R. M. Zink 1979 Journal 7-9 mi. W of Benton 8400-9600ft. Mono Co. Calif. 11 July (sat) found I realized that I had screwed up in the worst possible way. It took 1h 20min to hike back to Art + tell Larry the news. I then hiked to Hwy. 120. This was a hike of 14 miles total. Fortunately [Esic] it was nearly all downhill. A hitchhike ride into Benton w/ a colorful native) guy who claims that he knows more about Puma than anyone in Calif. He claims there are 20 where there should normally be 1. I got the distinct impression that he still shoot them on sight, because (at least as nationalization) "they are decimating the deer + cattle herds". He also confirmed the reports of large herds of semi-wild horses. At Benton the Chevron dealer estimated $58.00 charge to pull me out. I scrounged around + got 2 guys w/ 4 wheel drive pickup + 1/8th of cable to drive me out. With both trucks pulling they got me past both back spats in the road. Their names were Elmer Chris + Larry _ _. Their generosity + willingness to help was sure appreciated. Gave them each $20. 12 July Cell. ( Fox Sp. at canyon [Rkm 21083]. This area is a mixture of Populus + Pine. In this area i.e. The area I drove yesterday above Summit today, there are some rather extensive stands of Populus, in the hillside covered w/ young growth. There are a fair # of meadows also. Larry & drove into Benton