Leader: Les Stockton
Asst.: Ken Ferrell
The Beginner's Special is always enjoyable. Twenty-eight people eventually showed on a hot, hot day. We doubled up in the cars and had a short 3 mile car shuttle to the base of the "Peak". At 10:00 a.m. starting time, after 1 mile and 400 feet of gain we were ready for an early lunch. The fearless leader then proceeded to elaborate on the 10 essentials. As almost all things are, the term "10 essentials" is a misnomer and actually represents 22 separate items. From unfortunate past experiences (now he has car keys, for instance, in four places) the list has expanded to 80 items. Your leader feels that these items if not carried by the leader should be at least distributed within the group. The list of 80 includes among other items, money, identification, nylon line, waterproof poncho tarp, can opener, chlorine pills, boy scout can opener, camera, film, butterfly band aids, etc. The questions indicated the group was listening and the "veterans" present offered additional suggestions. We returned to the cars and most of the group was ready to do another. We then climbed Mooney by the short route. The group was by now steadily decreasing as we proceeded to Winston and Buckhorn. Eight stalwarts finally assaulted Sally (Ed. - He means ascended) on the way home to complete a beginners peak-bagger.
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