i8o 



Sierra Club Bulletin 



Fifteen members climbed the north Palisade (14,254 feet), being the 

 second time it has ever been ascended. Mr. Chas. Michael made the 

 first ascent of the highest of the Devil's Crags (12,612 feet). Most of 

 these knapsackers visited Grouse Valley, which is another wonder- 

 spot of the Sierra — sculptured walls rising Yosemite-like from a flowery 

 meadow, through which the main river winds with sinuous curves. 

 From Palisade Creek to Cartridge Creek the various parties found it 

 rather strenuous going — reminding one of the Tuolumne Canon, not 

 alone because of the difficulties of travel, but also because of the 

 stupendous cliffs and exquisite cascades and falls of the river. It will 

 interest our members to learn that steps have already been taken 

 by the Club, in co-operation with Fresno County and the Forest 

 Service, to build a trail up this gorge, thus making Grouse Valley 

 and Palisade Basin accessible with pack animals, from the west. 



Regretfully leaving Simpson Meadows, the entire party descended 

 the Middle Fork Cafion to Tehipite Valley — next to Yosemite and 

 Hetch Hetchy the finest example of the Yosemite type of valleys in 

 the Sierra. Lack of feed for animals prevented a longer stay and 

 the next day the party climbed to Gnat Meadows, which was com- 

 pletely enveloped in clouds, and camped in a splendid forest of red 

 fir. Camps at House and Glenn Meadows followed, and passing 

 through Shaver, the party while still in the pine forests, boarded 

 the special train of the San Joaquin and Eastern Railroad, and the 

 thirteenth annual outing was practically over. 



Considering the great difficulties of provisioning and transport- 

 ing the baggage of so large a party through such rough and un- 

 frequented territory — first crossing the crest of the Sierra and then 

 ridges and canons that few private parties have the hardihood to 

 undertake — this outing stands out as being the most ambitious and 

 at the same time successful of any in the history of the Club. 

 There were 200 members in the main party, and unfortunately many 

 who applied late could not be accommodated. Counting assistants and 

 camp help, the party numbered nearly 240. The Club followed its plan 

 of the two years previous, and in co-operation with Fresno County and 

 the Forest Service, hired a crew of six trail men,, who traveled in ad- 

 vance of the Club and repaired the extremely rough trails in this region. 

 They were left in better condition than they have ever been. The Club 

 is indebted and acknowledges its appreciation to the Supervisors of 

 Fresno County, Mr. J. E. Eibeshutz and friends of Independence, and 

 to Mr. Paul G. Redington, Supervisor of the Sierra National Forest, 

 for their part in making the outing such a great success. In spite of the 

 unusual amount of rain encountered last summer, something very ex- 

 ceptional in the Sierra, we shall look forward eagerly to the day when 

 we shall revisit this wonderfully attractive portion of the Sierra. 



Respectfully submitted, Wm. E. Colby, Chairman, 

 J. N. Le Conte, 

 E. T. Parsons, 



Outing Committee. 



