COOPER.791                   p 64



          DEMOLAYS HIKE YOSEMITE


DURING THE SUMMER of 1990, Brother Kenneth N. Cooper, 32ø,
conducted a group of DeMolays and Chapter Dads on a day-long hike
in Yosemite National Park.

  In attendance with Broþ Cooper were the Chapter Dads Lee Madsen
and Gary Rucker; and the DeMolays Dave Madsen, Chris Rucker and
Dave Carmack. Also hiking was Katsuro Kojima, a Japanese foreign
exchange student living with Dave Carmack's family. The Chapter
represented is from Merced, California, which recently won, in
addition to individual awards, a first place award for Degree
proficiency in the Western Regionals and a second place in
international competition.

  The trail selected for their hike is one of Yosemite Park's most
beautiful and strenuousÄthe Upper Yosemite Falls trail. Over
its 3.3 mile course from the valley floor to the falls' river
bridge, the trail gains 3000 feet in elevation. Views of the park
vary with the ascent and create unique photographic opportuni-
ties  with  changing light and shadows. Approximately 135 switch-
backs must be managed along trail sections under tree cover, over
sandy inclines, and up rugged granite steps that challenge even
experienced hikers.

    Once at the falls' bridge, the group followed the river's
course down to the brink for a breathtaking view. Several deep
pools lured some of the hikers to brave the cold water to refresh
themselves. After lunch, they hiked another mile up to Yosemite
Point for panoramic vistas of the valley and its awesome geology.
They returned along the valley rim via Lost Arrow Spire, a rock
pinnacle that is a climber's delight. Back at the bridge, the
hikers enjoyed one last moment in the cold pools, then regrouped
for the hike down to the trailhead.

    Hiking is a sport enjoyed by Broþ Cooper, and being a Senior
DeMolay, he wanted to provide a youth activity to further promote
the relationship between his Lodge and DeMolay. The group has
planned a spring hike up to Glacier Point, and as long as interest
prevails, Broþ Cooper will continue to be available. He believes
hiking promotes individual development through the challenge of
attaining a difficult destination, and he hopes further ventures
with the DeMolays will cause both a greater consciousness of nature
and an appreciation of Freemasonry.     

    þ Cooper is currently a Junior Warden of Hornitos Lodge No. 98,
and a member of the Fresno Scottish Rite.