East Ord Mountain, Spectre Point

31-Jan-87

By: Jerry Keating

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Pioneer Park in Lucerne Valley, complete with flush toilets and other amenities, was the gathering place Saturday for 26 desert lovers, most of whom drove out that morning. We approached East Ord via well-graded Camp Rock Road, then a firm 1.4-mile spur that ends at 3900' about 0.75 mile east of the Grand View Mine. One person waited at the cars, and everyone else climbed East Ord (6120+') via its broad ridges. Among those on top for lunch was former SPS Chairman Chuck Miller, making his first appearance on a DPS scheduled trip in many years. Other seasoned climbers along for East Ord only included Barbara Reber and Ted Pinson. Those desiring Spectre drove via California 62 to an unmarked turnoff about 40 miles east of Twentynine Palms, then 3.7 miles to camp (2580') just outside the Joshua Tree National Monument boundary. The turnoff is 0.85 mile east of highway marker SB72, and the side road is sandy for only the first several hundred yards.

Sunday's hikers numbered 29, including eight who joined us for Spectre only and another Sierra Clubber who was camped adjacent to us with a Cactus and Succulent Society group. Of the 29, 20 made Spectre (4400+') by 11:30 a.m. in balmy weather, then descended to the bowl for lunch. (New register needed.) Besides the leaders, the summit party consisted of Dick and James Agnos, Art Benkain, Bobby Dubeau, Darl Dumont, Richard Dushett, Charlotte Ekback, Dick Farrar, Harry Forry, Bill Gray, Pat Jump, Nancy Keating, Julie King, Return Moore, John Rhodehamel, Fran Silver, Carolyn West and Robert Wyka.

The others explored the approach to Spectre before returning to the cars, and everyone was back by 3 p.m.

Thanks to Norm Rohn for subbing as a leader on this pleasant weekend which attracted a total of 35 participants.


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