Days 3 & 4 of Lupe’s 2nd 2019 Dingo Vacation to the Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming!
7-23-19, early morning N of Loaf Mountain –
Daylight in the swamps, Miss Snoozy Dingo!
Morning already? I was having such a beautiful dream!
Apparently. No waking me up at the crack of dawn today, I see.
Nothing wrong with getting a few winks in, SPHP! Are we still going to Bighorn Peak today?
Had my doubts during the night, Loopster, but it’s a fabulous morning! So, it’s now or never for Bighorn Peak! You in?
Of, course! Let’s do it!
That’s the spirit! Let’s have a bite to eat, first. We can leave the tiny house and sleeping bags right here. Loaf Mountain was hard enough. Not going to lug all this gear clear to the top of Bighorn Peak and back, too.
Outside the tiny house, it really was a fabulous morning – blue sky, and clear as a bell! Lupe stretched and sniffed in the sunlight while SPHP got ready. Before long, the American Dingo was on her way, setting off for the mightiest mountain she would climb in 2019!
N of Loaf Mountain (11,722 ft.) a series of lower high points wound more than 1.5 miles NW. A connecting ridge extended all the way over to a big saddle at 10,740 feet at the base of Bighorn Peak (12,324 ft.). Plan A was to stay fairly high following this ridge, but it quickly became apparent that this route might be problematic. The high ground was all rocky and rough.
After crossing a long rocky stretch, Lupe made it to a level area with some greenery just S of HP 11188. When an attempt to go around the E side revealed only more big rocks ahead, SPHP had had enough. A big snowbank provided an opportunity to pack some more snow into the water bottles, but once that was done, the Carolina Dog headed W.
Plan B was to head NW down the broad, gentle East Tensleep Creek valley. This would involve losing hundreds of extra feet of elevation, and Lupe would still eventually have to go over or around the ridge she was abandoning, but at least she could tackle that challenge from a point much closer to Bighorn Peak.
Despite talus fields that extended quite a long way down into the East Tensleep Creek valley, Plan B worked out quite well. Once far enough W, Lupe escaped the rocks. Reaching East Tensleep Creek, she turned NW making rapid progress down the valley.
East Tensleep Creek began to curve W. Continuing her NW course, Lupe abandoned the stream. She aimed for a darker green area near some low cliffs. At about 10,480 feet, this region appeared destined to be the low point of the journey to Bighorn Peak.
The dark green area proved to be both bushy and boggy. Fortunately, a natural rock dam toward the lower W side provided an easy way around the bushes and across a tributary of East Tensleep Creek. Once over the stream, Lupe continued NW starting up a hillside leading to a minor ridge. Passing between two large snowbanks, she soon reached the top.
So far, so good, but now what? Looking around, it appeared maybe SPHP had been too hasty in abandoning the higher ground earlier on. More of the ridge Lupe would have traveled had she stuck with it could be seen from here, and much of it didn’t look that bad. Might actually have been a more direct route, and less troublesome than feared.
Too late now.
Another interesting view was off to the SW where both Meadowlark Lake and Peak 9300 were in sight. Lupe had been to Peak 9300 only a few weeks ago.
Decision time. It appeared Lupe had 3 choices on which way to go from here. The first option was to follow a broad ramp NE returning to the high ground somewhere near HP 11125. Lupe could then turn NW and head down to the still unseen saddle at the base of Bighorn Peak.
The second option was to simply continue NW until Loopster could get around the W end of the HP 11125 ridge. This was actually what SPHP had in mind in coming here, but in practice looked like a bigger detour than expected. Lupe would have to lose a bunch of elevation again.
In the end, Lupe took the third option. The American Dingo headed up to the closest gap in the ridge to the N and went through it.
The maneuver worked! Lupe got up to and over the little saddle without a hitch. On the far side, sure enough, there was Bighorn Peak and the big, broad 10,740 foot saddle leading to it! The Carolina Dog had to wait for SPHP to pick a way 200 feet down a fairly steep talus slope to get to the saddle, but success was inevitable.
On the N side of the 10,740 foot saddle a prominent rocky knob stuck out from the rest of the terrain. Once SPHP was down out of the talus, Lupe headed for it. From the base of this knob, the summit of Bighorn Peak (12,324 ft.) was nearly 1,600 feet higher, uphill all the way.
Staying W (L) of the prominent knob, Loopster started her ascent. The grassy slope was steep and got steeper. Before long the Carolina Dog was above all vegetation scrambling toward a rocky ridge. Slow going, but she eventually got there.
Upon reaching the ridgeline, a wide shallow ramp was seen ahead. Much of this ramp, which sloped relentlessly higher to the NNW, was chock full ‘o rocks. However, on the far side there appeared to be a fair amount of greenery. Clearly, Lupe would have been much better off if she had come up well E of the prominent knob back down by the big saddle. That discovery had come too late. Oh, well!
No choice, but to continue up the rocky ramp. The ramp had a number of big snowbanks. Crossing snow was easier and faster than the endless rock hop. Whenever she could, Lupe took advantage of the snow. The biggest snowfield helped her get over to the far (N) side of the ramp where at least some vegetation helped make the trek less demanding.
Higher and higher! Besides the overall rockiness, no difficulties existed to prevent Lupe from attaining success. Nothing at all technical or the least bit scary along the entire route. Endurance and perseverance were all it took. The fearless American Dingo roamed ahead while SPHP brought up the rear.
Weather was the only concern. As the afternoon wore on, the morning’s clear skies were giving way to increasing cloudiness.
Above a big snowfield, Lupe went over a minor lip along the ramp. The terrain wasn’t quite as steep up here. A SW subpeak of Bighorn Peak (12,324 ft.) was now in sight. The topo map showed this subpeak at only a little less than 12,200 feet. Encouraging! Looper was getting close! Bighorn Peak’s true summit was only 150 feet higher than that.
The ascent ended with a steep scramble up large talus. The weather turned dicey. Two thunderstorms threatened. The first was very dark. No lightning, but Lupe became nervous as thunder rumbled not too far away. SPHP kept an eye out for big overhanging rocks beneath which shelter might be taken. Despite it all, the Carolina Dog kept scrambling higher, sometimes during brief rain showers.
Just like yesterday, all the worst of the weather seemed to stay just E of the spine of the Bighorn Range. The darkest, most ominous clouds hung around just NE of Bighorn Peak.
Coming up the S slope, Lupe reached a vast summit region near its SW end. The whole top of the mountain was a jumble of rock. The true summit wasn’t visible at first, but was clearly somewhere farther N. Fortunately, by this time the darkest clouds were already moving off to the SE. The threat of a serious storm had diminished.
At first glance, a flat rock to the NNE sitting at a slight angle looked like the true summit. Scrambling among boulders, Lupe headed for it.
Even before Lupe got there, it became clear this odd rock wasn’t actually the true summit. The very top of Bighorn Peak was now visible only a few hundred feet farther NNE. SPHP was ecstatic! Loopster was going to make it!
Approaching the true summit, a dramatic distant view of Cloud Peak (13,167 ft.) was off to the NNW. Circling around S side of the summit block, Lupe found an easy way to scramble up from the E.
While Lupe stood on the big light-colored boulder at the true summit, SPHP congratulated her on her grand success! Bighorn Peak was the highest mountain the Carolina Dog would climb in 2019, and yet another major peak she had been to along the lofty spine of the Bighorn Range. Lupe grinned at the praise.
Several feet below the N side of the summit rock, an army green metal box with a red cross on the cover was tucked away in a sheltered spot. Naturally, it contained a registry. While Lupe looked on, SPHP added her name. Then it was time to enjoy the tremendous views available from the summit of Bighorn Peak.
There was a lot to see. The most attention grabbing view was of the two highest mountains Lupe had ever climbed in the Bighorns – Cloud Peak (13,167 ft.) and Bomber Mountain (12,840 ft.).
A mere 1.5 miles away, Darton Peak (12,275 ft.) was also toward the N. At one point, SPHP had dreamed that Lupe might make it all the way to Darton Peak on this trip. Although it looked possible to get to Darton Peak from here, clearly there wasn’t enough time (or energy) to do it.
To the W, Lupe could see a huge gash. Lake 10577 was somewhere down in that deep canyon, but couldn’t be seen from here. Lost Twin Lakes down in another deep canyon to the NW weren’t visible from Bighorn Peak, either.
Loaf Mountain (11,722 ft.) was off to the SE. Lupe would have to return to it this evening. Beyond Loaf were half a dozen lower peaks that Lupe had visited at one time or another, too, including both Hazelton Peak (10,264 ft.) and Hazelton Pyramid (10,534 ft.).
To see Lame Deer Lake and a couple of the Firehole Lakes, Lupe had to venture E of the summit to where Bighorn Peak dropped away much more steeply.
Yeowch! Where had the time gone? Lupe had been up on Bighorn Peak for more than an hour! Getting late, better skedaddle. Before departing, Lupe returned to the true summit. Such a magnificent spot! A shame to have to leave so soon, but that’s often the way it is, especially among the higher peaks.
Oh, brother! 5:00 PM already, and there was the intrepid Dingo, still perched atop mighty Bighorn Peak. It had taken practically all day to get here. How was Lupe ever going to get to her tiny house way back at Loaf Mountain tonight? Didn’t seem possible.
Puppy, ho! Onward! Like she was shot out of a cannon, the American Dingo came bounding over the boulders. The race back to the tiny house was on! At least to the extent it could be a race among all this rock.
It took forever to get off the Bighorn Peak summit region and down to friendlier terrain, but once accomplished the pace picked up. A couple of course corrections were in order. On the way back down to the big saddle at 10,740 feet, Lupe stayed quite a bit farther E, this time coming down well E of the rocky prominence.
The 10,740 foot saddle had a huge and delightful surprise for Lupe. The giant deers! Perhaps the same big herd she had seen yesterday S of Loaf Mountain? They were here in force! Lupe was a lot happier to see the giant deers than they were to see her. The herd immediately started heading down the long slope to the SW.
Lupe was in luck! SPHP had every intention of leading her down this same valley. Light was already starting to fade. It was too late for SPHP to scramble slowly over the same ridge to the S Lupe had snuck over much earlier in the day. The only hope seemed to be to go far enough W to get around it.
The giant deers warily kept their distance. Lupe had a grand time keeping tabs on them, as she followed them down the slope.
Down, down, down! The giant deers kept retreating. Eagerly, the Dingo kept advancing. Meanwhile, SPHP wondered if there actually was a practical way around the W end of the ridge?
The giant deers didn’t like being followed. All of a sudden, the whole herd bolted down the last open part of the long slope into a forested area, leaving a disappointed Carolina Dog in their dust.
At about 10,440 feet, Lupe finally came across a fairly decent animal trail that curved S. Perhaps the hoped for route around the W end of the ridge? It seemed so, and proved to be so. The trail ultimately curved SE leading back up to the same minor ridge Lupe had been to much earlier in the day – the ridge that overlooked the East Tensleep Creek valley.
Even twilight had faded by the time Lupe reached the boggy, bushy area near the small cliffs. The flashlight came out. In darkness, Lupe began the long trek up the East Tensleep Creek valley. Somewhere way up at the upper end, the tiny house was waiting.
The quiet night was a black one. The faint outline of Loaf Mountain was barely detectable. Super tired, SPHP could advance only short distances without stopping to rest, sometimes even laying flat on the ground for a few minutes to gather a bit of strength.
And the American Dingo? Although she had sometimes begged for rest stops during her ascent of Bighorn Peak, giant deers and darkness had completely energized the crazy Carolina Dog! Unseen, Lupe darted back and forth across the broad valley sniffing and exploring as she pleased. Only occasionally did she reappear in the weak glow of the flashlight to check on SPHP.
At last! At long, long last, an apparition – the tiny house! Middle of the night. Who knew what hour? Once inside, Lupe crunched away at Taste of the Wild, but SPHP only drank a little water. Exhaustion. Collapse! The incredible day that Lupe made it to the top of Bighorn Peak was over.
7-24-19, morning N of Loaf Mountain – Breezy, cloudy, unsettled. Stiffly, SPHP began to stir. A bleary-eyed Carolina Dog laid motionless on her sleeping bag, dead to the world. Situation? Eh, could be better. Out of everything. Not a thing to eat during the coming long march back except Taste of the Wild. Such superb planning! On the bright side, the pack was lighter.
So you coming, Looper, or do I have to roll you up inside the tiny house and carry you?
Hah, right! Like SPHP could have done that. Silence from the tiny house.
It’s time, Loop! We’ve got to get back up and over Loaf Mountain, if we’re ever going to get back to the car.
Car? The magic word! Lupe shot out of the tiny house ready for action! Barking furiously, she leapt and danced around SPHP! A certain Dingo had finally had her fill of the mountains.
The tiny house disassembled, it was farewell to the upper East Tensleep Creek valley. A mere 350 feet up the N slope! Seemed daunting. Talus, boulders, but a better route than last time. A final scramble from the W, and Lupe was back at the summit of Loaf Mountain (11,722 ft.).
No annoying insects today! A 25 mph W wind took care of that. Lupe found a bigger, better crack in the rocks to hide out in than the last time she was here while SPHP took in the sights – Bighorn and Darton peaks off to the NNW, and lots of lesser peaks and ridges Lupe had been to, some quite recently, off to the S and SE. It was all magnificent, but after 15 or 20 minutes in the wind, it was enough.
Puppy, ho! Onward! Instead of taking that rough SE ridge lower, Lupe headed down Loaf Mountain’s S slope. More greenery, but still mostly boulders and talus. The descent took SPHP a long time. Rain came from the W. Lupe would have gotten completely soaked, but it didn’t last. 30 minutes. Blue skies! Warmth! A beautiful day from then on.
Once down off Loaf Mountain, the rest was easy. Lupe was joyful! The American Dingo raced across the open ground roaming far and wide, her energy never fading. Her route was a retracement of 2 days ago – over the 2 ridges, across the huge saddle, back up to Marmot Pass, then on to Pass 10260. From there, it was downhill all the way.
7-24-19, 6:52 PM, Hwy 16 across from the Leigh Creek Dump Station – The G6 was baking hot and stuffy. Lupe didn’t care. She couldn’t wait to leap in and lay down on her pink blankie. At Powder River Pass, with the G6 aired out and cooled down, SPHP stopped briefly to rearrange things. Then it was homeward bound!
E of Buffalo, Lupe chomped happily away at cheeseburgers and fries. Health food from McDonald’s! So many delicious calories! In twilight miles S of I90, there stood North Pumpkin Butte(6,052 ft.), where Lupe’s 2019 Dingo Vacations to the Bighorn Mountains had started less than a month ago. Sadly, all over and done with now.
Eh, not quite. While SPHP relaxed enjoying the drive, a Dingo that ought to have been exhausted, but wasn’t, made the most of every moment. Her nose out the window sniffing the breeze, for 100 miles Lupe barked with great enthusiasm at cows and horses she sensed were out there long after it was too dark to see them.
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