The Holidays Are Coming!

Transcription

1 The Oasis VOLUME 15, ISSUE 11 November, Palm Springs, California Contents 1. GOPS in Pride Parade! P Carrizo Canyon Hike, p Lost Horse Mine Hike, p El Dorado & Silver Bell Mines, p Eagle Cliff Hills/Mine Hike, p X4 Sawmill Trail Run, p Bingo p New members p GOPS fiscal status p8 10. John & Ed stepping down, p. 5 Last Month Halloween Game Night Pictures below And the Winners? See page 7 Looking Ahead 1. Lu Lu s GOPS Holiday Party, p. 3. Hurry! 2. New Year s Salton Sea campout, p. 8 Human Interest 1. New member s big challenge, p Good Samaritans at work p. 6 Announcement! After two years of discussion, the Core Group decided that the March, 2013 hard copy of this newsletter will be the last. There are only 18 members who receive a mailed copy. This was a difficult decision, but the world is evolving to the WWW. We apologize to members who will be inconvenienced and invite you to access the newsletter on our GOPS website in living color. The Holidays Are Coming! Thank you George and Tony for hosting.

2 Carrizo Canyon Hike Saturday, 11/10/12 Led by Walt Anderson Carrizo Canyon is one of the most spectacular canyons in the Santa Rosa Mountains. It begins at the Art Smith trailhead from where it rises in a generally southern direction. First we will park at the Art Smith trailhead and explore the lower part of the canyon. Then we will return to our cars and drive up Rt74. We will explore a higher region of the canyon where we will have lunch. Bighorn are frequently seen in the area. This is a moderate hike at a total distance of about 6 miles with a total altitude gain of around 1100 ft. Wear good hiking boots. Bring snacks, lunch, and adequate hydration. We will meet at Hunters at 8:00 AM and carpool to the trailhead with return around 2:00 PM. Questions? Need a ride? Contact Walt at or palmspringswalt@gmail.com. LOST HORSE MINE LOOP HIKE Led by Don Whittaker Sunday November 18 th Meet at Hunters for carpooling 9 AM, return at 3 pm Hiking time, distance, elevation gain, etc.: The approximate length of the loop hike is 6.4 miles R/T, with an elevation gain of about 588'. It will take about 3.5 hours to complete the R/T hike, plus time for breaks. Skill Level: Moderately strenuous. Location & description: The Lost Horse Mine produced 10,000 ounces of gold and 16,000 ounces of silver (worth approximately $5 million today) between 1894 and When the story of the Lost Horse Mine is told, it sounds like a western campfire tale: gun slinging cowboys, cattle rustlers, horse thieves, the lure of gold, and a sticky-fingered miner. The trailhead is located off Keys View Road. The trail follows the road developed to haul ore and supplies. This multifaceted hike offers something for every hiking enthusiast - a moderate hike to start out to a large mining complex (1/3 the way into the hike), with side trips to several high panoramic points, and then a longer loop to add a bit of adventurous route-finding into the trip. LUNCH will be atop the SUMMIT check weather conditions for proper attire. Dogs: Unfortunately this is not a dog-friendly hike, being a National Park -- pets not allowed on trails. $15 Entrance fee (or pass) required for each vehicle. Contact: Don via membership-ps@greatoutdoors.org

3 Hike El Dorado and Silver Bell Mines Joshua Tree National Park Led by Scott Connelly Tuesday, November 13, 2012 Meet at Hunters at 8 AM for carpooling; return by approximately 4 PM Bring lunch for the trail and water (minimum of 3 liters recommend). El Dorado Mine Hike Silver Bell Mine Hike 4 miles (round trip) 1 mile (round trip) Time: 2-3 hours 1 hour Difficulty: moderate moderate Elevation Trail head: Pinto Basin Road 1.25 miles northwest of Cholla Cactus Garden Joshua Tree Park. We will enter Joshua Tree Park at the North Entrance for access to the start of the hike. Entrance fee required for each vehicle. 1. We will hike out to Eldorado Mine and back to the trail head and take the trail to Silver Bell and back 2. Eldorado Mine was the largest mine in the Hexie Mountains and unique in that it produced other minerals than gold. 3. Silver Bell Mine remnants include two wooden ore bins. The hilltop offers good views of Pinto Basin. Golden Bell Mine is on the opposite side of the hill. Contact Scott: scottdesert@gmail.com Map is below. SAVE THIS DATE for Lulu! Our annual Holiday Party and Gift Exchange has been scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 9 th at SAVE Lulu THE California DATE! Bistro restaurant Our in Palm annual Springs. Holiday Invitations Party and Gift were Exchange electronic has been invitation scheduled from for Sunday, sent via Dec. Punchbowl.com. 9 th at Lulu California If you Bistro didn t restaurant get an invitation, downtown you will Palm be Springs. able to view You will it at be re- in ceiving Punchbowl.com an electronic and invitation sign from in. Punchbowl.com soon. Hurry! Hurry!! Only 75 Guests. Only 75 Guests! The 55 people event is limited have to already the first 75 people signed up! who sign up and pay in advance for this Limited to the first 75 people who sign up and pay event. GOPS members are $20 and guests in advance $35. for The this electronic event. invitation GOPS members will are have $20 and all of guests the party $35. details. The electronic If you don t invitation will receive have all the of the invitation, party details. you ll be You ll able be to view able to view it at: it at: -holiday-party-gift-exchange holiday-party-gift-exchange

4 Eagle Cliff Hills/Mine Hike Joshua Tree National Park Led by Scott Connelly Sunday, November 25, 2012 Meet at Hunters at 8 AM for carpooling; return by approximately 3 PM Bring lunch for the trail and water (3 liters). Mileage: 3.5 (round trip) Time: 3-4 hours Difficulty: moderately strenuous Elevation: 340 Start and End: Pine City Backcountry Board JTNP. We will travel to one of the best preserved Another Outing by Scott Off road 4x4 (4 wheel drive) Sawmill Trail Saturday, November 17, : 30 Meet at PetsMart parking lot, Wal-Mart center at Ramon/ Crossley, Bring water and lunch. Requirements: 4 WD with high clearance, off road tires, difficulty 3 (out of 10) at a few spots, suitable for stock 4x4 vehicles. The trail is rocky and uneven at some points. Trail communication: CB channel 20, Ham radio: MHz The trail leaves Hwy. 74 and continues up for 5.5 miles and ascends 3,000 ft. to 7,000 ft. Points of interest: Dolomite mine, water tanks, dry waterfall, spring, Old sawmill site with charcoal Kiln standing. Great views Coachella Valley. Rated: easy to moderate, Passengers welcome and will be accommodated as space available from drivers. Please contribute to fuel costs. miners cabins in the park on a secluded plateau in the heart of the Eagle Cliff Hills. This rock shelter cabin and the nearby inclined mine shaft are remnants from an early mining venture in what was the McHaney Mining District circa The Eagle Cliff Hills form a beautiful and isolated wilderness fortress with rocky peaks, massive boulder piles and high viewpoints. This cultural site is known for its boulder house with window panes, cooking area, and roof made partially of flattened stove pipes. The route travels past the Desert Queen Mine, adding another site of historical interest to the hike. The trail travels along a high plateau through rugged hills. We will take an unmaintained trail (x-country) and zig zag up the rugged terrain to a bolder-covered hilltop to the mine and historic boulder house. We will enter Joshua Tree Park at the North Entrance to the trail head. Entrance fee required for each vehicle. Contact Scott: scottdesert@gmail.com One of our new GOPS members David Stewart hiked to the Mt. San Jacinto Peak with Walt Anderson. Walt reports only he and David were 2 brave soles. It was David's first hike to the peak so he was quite excited. He keep telling everyone he was a virgin. It was David's most challenging hike with GOPS and he's looking forward to many more said Walt. Congratulations David! First Time On Our Nearest Mountain Peak!

5 Bingo Game Night! Host: Ed & Pete Date: Friday, November 16th Our chapter is always looking for Game Time: 6:00 pm 9:00 pm Night Hosts. Please call Place: Keith Avenue, Cathedral or one- City, CA guy45@gmail.com Directions: From Palm Springs go East on Ramon across the wash to Landau turn left (north) on Landau ½ mile to Vega Avenue. Left on Vega 2 blocks to Keith Avenue. Right on Keith Avenue corner house on right. Schedule: 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 WHAT TO BRING: 1) Potluck Item to share, and beverage for you 2) Table Games you wish to play (The Great Outdoors has games) Our chapter is always looking for Game Night Hosts. Please call or oneguy45@gmail.com Who Wants to be GOPS President or Treasurer? Our organization is run by volunteers. Our current president, Ed, is stepping down as he has enough on his plate with running both the Corporate and GOPS websites. Sadly, we just heard that our terrific Treasurer, John Niedzwiedz, is also stepping down. Yikes! Two vacant positions adds more work and stress to the remaining core group and can eventually lead to burnout. But... The solution is fun! Yes, it is a little bit of work and time, but it is also an opportunity to make new friends, experience the comradery and fun of a great organization. We are now the largest GO Chapter with 171 members! What more do you want? How exciting! You don t need experience John and Ed will train you. If you know someone, encourage that member to volunteer. s/phone numbers on page 5 or snail mail: GREAT OUTDOORS Palm Springs P.O. Box 361 Palm Springs CA 92263

6 Fargo Canyon Cleanup Reported By Scott Connelly We had 8 members that participated in the National Public Lands Day. Volunteers assisted BLM and Riverside County staff in cleaning up the area at the lower end of the canyon. We filled a 25 yard bin with debris before Noon. Participants were provided a lunch, a T shirt, and a park entrance pass. Editor s Note: Devoted a full page to this remarkable activity. This type of citizen effort is happening all over and all the time. Volunteers are working without fanfare or notice to keep our environment clean, natural, healthful and a pleasure to visit for future generations. Those folks will probably never know that good people donated their time to keep our environment clean. On behalf of all of us at Great Outdoors, thanks for all you do and thank you to Scott for leading and organizing this important effort (COD students also participated).

7 George and Tony s Annual Game Night Halloween Costume Party Winners! About 20 trick or treaters showed up dressed in our finest. First, the fabulous pot-luck and then the tough competition! (P. 1). Congratulations Ritch and Dan! Ritch is the Mad Hatter won for Most Creative and Twisted Sister worn by Dan as the Best Costume. By-the-way GOPS members, GOPS pays winners extremely well. Each received a $50 gift certificate for the Popular Lu Lu California Bistro. No wonder they re so happy, almost giddy.

8 Great Outdoors Palm Springs Chapter Fiscal Year Cash Flow Report October 1st - September 30th Fiscal year: Beg. Cash Balance: $5, $6, $5, INCOME Membership Dues $2, $2, $2, Merchandise Sales $ $0.00 $12.00 Non Member Fees $0.00 $18.00 Other Income $ $80.00 $70.00 Outings Income $4, $1, $5, Total Income $8, $4, $8, EXPENSES Bank Charges $35.00 Camping Outing Fees $4, $ $3, Dues To Corporate $ $ $ Other Expenses $1, Other - Fall Pool Pty $ $ Other - Game Nights $25.82 $91.69 Other - Holiday Pty $ $ Other - Misc $ $ Other - PayPal Fees $29.84 Other - Pride Booth/Festival $ Other - Summer Pool Pty $ $ GOPS in Pride Parade! Parade starts at 10:00 AM Sunday, November 4 downtown Palm Springs. Come, watch the parade, support our club and the LGBT community. Mucho thanks to Don Whittaker, our new membership and outreach coordinator for spear-heading our participation. With his leadership and energy, four jeeps will be in the Pride Parade along with 20 members wearing special GOPS T-shirts and handing out leaflets to attract new members. Other - T-Shirts/Hats $1, Postage $ $ $ Printing $ $ $ Rent $ $ $ Supplies $ Taxes $9.66 Travel $ Total Expenses $9, $5, $7, PROFIT/(LOSS) ($679.85) ($798.14) $1, Ending Cash Balance $5, $5, $6, Please Welcome Our New Members! Dennis Cline, Peter Garvey and Steve Batten Camp & Ring In The New Year at Salton Sea! MARK YOUR CALENDARS! Saturday, December 29 Tuesday Jan. 1st, Party favors will be provided. Led by our own John Niedzwiedz njohnca1@yahoo.com Tele: Watch the website for trip notes.

9 November Events Recap Gay Pride PS Nov 3-4 GOPS in Pride Parade! 10:00 AM Non-Members Free Introductory Newsletter Want to know more about us before joining? We will add you to our newsletter mailing list free for 3 months. Send your address to: webmaster-ps@greatoutdoors.org. When it s time join or renew, you can do it ONLINE! Join: Renew: Proposed schedule of Events 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: Any member of the Core Group. Articles for this newsletter should be submitted as Microsoft Word attachments via by the 15th of the month to: Steve Schullo at Newsletter-ps@greatoutdoors.org Nov 4 Carrizo Canyon Nov 10 El Dorado/Silver Bell Mine Hike Nov 13 Bingo Game Night Nov 16 4x4 Sawmill Trail Run Nov 17 Lost Horse Mine Nov 18 Core Group Meeting Nov 21 Eagle Cliff Hills/Mine Hike Nov 25 Palm Springs Core Group President Ed Emond president-ps@greatoutdoors.org V.P. Outings Walt Anderson vpo-ps@greatoutdoors.org Treasurer John Niedzwiedz treasurer-ps@greatoutdoors.org Game Night Coordinator George Frank gamenightcoordinator-ps@greatoutdoors.org Secretary Cliff Brown secretary-ps@greatoutdoors.org Board Representative Cliff Clue boardrep-ps@greatoutdoors.org Newsletter Publisher/Editor Steve Schullo newsletter-ps@greatoutdoors.org Membership/Outreach Don Whittaker membership-ps@greatoutdoors.org Web Site Administrator Ed Emond webmaster-ps@greatoutdoors.org Group Lists If you wish to purchase advertising space in The Oasis please submit your inquiries to Steve. Ads should be submitted in jpg format.

10 How to join Great Outdoors Fill in the form on your computer, print it, sign and send the form along with a check (payable to Great Outdoors) for the appropriate dues to: GREAT OUTDOORS P.O. Box 361, Palm Springs CA If you do not have a computer, call Ed Emond at and he will be happy to send you a membership application. Below is a copy of liability release that you will need to sign. WAIVER OF LIABILITY / MEDICAL RELEASE AND AS- SIGNMENT I am aware that my participation in GREAT OUT- DOORS may include potentially hazardous activities and I am voluntarily participating in these activities with that knowledge and the understanding that I will use my own best judgment to avoid injury to myself and others. I agree to follow the directions of the trip leader and abide by the rules of the facility I am using. I hereby release GREAT OUTDOORS, including its officers, trail or trip leaders, agents or other persons working with said organization from any liability for injuries, physical or mental, which I may suffer by reason of any participation in these activities. I recognize in waiving this liability that I am assuming sole responsibility for my actions and cannot blame any injuries on any other persons connected with the GREAT OUTDOORS. I hereby agree to assume full financial responsibility for any and all bills incurred by me for medical treatment as the result or my participation in this GREAT OUTDOORS activity. In the event that I am unable to consent to medical care, I hereby authorize the trip leader to consent to emergency medical treatment for me, including hospitalization and surgery, as may best be determined under the circumstances. Great Outdoors Palm Springs PO BOX 361 Palm Springs, CA Address Correction Requested Logon to: