Box 3357, Bakersfield, CA 93385-3357
(805) 323-5569
E-mail: kern-kaweah.chapter@sierraclub.org
March Fund Appeal - A reminder
You should have recently received our annual March Appeal in the
mail. The Chapter March Conservation Appeal is our only appeal for
money to be spent here locally this year. Please respond to your
mailing to help us keep up the fight. Thank you! In case you have
misplaced the mailing, make check payable to: Kern-Kaweah Chapter,
Sierra Club. Send check to “March Appeal”, PO Box 3357,
Bakersfield, CA 93385.
Roads May Cause Truck Accidents
According to the December 1989 study by the California Department Of Transportation (Caltrans), “Truck King Pin - to - Rear Axle Length (KP-RA), State Highway System Evaluation”, about 19 percent (3,364 miles), mostly mountain roads of the California State highway system is geometrically inadequate to safely handle tractor-semitrailers of 30 feet KP-RA, due to extremely dangerous conditions of tight radius of curves and narrow roadways. It was determined that State Highway 155 has 70 inadequate sharp and narrow curves in 20.3 miles of road where some trucks would have to be “off tracking” or illegally leaving the lane of traffic to cross over the road centerline and or use the road shoulder.
The US Forest Service should consider the public safety impacts
caused by the use of logging trucks, for timber extraction projects,
on mountainous, narrow, curving Forest Service roads, as well as on
the geometrically inadequate State Highways and County roads, as part
of the cumulative effects evaluation of all proposed timber sale in
the National Forest. All Forest Service roads and other roads used by
logging trucks should be studied to determine the adequacy of these
roads to safely accommodate tractor-semitrailers with wide
off-tracking requirements and to ban truck traffic where public
safety would be violated. Ignoring this public safety issue and the
possibility of “off-tracking” logging trucks, which can
cause accidents and deaths, could implicate the Forest Service with
contributory negligence if litigation results from an accident.
Please notify the Forest Service about your concern with this public
safety issue.
In 1997 there were over 25,000 overall crashes involving big trucks
in California, which killed 439 motorists including 81 truck drivers,
and 28 children. In addition, 12,624 more persons were injured in
these crashes. California Assembly Bill AB 576 - "Kim's Law", would
prohibit certain length trucks from traveling these narrow stretches
of State Highways which are geometrically inadequate for safe, legal
driving. Please fax your letter of support for AB 576 to The
Honorable Mike Honda, State Capitol Building, Sacramento, CA 95814,
Attn: Loudres Ayon, FAX: 916.323.0862 and fax a copy of your letter
to CRASH (Citizens For Reliable And Safe Highways). Your letter of
support, received before April 10, 1999, will help to bring this bill
to the floor of the house during this session. Ara Marderosian P.O.
Box 988 Weldon, CA 760.378.4574
On 3 24 99 Mary Ann Lockhart, Chester Arthur and Arthur Unger took an
informative tour of the Kern Water Bank and a few local farms. The
tour was arranged for the Bay Delta Advisory Committee which met in
Bakersfield 3 25. During the public comments, Mary Ann told the
committee that increased urban and agricultural water conservation
should be tried before studying new surface water storage facilities.
This was the second time she addressed the Bay Delta Advisory
Committee. Arthur Unger has written several comment letters to
“CalFed” emphasizing the same theme, flood plain management
and the impact of the Kern River Freeway on areas capable of water
recharge .
The Latest On Sequoia National Park
I just received my General Management Plan(GMP) Newsletter 4 for
Spring 1999 from Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. This is a
workbook on planning in the Parks and I decided to follow my usual
practice of putting it aside until I had a block of time to study the
document. Well, here is what I found on the cover: 1.Retaining the
parks’ traditional character may not be possible. 2.The parks
cannot be everything to everyone - some trade-offs are inevitable.
These two items induced me to start commenting. I was shocked because
I want the parks to remain as natural as possible and that there be
limited buildings so we can enjoy the magnificence of the trees. I
don’t want to make any trade-offs in this strategic plan. They
tell me they will deal with my input. Well I’m not a frequenter
of either park and I usually only go the Giant Forest when I have out
of town guests that I want to impress. Otherwise I visit other areas
of the Sierra that are not so public. I must admit though that
I’ve fallen in love with Mineral King Valley. Please join me in
commenting on their plans and help keep this place the way we like
it. Our plans then will evolve into a Draft Environmental Impact
Statement sometime in 2000. You can read the information on-line at
www.nps.gov/planning/seki/allplans.htm
and
www.nps.gov/seki
If you’re like me, you might want the document in your lap. Call
Kris Fister, Public Information Office (559)565-3131 or Dave Graber,
Park GMP Coordinator (559)565-3173. Although the Newsletter 4 comment
time will have passed, April 30th 1999, ask for this
document and request to be put on the mailing list for future
newsletters. Don’t expect to get any mail soon; call them again
in a month as a followup. There will also be opportunities to attend
informational meetings and hearings on the GMP and other matters
relating to the Parks, such as whether cabins in Mineral King Valley
can remain there forever. If you want to add your name to my list of
folks to notify regarding any additional information I might get call
me, Lorraine Unger at (661) 323-5569.
Hurricane Hike
If we had open umbrellas, there’s no telling how far the desert
winds would have carried us across the Mojave Desert...but allow me
to start at the beginning. On Saturday, March 27, twenty-one Sierra
Club members gathered for the CNRCC Desert Committee “Southern
Sierra Exploratory” hike into Pine Tree Canyon. This scenic
transition zone between the desert and mountains is also the
southernmost boundary of the Sierra Nevada. Our eager group included
members from as far away as San Francisco and Nevada. Following
introductions and orientation, we began our steep cross-country
ascent of the Barren Ridge. However, we soon discovered that the
relentless winds made it difficult to stand upright or take a step. A
decision was made to retreat to the safety of the desert floor, where
we hiked up scenic Tortoise Canyon, a sheltered alternative to the
howling ridgelines above.
Later in the afternoon, we set up our car camp in breezy Red Rock
Canyon. We then hiked up Iron Canyon Wash, admiring the spectacular
red geological formations, and few hardy blooming species, such as
desert alyssum and bladder pod bush. An informal potluck dinner and
warm campfire were welcome comforts after fighting the desert winds
all day. Sunday morning found us enjoying a plant walk with botanist
Dave Charlton, following by a leisurely stroll along a nature trail
above the campground.
The best made plans often go awry, as they did this windy weekend. We
want to express thanks to all participants for being such good sports
in spite of the breezes and trip changes...Pine Tree Canyon will be
conquered another day!
Georgette Theotig, Co-Leader
Become a Hero!
Not everyone can make a large gift to protect the environment
during their lifetime, but you can become a financial hero by
remembering the Sierra Club in your will. You can even direct your
gift to a specific Club program or to your home chapter. For more
information and confidential assistance, please contact Lorraine
Unger at (661) 323-5569.
Bakersfield Group
We are hoping to start a Bakersfield Sierra Club Group,
which would meet on a monthly or other regular basis. It would be an
opportunity for members to get together, and there would be programs,
discussions, presentations of trips to interesting places, and
speakers on environmental issues. The meetings would be open to the
public, and would be held at a public place. If you have an interest
in this idea, know of a meeting place, have suggestions for programs,
or any other inputs, please call Glenn Shellcross, 832-3382, email
gshellcross@juno.com or Mel Rubin, 831-3333, email
melr@netxn.com.
Kern-Kaweah Memorial Fund
In 1980 the Executive Committee (Ex-com) established this fund to
honor the memory of those who share the conservation ethic of the
Sierra Club. The funds are not to be expended in day-to-day
operations of the Chapter, but in ways to recognize those being
memorialized. When a donor specifies the use of a gift the Ex-com
honors that request, but general donations are useable for
conservation related efforts. At the February Executive Board meeting
the vote was to plant an oak tree in memory of Ruth Allen our former,
long term Historian. If you wish to make any donations in memory of
those who care about the earth, please make your check to Sierra Club
Kern-Kaweah Chapter and mail it to: Sierra Club, Kern -Kaweah
Chapter, P.O. Box 3357, Bakersfield, CA 93385
Not everyone can make a large gift to protect the environment during
their lifetime, but you can become a financial hero by remembering
the Sierra Club in your will. You can even direct your gift to a
specific Club program or to your home chapter. For more information
and confidential assistance, please contact Lorraine Unger at (661)
323-5569.
These are Chapter members who stay current on local concerns. If you
have expertise on a Sierra Club issue that you would like to
disseminate to the membership or seek question and comments, please
get included in this list. Call Glenn Shellcross, 661-832-3382 or Mel
Rubin, 661-831-3333
These are local Kern-Kaweah Chapter, Sierra Club outings, except
as noted. Everyone is welcome; you need not be a Sierra Club member.
Space on some outings may be limited by the leader. So as not to hold
back the other participants, you should be in appropriate condition
and have appropriate expertise for the outing you choose. Note that
Sierra Club outings rules are in effect! Call (661) 872-2432 for
information about future outings.
If you know of an interesting walk or hike that you know of or
have experienced that you would like to see initiated or repeated,
please call Gordon Nipp, Outings Chair, 661-872-2432
Regular Events:
Thursday Evening Conditioning Hike
4-5 mile conditioning hike in the northeast Bakersfield area
every Thursday evening to keep us in reasonable shape. Meet at
7pm at the Cadillac Ranch parking lot, just east of Mesa Marin. Call
leaders, Eva or Gordon Nipp, at (661) 872-2432 for details.
Tuesday Morning Birding in the Bakersfield
Area. Every Tuesday from 7:30 to noon, at various local birding hot
spots. Novice to expert birders are welcome! For locations, call La
Dona Matthews at Kern Audubon Society, (661) 831-5637. Please note
this is not a Sierra Club event.
Special Events:
May 1, Sat. &endash; Annual Fundraising Dinner for the
Kaweah Oaks Preserve &endash; Sponsored by the Four Creeks Land
Trust, this worthy affair is not a Sierra Club event. Social hour
with live music at 5 PM, catered dinner at 6 PM, and a hayride deeper
into the Preserve following dinner. Donation $30 per person. Call
Brian Newton at (559) 627-3571 for information.
May 1, Saturday. Thorn Point Hike. Strenuous hike to
viewpoint featuring abandoned fire tower from which on a clear day
you can see the Pacific. Trail passes through pinons and sugar pines
with great views. Mt. Pinos District of Los Padres. Meeting Place:
Parking lot of Pine Mountain Club, 9 AM. If coming from outside of
community call to make arrangements for meeting place on Lockwood
Valley Road. Lunch, water, good hiking shoes a must. Leaders: Bernice
and Jack Burns. Call Ches, 661-242-0423 or Mary Ann, 661-242-0432 for
more information and reservations. (Please bring Adventure Pass if
you have one.)
May 5 Wed. 6pm easy evening walk in the Kern River Wildlife
Migration Corridor, Bakersfield - Beginners welcome. Meet at
Albertson’s clock tower, Stockdale and Gosford. Call LEADER,
Lorraine 323 5569, 589-3921, 834 2675 for details.
May 8-9, Sat-Sun Angeles Chp/Toiyabe Chp/CRNCC Desert Owens
Valley Desert Study & Car Camp: Sat, with Naturalist, MIKE
PRATHER we'll tour Owens Lk wetlands, Lwr Owens R; learn how
LA's DWP & Inyo Cty plan to manage Owens Lk restoration. Area is
prime location for viewing seasonal neotropical migrants, waterfowl
& shorebirds. Expl site of 1872 Lone Pine earthquake fault &
visit hist Alabama gates. Sat eve potluck & campfire. Sun,
leaders will provide Mother's Day breakfast. Afterwards easy-mod hike
in nrby Alabama Hills (western movie site); opt trips to E Sierra
Museum, Cerro Gordo Mine above Keeler. Expect $7 per night per
vehicle camp fee. Send $5.00 (Sierra Club) for ldrs exp, SASE, H
& W phones, carpool info to Ldr: BLAIR KUROPATKIN (Antelope Vly
Grp), 3760 W Ave J-14, Lancaster, CA 93536, (661) 943-2603,
blair@qnet.com. Co-ldrs: BARRY MC CORMICK, MIKE PRATHER (Range of
Light Grp).
May 12 Wed. 6pm - Easy walk in the Kern River Wildlife
Migration Corridor, Bakersfield - Meet in the parking lot at Denise
Av. & Manor Drive, near the river. Beginers welcome. Call LEADER,
Lorraine 323 5569 589-3921, 834 2675, if questions.
May 14, Fri 7:00 pm - Mineral King & Kaweah Group, get
together at the Wildflower Cafe, 121 S “E” Street, Exeter.
Join the group for coffee and converation. For more information phone
Theresa 781-0594 or Beverly 592-9865.
May 14-17 Fri-Mon SF Bay Chapter/CNRCC Desert. Diamond
Range Inventory & Car Camp, Central Nevada. Study & mapping
trip to remote area N of Eureka. We’ll document wild values,
boundaries, impacts in this long & narrow mtn range. Maybe
attempt backpack ascent of the highest spot, Diamond Pk (10,614 ft)
with dramatic cross NV views. Mixture of x-country hiking &
driving. High clearance vehicles needed, 4WD helpful. Central
commissary. Send SASE, h&w phones, rideshare info to Ldr: Vicky
Hoover, 735 Geary St #501, SF, CA 94109, (415) 977-5527,
vicky.hoover@sierraclub.org.
May 15, Sat. &endash; “Trail of the Sequoias”
Hike &endash; Experience hundreds of spectacular giant sequoias
on one of the finest loop hikes in Sequoia National Park. Start at
the Sherman Tree in Giant Forest for a 6-mile hike to Crescent Meadow
and back. Meet at 7:30 am; bring lunch and water. Call leader Brian
Newton at (559) 627-3571 for meeting place and carpool
arrangement.
May 16 for training and May 17 (Monday) 3rd annual Sierra Club Lobby
Day in Sacramento. If you are interested in participating call
Art Unger (661)322-5569 or Glenn Shellcross (661)832-3382. More
detailed information will be developed, but now is the time to start
planning to attend. Food and some lodging assistance will be
provided, but transportation will be up to us as individuals to work
out. Early responses will help us to know how many will want lodging
assistance and what kind of transportation arrangements to make. More
next issue.
May 17 Mon., 7:30 pm. Owens Peak Group Monthly Meeting,
Ridgecrest. Glenn Harris of BLM will discuss the ground water program
and the weather stations. Meet at the Maturango Museum, 100 Las
Flores. Call Dennis at (760)3757967 or Jeanie at (760)3758973 for
details.
May 19 Wed. 6pm - Easy walk in the Kern River Wildlife Migration Corridor, Bakersfield - Beginers welcome. Meet at Albertson’s clock tower, Stockdale and Gosford. Call LEADER, Lorraine 323 5569, 589-3921, 834 2675 for details.
May 22, Sat. 7:30 am. Exploratory hike up Cottonwood Creek,
the original, now abandoned, trail to Horseshoe Meadows. A moderate
to strenuous hike. Hikers should be in good condition. Meet in
Ridgecrest at Ridgecrest Cinemas at 7:30 am. For info call Don, (760)
375-8599 or Dennis, (760) 375-7967.
May 22, Sat. 9:00 am. Twelfth annual 6 mile windmill &
wildflower hike, near Tehachapi. Meet at trailhead at Cameron Rd
& Tehachapi-Willow Springs Rd, or call leaders for carpool info
from Bakersfield. For info call Paul, 661.822.9150 or Tony,
661.822.9150.
May 22, Sat. - North Fork of Kern River Children's Hike -
Easy hike from the Johnsondale bridge to the falls (1.5 miles one
way). Have lunch and return. Children welcome. Bring lunch and water.
Meet at 8am at the Cadillac Ranch parking lot east of Bakersfield.
Call leader Ann Williams at (805)324-1055 for details
May 26 Wed 6pm Easy walk in the Kern River Wildlife
Migration Corridor, Bakersfield. Meet in the parking lot at River and
Panorama Boulevards. Sneakers OK, boots are better. Beginers welcome.
Call LEADER, Lorraine 323 5569, 589-3921, 834 2675 for details.
May 28-31 Fri-Mon SF Bay Chapter/CNRCC DesertWhite Rock
Range Inventory & Car Camp, E Nevada. Memorial Day journey to far
eastern edge of NV, SE of Ely & NE Pioche. Inventory work to
check boundaries of proposed wilderness. Climb White Rock Pk (9,146
ft); not in official WSA but we’ve a hunch it deserves
wilderness status. Great Basin at its best: broad expanses, wide
views, snow, mud, flowers, critters and more. X-country hiking. High
clearance vehicles needed, 4WD helpful. Central Commissary. Send
SASE, h&w phones, rideshare info to Ldr: Vicky Hoover, 735 Geary
St #501, SF, CA 94109, (415) 977-5527,
vicky.hoover@sierraclub.org.
June 2 Wed. 6pm easy walk in the Kern River Wildlife Migration
Corridor. Meet in the Board of Trade parking lot, on Oak, at
22nd St. Call leader, Lorraine 323-5569, 834 2675, for
details or if you will be late.
June 5, Saturday. Rock Art Sites on way to Mesa Springs, Mt.
Pinos District of Los Padres. 8 hour, down-hill first, hike.
Strenuous. 8 AM meeting time at Pine Mountain Clubhouse parking lot.
Lunch, lots of water, really good walking shoes, layered clothing.
For further information and reservations call Ray, 661-242-2009 or
Ches,661-242-0423. (Please bring Adventure Pass if you have one.)
June 9 Wed. 6pm Easy Evening Walk in the Kern River
Wildlife Migration Corridor, Bakersfield - Drive west on Stockdale
Highway, turn right onto the remnant of the former Stockdale Highway
about 30 yards before the Highway crosses the Kern and park. You may
also turn north off Stockdale at Buena Vista. Sneakers OK, boots
better. Call LEADER Lorraine 323 5569, 589-3921, 323 5569, 834 2675
with questions.
Jun 11-17 Fri-Thurs Toiyabe Chp/S Nevada Grp Paria River
Backpack, UT-AZ. Easy-mod. BP, mostly down cyn, much wading in ankle
deep water, 40 mi total. Main cyn is a narrow sensously shapped 23 mi
long red-orange sculptured shape with a side slot tributary. Optional
side trips with day pack will be available or relax in camp. In June
the normal temps, outside cyn at Lee’s Ferry are 105F day &
75F eve. Can be cool to cold in cyn. Group size limit 10. Send $30
(David Hardy) non-refundable BLM fee by 3/1, $20 (Sierra Club)
refundable deposit (if you go or cancel 8 days before trip). All
deposits are required for wait list and are fully refundable if you
do not go. Send SASE, h&w phones, rideshare info to Ldr: David
Hardy, Box 99, Blue Diamond, NV 89004, (702) 875-4549.
Jun 16, Wed 6:30 pm. Kaweah Group Annual end of year pot
luck in Diane’s back yard in Porterville. For information call
Diane 781-8897 or Theresa 781-0594
Jun 19, Sat. 7:30 am. Climb Pleasant Point, from Cerro Gordo.
Spectacular views all around. A moderate hike with 1600 ft elevation
gain to the 9690 ft summit. Meet in Ridgecrest at Ridgecrest Cinemas
at 7:30 am. For info call Don, (760) 375-8599 or Dennis, (760)
375-7967.
July 3, Saturday. Peak to Peak (Mt. Pinos to Mt. Cerro
Noroeste) Hike. Mt. Pinos Disrict, Los Padres. More details in future
editions of Roadrunner.
July 3-5 Sat-Mon CNRCC Desert/Toiyabe Chp Blue Lakes/Pine
Forest Mtns WSA Backpack, NW Nevada. Easy backpack (1 mi) to basecamp
at beautiful, spring & snowmelt-fed, high elev. (7,968 ft) Blue
Lakes located just E of Sheldon Nat’l Wildlife Refuge. Backdrop
of Duffer Peak (9,397 ft). Glacial moraine areas/willow, aspen,
whitebark & limber pine, mtn mahogany forests. Wildflowers should
abound. Sun either cross-country climb Duffer Peak or wildlife
watching at all five Blue Lakes, Outlaw Meadows, or nearby Onion Vly
Reservoir. Birdwatch opps for Pine Grosbeaks & Red Crossbills;
also Pronghorn Antelope & Bighorn Sheep. Send lg SASE, h&w
phones, rideshare info to Co-ldr : Sharon Kiel, 50 Suda Wy, Reno, NV
89509, (702) 322-2465. Co-ldr: Lelia Heading, (775) 331-5631
Lheading@aol.com.
Aug 6-8 Fri-Sun CNRCC Desert, Toiyabe Chapter Santa
Rosa/Paradise Pk Wilderness Area Expl Car Camp, No Nevada.
Explore little known wilderness N of Winnemucca, NV. Car camp Fri eve
at Singas Crk trlhd nr Paradise, NV. Sat am, long all-day expl hike
(11.5 mi rt, 2,100 ft elev gain, mostly on trail). Trail passes thru
lush vegetation, alternating between aspen/willow &
grass/sagebrush country, with panoramic views of Paradise Vly below.
Grand finale places us on Abel Summit (8,750 ft) for a grand vista.
Wildflowers & birds should abound in this Bighorn sheep
habitat.
Aug. 8-14, Sun-Sat. &endash; Big Bird Lake Backpack
&endash; This is a seven-day backpack in the Sequoia National Park
backcountry. We will visit the Tablelands, Big Bird Lake, Deadman
Canyon, and elsewhere. There will be some cross-country hiking; this
is a trip for a limited number of experienced backpackers in good
condition &endash; no beginners. Call leaders Gordon and Eva Nipp at
(661)872-2432 for details and reservations.
Aug 27-29 Fri-Sun CNRCC Desert, Toiyabe Chapter Inyo Mtns
Study & Car Camp. Friday: estab dry basecamp at Badger Flat
(8,000+ft elev) off Mazourka Cyn Rd, explore old mines &
surrounding pinyon/limber/bristlecone pine forest, with eve potluck.
Sat: strenuous, steep up & down (8 mi rt, 1,500-2,000 ft elev
gain) hike to cowcamp inside Inyo Wilderness, where grazer wants
continued vehicle access (assess situation) in outstanding country
w/typical Great Basin flora. Potluck Sat nite. Sun: sleep in, then
slowly make way down mtns to Independence & finish w/Owens Vly
water history, around noon. Trip ltd to 6 vehicles. Send lg SASE,
h&w phones, rideshare info to Ldr: Michael Prather, Drawer D,
Lone Pine, CA 93545, (760) 876-5907 (before 8:30 pm),
prather@qnet.com.
Nov. 14-21, Sun-Sun. &endash; Fundraiser Cruise to Mexican
Riviera &endash; Carnival Cruises is offering this cruise from
San Pedro to Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, and Cabo San Lucas at 50% off
brochure prices to Sierra Club members with a 5% rebate to the
Chapter. Prices start at $689. Reserve early since there are a
limited number of discounted cabins. Call Gordon Nipp at
(661)872-2432 for more information, or call directly to Montrose
Travel at (800)301-9673.
My nephew, an oboist, heard from a fellow musician an intriguing story. It seems that a respected bassoonist, riding his bicycle along a path in a nature preserve, was annoyed to find his progress hindered by the encroachment of some tall grasses which had the appearance, and seemed to have the tenacity, of slender bamboo. Curiosity got the better of the musician’s irritation, and he took home a few segments to try whether they might be made into reeds for his bassoon. He was successful, and since then has cut many hundreds of sections of the grass for reeds. The plant is called Arundo Donax, and it grows, among other places, in California and Texas. In fact, it is an invasive exotic, and is the bane of such agencies as the Los Angeles Department of Public Works, which has spent untold sums trying unsuccessfully to eradicate it from areas near waterways all around the city. Tom, my nephew, has found it growing abundantly in the Whittier Narrows near Long Beach. where he lives, and by river mouths near the Ventura Harbor. He is having a wonderful time making his own reeds, and is becoming quite an expert upon the subject of Arundo Donax. As he wrote to the friend who tipped him off about it, "I speculate that of the thousands of acres of Arundo, many stalks must possess the qualities that any player might want. I seem to be finding that in any given stand, there are pieces of varying qualities. Thus I expect that a ‘grower’ must also experience less than perfect consistency." Evidently, apropos of that, one musician grows Arundo and sells quantities to reed manufacturers from a deliberately cultivated ten-acre patch.
On a recent visit with my family I witnessed the reed-making process. A segment which has been cured by drying is processed by the use of several precision tools. First, a section of the cane is split into three strips by the insertion of a narrow steel rod with three blades at its end. Each strip is placed in a small guillotine-like device and sliced neatly at both ends, to a specific length, by another sharp blade. Next it is placed in a planer which at once smoothes the center and renders the edges to slight but exact angles so that they will meet perfectly when the segment is folded over and cut into two equal parts. The reed is then bound at one end by a strong thread, after which it is ready for hand carving.
At this point, I was enthralled by the naming of parts. Above the binding is the "window", and at the opposite end is the "tip". Between the window and the tip is the "heart" of the reed. Along both sides, very thin ridges are raised by carving, and they are the "rails". Down the center, another such ridge forms the "spine". Et voila! The reed is ready for soaking, and finally for insertion into the instrument.
Tom’s enjoyment of all this takes its own musical form as he whistles happily, splitting, slicing, planing, binding and carving away with almost as much pleasure as he has in the resulting music.
A couple of weeks ago all of us were riding in the family van at Avila Bay on the Central Coast. Nancy sat in back with the children, Sarah and Annie, and Tom and I rode in front keeping an eye out for noxious grass. Suddenly a cry went up from the driver: "Arundo!" To an oboist who makes his own reeds, that shout is akin to what "Thar she blows!" must have been to a whaler. Nancy, with remarkable patience, put the baby in the stroller and went off with Sarah to find ice cream; Tom and I harvested. Next month I’m going to hear a performance by my nephew’s wind quintet, and maybe some of the Arundo I helped to harvest will be making exciting music.
Perhaps those friends who cherish native plants and loathe nothing more than invasive exotics, will at least find a redeeming irony in my story and forgive my newly acquired affection for Arundo Donax. Perhaps, also, the moral of the tale should go something like this: "If you can’t beat it, make it sing!"
- Ann Williams © 1999
KAWEAH GROUP (Porterville, area code 559)
Chair: Theresa Stump 781-0594
Vice Chair: Dianne Jetter
Conservation: Carla Cloer
Outings: Jim Clark
MINERAL KING GROUP (Visalia & Hanford, 559)
Chair: Neil Fernbaugh
Vice Chair: Brian Newton
Secretary: Nina Stone
Conservation: Mary Moy
Outings: Brian Newton
Treasurer: Janet Wood
Membership: Patty
Environmental Education & Computers: Harold Wood
Fundraising: Richard Garcia
Social: Bev Garcia
OWENS PEAK GROUP (Desert area code, 760)
Chair: Dennis Burge 375-7967
Vice Chair: Steve Smith
Conservation: Jeanie Haye
Treasurer: Dolph Amster
At Large: Dorothy Vokolek
Outings: Don Peterson 375-8599
Acting Content Editor: Larry Wailes (805)
873-8060
Contributions of news, articles, press releases, opinion, art and photographs (black & white), letters to the editor, should be sent to: lewailes@lightspeed.net
Copyrighted articles, graphics and photos can only be reprinted
with the owner's permission.
Published 12 times per year by the Kern-Kaweah Chapter of the
Sierra Club, Bakersfield, CA. All non-copyrighted material printed in
the Roadrunner may be reprinted in any Sierra Club publications with
acknowledgement.
Return to Kern-Kaweah Chapter Home Page
http://www.sierraclub.org/chapters/kernkaweah/roadrunner_may_1999.html