This was a backpack we planned for some of our friends. Ten of us met at 7:00AM at Pinyon Flats campground for the drive down to Dolomite Mine where we found plenty of space to park. We then packed in to Cactus Springs with four quarts of water each. We found water in the spring and set up camp. We headed out to climb Martinez with the temperature around 80° -- and did a lot of sweating along the way. The trail is an easy one to follow, with many signs and ducks. We left the trail, following the way round the hill at elevation 5088'. It is not as bad to go due east (cross-country) as it is to walk in the sandy wash.
We were on top by 1:00PM. We had fun climbing the summit block. On the way down we took the northwest gully. It's not too easy to come down this one, even though it takes you closer to Sheep Mountain. But we decided not to go for it, since we wouldn't have enough daylight. We walked back to our campsite. The night was pleasant and all the stars were out. Bobcat gave us some instructions on how to read them.
Next morning we went for Sheep, contouring around to the left and climbing in the heat. We were on the peak early and celebrated Terry Astle's 25th peak. Bobcat led us down through a wide wash that intersected the trail. We packed out in 2.5 hours to Dolomite Mine in temperatures around 90°. We then saw with horror that Gary Murta's truck had been robbed of all four tires and wheels. We scrapped Asbestos and headed back toward LA. Gary got new wheels and tires the next day and got his truck out OK. Now there are lock lugs on his wheels.
Other great participants were Ruth Lee Brown, Dotty Rabinowitz, Mike Baldwin, Al Holden, Shamus Fleming, and his little bear, Laura Webb and Spots. Thanks to Bobcat for the nonstop entertainment and assisting.
