Our good friend Vern Stiefel died on Friday, December 8, 2006 at Smith Rocks State Park. Vern had been living in Corvallis, Oregon for the last few years, climbing extensively throughout the Northwest.

Prior to his move to Oregon, Vern resided in Southern California for a few years. And, during this tenure, Vern quickly became a Josh “local.” His drive, intensity and enthusiasm for climbing led him to all corners of Joshua Tree National Park, amassing an impressive tick list of classic, bold and difficult routes.

A climbing day with Vern started with the sunrise and usually finished with just “one more route” as the sun set. A headlamp was essential for the typical long trudge in the dark back to the car (where a cold micro-brew or three lay waiting). Bold leads and deep conversations about everything from politics to science were the norm. When you were with Vern, you were fully engaged (mentally and physically), and usually climbing your best.

A Memorial Ceremony will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, December 17, 2006 in Joshua Tree National Park so that his many friends in Southern California (and elsewhere) can share our loss and celebrate this unique man’s life. Location will be at Target Rock in the Oyster Bar area. Bring your stories and perhaps a micro-brew or two.

Afterwards, we plan on gathering for food and drinks at the Joshua Tree Community Center in the town of Joshua Tree. 6171 Sunburst Avenue, Joshua Tree (Six blocks east of Park Blvd along Hwy 62, then turn north on Sunburst). Here is a link to a map showing the location of the Community Center:

http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?address=6171%20Sunburst>>>>>

Oyster Bar Directions: Park in the large, well signed “Oyster Bar” parking area on the east side of Park Boulevard located 2.4 miles southeast of the “T” intersection of Park Boulevard and Hidden Valley Campground/Barker Dam Roads (11.2 miles from West Entrance). This is 0.4 miles northeast of the entrance to Ryan Campground. From Jumbo Rocks Campground it is a 5.9 mile drive west on Park Boulevard. Just to the left of the interpretive sign, a clearly marked climbers trail heads about 700 yards east toward the left side of Target Rock’s west face.

Please feel free to contact me with questions or ideas.
rk dot vogel at verizon dot net

John Muir:
Let children walk with Nature, let them see the beautiful blendings and communions of death and life, their joyous inseparable unity, as taught in woods and meadows, plains and mountains and streams of our blessed star, and they will learn that death is stingless indeed, and as beautiful as life.