DESERT SURVIVORS
Benton Hot Springs
Desert Survivors Annual End-of-Summer/Start-of-Fall Party
Last year's Benton Gathering was great fun with 85 people in attendance. The 2007 event will, we expect, also be good. All members are invited, as are children and guests. Space is limited, so sign up now to reserve a spot. Hot tubs, hiking, all sorts of activities, plus our Annual Membership Meeting on Sunday morning. A great start to our Fall hiking season, plus a farewell to Summer. Come to Benton and meet your Directors, Trip Leaders and your fellow members in the desert.
Desert Survivors has rented the entire Benton Hot Springs Resort from Noon 9/20 to Noon 9/23. Members and guests are invited to reserve camping space. It will be a fun event for all!
Cost: $35.00 per adult (children 12 and under are free). Members are encouraged to bring non-member guests ($35.00 each); if interested, guests can become members of DS at the party. We expect around one hundred attendees, so sign up early!.
Location: Benton Hot Springs is located on State Route 120, southeast of Mono Lake, 42 rollicking miles east of U.S. Route 395. (Be aware that Yosemite National Park charges $40 per car to get over Tioga Pass on Route 120; you may buy an annual pass from the Park Service for $80.)
Activities: There will be many activities scheduled throughout the three days, including: hikes long and short, visits to historical sites both and indigenous and not, star and moon gazing, geology and plant hikes, an art demonstration, campfire sing-alongs, yoga, a desert hat fashion show, a book exchange, kids' games, and lots more. Feel free to add an activity to our roster. End each event with a glorious soak in one of the nine tubs of natural hot water from the springs. Relax as you watch the late summer sun reflecting off the 14,000-foot spine of the White Mountains, sentinels of the sky above Owens Valley, gateway to the Great Basin. All tubs are clothing-optional, but please consult with the parents at #1 Family Camp.
Food: Three pot luck meals are planned: Breakfast on Friday (8:00-9:30 am), Dinner on Friday (6:30 pm), and Dinner on Saturday (6:30 pm). Plus a Happy Hour on Thursday at 5:00 pm.
Miscellaneous Information: Pleasant weather is expected: 70s-80s F. in the day, 40s or low 50s F. at night, but it could be colder and stormy. The Desert Survivors Annual Membership meeting will be held on Sunday at 9:00 am. Also, please try to car pool.
To Sign Up: Please send a $35.00 check payable to "Desert Survivors" for each adult participant. Send to Steve Tabor, Attn. Benton Event, PO Box 20991, Oakland, CA 94620-0991. Include your name, phone, home address, and how many (and who) will be attending. Include your e-mail address if you have one. A packet with all the details will be sent to you via postal mail. Please note that Bed and Breakfast lodging is available at Benton Hot Springs for those who desire this. Call the Resort Office at (760) 933-2507 or (760) 933-2287 for information and reservations. Space is limited, so call early.