simpson, then returned to camp. Saturday afternoon turned windy and cloudy, with sprinkles of rain.

Well, that s why they call it potluck. The wind died down enough after dinner enough to allow an enjoyable campfire.

The palm oasis is located in the Coachella Valley Preserve. We met at Hunter s and took two cars out to the trailhead.

The Oasis is a little over two miles from the trailhead and down in a valley created by the San Andreas fault. There was a light cooling head wind as we traversed the top of the ridge.

We sat down at the edge of the Oasis where it was still dry to have our lunch and visit. Then headed along the fault toward the north where we turned back west.

8 more like an ape s head or Bart Simpson, then returned to camp. Saturday afternoon turned windy and cloudy, with sprinkles of rain. Everything light on the evening potluck table had to be held d o w n w i t h rocks to avoid being blown away. We persevered, with a great variety of food, but, strangely, a shortage of desserts. Well, that s why they call it potluck. The wind died down enough after dinner enough to allow an enjoyable campfire. Picture by Alonzo E Pushawalla Palms Loop Hike Saturday, April 16, 9:00 am - 1:30 pm Six intrepid hikers braved the narrow ridge path to get to the Pushawalla Palms. The palm oasis is located in the Coachella Valley Preserve. We met at Hunter s and took two cars out to the trailhead. We hiked up a couple of switchbacks to get to the top of the ridge and then headed East toward the oasis. There were several other groups on the trail because it was such a beautiful day for a hike. The Oasis is a little over two miles from the trailhead and down in a valley created by the San Andreas fault. There was a light cooling head wind as we traversed the top of the ridge. At several places, the ridge narrowed to about ten feet wide and had a steep drop on at least one side of the path. We sat down at the edge of the Oasis where it was still dry to have our lunch and visit. Then headed along the fault toward the north where we turned back west. There was a very steep climb out of the canyon that the hike leader had forgotten. 8 One highlight of the hike was finding what we thought was a Ghost Flower. When we researched it though, it turned out to be a Mentzelia involucrata, or Blazing Sand Star. This pale orange flower produces a necter to attract bees for polination. Interestingly, the actual Ghost Flower, which shares the same habitat, does not produce nectar, but it has adapted it self to look like this flower to attract the bees anyway. There were many lizards and birds scampering and flying in the wash. The entire trip was 4.75 miles and had an elevation gain of 426 feet. It was a great hike.

9 Members Only! If you want to place an Ad, the mail newsletter editor: It s free, until further notice. 9

10 May Events Calendar Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Cotton Wood Camp Joshua Tree Park Eagle Mountain Expansion Hearing 6:00-8:00 pm Cinco De Mayo Whitewater Preserve to Red Dome 7:45-12:45 pm Game Night at Mark and Bill s 6:00-9:00 pm Bartlett Lake Bash, AZ Bartlett Lake Bash, AZ Tram to the Peak Hike 9:00 am -5:00 pm Membership Meeting Yosemite High Sierra Camps 7:30-9:00 pm April 2016 S M T W T F S 1 2 June 2016 S M T W T F S Looking Ahead in Palm Springs May 19-22, 2016 Bartlett Lake Bash, AZ Sunday June 12 Summer Pool Party Friday to Sunday July 29-31, 2016 Hurkey Creek Campout Sunday to Monday August 28-September 5, 2016 Burning Man Friday to Sunday September 16-18, 2016 Big Bear Oso Group Campout Friday to Sunday October 14-16, th Annual GO Conference There is a new printable Corporate Calendar online. Check it out here. Other chapter events can be found on the Corporate Events Calendar. Find them here

The Oasis. Monday, March 3-5:003 Your host: Evan Van Antwerp 3111 E. Loma Vista Circle, Palm Springs CA 92264

The Oasis. Monday, March 3-5:003 Your host: Evan Van Antwerp 3111 E. Loma Vista Circle, Palm Springs CA 92264 The Oasis www.greatoutdoors.org/ps VOLUME 11 ISSUE 3 March, 2010 Palm Springs, California Monday, March 29 @ 3-5:003 pm Your host: Evan Van Antwerp 3111 E. Loma Vista Circle, Palm Springs CA 92264 From