MRVM Members Honored with Artwork
By Debbie Miller Marschke
On October 17, 2015, a mural was unveiled which pays homage to Bill “Shortfuse” Mann and Dottie “Dynamite” Mann for their contributions to the Barstow community. The mural is located on the eastern facing wall of the Union Bank, 239 E. Main Street in Barstow. Here is the inscription:
“Brubaker Mann Inc. started production in 1950 when two cousins, Ronald Brubaker and William Mann conceived a new project – naturally colored rock to be used for roofing and landscaping. Growing up in Pomona, the two men developed a love for the desert during boy scout trips to the Mojave. After serving in World War II, they went to College and a professor advised them to look for careers in construction because a post-war housing boom was underway. After graduation they bought the property where the company still is located and acquired an old crusher circa 1900, a wooden screen, and a dilapidated bucket elevator. The rock was broken with sledge hammers, fed into the mill and bagged in used sugar sacks. In 1979 Ronald Brubaker sold his share of the company to William Mann. After becoming semi-retired, Mr. Mann used his vast knowledge of the desert to author six guide books. Mr. Mann passed away in August 2006 and his wife became the sole owner.”
Dottie was very pleased with the mural and the wonderful reception that was given at the ceremony. She said that Bill would have been very proud, and would have enjoyed being in the spotlight!
2015 -Trip Report - A Recent Trip to the Shoshone Area
Written by Anne Stol
A recent trip to the Shoshone Area
By Anne Stoll
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With the upcoming DE Rondy to be held April 1 – April 3, 2016 in Shoshone, CA, I thought DEers might like a short report on doings in the general area, as we are just back from a December visit out there.
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Driving through Baker before our turn to the north, we noticed the town has made a distinct shift to the east. Yes, The Mad Greek is still bustling at the intersection of Main Drag Baker and Highway 127, but to think of Baker permanently without the Bun Boy is still a shock. Thank goodness, I guess, for Dennys. The Alien Beef Jerky place had plenty of cars parked in front and the big thermometer was working – that’s the good news.
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Photos from Nelson Miller's Cow Cove & Shaman's Eye Trip
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Christmas Party - no story but lots of fun photos!
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2015 - Trip Report Castaic Lake to Edwards AFB
Written by Bill Neill
( no story, but please see the photo gallery by clicking "Read More")
2015 - Trip Report - Carty's Camp DE Visit
Written by Debbie Miller
Carty's Camp DE Visit - Thanksgiving 2016
by Bob Jaussaud
A bunch of Desert Explorers and friends once again shared turkey with all the trimmings at the “bunkhouse” on the Colorado River this 2015 Thanksgiving season. During the holiday festivities, some of us were lucky enough to enjoy a visit to historic Carty’s Camp in Needles, CA on Old National Trails (later Route 66).
(please click "Read More" for the story and photos)
Palomar Divide Trail
November 21, 2015
by Bob Jacoby
| Our group hit the jackpot as we met on Saturday morning November 21. The weather was already in the 70’s and the skies were crystal clear. We couldn’t have asked for a better day to drive the Palomar Divide Trail and enjoy the tremendous views it had to offer on a clear day. Our outstanding group consisted of myself, new member Chris Parker, Alan Wicker and friend Bob, Mal Roode, Ted Kalil, Terry and Ellen Ogden, and Bob and Sue Jaussaud. |
(please click "Read More" for the story and photos)
2015 - Trip Report - Canyonlands, The Maze Trip
Written by Bob Jaussaud
Canyonlands, Utah, The Maze Trip
October 2015
By Bob Jaussaud
| Mal had almost given up on joining us. We didn’t make it to Hanksville until the morning after our meeting time. The problem was that Nelson, Ellen, Mignon and I were having too much fun and finding too many interesting side roads during our run from Zion up Skutumpah Road to Hole-In-The- Rock. The evening we were supposed to be in Hanksville, we ran out of daylight while still in the high country south of Torrey and had to camp in the aspens, deer and beautiful Fall colors. Sorry Mal. |
(please click "Read More" for the story and photos)
The 100 + mile White Rim Road loops around and below the Island in the Sky mesa top and provides expansive views of the surrounding area.
Part of the group, which included Marian Johns, Bob and Sue Jaussaud, Glenn Shaw, Ron Lipari and Mignon Slentz met up at Hackberry, AZ. From there, we proceeded to Flagstaff and then headed north on 89 and east on 160 to camp at Navajo National Monument where we spent a pleasant, cooler evening. Next morning before departing, we stopped at the Visitor’s Center and took a short hike on the Sandal trail to view the distant Anasazi ruins of Betatakin.
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2015 - General Meeting photos August 29 , 2015
Written by Debbie Miller
There was a General Meeting at Neal and Marian's House on August 29, 2015. Check out the pictures of important topics being discussed, along with some Tomfoolery!
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San Juan Soujourn
Ted Kalil • August 22nd, 2015
Undeterred by my bad press, Jerry and Dolly Dupree, Frederic and Barbara Raab, Nan Healy, Bob Jacoby, Nelson Miller, John and Helen Carson and friends Al and Laura, Terry and Eileen Ogden, and I met up at the Cranston Work Center of the Forest Service. Also there were maybe 20 members of SCORE (Southern California Off Road Explorers), who were also going to travel up Rouse Ridge. They left a little before us, but we didn’t want to be behind them with that many vehicles.
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2015 - Member Doings Report - Prehistoric History Unearthed
Written by Debbie Miller Marschke
Prehistoric History Unearthed !
By Debbie Miller Marschke
Located in the middle of the Mojave National Preserve, in a drainage basin east of the Hackberry Mountains, lies a private inholding of land owned by Dennis & Jo Ann Casebier. Some years ago, Park Archeologist Dave Nichols declared that the property contained a potentially important historic Native American midden site that had been discovered under a natural rock shelter. During the week of April 5 – 10, 2015, volunteers gathered for an archeological survey of the artifacts. I was fortunate to participate on this historic dig for two days. We camped on site after having been escorted in past a locked gate. The route in was not difficult, but a little tricky in the sandy spots. I think this is the most beautiful part of the Mojave Preserve I have ever seen due to the blending of various plants and geology. This area was alive with birds and jackrabbits. The DE was also represented there by Bob & Sue Jaussaud, and Glenn Shaw, and their contribution lasted through the end of the week and the restoration of the site and environs.
(click Read More for story and photo collection)
2015 - Member Doings Report - Austrailia
Written by Anne & George Stoll
Australia
June 18 - July 13, 2015
by Anne & George Stoll
Dear DE friends,
This was our year for Australia. With the exchange rate of greenbacks to Australian dollars so favorable to our side, we couldn;t pass it up. So off we went to the Northern Territory or “top end” on a trip planned to see as much rock art as possible. Of course, we saw and learned a lot more, this being our first time Down Under. After flying Virgin Australia from LAX to Sydney to Darwin, our first stop was Max Davidson’s camp on Cooper Creek near Mt. Borradaile, Arnhem Land, Australia. This was such a special place and it might be off-limits in the future because all arrangements with Aboriginal people are in flux at present, especially in Arnhem Land. A long story, very political, no end in sight. Anyway, Mt. Borradaile became one of our all-time favorite places. We approach one of the sites by water, cruising up Left Hand Billabong. to a most remarkable cave.
Happy summer from Anne & George
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Tejon Ranch Return trip
lead by Bob Jacoby on June 20 , 2015
Please take a look at the photos taken by Jerry DuPree (click Read More)