The (Mostly) True Adventures of Lupe

Days 30-32 and Part 1 of Day 33 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2023 Dingo Vacation to Canada & Alaska!

8-21-23, 1:15 PM, Tombstone Territorial Park –

So what did they say .. ACHOOO! … in the Interpretive Centre, SPHP?

Bless you, Loopster!  Are you ever going to get over these sneezing fits?

Oh, I sure hope … ACHOOO! … so, SPHP.

Me, too, and the sooner the better, Loop.  Anyway, the news is about what I figured.  Registration for backcountry camping permits opens in January, and they quickly get booked up months in advance.  After that, no permits are available unless they get a cancellation.  So, Divide Lake is out.  Likely always will be for a couple of nomads like us.

What’s the plan then, SPHP?

Guess we’re done with the Dempster Highway, Loop, so it’s on to Alaska!

Alaska!  We’re … ACHOOO! … going back to Alaska?

It was the eventual plan all along, Sweet Puppy.

8-21-23, 2:36 PM, 65ºF – At the junction with North Klondike Hwy No. 2, SPHP parked near the display at the start of the Dempster Highway so Lupe could get out and stretch.  At Tombstone Park, the sky had been drearily overcast.  Not so here.  The weather was warm and beautiful.

We sure had a great time along the Dempster this year, Loop.

More adventures than we’ve ever had along it before, SPHP.  And that’s saying something!  I had a … a … ACHOOO … blast!

One last blast as we leave it, aye, Looper?

I can’t help it, SPHP.

Oh, I know.  Just teasing you, Loopster.

8-21-23, 3:25 PM, 66ºF, Dawson City – Although this was a travel day, and after yesterday’s Mount Chester Henderson (6,300 ft.) adventure Lupe was quite content to snooze on her pink blanket or look out the window, she did get to make a few more stops along the scenic drive.

A visit to Midnight Dome (2,887 ft.) was a tradition whenever passing through Dawson City.  The ancient bench at the top of the mountain was in sad shape, but still there.

The air’s much clearer, SPHP.  For the first time on this Dingo … ACHOOO! … Vacation we’ve got a terrific view of the Yukon River.

Yes, all better now that the Arctic apocalypse is over, Loop.

Leaving Dawson City, Lupe took the ferry to the Top of the World Highway.  By 4:25 PM, she was back in Alaska, and by 6:48 PM, the Carolina Dog was well beyond Chicken on Taylor Hwy No. 5, admiring Mount Fairplay, which she’d already climbed once on this Dingo Vacation.

8-23-23, 9:26 AM – Last evening’s drive had continued until after dark, then resumed early this morning.  Soon there were signs of trouble.  Lupe now stood on the Tok-Cutoff bridge over the Chistochina River.  Looking upstream, everything seemed fine.

Downstream, however, Mount Sanford (16,237 ft.), usually a gleaming white giant, was dimly seen through a haze.

Smoke, SPHP.  The Arctic apocalypse is … ACHOOO! … still here!

The Arctic apocalypse still lived here in Alaska?  That was unwelcome news.  Fortunately, a little farther on, the haze didn’t seem quite as bad to the W from bluffs overlooking the Copper River.

The smoke seems worst toward the S, Loopster.  That’s good!  We’ll be turning N in just a few more miles at Gakona Junction.

Where are we going, anyway, SPHP?

Denali Highway No. 8.  You’ve got several peaks on your list of possibilities there.

The first part of Richardson Highway No. 4 N of Gakona Junction was a mess due to road construction, but led to beautiful new pavement.  The highway eventually ran along the E shore of Paxson Lake.

See that huge ridge to the NW across the lake, Loop?  That’s where we’ll be going first, Paxson Mountain (5,250 ft.).

The L turn onto Denali Highway No. 8 was only a few miles beyond the N end of Paxson Lake.

8-22-23, 5:43 PM, 64ºF – After a reconnaisance looking for the best spot, SPHP had settled on a Denali Highway pullout near the NW end of the miles long Paxson Mountain ridge.  Everything was now ready to go.

Sort of late in the day to be setting out, isn’t it, SPHP?  And I see you’re bringing the tiny house!

Yup.  Paxson Mountain’s true summit is about 5 miles SSE as the crow flies, Loop.  I’m expecting a potentially difficult bushwhack until we reach the alpine.  If we can just manage that much this evening, that will put us in good shape to summit and still get back late tomorrow. 

We better get after it then, SPHP.  You don’t want to be trying to set the tiny house up in the bushes.

The trek started inauspiciously.  After crossing the Denali Highway, tall bushes immediately greeted the American Dingo as she headed up the opposite bank.  Clouds of gnats, joined by a few mosquitoes and flies, swirled in the air as SPHP fought to push past this first thick stand.

Fortunately, the gnats weren’t aggressive.  Their overwhelming numbers would have made that an instant show-stopper.  Lupe continued higher, climbing a rumpled, uneven slope amid lower bushes.  Reaching a first rocky high point, she had a great view of Peak 4790 back to the NW.

Remember all the caribou we saw up on Peak 4790 years ago, SPHP?

Oh, yeah!  You were so excited, Loop!  The fall colors were breath-taking that day, too.  Brilliant crimson carpets of alpine bearberries that were out of this world!

Continuing SSE, the territory the Carolina Dog was climbing through was full of bushes.  Some were low, but most were waist high on SPHP, often leaving Lupe lost in a jungle where she couldn’t see a thing.  Meanwhile, SPHP struggled to find the best routes forward.  Occasional open areas provided significant assistance, but usually played out quickly.

After gaining some elevation, crowberries and blueberries appeared – ripe, sweet, and delicious.  Despite these  temptations, SPHP seldom paused to sample them due to the relentless annoying gnat swarm.

Lupe succeeded in reaching a series of firm or rocky high points, but gaining and keeping elevation was even more difficult than anticipated.  These achievements were usually negated by an immediate descent into bush-filled ravines on the other side.

Even so, the American Dingo was making progress.  A grand view of a long line of lofty snow and glacier clad peaks appeared far to the NNE.  One glacier sweeping down a long valley was particularly impressive.

Any idea what glacier that big one is, SPHP?

Not sure, but if I had to guess, I’d say it was the Gulkana Glacier, Looper.

Whether that identification was correct or not, wasn’t really important.  Getting to the alpine, above both bush and gnat line, was.  A quick glance at the topo map suggested that aiming for HP4626 was the best course of action.  However, getting there proved way more difficult than it looked.

Heading directly SE, the bushes were so tall and dense, that something else had to be done.  Lupe successfully followed a more open corridor on a long foray NE, gaining a fair amount of elevation, but then found that turning SE again wouldn’t work due to a deep, rocky ravine in the way.

This unhappy discovery forced a long march S through the wretched high bushes, eventually bringing the Carolina Dog near HP4000, a hill only a mile SSE of where she’d started after 50 minutes of effort.

After crossing a relatively small ravine near HP4000, it looked like Lupe was past the last significant obstacle other than bushes.  However, this was not true, as part of the very deep ravine was still ahead.

Forced SW of HP4000 in order to avoid the deep ravine, Lupe was high enough to see a saddle farther W that would finally get her around it.  To reach this saddle required yet another descent into the tall bushes.  Near the upper end of the ravine, a pond was visible down in it.  The tedious bushwhack was forgotten in an instant when a lone caribou burst forth from this hidden hollow.

Lupe was excited!  The caribou ran SW, then S, then back to the NNE.  It was almost more than a Carolina Dog could take.  Sadly, once it vanished among the tall bushes, she never saw it again.

After crossing the saddle W of Caribou Hollow, rock formations 50 to 100 feet high were in sight to the S.  The terrain E of them rose in a series of small benches toward the high ground Lupe was trying to get to.

Passing E of the rocks, Lupe began a steady climb on a moderately steep slope.  The bushes shrank, then began to thin out.  The American Dingo finally managed to reach the alpine.  Once there, the rest was easy.  The slope diminished as Lupe continued S, eventually leveling out at 4,300 feet.  Crossing a level plain, Lupe reached the edge of a broad valley.

Mission accomplished, Loopster!  This ought to do for the night.

8-22-23, 8:37 PM, Base Camp, 0.75 mile WSW of HP4626 – SPHP had Lupe’s tiny house all set up on the soft, low tundra.  In the alpenglow, a prominent peak was visible nearly 2 miles SSE beyond the broad valley.

What a beautiful spot!  We can see for miles!  Is that Paxson Mountain to the SSE, SPHP?

Nope.  That’s got to be Peak 5226, Loop, which is only about half way to Paxson Mountain from here.  We’ll visit it tomorrow.  A bit off topic, but I notice that you haven’t suffered a single Dingo-shaking sneeze lately.  Are you cured of whatever it was that’s been ailing you?

Oh, maybe so, SPHP.  I don’t feel like I need to sneeze anymore.

Glad to hear it, Loopster!  I was getting worried about you.

The spot where the tiny house was pitched really was a great place.  Looking SW, Lake 3081 and Wait-A-Bit Lake, two of the largest in the Hungry Hollow region were in sight.

Loop, look off to the NW, a little R of the sun.  See the highest rounded hill just beyond some others?  That’s Tangle Benchmark (5,715 ft.), another mountain on your list of possibilities.

Are we going to climb it, too, SPHP?

Hope so, once we get back from Paxson Mountain.  You have a few more peaks within range of the Denali Highway we’re going to try, too.

The more the merrier, SPHP!

The evening wore on fair and lovely, full of promise for tomorrow.  Getting past all the bushes, ravines, and gnats had been worth it.

8-23-23, 7:45 AM, Base Camp, 0.75 mile WSW of HP4626 – Although the night sky had been clear, clouds predominated this morning.  Otherwise mild with no wind.  Optimism reigned.  The American Dingo had already drained one of the four water bottles, and this journey was just getting started, so finding a spot to resupply might be smart.

We’re leaving the tiny house set up here, SPHP?

Yup.  I’ll stash the sleeping bags in it, too, so we can travel fast and light.  The terrain shouldn’t be difficult now that we’re above the tall bushes.  I’m thinking we ought to be able to hit both Peak 5226 and Paxson Mountain, and still get back to the RAV4 before dark.

What about water, SPHP?  Does your map show anyplace where we can get more?

Possibly.  There’s supposed to be a long, skinny tarn in a ravine 0.25 mile E of here, Looper.  We’ll be setting off in that direction anyway, so if there’s actually any water when we get there, I’ll fill up the water bottles.  Think we’re ready, so if there are no further questions … Onward!  Puppy, ho!

Gradually losing elevation, Lupe set off heading ESE in search of the skinny tarn.  With only a few low bushes to contend with, the downhill march on the tundra was super easy.  The hidden tarn was right where the map promised it would be.  Its calm, green water was very clear.

Back at peak water supply, Lupe left the S end of the tarn climbing SE on a very steep slope.  The rate of climb soon diminished.  Peak 5226 was in sight again.  Although less than 2 miles away, it looked a long way off.

So we just head for Peak 5226 now, SPHP?

Pretty much, Looper.  Should be a gradual, easy climb virtually the entire way.  Stick to the high ground as we go around the E end of the valley to our S.  That’s about all there is to it.

This rather obvious plan worked well.  Lupe had already done the hard part yesterday down among all the ghastly bushes, bugs, and ravines.  The tundra was lumpy in some areas, but the Carolina Dog generally made excellent progress as she steadily gained elevation.

Eventually the terrain began to steepen.  A series of benches separated by rocky climbs was ahead.  Picking a way through the rocks up several benches, a grand panorama was back to the N.  Lupe could now look down on HP4226, a mile away.  Off to the NW, Peak 4790 already looked lower, too.  Much higher mountains were well beyond them.

As the American Dingo continued gaining elevation, the terrain became progressively rockier.  Even in the rockiest, steepest sections, Lupe was often able to follow lanes of tundra higher.  Views kept improving.  Part of Summit Lake appeared to the NNE, with the Gulkana Glacier visible in the mountains beyond it.

Near the end of the climb, a certain amount of scrambling around on the rocks was unavoidable.  As usual, Lupe enjoyed it.

The steepest part of the ascent ended upon reaching a vast rock-strewn plain of yellow tundra.  This plain sloped gradually up to the S toward an even higher plateau where a huge billboard and a couple of sheds were in sight along the E edge of the mountain.  Somewhat closer along the W edge, a ridge of dark rock rose 50 feet above the terrain around it.

That dark little ridge must be the top of Peak 5226, SPHP.

Believe you’re right, Loop.  Looks like we won’t have any trouble climbing it.  Before we do, though, let’s angle over toward the NE edge for another look at Summit Lake.

What a terrific view!  Nearly the entire lake was in sight, as well as a long stretch of the Denali Highway down at the base of the mountain.

Likely the best view we’ll have of Summit Lake, Loopster.  We’ll see it again, but we’re closer to it here than we will be at Paxson Mountain.

So beautiful, SPHP!  Let’s go check out the true summit now.

8-23-23, 10:10 AM, 55ºF – Peak 5226’s summit was a quick scramble to the top of a ridge where two high points were separated by 70 to 80 feet.  Both prominences featured some tundra among the rocks and were very close to the same elevation.  The apparent true summit toward the S end was only marginally higher.

An enormous amount of territory was in sight in all directions, although the views toward the S and W were somewhat marred by a hazy hint of smoke.  Summit Lake and the glacier-clad peaks beyond it were clearer off to the NNE.

Peak 5226’s W flank sloped gradually away to the Hungry Hollow area dotted with many small lakes.  Flat Top Mountain (4,679 ft.) to the SSW marked the far edge of that water-logged lowland.

However, it was the view to the S that was most relevant.  2 enormous billboards were now in sight, one SE along the E edge of Peak 5226, and another one quite a bit farther S.  Between them, Lupe had her first view of Paxson Mountain (5,250 ft.), her ultimate destination, still more than 2 miles SSE.

Paxson Mountain definitely looks higher than where we are now, Looper.  In fact, I’m surprised at how much higher it looks.

Oh, it’s not all that much different, SPHP.  I’m more surprised by how far away it still is.

Yeah, still a bit of a trek, Loopster, but should be an easy one.  It’ll go fast.  By the way, congratulations on reaching the true summit of Peak 5226!

Thanks, SPHP.  I’ll take that, and a chocolate coconut bar to go!

Lupe got her chocolate coconut bar, but didn’t go anywhere.  Instead, she opted for a nap on the soft tundra near the true summit.  Meanwhile, SPHP enjoyed the splendid views in all directions.  Other than the bit of smoke haze, it really was a perfect day.

Half an hour drifted by before SPHP nudged Snoozster.

About time to hit it, Looper.

Summit hour’s over already, SPHP?  Seems like I just closed my eyes.

It’s only half over, Loop.  You’ll get the rest of your summit hour here on the way back.

Before leaving Peak 5226 entirely, checking out the billboards seemed like a good idea.  Lupe went to the closest one along the E edge of the mountain first.

So, what does the billboard say, SPHP?

Not a darn thing, Loopster.

Not even “Eat At Joe’s?”  What kind of a crummy billboard is this?

It’s most likely a passive repeater, Looper, not actually a billboard.  It’s for relaying microwaves, or possibly radio waves.

Boring!  I suppose the other one will be the same, SPHP?

Probably, Loop.  We can still check it out, though.  Maybe it actually will tell us where to eat?

Might as well, since it’s on the way to Paxson Mountain, SPHP.

The second billboard also turned out to be a passive repeater.  Oh, well!  Lupe’s focus was now on her main objective, and a couple of other high points of interest.  HP5100, the top of a plateau between Peak 5226 and Paxson Mountain, was closest beyond a 400 foot descent to a very broad, flat saddle.  Conical HP5200 at the far S end of Paxson Mountain was also in view.

The long, gradual descent to the enormous saddle was rocky, but with enough lanes of tundra running through this region to avoid most of the rocks.  The entire trek was a lot of fun.  Lupe roamed a vast area sniffing wherever she pleased, enjoying spaciousness and solitude that conveyed a sense of boundless freedom.

Crossing the saddle, some of the tundra was wet.  Nothing too serious, though.  Once across, Lupe climbed another long, gradual slope that was a mix of rock and tundra up to a flat plain along HP5100’s W shoulder.  Avoiding HP5100, the American Dingo went far enough S to get beyond it, before turning ESE toward Paxson Mountain.

Another gradual descent was ahead, followed by a steeper drop into a narrow valley cutting N/S across the mountain.  Lupe did a great job of reaching this valley near its highest point.  All she had to do now was climb Paxson Mountain’s W slope.  Since the W slope was very steep here, the Carolina Dog explored the valley a little farther S.

Soon discovering a beautiful stream gushing forth from a spring, Lupe helped herself to a drink, then began her ascent.

The ascent consisted merely of a long, steep, tundra slope.  After gaining close to 500 feet of elevation, Lupe reached a plain of yellow tundra and scattered rocks.  Once again, a minor ridge of dark rock sat atop a higher plateau to the S.  This time, instead of a billboard, a green shed of some sort was visible E of it.

Deja vu all over again, SPHP!

Seems that way, Loop.  Shall we repeat our earlier actions at Peak 5226, and go over to the N edge for a look at Summit Lake before heading on to the true summit?

Why not?  Might as well make it a tradition, SPHP.

The view of Summit Lake and the Gulkana Glacier were nearly as good here as they had been at Peak 5226, which was now in shadow back to the NNE.  Lupe could see both passive repeaters and the little summit ridge she’d visited over there.

After a good look at these beautiful and interesting views, Lupe headed SE across the yellow plain, then on up to the green shed situated near the N edge of the elevated plateau E of the summit ridge.

This hut looks just like the one at Davis Dome (4,124 ft.) back along the Taylor Highway near the Canadian border, SPHP, except it’s newer.  What are they for again?

Not sure, Loopster.  Presumably houses some kind of communications equipment.

It didn’t take long for the American Dingo to sniff her way once around the green shed, and decide that was sufficient investigation.  Lupe then headed over to the 70 foot high rock outcropping constituting a summit ridge remarkably similar to the one at Peak 5226 along the W edge of the plateau, and made the easy scramble to the top.  As at Peak 5226, the very highest rocks were near the S end.

8-23-23, 1:13 PM, 55ºF, Paxson Mountain (5,250 ft.) – As Lupe reached the true summit amid a 10 mph SW breeze, the sky was cloudier in most directions than it had been earlier.  Not particularly threatening, but it seemed like a shower might be possible.  SPHP shook Lupe’s paw.

Congratulations, Loopster, another Alaskan peak climbed!

Nothing to it, SPHP.  Once past all those bushes yesterday, it’s been a blast.

Yes, it has been fun, Loop.  Kind of a long march, though.

A chocolate coconut bar would help restore our energy levels, SPHP.  You did bring another one, didn’t you?

Of course.  Brought a few other supplies, too, Looper.  How about we take a quick look around, then we’ll relax for a while.

Sitting on a tundra-covered rock, Lupe basked happily in the glorious success of her Paxson Mountain ascent.  Beyond her was that wonderful view of Summit Lake and the Gulkana Glacier.

Looking E, a big river ran N/S between Wolverine Mountain (4,653 ft.), and low mountains of similar height even farther E.  The Gakona Glacier feeding this river was in sight in the mountains to the N.

The Hungry Hollow lowlands were still off to the W.  Flat Top Mountain was SW.  Other mountains and domes were visible in these directions, too, but all those that were higher than Paxson Mountain were very far away.  To the S, HP5200 partially blocked a view of Paxson Lake.

Lupe was getting anxious for that chocolate coconut bar.  Relaxing on tundra below the true summit rocks near the S end of the ridge, SPHP shared one with her, plus a cool mint Cliff bar, the last of the beef jerky supply, and water.  The Carolina Dog also enjoyed some Taste of the Wild before her eyes grew heavy.  SPHP threw a light jacket over her, as Lupe put her head down and went to sleep.

While Lupe dozed, SPHP munched on trail mix, then sat admiring the views for a long time.

8-23-23, 2:42 PM, 55ºF, Paxson Mountain – Rain showers never developed to clear the air to the S.  Conditions otherwise remained excellent.

Oh, SPHP!  I’ve been dreaming the most beautiful dreams!  Is summit hour getting close to over yet?

You must have been really tired, Loopster.  Summit hour was over nearly half an hour ago.  No worries!  It’s been magnificent just being here.

I slept that long, SPHP?  I suppose we better get going.

Yeah, probably should, Loop.  Hop up onto the true summit again for a minute, then we’ll head out.

For few moments, Lupe was back up there, standing once again on the highest rock of all on Paxson Mountain.  While starting the descent to the plateau below, SPHP encouraged the American Dingo to stay put.  Compliance ended, however, as soon as SPHP disappeared from view during the short scramble lower.

You never want to take a chance on being left behind, do you, Looper?

Any decent pack sticks together, SPHP!

Don’t you know that I’ll never leave you, Loop?  I just wanted to take your picture up there.

Just making sure, SPHP.

Well, that’s alright.  C’mon, Loopster!  We’ve got one more thing to do up here.  Let’s head over to the S end of the plateau for a look at Paxson Lake.

It took only a few minutes to get there.

Awesome view!  Paxson Lake is really big, isn’t it, SPHP?

Yup.  Like 10 miles long, but narrow, Loop.

Too bad I dreamt so long, SPHP.  We could have gone on to HP5200.  Bet the view is even better there.

Still possible, Loopster, but we should probably head back.  Would be nice to get to the RAV4 this evening, and all those bushes would be a nightmare in the dark.

Lupe scouted a little along the E edge of the plateau, enjoying the big views before heading back to the green shed.

Returning N, Lupe scrambled back up onto Paxson Mountain’s summit block.  Not clear to the absolute top, but good enough for Dingo work.

Oh, that’s fabulous, Loopster!  Thank you!

The rest of the return started well.  The sky cleared somewhat, the day growing sunnier.  Lupe had a wonderful time exploring on the way back to Peak 5226.

8-23-23, 4:55 PM, 55ºF, Peak 5226 –

We’re going to tag the true summit again, aren’t we, SPHP?

Absolutely, Looper!  More than just tag it, too.  My paws are getting pretty sore, so let’s finish your traditional summit hour here.

Returning to Peak 5226‘s true summit, SPHP removed wet boots and socks letting those sore paws bask in the sunshine for a while.  The view looking back at Paxson Mountain was splendid in the sunlight.

Lupe more than completed her traditional summit hour on Peak 5226.  So nice up here, and SPHP’s paws really needed the break.  40 minutes sailed by before SPHP felt like moving again.  The sun was still going to be up for quite a while, but was starting to slide toward the NW horizon.

8-23-23, 7:23 PM, 62ºF, Base Camp, 0.75 mile WSW of HP4626 – Hobbling painfully back to the tiny house, SPHP rejoiced while removing boots and socks again.  Such a lovely evening, and the beautiful ordeal on the way back from Peak 5226 was finally over!

This is it, Loopster!  We’re staying right here tonight.  No way my paws can take a multi-hour bushwhack now.  We’ll do it tomorrow morning.

Fine with me, SPHP!  Unzip the door to the tiny house, please.  I’m ready to curl up on my red sleeping bag.  By the way, what’s for dinner?

Nothing.  We’ve consumed everything on our way back here.  I didn’t bring that many supplies, I’d been so confident that we’d make it back to the RAV4 tonight.  Would have, too, if it weren’t for my painful paws.

8-24-23, Early, Base Camp – Lupe wanted out of the tiny house.  SPHP let her go.  A cool, overcast morning.  SPHP thought nothing of it as fog drifted down among the lowlands of Hungry Hollow.  The first part of the night had been tough, but, thankfully, SPHP’s paws were feeling somewhat better now.  Lupe returned.

Why aren’t you getting ready to go, SPHP?  How are your paws?

Better, but what’s the rush?  Another couple of hours of rest won’t hurt a thing, will it, Looper?  Besides, it’s nice and cozy in the sleeping bag.

The Carolina Dog had no objections to resuming her comfortable slumber.

8-24-23, Base Camp, 2 hours later – Trouble!  SPHP’s reverie was broken by the sound of rain on the tiny house.  When the rain didn’t quit within 20 minutes, SPHP nudged the American Dingo.

Loopster, wake up!  We’ve got to get out of here.

Why?  What’s going on, SPHP?

Rain!  We’ll get drenched if we don’t get to the RAV4, ASAP!  I’ll pack up in here, and as soon as there’s a lull, we’re getting out.

A lull soon came.  Still raining, but very lightly.  Lupe got herself soaking wet as soon as she left the tiny house, rolling on the wet tundra.  SPHP sprang into action, packing the tiny house up, then hoisting the pack.

Onward!  Puppy, ho!

Heading N across the level tundra plain, Lupe made rapid progress.  Soon she was starting the descent down into the dreaded land of tall bushes.  Although it never did rain hard again, the damage was done.  SPHP stayed dry only as far as Caribou Hollow.  From there a long, wretched trek through the tall bushes was simply unavoidable.

Too late!  All the vegetation was already soaking wet.  Bushes towering over even SPHP’s head rained cloudbursts down at every touch.  Going N or NNW, this time the Carolina Dog’s mission was to head straight for the Denali Highway by the shortest possible route.  It was a struggle through bogs and a wilderness of bushes, relieved only by occasional open lanes allowing a welcome spurt forward.  Fortunately, in this lower region, Lupe didn’t come to any of the ravines she’d had to cross farther E.

The miserable march finally came to an end.  Cold and drenched, Lupe reached the Denali Highway 700 feet from the RAV4 beneath a gray sky of eternal gloom.  (End, 8-24-23, 10:15 AM)

Links:

Next Adventure                     Prior Adventure

Lupe’s Scrollable GPS Track & Ascent Statistics

Denali Highway No. 8 Map & Brochure

Peak 4790 & Peak 4403, Hayes Range, Amphitheater Mountains, Alaska (9-2-19)

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