The (Mostly) True Adventures of Lupe

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 325 – Kruger Peak, Daisy Peak & Northeast Cicero Peak (2-29-24)

8:18 AM, 37ºF, Lower French Creek Road – As soon as SPHP parked the RAV4 at a wide spot on the W side of the road, Lupe leapt out. After all, it was Leap Day! In the shade of the pines, the morning air was still crisp, and a skiff of snow on the ground was much to the Carolina Dog’s liking. Only 20 feet from the RAV4, French Creek gurgled away.

Parked near **French Creek** (L). Photo looks N.

Oh, I can tell already. It’s going to be a great day, SPHP!

Hope, so Loop! I’m looking forward to it, too. Been a long time since we’ve been to the peaks we’ll be visiting today, and I always liked this region.

Have we been here before, SPHP? Nothing looks the least bit familiar.

This part is new, Loopster, but we’re just coming from a new direction. You’ll be in familiar territory soon enough.

Something old, something new – sounds good to me, SPHP. Which way do we go?

N across French Creek, then W on USFS Road No. 342.1P.

A super simple plan that should have worked, but N of French Creek there was no sign of No. 342.1P leaving French Creek Road.

Hmm. Odd. I’m sure we’re in the right area. Well, it’s all Black Hills National Forest land, Looper. Road or no road, let’s head W.

Leaving Lower French Creek Road, Lupe climbed a short bank up into an open forest of tall pines. She’d barely started W when she ran across faint remnants of No. 342.1P. Following the road for only a few minutes led to a sunny little valley where two of the American Dingo’s objectives were already in sight.

**Daisy Peak** (L), **Kruger Peak** (R). Photo looks W.

That’s Daisy Peak (5,948 ft.) on the L, and Kruger Peak (5,858 ft.) on the R, Loop.

We’re this close already, SPHP? This is going to be so easy!

Nothing wrong with easy. Continuing up the valley, Lupe quickly came to an old USFS gate. Going around it, a moderately steep climb soon led to the surprisingly cold and windy edge of a bigger valley with an even better view of both peaks.

The old **USFS gate along No. 342.1P**. Photo looks NW.

**Daisy Peak** (L) from the edge of the next valley. Photo looks W.

**Kruger Peak** (L of Center) from the same spot. Photo looks WNW.

Snow on the shady NW side of the ridge crunched underpaw on the way down into the valley. This valley was actually quite a scenic area with views that quickly improved as Lupe started up Kruger Peak’s lower SE slopes. Soon Mount Coolidge (6,023 ft.) was in sight off to the NE.

**Mount Coolidge** (Center). Photo looks NE.

The slope steepened, becoming rocky and dotted with pines. By the time Lupe reached the upper portions of Kruger Peak’s E ridge, the views had vanished as she wound through a forest of relatively young trees.

Heading up **Kruger Peak’s lower SE slopes**. Kruger Peak (L). Photo looks NW.

Some of the beautiful territory Lupe would be exploring today. **Daisy Peak** (R). Photo looks SW.

In full sun, the day was warming up fast. SPHP shed layers twice before Lupe reached the top of Kruger Peak. The true summit was at the E end of a large, heavily forested region. A tree trunk with several inches of snow on it had fallen right over the high point.

At the **true summit of Kruger Peak**. Photo looks W.

9:28 AM, 46ºF, Kruger Peak (5,838 ft.) –

Whew! A bit of a climb, wasn’t it? Let’s take a break Loop.

Oh, that wasn’t so hard, SPHP. We got here pretty fast. Could have been here sooner, too, if you hadn’t stopped to stare at the views so often.

Sort of had to, Looper. Been sitting around too much this winter. Anyway, congratulations on climbing Kruger Peak! Want a duck jerky?

Silly question. Golden Rewards duck jerky was all the rage of late with the Carolina Dog. After SPHP shook Lupe’s paw, she snapped up the duck jerky, Dingo’ed it down in nothing flat, then chomped some snow.

Just E of the true summit an open SE slope and a big rock toward the N offered some nice views. Both Custer Mountain (6,089 ft.) and Black Elk Peak (7,231 ft.) were in sight. With help from the telephoto lens, Little Devils Tower (6,960 ft.), the Cathedral Spires (6,946 ft.), and Peak 6920 were all easily identifiable, too.

Daisy Peak, less than 0.5 mile S, wasn’t all that much higher now.

**Custer Mountain** (L), **Black Elk Peak** (R of Center). Photo looks N.

**Little Devils Tower** (L), **Cathedral Spires** (Center), **Peak 6920** (R of Center), **Black Elk Peak** (R). Photo looks N with help from the telephoto lens.

**Daisy Peak** (Center) from **Kruger Peak**. Photo looks SW.

Even Kruger Peak’s true summit offered a glimpse of the western South Dakota prairies far beyond the Black Hills.

A narrow view of the prairies from **Kruger Peak’s true summit**. Photo looks E.

With 3 peaks on the American Dingo’s agenda today, spending a full hour on top of each one simply wasn’t going to be practical. After a pleasant 25 minute break enjoying the views from the sunny SE slope near Kruger Peak’s true summit, it was time to move on.

Heading W through the forest over to the opposite end of Kruger Peak’s summit region, Lupe paused when she reached a rocky spot along the edge with a view to the WNW.

Peak 6040 was in sight 2 miles away, the only mountain any higher than Kruger Peak relatively nearby in this direction.

Although there’d scarcely been much of a breeze at all back at the true summit, here along the W edge Lupe was exposed to a brisk 15 mph wind blowing in from out of the W. Preferring the calm of the forest, the Carolina Dog continued her journey, heading SW down to the saddle leading to Daisy Peak.

Setting off for **Daisy Peak**. Photo looks SW.

As Lupe began her descent to the saddle, she passed a small cairn sitting on a boulder. Why it was even there wasn’t at all clear. Closing in on the saddle, she went over a 20 foot bump along the ridge before a final short descent to the saddle’s low point.

An ancient abandoned road came up to the saddle out of the NE from somewhere along Kruger Peak’s S flank. Turning SSE at the saddle, this snow-covered road continued gradually up Daisy Peak’s E slope. Lupe followed this road a little way before abandoning it to climb much more steeply straight up Daisy Peak’s slippery, snowy N slope.

A rocky spot most of the way up provided the best view yet of Peak 6040 and Custer Mountain (6,089 ft.) beyond the Glen Erin Creek valley, with Sylvan Peak (7,000 ft.) and Black Elk Peak (7,231 ft.) on the horizon.

**Peak 6040** (L), **Sylvan Peak** (R of Center) beyond **Custer Mountain** (R), **Black Elk Peak** (far R). Photo looks NNW.

Continuing S from this sweet viewpoint, the slope diminished. The ridge narrowed and became rocky, fortunately not to the point of causing any real difficulties at all. The Carolina Dog passed several more viewpoints before reaching Daisy Peak’s true summit.

At a scenic spot along **Daisy Peak’s N ridge**. Photo looks SSE.

**Kruger Peak** (L), **Mount Coolidge** (R) from **Daisy Peak’s true summit**. Photo looks NE.

10:29 AM, 45ºF, Daisy Peak (5,948 ft.) – The true summit was a small jumble of rocks a foot or two high amid dry grass and stickers. A fairly large dead tree trunk that had been standing only a few feet away the last time Lupe was here more than 9 years ago was still erect.

Pines hid the views to the W, but a long grassy slope extending down to the SE offered a grand panorama in all other directions, including a look at Northeast Cicero Peak (6,240 ft.), Lupe’s final objective more than 2 miles SSW.

**Daisy Peak summit** (L), **Black Elk Peak** (R), **Peak 6735** (far R). Photo looks NNW.

**Northeast Cicero Peak** (L of Center). Photo looks SSW.

A 10 mph NW breeze made the summit chilly. SPHP shook Lupe’s paw, then it was down the grassy SE slope far enough to get out of the wind.

About time for a chocolate coconut bar, or maybe another duck jerky, isn’t it, SPHP?

Tell ya what, Loopster. How about both? I’ll even throw in some Taste of the Wild and as much water as you can drink.

While Lupe chowed down, SPHP drank part of a vanilla Ensure, then ate an orange. The views were great, and Daisy Peak seemed so familiar it was hard to believe it had been 9 years since Lupe’s last visit. Half an hour shot by, and just like that, it was time to press on.

Let’s tag Daisy Peak’s summit again before we go, Loopster. We can have a final look at Kruger Peak from here. I noticed Peak 6735 over toward Black Elk Peak, and Peak 5778 near Stockade Lake, too, a couple more peaks that you’ve been to in the past.

Always a good idea to have a last look around before leaving a mountain, SPHP. Especially when it might be 9 years before you see those views again.

You’re a wise Carolina Dog, Looper.

**Kruger Peak** (R) in the foreground with **Peak 5788** beyond it. **Peak 6735** (L) way off in the distance. Photo looks NNE.

After tagging Daisy Peak’s true summit again, Lupe headed down the steep S slope. At first, she enjoyed a super nice view of Northeast Cicero Peak, but it vanished upon re-entering the forest. The American Dingo eventually ran into a line of scenic rock formations along a narrow SW ridge on her way down to the saddle N of HP5706.

Starting down **Daisy Peak’s S slope**. **Northeast Cicero Peak** (Center). Photo looks SSW.

On a cool rock formation along **Daisy Peak’s SW ridge**. Photo looks SW.

Once down to the saddle, Lupe continued losing elevation as she circled around the lower W side of HP5706. The woods were snowy during this part of the trek. After turning S, she eventually reached USFS Road No. 337.1A.

In the snowy woods **W of HP5706**. Photo looks SW.

Arriving at **USFS Road No. 337.1A**. Photo looks S.

Lupe had several options as far as potential routes to Northeast Cicero Peak from here. Since the lower end of one of the branches of its long N ridge was nearby, and the Carolina Dog had never explored this end of it before, that seemed like it might be fun and make the most sense.

Following No. 337.1A only a little way SW, Lupe then left it, heading S up into the forest. She didn’t have far to go before coming to a sunny little rock outcropping with a bit of a view.

On the first rock outcropping near the **far N end of North Cicero Peak’s long N ridge**. Photo looks ESE.

The climb steepened from here. At first, Lupe wandered up a forested slope, but as she got higher, she started coming to openings featuring better and better views. The broad slope eventually narrowed down to a rocky ridgeline that angled SW. Lupe had regained most of the elevation lost since leaving Daisy Peak when SPHP needed a longer breather at a particularly rocky spot.

Not an especially comfortable place for Lupe, but the views were nice.

An open spot along part of the steeper climb. Photo looks SSW.

Heading up the ridge before it got narrow and rocky. Photo looks SW.

**Custer Mountain** (far L), **Peak 6735** (L) in the distance, **HP5706** (R) in front of **Daisy Peak**. Photo looks NNE.

View looking ENE from the rocky rest spot.

After a 10 minute break, the trek higher continued. Lupe scrambled amid the rocks just fine, but the rough terrain mixed with young aspens and a little slick snow made it slow going for SPHP. Progress was made nevertheless, and the steepness of the ridge soon began to diminish.

Finally reaching a broader, flatter, grassy region, Northeast Cicero Peak was back in sight again. Another short climb, and the American Dingo reached an unobstructed view of it from the top of HP6040.

Continuing up the rocky part of the ridge. Photo looks SSW.

**Northeast Cicero Peak** (Center) from the grassy region, **HP6040** (R). Photo looks S.

**Northeast Cicero Peak** (Center) from **HP6040**. Photo looks S.

From HP6040, the ridgeline ran due S. Lupe lost some elevation before reaching a saddle where it began angling SE. The American Dingo had been to this next part of the ridge before. Another steep climb soon led to the top of a relatively flat section of the ridge that was mostly open and featured some terrific views.

**HP6145** (Center) along **Northeast Cicero Peak’s WNW ridge**. Photo looks WSW.

Heading for **Northeast Cicero Peak’s upper N ridge** (L). Photo looks SSE.

**Northeast Cicero Peak** (R) from the **upper N ridge**. Photo looks S.

The scenic trek along the upper N ridge was easy and fun. It had always been one of the best parts of any visit to Northeast Cicero Peak. Shortly before reaching HP6105 at the SE end, Lupe angled S toward the saddle dotted with pines leading to the final ascent.

After crossing the saddle, a moderately steep climb SW along a mostly open slope led to a familiar sight, the lone 4 foot high boulder at the NE end of the summit region. The Carolina Dog had arrived!

Approaching **Northeast Cicero Peak** (R of Center). Photo looks SW.

On the **summit region’s NE boulder**. Photo looks SW.

2:38 PM, 48ºF, Northeast Cicero Peak (6,240 ft.) – It had been a fun, but long march. SPHP shook Lupe’s paw while she was still up on the NE boulder, congratulating the American Dingo on her successful ascent. She then leapt down and headed W over to the little 3 foot high rocky summit ridge 100 feet away, ready for an extended break.

The 20 mph SW wind sweeping over the exposed ridge felt cold. After sharing the second chocolate coconut bar of the day, SPHP offered Lupe what was left of the duck jerky, more Taste of the Wild, and water. She then curled up on the lee side of the ridge partially protected from the wind. SPHP threw a jacket over her.

For half an hour, neither Lupe nor SPHP stirred. The Carolina Dog tried to doze while SPHP downed a strawberry Equate and munched an apple, and when they were gone, simply sat listening to the wind in the pines and staring E out onto the distant prairies.

Resting below **Northeast Cicero Peak’s true summit ridge**. Photo looks WNW.

How ya doing, Looper? Your summit hour’s half shot already. We ought to get up and have a look around.

Ready if you are, SPHP.

The **NE boulder** (L) from the **summit ridge**. Photo looks ENE.

2.5 miles WSW, an enormous odd rock sat atop a much lower ridge.

Oh, I remember that rock, SPHP. Isn’t that Cracked Molar?

That’s right, Loopster. At least that’s what we used to call it, because that’s what it looks like from here.

Are you saying it has some other name, too, SPHP?

Yes, turns out that it does, Looper. One day long after we named it, I looked at the topo map, and saw that its official name is Beecher Rock.

Beecher Rock? Why? Cracked Molar is way more descriptive, SPHP.

I have no idea, Loop. Maybe it’s named after someone named Beecher?

**Cracked Molar** (L of Center) aka **Beecher Rock**. Photo looks WSW.

**Cracked Molar** (R). Photo looks WSW with help from the telephoto lens.

We ought to go see Cracked Molar up close someday, SPHP.

You know, I ‘ve been thinking we ought to visit Cicero Peak (6,166 ft.) again sometime by exploring Boland Ridge coming up from the S. Maybe we can drop by Cracked Molar then, Loop?

That would work, and reminds me of something else, SPHP. We should at least have a look at Cicero Peak (6,166 ft.), too, while we’re here today.

Excellent idea, Loopster. Let’s do it!

Going a little way down the grassy slope SW of the summit ridge, it was possible to get a glimpse of Cicero Peak, but it wasn’t really a clear view.

Hmm. I know there’s an open slope somewhere farther down that’s got a much better view of Cicero Peak, Loop. Want to keep going to see if we come to it?

Sure, SPHP! I’ll lead the way.

Descending into the trees, Lupe did come to a spot with a better view of Cicero Peak. This view wasn’t from the open slope SPHP remembered, but that might have been quite a bit lower. Not wanting to lose a whole lot of elevation, SPHP was satisfied.

Good job! This is far enough, Looper.

**Peak 6106** (Center), **Cicero Peak** (R). Photo looks SW.

Returning to the summit region, little remained of Lupe’s traditional summit hour. For a few minutes she sat in the cool breeze and sunshine admiring the view to the W. Nothing within sight was any higher in that direction, even though Lupe could see clear to Wyoming on the horizon.

Enjoying summit hour on **Northeast Cicero Peak**. Photo looks WSW.

3:42 PM, Northeast Cicero Peak – On this rare Leap Day afternoon, the sun’s rays were starting to cast long shadows.

About that time, Loopster.

I suppose. I was just thinking, SPHP. Wasn’t Leap Day when we saw the only mountain lion we’ve ever come across?

That’s right, Loopster. We saw it right after visiting Bluelead Mountain on our way to Calumet Ridge (5,601 ft.). That was 2 Leap Days ago. Too bad I didn’t get a photo of that lion. I tried, but was too slow.

Do you suppose we’ll see another mountain lion on our way back to the RAV4? That would be so awesome, SPHP!

Heh. Not too likely, Looper, but I suppose it’s possible. No doubt mountain lions love to pounce on Leap Day.

Before abandoning Northeast Cicero Peak, Lupe returned once more to the summit’s NE boulder.

Back on **Northeast Cicero Peak’s NE boulder**. **Mount Coolidge** (R). Photo looks NE.

Pines hid most views N and S from Northeast Cicero Peak’s summit, but Lupe enjoyed some magnificent views on the way back N.

**Peak 6040** and **Sylvan Peak** (L), **Custer Mountain** and **Black Elk Peak** (R of Center). Photo looks N.

**Custer Mountain** and **Black Elk Peak** (far L), **Daisy Peak** (L of Center), **Mount Coolidge** (R). Photo looks NNE.

View from **S of HP6105**. Photo looks SE.

**Custer Mountain** and **Black Elk Peak** (Center), **Daisy Peak** (R). Photo looks N.

The return was both beautiful and great fun! The rocky NW end of the upper ridge N of Northeast Cicero Peak provided the last big view from on high. Then it was down into the valley E of the lower part of the N ridge that Lupe had explored earlier during her ascent.

This valley was also quite beautiful, and an old favorite from back in the days when a young Carolina Dog used to come this way long ago. Lupe picked up abandoned USFS Road No. 337.1B much higher than where the topo map showed it, and thoroughly enjoyed the long, easy descent on a road now covered with pines.

The last big view from on high. Photo looks NNW.

Descending into the big valley. **Custer Mountain** and **Black Elk Peak** (Center), **Daisy Peak** (R). Photo looks N.

Glancing back at the **NW end of NE Cicero Peak’s upper N ridge** (L). Photo looks S.

Approaching HP5706, the lower end of the valley flattened out. Pines gave way to grasslands. By the time Lupe reached the N end of USFS Road No. 337.1B at the intersection with No. 337.1A, sunlight remained only on the highest peaks.

**HP5706** (L) and **Daisy Peak** (L of Center). **Mount Coolidge** (R). Photo looks NE.

At the **N end of USFS Road No. 337.1B** where it intersects **No. 337.1A**. Photo looks SSW.

The valley turned E here. Lupe followed No. 337.1A down it farther than ever before, hurrying on as light faded. Deep in a remote, increasingly narrow canyon, it would have been the perfect place for a Leap Day mountain lion to pounce.

None did. The canyon eventually emptied out onto Lower French Creek Road, and the brightest silver stars were already twinkling overhead when Lupe finally reached the RAV4 again. (5:59 PM, 35ºF)

On **Northeast Cicero Peak**, Black Hills of South Dakota, **Leap Day** 2024

Links:

Next Black Hills Expedition Prior Black Hills Expedition

Lupe’s Kruger Peak & Daisy Peak GPS Track

Lupe’s Northeast Cicero Peak GPS Track

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 109 – Cicero, Northeast Cicero, Daisy & Kruger Peaks (12-13-14)

Want more Lupe adventures? Check out Lupe’s Black Hills, SD & WY Expeditions Adventure Index, Master Adventure Index, or subscribe free to new Lupe adventures!

Telkwa Microwave Mountain, Hazelton Mountains, British Columbia, Canada (7-27-23)

Day 5 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2023 Dingo Vacation to Canada & Alaska!

7:58 AM, Aveling Coal Mine Road, SW of Telkwa – Immediately after crossing the bridge over the Telkwa River, sure enough, there was a side road off to the R. Without driving down it, SPHP parked the RAV4.

C’mon, Loopster! Let’s check this out. John Stolk says there are some nice campsites down along the river. Maybe we’ll stay here tonight?

Oh, I hope so, SPHP! The Telkwa River is gorgeous!

**Telkwa River** from the **Aveling Coal Mine Road bridge**. Photo looks WSW.

Stolk was right – the primitive campsites along the N side of the river were secluded and very scenic. Returning to the RAV4 after a photo from the bridge, the drive along Aveling Coal Mine Road continued. Telkwa Microwave Mountain (6,333 ft.) was way out in the boonies. Even with Stolk’s directions, which were pretty good, it wasn’t always immediately clear where to go.

5 miles past the bridge, a security guard in a white pickup was stationed at the start of Road No. 116, a R turn marked with a bright yellow sign. SPHP inquired. No, this wasn’t it. Microwave Road, also a R turn, was another 3 km, maybe more, according to the guard.

Less than 2 miles beyond Road No. 116, Aveling Coal Mine Road forked at a large flat spot where it would have been easy to turn around. The road curving to the R as it started uphill almost had to be Microwave Road. John Stolk’s 7.5 mile estimate to the microwave tower on this sometimes bumpy, narrow affair was good.

Parked near the **microwave tower**. Photo looks NW.

10:05 AM, 51ºF, parked 100 feet from the microwave tower –

Gah! The mosquitoes are terrible, Looper! Stay inside while I get ready. Where the heck did I put the Deet?

Finally remembering where it was after practically tearing the RAV4 apart, SPHP slathered 100% Deet on. Nasty stuff, but the mosquitoes hated it. Before long, the pack was ready.

Alrighty, Loop. Show time! Onward! Puppy, ho!

Going 150 meters back down the spur that led to the tower, a muddy side road headed off into the forest.

Is this the way, SPHP?

Yeah. Supposed to go nearly all the way to Telkwa Microwave Mountain, too, Looper. Should be a long, but relatively easy romp, if we don’t get rained out. According to the topo map, none of it’s all that steep.

At the start of the side road leading to Telkwa Microwave Mountain. Photo looks N.

Lupe was happy following the old jeep trail beneath a gray sky. The cool, humid air felt like rain. Marching straight through a series of big mud puddles, the American Dingo often paused for a drink of mineral water. Although many of these puddles covered the entire road, SPHP had no difficulty getting around them.

Everything was green and lush. The forest looked extremely healthy. As long as Lupe kept going, mosquitoes really weren’t much of a problem for her. Climbing gradually, the road dipped twice, then began a steeper climb which soon leveled out at a fork. The branch to the L appeared to head right into a swamp.

Approaching one of the dips. Photo looks N.

Naturally, the road to the R seemed the obvious choice. A short, initially steep, trudge on this road got Lupe to a plateau of stunted evergreens mixed in with some open ground. From here, the microwave tower was once again in view again back to the S. Near a lone patch of blue sky to the W, high mountains with snow and even glaciers were in sight on the horizon, their summits hidden in the clouds.

Everywhere else, the sky remained an unbroken gray.

Crossing to the NNE end of this gently rolling plateau, after going around a curve, 3 high ridges were in view off to the NW. Two of them had been visible from back at the microwave tower, but the middle one had not.

Crossing the **rolling plateau**. Photo looks N.

First view of **Telkwa Microwave Mountain** (Center), **Peak 5980** (R).

Which one is Telkwa Microwave Mountain, SPHP?

Not entirely certain, Loop. The center one, I think.

It’s a long way off, SPHP. Good thing this isn’t very rugged territory.

The road went W from here. Following it, a yellow cabin with a green roof and a vehicle parked nearby promptly appeared directly ahead.

Someone’s in there, SPHP! I see movement by a window.

Yup. I saw someone, too, Looper. This must be the local ski club hut that John Stolk referred to, except that he said it was up a short spur to the R from the way he went. Not sure how we got off track.

Maybe Stolk took the swamp route, SPHP?

That would explain it. You’re probably right, Loop. Must have been a lot drier when John was here, if he went that way. If so, we ought to run into his route again somewhere not too far beyond the cabin. We’re going to have to go right past it, in any case. Act casual, and don’t bark if anyone comes out to ask what we’re doing here.

Whoever was in there apparently didn’t notice the Carolina Dog trot on by. No one appeared. Immediately beyond the hut, the road descended NW into an enormous parklike region. Stands of healthy spruce stood among fields of wildflowers and tundra. Various small tarns decorated the landscape.

View ahead from close to the ski club hut. **Telkwa Microwave Mountain** (Center), **Peak 5980** (R). Photo looks NW.

Near the bottom of the hill, Lupe rejoined what must have been the road from the swamp route. A few drops of rain had fallen. Forewarned, SPHP paused to don the red rain jacket. Following the jeep trail N from this junction, Lupe crossed a broad flat region before the road turned W. A climb into thicker forest ensued as a steady light rain began to fall.

The mud puppy in one of the many large puddles along the way. Photo looks NNW.

The road leveled out again on another small plateau, then curved rather steeply down into a densely forested saddle. Near the low point, a huge, black turd was right in the middle of the road.

Bear scat, SPHP!

Looks mighty fresh, too, Loop. You’ve been kinda quiet. Bark a little now and then, would you, please?

Oh, I don’t know. No squirrels here, and the mist doesn’t really make me feel like barking.

You’ll feel like it when this monstrous bear shows up! I’m sort of hoping to avoid all that kind of excitement.

The road turned NW again as it resumed a long climb with minor dips along the way. Lupe made great progress. As she gained elevation, the forest thinned out, becoming stunted again as it gave way to tundra.

After reaching 5,200 feet, the American Dingo came to a long stretch where a series of dips between minor climbs resulted in little, if any, net elevation gain. One of the big ridges Lupe had seen from near the ski club hut was in sight almost straight ahead, its summit now hidden in the clouds.

Entering the flatter, more open country **at 5,200+ feet**. Photo looks WNW.

Approaching one of the minor, gradual dips. Photo looks WNW.

Near a very small tarn. Photo looks NNE.

12:08 PM – At one of the last high points in the 5,200+ foot region, Lupe was ready for a break. This was a particularly scenic spot. Clusters of pink wildflowers bloomed on the side of this little hill, and several tarns were visible in a shallow valley to the SW.

Unfortunately, while sharing a chocolate coconut bar, the quiet, general sullenness of the day turned to a deeper gloom. Fog swept in. Lupe’s world shrank to a only a few hundred feet, dimly seen, in all directions. Light rain continued to fall. It had been raining for quite a while now.

View from the break spot. Photo looks SW.

Well, shucks, Loopster. This is gorgeous territory, but doesn’t look like we’re going to get to see much of it today. You’re all wet. Are you cold?

I’m fine, but is it still a long way to Telkwa Microwave Mountain, SPHP?

Sort of. A few miles yet to the summit. We’re more than halfway there.

Hoping for the best, despite the disappointing weather, the American Dingo resumed her trek. Lupe soon came to a junction with another road coming up from the S. Turning N here, she started seeing bigger tarns. One of them was so full of water that it extended right over the road, spilling into a small stream. SPHP searched 50 feet downstream before finding a soggy spot narrow enough to leap over.

Climbing again as the road wound N, before too long, an unexpected and welcome development occurred. The fog was lifting! Coming around a curve, a wide valley was in sight. Ahead, a gradually descending stretch of road crossed this valley before climbing back into the fog.

The fog lifts, revealing the **big ridge** (L) Lupe had seen before, as well as the **shallow valley** (R). Photo looks NW.

What’s that black dot in the distance, SPHP? Do you see it?

You mean the black dot on the road, Loop? I do see it.

Close to the road, but not quite on it, SPHP. Maybe that’s the bear!

Could be. Doesn’t seem to be moving, though. There’s another possibility. John Stolk mentions a unique large standing rock where he left the ATV track to head more directly for the Telkwa Microwave Mountain summit. That black dot might easily be his rock.

As Lupe got closer, it became clear that the black dot was not a bear, and actually well off the road. It was unmistakably the rock Stolk must have been referring to. No other rock remotely like it was anywhere around.

Approaching **Stolk’s “unique standing rock”** (Center). Photo looks NW.

Part of what must have been **Stolk’s off-road route to the summit**. Photo looks N.

That rock’s quite a landmark, SPHP. Let’s go take a look at it. It’s such a spiffy rock that we really ought to give it a name, too!

How about the Tablet of Doom, or Devil’s Thumb, Looper?

My, my! A little rain and fog, and aren’t you the cheery one, SPHP? How do you ever manage to complete any adventures at all? How about calling it the Tablet of Hope? After all, the fog is lifting. Maybe the sun is going to come out?

It’s black, Loopster. That’s why I suggested gloomy names. Who knows what the weather will be like the next time someone sees it? Tablet of Hope might not fit at all.

Oh, alright. We could call it Stolk Rock. John Stolk made it famous!

Not sure I’d call it famous, Loop, but yeah, he’s probably the first one in the history of the world to ever mention it on the internet.

At major tourist attraction **Stolk Rock**. Photo looks SE.

Stolk Rock was 6 feet thick, 17 feet high, and stood magnificently upright according to SPHP’s very precisely calibrated eye. It’s color came from the black lichens adorning it.

From Stolk Rock, the road headed NW, climbing yet again. Lupe stayed on it since the tundra was so wet. However, she did not make it back up into the fog. Tablet of Hope was a fitting name today! The rain quit, and the sky brightened as the clouds continued to rise.

Tiny streams trickled down the sometimes mushy road. Frequent small stream crossings were never more than a few inches deep. Climbing out of the valley at an easy pace, the road turned N. The Carolina Dog was well above treeline now. Even the tundra was getting sparse. The big mountains on the horizon remained hidden among the clouds, but nearby ridges were in view. Lupe was already above most of them.

Climbing out of the Stolk Rock valley. Photo looks NNW.

On an almost level stretch. Photo looks N.

Starting to get some views. Photo looks NNW.

Eventually a scenic level stretch led to a view of a very deep valley to the NNW and the barren highlands of another mountain beyond. Resuming its climb, the road turned NE. Soon another tall, dark figure loomed in the distance ahead.

Look, SPHP! It’s one of those giant bowling pins!

Oh, not too much farther now, Loopster! That’s the summit tower.

**Summit region** (L). **Giant bowling pin** (L of Center). Photo looks NNE.

Beyond the tower lurked a couple of gnarly knobs that appeared to be higher. After nearly 7 miles of easy terrain, SPHP immediately felt a pang of trepidation. Could Lupe actually get to the true summit? Stolk had mentioned those high points. Supposedly no sweat. Class 2 at most.

Continuing on, the summit region disappeared from view due to the lay of the land. Lupe soon came to the edge of a big ravine cutting E/W clear across the mountain. From here, the road vanished under a snowbank as it turned sharply WNW and descended to a tarn nestled in the ravine. Reappearing from beneath the snow before it got there, after circling the tarn, it angled NE up the other side of the ravine.

Closer, and a little farther E, another snowbank filled the bottom of a higher part of the ravine.

Shoot, let’s skip the tarn and go that way, Looper. Won’t have to lose as much elevation.

Glad to see the snow, Lupe had no objections either way.

Along the **edge of the ravine**. **Tarn** (R). Photo looks WNW.

Utilizing the snowbank. Photo looks ENE.

The snow was strong, holding even SPHP’s weight, which made crossing the ravine a cinch. After reaching the upper rim of the far side, the rest was easy. Lupe quickly reached the road again, which was fading, but went all the way to the bowling pin. Or obelisk, as John Stolk called it.

N of the ravine, heading for the summit region. Photo looks NNE.

Approaching the **obelisk**. Photo looks N.

2:23 PM, 44ºF, Telkwa Microwave Mountain (6,333 ft.) – Beneath the gray sky, Lupe stood in a 10-15 mph SE breeze on a small, conical hill just E of the obelisk, wisps of fog sailing by as clouds scraped the summit.

On the **hill near the obelisk**, looking back the way Lupe came up. Photo looks SSW.

A pity we don’t have a clear day, Loop. Hudson Bay Mountain is only 13 km NE. I’m sure we must have seen Telkwa Microwave Mountain from there last year. We ought to be seeing it, plus a line of glacier-clad peaks all along the W horizon, too.

Hudson Bay Mountain was spectacular, SPHP, even if we couldn’t get anywhere near the true summit. You have to admit, though, we’re lucky to have any views at all today. Be thankful!

Yes, I know it. I am thankful, Loopster. For a while there, I thought we’d be totally socked in up here.

Getting socked in was still a distinct possibility, and the American Dingo hadn’t reached the true summit yet. The two gnarly knobs previously seen from afar were now back in sight again strung out along Telkwa Microwave Mountain’s N ridge. The closest one appeared to be at least a little higher than the conical hill near the obelisk.

The drops on both sides of the skinny N ridge were fearsome enough to cause concern as Lupe started toward an apparent drop-off leading to the closest knob. Happily, this drop was quickly revealed as an illusion. A minor dip, and a faint path on perfectly safe ground went right to the top of the S knob. An easy traipse, and Lupe was there!

The **two knobs** (L of Center) contending for the title of true summit. Photo looks N.

**Peak 6000** (Center) from the **S knob**. Photo looks NW.

So far, so good, but gazing N toward the next knob, SPHP was uncertain.

The **N knob** (R) from the **S one**. Photo looks NNW.

Well, shoot! It’s just like Stolk said, Loopster. Both of these high points are so close to the same elevation, I can’t tell which is highest. Let’s creep a little closer, and see if there’s a safe way over there.

Don’t do anything stupid, SPHP!

Oh, you know me, Looper. I do lots of stupid things. The trick is not being too stupid. C’mon!

From the N end of the S knob, the news was good. The faint path went all the way to the S high point of the N knob, which hopefully would be far enough. Hard to say for certain, though. The N knob actually had at least a couple of high points along it.

The **N knob** (Center) from the **N end of the S one**. Photo looks N.

OK, Loopster. We can do this. Onward! Puppy, ho! Be careful, though. That W edge is really steep.

**S knob** (R) from the **N one**. Photo looks SSE.

2:30 PM, Telkwa Microwave Mountain, N summit – Upon reaching the first high point of the N knob, SPHP felt instant relief. No need to go any farther. Clearly nothing any higher beyond this point. Good thing, too! This was it. The rest was beyond SPHP’s comfort zone.

As things stood, joyfulness reigned! SPHP shook Lupe’s paw.

Whew, a little more exciting here at the end than I would have ever thought, Loop! Anyway, congratulations on your successful ascent of Telkwa Microwave Mountain!

Nothing to it, SPHP! A simple stroll along a skinny ridge. So what? Oh, wait. Yes, it was terrifying! A 2 chocolate coconut bar mountain at least!

Ha! You already had one a while ago, crafty Dingo, and are going to have to wait for the next one. So little room up here that I don’t dare take off the pack. One accidental bump, and it will be 500 feet below us.

Is this the true summit, SPHP?

Hard to say, but you’ve been to it somewhere along the way. Actually tend to agree with Stolk. The S knob along this ridge is most likely the true summit. Glad we tagged this N high point, too, though!

Laying down, Lupe waited as SPHP took a few photos. Due to the cramped quarters, SPHP couldn’t get her in any of them.

**Telkwa Microwave Mountain true summit** (L). Photo looks S.

**Aldrich Lake** (far L), **HP5868** (R of Center). Photo looks ENE.

Looking NNE with help from the telephoto lens.

5 minutes sitting together in the breeze while relaxing and enjoying the views was it before SPHP started back S, leaving the Carolina Dog alone in splendid isolation atop her remote, lofty, northernmost perch.

That’s good, Loopster! C’mon!

Returning to the true summit – the S knob of the N ridge in both Stolk’s and SPHP’s opinions, or the middle high point, if you counted the conical hill near the obelisk – Lupe lingered surveying the views. SPHP shook her gently offered paw once more.

Returning to the **S knob** (Center). Photo looks S.

Back at the likely **true summit**. Photo looks S.

A final glance back at the **N summit** (L of Center). Photo looks NNW.

The Carolina Dog’s traditional summit hour was already waning as she returned to the conical hill near the obelisk, but SPHP decided the wind was too cold up there. Retreating S a little way, a soft patch of tundra was a better choice.

After having some Taste of the Wild, and sharing the second chocolate coconut bar of the day, Lupe curled up on SPHP’s lap. At first, the views of the way she’d come up and the big, barren ridges nearby were clear, but as time ticked away, intermittent fog began obscuring the scene.

Back on the **conical hill near the obelisk**.

Relaxing **S of the obelisk**. Photo looks SW.

By the time summit hour was up, the views were gone. Waiting a little longer produced no improvement.

Fiddlesticks! Thought we’d return to the true summit one more time, Loopster.

Not much point in it now, SPHP.

No, there wasn’t. A final glance back at the obelisk and the conical hill, and the American Dingo was on her way.

The fog and threat of rain ruined other plans as well. Would have been fun to explore the S ridge on the way back to Stolk Rock, but Lupe stuck to the road again under the circumstances. She wasn’t anywhere near the S ridge by the time she lost enough elevation to get below the clouds.

Even the road route was incredibly scenic! Lupe displayed great energy and enthusiasm, often abandoning the road to race freely across the wet tundra before returning to check on SPHP’s progress.

Don’t suppose we’ll ever see the Scottish Moors, SPHP, but this is what I’d image them to be like!

The **Telkwa Microwave Mountain moors**. Photo looks SE.

The sky brightened. Spirits soared! Reaching Stolk Rock, it seemed like the sun might break through the clouds at any moment.

Back at **Stolk Rock**. Photo looks SSE.

It never did. Lupe had a blast, anyway!

The **Winfield Creek drainage** below Stolk Rock. Photo looks SW.

Exploring near one of the biggest tarns. Photo looks SSE.

Resting on the tundra with a view of the region John Stolk explored. Photo looks NNW.

By a big tarn with an interesting shape.

7:04 PM, 53ºF, back at the microwave tower off Microwave Road – Well, it was over. Tired, Lupe hopped up onto her pink blanket in the RAV4. Her Telkwa Microwave Mountain (6,333 ft.) adventure was complete. A slow, bumpy ride back to Aveling Coal Mine Road ensued.

A little sunshine wouldn’t have hurt a thing, but still an awesome day, Looper! How does beef stew and Fritos sound for dinner back at one of the campsites Stolk recommended along the beautiful Telkwa River?

Fabulous, SPHP! I’m famished!

Evening near the **Aveling Coal Mine Road bridge** over the **Telkwa River**.

**Telkwa Microwave Mountain**, Hazelton Mountains, British Columbia, Canada 7-27-23

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Lupe’s Scrollable GPS Track

John Stolk’s Trip Report (9-6-17)

Hudson Bay Mountain, Hazelton Mountains, British Columbia, Canada – The Crater Lake Trail & Beyond! (8-7-22)

Directions: At the village of Telkwa turn W off Yellowhead Hwy No. 16 onto Harkin Road. Harkin Road goes 1 block, makes a 90º L turn running straight into Coal Mine Road, which immediately crosses a bridge over the Bulkley River.

Proceed SW on paved Coal Mine Road for 4 miles to a fork. Take the R branch of the fork. You are now on Aveling Coal Mine Road. There is a green and white street sign in the bushes on the R after making this turn, but it parallels the road and is not visible before making the turn.

The pavement ends 100 meters beyond this turn. After 6 miles, Aveling Coal Mine Road crosses the Telkwa River. (Campsites on the R.) 5 miles beyond this bridge, Road No. 116 appears on the R.

Do not take No. 116. Continue straight 2 miles to another fork at a flat spot with plenty of room to turn around. The road curving uphill to the R is Microwave Road. At various points Microwave Road becomes steep, narrow, rocky, full of potholes, switchbacks, etc. As per Stolk’s TR, any 2WD vehicle with decent clearance can make it. Follow Microwave Road 7.5 miles to a short spur on the L leading to the microwave tower.

Welcome to your trailhead! Distances given are +/- one mile.

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A Canadian Rockies Waterfall Tour on the Long Drive North, Alberta & British Columbia, Canada (7-25-23 & 7-26-23)

Part 2 of Day 3 & Day 4 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2023 Dingo Vacation to Canada & Alaska!

7-25-23, 4:35 PM, 52ºF, Wilcox campground, Jasper National Park – After closing the side door behind Lupe’s perch, SPHP walked around the RAV4 and hopped into the driver’s seat.

Get all the water we need, SPHP?

Yup. We’re ready to roll, Looper!

Wilcox Pass was awesome, SPHP! What’s next?

Mainly the long drive N, Loop. Need to keep making tracks, if we want to spend as much time as possible in the Yukon & Alaska. You can look at the scenery or snooze on your pink blanket while I drive.

Not that late. It’ll still be light out for a long time, SPHP. Aren’t we going to stop at some of the big Canadian Rockies waterfalls along the way like we usually do? Doesn’t take very long. Most of them are practically right along the highway.

Fully intend to, Loopster. No sense in missing out on your traditional Canadian Rockies waterfall tour. In fact, we probably won’t go too much farther today. We’ll concentrate on making tracks tomorrow once we get past Rearguard Falls.

Sounds good, SPHP, but I’ve got a request. After seeing Tangle Ridge again from up at Wilcox Pass, it reminded me of Tangle Falls. We usually don’t stop there. Can we this time? It isn’t much farther, is it?

Sure! We can stop at Tangle Falls. Think it’s only something like 9 km NW of the Icefields Centre. We’ll be there before you know it, Looper.

7-25-23, 4:48 PM, Icefields Parkway No. 93, Tangle Falls pullout –

Careful, Loop! There’s a ton of traffic. I better leash you up.

Tangle Falls was already partly in sight right across the highway, but to get a really decent look at it, Lupe would have to cross the road. Easily done with a little patience, although room was limited along the steep shoulder on the other side.

**Tangle Falls**, Jasper National Park. Photo looks NE.

Sorry, Loop. Not enough room here to get you in the picture. Want to hike up to the base of the lower falls, like we’ve done before? Can easily get you in there.

Do you even have to ask, SPHP? Of course!

At the **base of Tangle Falls**. Photo looks ESE.

The **lower falls** and crystal clear pool below it. Photo looks SE.

Lupe scrambled around on the rocks at the base of the lower falls amid a fine spray of cool water. Unfortunately, since Tangle Falls is actually a series of waterfalls instead of a single dramatic plunge, the middle and upper falls weren’t in view from the base of the lowest one.

However, while the American Dingo watched, something happened that she’d never seen before here.

Did you see that, SPHP? They found a way up!

Sure enough, L (NW) of the lower falls, 2 young people and a black lab had scrambled up to the next level, and were now out of sight.

Let’s try that, too! C’mon, SPHP!

Caution was required along a near vertical rock wall, but the trickiest part wasn’t all that tall. A route up with only momentary exposure did exist, and that was all there was to it. Entirely worth it, too!

The upper Tangle Falls were undisputedly the best.

Clearly this was it as far as being able to go any higher, but just getting to the base of the upper falls was awesome. Lupe hung around for a little while, enjoying the magnificence of the multiple cascading showers.

So much for making tracks today, though! Upon returning to the RAV4 at the Tangle Falls pullout, 2 young women approached SPHP asking what direction Lupe was going? When SPHP said N, that was the wrong way. They’d done the entire Wilcox Pass trail clear down to Tangle Falls, and needed a ride back to the trailhead at the Wilcox campground.

No worries! It wasn’t that far back. SPHP made room for them. Soon enough, the young ladies were giving Lupe a farewell pat.

Deja vu all over again! Once again, the Carolina Dog headed N. This time the RAV4 went right on by Tangle Falls.

7:25-23, 6:20 PM – Even though skies were rather darkly overcast, SPHP had to wait for a parking spot to open up at Sunwapta Falls. Throngs of people were on the bridge with the best overall views, and many more were right down by the fence near the lip of the mighty roaring torrent. Lupe had to wait her turn to get to see anything at either place.

**Sunwapta Falls** from the pawbridge over the gorge. Photo looks ENE.

Sunwapta Falls is mighty impressive, SPHP, but I seem to recall a lower falls that isn’t nearly this crowded that we went to once.

That’s right, Loopster. We went and saw the lower falls during your first ever Dingo Vacation to the Canadian Rockies. Only about an hour round trip. Shall we? It’s quite a waterfall, too, if I remember right.

The American Dingo did want to see lower Sunwapta Falls again, but didn’t get very far before it started to rain. When persevering another 15 minutes didn’t help, SPHP was done.

Setting off on the **trail to lower Sunwapta Falls** before the rain set in.

Sorry, Loop. Just raining harder. No telling how long it’ll last. We might as well call it before you’re completely soaked.

7-25-23, 7:50 PM, Athabasca River – Naturally, the rain ended when Lupe got back to the RAV4. Shucks! Getting to be about dinner time, anyway. Instead of another foray along the trail to lower Sunwapta Falls, SPHP had driven N to Lupe’s favorite picnic ground along the Athabasca River.

How does chicken and dumplings sound, Looper?

I’m famished, SPHP. Heat ’em up!

Eagerly awaiting chicken and dumplings by the **Athabasca River**. Photo looks WSW.

After dinner, Lupe looked for squirrels in the forest. Didn’t find any, but even merely searching was fun. SPHP threw a squeaker ball for her to chase until it rolled into a mud puddle. During occasional rain showers, SPHP worked on the trip journal in the RAV4 while Lupe snoozed or stared out the window.

In late July, even in southern Canada, it stayed light a long time.

Evening along the **Athabasca River**. Photo looks WNW.

7-26-23, 8:45 AM, 53ºF, Athabasca River – A dangerously daring squirrel had kept Lupe entertained for a couple of hours, and a last romp up and down the river bank was now about over.

A cloudy morning along the **Athabasca River**. Photo looks S.

Back at the picnic ground. Photo looks NW.

Ready for some more Canadian Rockies waterfalls, Loopster? Say yes!

Oh, you know I love this place, SPHP, but I suppose we need to hit the road.

Yes, but not for long, Loop. Our next stop is only 6 or 7 miles N.

7-26-23, 9:00 AM – The parking lot was filling up fast when Lupe arrived at Athabasca Falls. Swarms of tourists were already milling around at the various viewpoints – another wait your turn situation.

Combining the power of the Sunwapta and Athabasca Rivers, which merge only 2 or 3 miles downstream of Sunwapta Falls, Athabasca Falls was an even mightier torrent.

**Athabasca River** above the **falls** (far R). **Mount Kerkeslin** (L of Center). Photo looks SE.

Mighty **Athabasca Falls**. Photo looks NE.

Over countless eons, Athabasca Falls carved narrow chutes into the solid rock below the falls. A path down one abandoned chute led to views of both the gorge currently channeling the flow, and the region below it where the Athabasca River spreads out again.

**Athabasca Falls** plunges into a narrow gorge. Photo looks ESE.

The current course from above. Photo looks WNW.

A glimpse of the gorge currently in use. Photo looks SE.

The **Athabasca River** where it spreads out again below the falls. Photo looks NNW.

Athabasca Falls was it for Jasper National Park. Lupe would see two more big waterfalls in the Canadian Rockies today, but they were both on the Fraser River in British Columbia, and a bit of a drive now. After fueling up the RAV4 in Jasper, the American Dingo was free to snooze on her pink blanket while SPHP drove WNW through occasional drizzle on Yellowhead Hwy No. 16.

7-26-23, 10:20 AM, 54ºF – The mountains may have been hidden in the clouds, but that wasn’t going to prevent Lupe from enjoying the beauty of Overlander Falls in Mount Robson Provincial Park. Only 10 minutes on a well-worn path through the forest with a few switchbacks near the end got the Carolina Dog down to a giant, swirling, blue-green pool just below the falls.

Setting out on the **Overlander Falls trail**.

**Overlander Falls** in **Mount Robson Provincial Park**, British Columbia.

Overlander Falls wasn’t very tall, but the Fraser River was already an impressively powerful stream at this point.

7-26-23, 10:59 AM, 57ºF – Rearguard Falls Provincial Park wasn’t much farther. Rearguard Falls wasn’t even as tall as Overlander Falls, almost just a big rapids, but was definitely worth the short hike on another easy path leading down to it. The trail ended at a series of boardwalk steps and platforms with railings. There had been a few people at Overlander Falls, but Lupe had Rearguard Falls all to herself this morning.

Signage up by the highway at the start of the Rearguard Falls trail.

**Rearguard Falls** from the upper view deck.

On the **lower deck** right next to the falls.

Once Rearguard Falls was in the rearview mirror, this really did become a travel day. Stops were few and far between. The American Dingo got to spend a little time at the Phil and Jennie Gaglardi Park in McBride, and also at a favorite rest area currently undergoing renovation along the Goat River, but that was about it until mid-afternoon.

At the **Phil & Jennie Gaglardi Park** next to the Fraser River in **McBride**.

Beneath the Yellowhead Hwy No. 16 bridge over the **Goat River**.

Shortly after passing the Ancient Forest, SPHP stopped for a hitchhiker who was trudging along carrying a heavy guitar case. Lupe met Asheim, who had finished a 3 month stint planting trees for a logging company. Asheim had been walking for 5 hours, and was deeply grateful for a lift to Prince George.

7-26-23, 4:29 PM, 72ºF – Turned out that Asheim’s ultimate destination was his native, spectacularly mountainous, land of Kashmir, a bit out of the way for the Carolina Dog and SPHP to completely accommodate. After dropping Asheim off in Prince George, SPHP fueled up the RAV4, then invested in fried chicken and OJ at Save on Foods.

Lupe wasn’t keen on the OJ, but quite happy to munch away on some fried chicken as she hit the road again.

The darkly overcast sky had finally brightened on the way into Prince George, and conditions kept improving during the long drive WNW on Yellowhead Hwy No. 16. Brief stops to sniff the air and stretch at the Culculz Lake and Dry Williams Lake rest areas were it for breaks.

7-26-23, 8:44 PM – Crossing the bridge over the Bulkley River, the sun was already near the horizon. A R turn after the bridge, and SPHP parked the RAV4.

Sweet! Would have been better if we’d made it here a little sooner, but at least we’ve got 10 minutes before sunset. C’mon Loopster!

Where are we, SPHP?

Steelhead Park in Houston. Time to stop and sniff the roses, or whatever they planted this year!

Arriving at **Steelhead Park** shortly before sunset.

Steelhead Park has been a favorite ever since Lupe’s first visit in 2016. Back then the park had been at the height of its glory. The flowers on display were no longer quite as spectacular, and Lupe was disappointed to see that the fountain still hadn’t been repaired yet. Even so, Steelhead Park was still very beautiful, and this evening’s stroll through it was a perfect way to end the day.

By the sadly still defunct **Steelhead Park fountain**.

**Steelhead Park** still boasts some **gorgeous flowers**, though!

All too soon, the sun was down and light was fading.

Still a long way to the Yukon Territory and Alaska, but that was OK. The American Dingo had gotten far enough to be within striking distance of her next great adventure.

At **Steelhead Park**, Houston, British Columbia, Canada (7-26-23)

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