Santiago Peak, Modjeska Peak

8 January 1966

By: Janis Hawley

A crisp, clear day at Glen Ivy Hot Springs and forty hikers (28 members and 12 guests) started at 8:40 A.M. up the Santiago-Coldwater Canyon Trail. Fadil Mehmed set an easy but steady pace and Harry Hayer kept track of the rear echelon. Just after noon, lunch was eaten on top of Santiago

With Tom Amneus leading, 13 ventured down 500' and up 500' to Modjeska Peak. Everyone was back down to the cars just a little after 5:00 P.M. The trail is a fine, well maintained one to the top of Santiago. The views were spectacular all the way. San Antonio, San Gorgonio, and San Jacinto were readily identified. The trip to Modjeska was brushy and the round trip took about 1 1/2 hours. Those who made both peaks had an overall elevation gain of 5500'.

Sam Fink, charter HPS member and emblem holder #2, was on the trip. He must have some kind of record for these two peaks as he has climbed one 20 times and the other 30 times. Peter Roien (79 as we have already noted) made some of the less experienced hikers envious of his hiking ability.

The swimming pool closed at 5:00 P.M., so no one went swimming and the tired crew dispersed for various destinations.