Sheephead Mountain, Monument Peak #1, Garnet Peak, Garnet Mountain, Cuyapaipe Mountain

3-4 December 1966

By: Bruce Collier

Leader: Bruce Collier
Asst.: Bob Schull

A group of hardy souls (some may say fools) met at Guymon Lodge in the Laguna Mountains for a weekend of peakbagging and good times. After a few problems of getting in and out of the rain late Friday eve (and damp wood), sleep came quickly and soundly.

Due to our scheduled meeting at 8:00, most arose early and were ready for the Sheephead ascent, a renowned brush-whack. Thanks to the U.S.F.S., the road is now much improved and 15 began the upward assault through increasing clouds. Within an hour, the leader was less than 20' from the summit, but due to some limited visibility, it was not readily recognized. As the wind velocity increased, desire to remain on the summit block dropped to nil and a rapid descent was prudent.

On reaching the cars, all participants sought warmth and food. The rains increased in intensity to the point where all but 8 said they had had enough for the day and chose to remain by the cozy lodge fireplace.

Undaunted, a select group chose to bag Monument No. 1, Garnet Peak, and Garnet Mountain despite winds which accompanied the rain in gusts up to 50 m. p. h.

A feast fit for a gourmet graced the evening table, complete with assorted beverages and Betty Hammer's German chocolate cakes (the occasion being her 29th (?) birthday). A selection of films by the San Diego Chapter completed our evening and all were grateful for the warm abode.

Sunday a.m. a group of 10 left for a rather uneventful hike to Cuyapaipe. The route up the wash proved easy and the group was on top by 11 a.m. and back to the cars, complete with mistletoe, at noon.

At this point, some departed for Julian and some cider, while a few sought added summits in Cuyamaca State Park.

We wish to thank the San Diego Chapter and Paul Cooper, Lodge host, for their hospitality and assistance.