Days 0-1 of Lupe’s 5th Dingo Vacation of 2025 to Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma & New Mexico!
12-13-25, 3:58 PM – A frigid breeze was sweeping over the nearly empty, snow-covered parking lot for KOTA Territory News up on Skyline Drive when Lupe leapt out of Shadow. Off to the SW, the last rays of sunlight the Carolina Dog would ever see as a 14 year old Dingo still gleamed on the Black Hills horizon.
A frigid Black Hills sunset on Lupe’s last day of being 14. Photo looks SW.
We’re here to deliver a cake, SPHP?
Yup! Tomorrow you’ll be 15, Loopster, and this year I had 2 birthday cakes made for you. One is for KOTA Territory News, since reporter Brad Walton and meteorologist Ryan Hill were so kind as to invite you along on their Hill’s Hills Sylvan Peak adventure a week ago.
Oh, yeah. That was a blast, SPHP! Are Brad and Ryan here, though? Looks like KOTA is closed.
Someone should be here, Loop. Brad told me specifically to bring the cake today at 4:00 PM, and we’re right on time.
Going over to the station, the door was locked. SPHP didn’t know the keypad code required to open it. SPHP pushed an access call button. No response. SPHP called Brad on the phone. No answer.
Well, Dingo feathers, Looper! Wonder what happened? Only 9ºF! The cake will be a block of ice in short order, if we just leave it by the door.
Suddenly, Ryan appeared inside, unlocking the door. Brad returned SPHP’s call at the exact same moment. Ryan ushered Lupe and SPHP into the comfortably warm KOTA station entryway. A friendly chat with Ryan, notification to Brad, and the birthday cake was delivered.
Lupe’s 15th birthday cake – KOTA Territory News version!
Whew! Got that done, Sweet Puppy.
I’m glad! Brad and Ryan are so nice to me. Their friend Renae was, too! Now what, SPHP? You still have another birthday cake for me, right? Are you going to throw a 15th birthday party for me tomorrow?
Absolutely! But guess what, Loopster? For the first time ever, we aren’t going to celebrate your birthday here in the Black Hills.
What! Why not, SPHP? Where is it going to be?
At Hotel Dixie, tomorrow afternoon, Loop.
In Arvada, Colorado with Uncle Joe, Aunt Andrea, and Cousin Dixie?
Precisely! Expecting other guests, too! Your 15th birthday party is going to be a real bash, Looper, but I’ve got a lot of packing to do before we head out dark and early tomorrow morning, so let’s head home.
12-14-25, 6:44 AM, still 9ºF – Unfortunately, not as dark and early as SPHP had intended, but all systems were finally go. On her cold, pink blanket, a certain Carolina Dog was excited.
Onward, SPHP! I can’t be late to my own birthday party!
SPHP turned the key. Rather reluctantly, Shadow sprang to life.
Our schedule is going to be a little tighter than anticipated, but you’ll be there, Loop. Promise!
An expectant American Dingo about to begin her 15th birthday adventure.
420 miles to Hotel Dixie! A winter adventure beyond the Black Hills was almost unheard of in Lupe’s experience. The tight schedule meant only a few brief stops along the way.
An early frosty sniff at the Spring Creek picnic area while still in the Black Hills.Favorite rock formations along Hwy 270 between Lance Creek & Manville, WY.
The temperature fluctuated wildly, up and down, during the long drive, but warmed up a great deal overall as Shadow sped on. After leaving the Black Hills, Wyoming was bone dry. Mid-December, yet scarcely any snow at all, except what appeared to be little more than a dusting way up on Laramie Peak.
Approaching Colorado, even the highest peaks of the Rocky Mountains didn’t seem to have much snow on them. The foothills appeared to be completely snow-free.
12-14-25, 2:15 PM – An unbelievable 67ºF! Seemed more like summer than winter when Cousin Dixie greeted Lupe with wild enthusiasm to Hotel Dixie. Incredibly, the grass was still green out on the front lawn.
Arriving at Hotel Dixie.
Definitely looked more like Christmas inside, though.
By the extravagantly decorated Hotel Dixie Christmas tree.
Lupe and SPHP would be staying in the ever-popular Hotel Dixie Cowboy Room tonight. After toting in luggage, SPHP also brought in Lupe’s 15th birthday cake, then stuck video gaming candles into it. Meanwhile, the birthday Dingo got gussied up for her upcoming big 15th birthday bash.
Lupe’s 15th birthday cake prepared to get lit.Loopster ready to party!
Aunt Andrea and Uncle Joe were already here, of course. Andrea had fixed a big pre-cake and ice cream meal for everyone, and soon guests were arriving. Mark came, and began playing the piano, adding to the festive mood. Matt, Cassie, Owen, and Emery showed up a bit later.
L to R: Owen, Mark, Emery & Andrea.
Since Lupe had a tendency to lose her party hat rather frequently, Emery took it upon herself to see to it that the hat was never off for too long.
The birthday feast came first. Whether Cousin Dixie believed in Santa Claus, or not, wasn’t entirely clear. However, there wasn’t the slightest doubt that she believed in SPHP. Although feeding Dixie from the table was frowned upon by the management at Hotel Dixie, that didn’t stop outlaw SPHP from smuggling hamburger, cheese, and other goodies to both Dixie and Lupe.
Cousin Dixie anticipating the next juicy tidbit from SPHP.
Before long, it was time for the trial by fire! SPHP provided champagne. The candles were lit! Everyone began singing Happy Birthday to Lupe. Owen and Emery were crouched nearby, ready to help Lupe blow out her candles. The American Dingo didn’t seem to mind the massive 15 candle conflagration on her cake at all. She was having fun!
The flaming 15th birthday cake.The Birthday Dingo with Owen & Emery during “Happy Birthday to You!”.
And just like that, it was all over and done with. Owen and Emery made certain every candle was blown out. Cake, ice cream, and champagne or sparkling cider for all who wanted it! And presents for Lupe! Owen and Emery helped Lupe open her gifts.
The great unwrapping begins! L to R: Andrea, Emery, Owen & Cassie.
Lupe got a Vibrant Life Holiday Hedgehog, Chew Level 2 with squeaker.
Andrea shows off Lupe’s brand new Holiday Hedgehog.
Treats received included packages of Golden Rewards Pigs in a Blanket, and Blue Buffalo Nudges.
Golden Rewards Pigs in a Blanket.Blue Buffalo Nudges. L to R: Cassie, Joe, Mark.
Uncle Joe and Aunt Andrea had also bought Lupe a beautiful, white camping blanket to keep her warm during her Dingo Vacations to Canada & Alaska. The blanket was incredibly soft and cozy!
Lupe’s very soft and cozy, white camping blanket from Joe & Andrea.
The last present was from SPHP.
Oh, I know what you got me, SPHP!
Do you really now? Are you sure about that, Looper?
You get me the same thing every year, SPHP. It’s a T-bone steak!
Lucky guess, Sweet Puppy! Hope you aren’t disappointed.
Lupe’s 15th birthday T-bone steak.
Oh, no! I’m not disappointed, SPHP. Not disappointed at all. I love T-bone steaks. Hey, look! It says “Freshness date use or freeze by 12-14-25”. That’s today! Broil it for me, SPHP.
Fully intend to, Loopster. I always do, don’t I?
Good, but wait just a few minutes. I want to show Mika all my birthday loot first, before you broil it.
SPHP lugged Lupe’s birthday loot up to the Cowboy Room where Lupe would be staying, and where Mika was currently trying to enjoy some peace and quiet. If Mika was impressed by Lupe’s good fortune, she didn’t show it. In fact, if anything, she looked a bit miffed.
In the Cowboy Room with the Blue Buffalo Nudges.Showing off the T-bone steak.Mika (R), not particularly impressed.
Cats are the strangest breed of dog ever, SPHP. They don’t have any clue at all how to be a good pack member. You’d think Mika would be happy for me! Maybe she’s just jealous?
Cats are different, alright, Looper. No denying that. Anyway, ready for me to broil that T-bone for you now?
Lupe was. When the T-bone was ready to eat, the Carolina Dog was kind enough to share a few bites with Dixie. Later on, when SPHP checked the back yard where Lupe had gone to devour the rest of it, not a trace of the T-bone steak remained.
What? You ate the entire thing, T-bone bone and all?
Being 15 has gotten off to a mighty tasty good start, SPHP! And now, after a long day, I suddenly feel like it’s time to hit the hay for a luxurious night’s snooze in the Cowboy Room.
Guess so, Loopster. And some serious digesting, too!
I can’t believe you set me up to fail on my birthday, SPHP! Why?
I don’t know that Peak6530 will be a fail, Loop, I’m just saying that this is a rugged part of the hills and failure is a possibility. We’ll just have to see how it all turns out – it’s an adventure! C’mon, we need to follow Hwy 89 a little S before heading W into the forest.
At the start of USFS Road No. 794 along Hwy 89 on a beautiful December morning. Photo looks SW.Following Hwy 89 S. Photo looks SSW.
What’s so special about Peak 6530, anyway, SPHP?
Well, remember how we’ve been visiting as many local Lists of John peaks as possible with a minimum of 300 feet of prominence, Loop?
Yes, but I thought we’d completed what’s reasonably accessible back in April when we finally made it to Peak 5452, SPHP. So what does Lists of John have to do with Peak 6530? Is it some other type of Lists of John peak that you’ve dug up?
No, but it is a Lidar Data Set peak with 320 feet of prominence, Looper.
Lidar Data Set? What is that supposed to mean, SPHP?
I don’t really know, Loopster. From what I gather, it’s supposed to be some new, more accurate nationwide topographic elevation data. What matters is that Peakbagger.com is now using it, and has added a whole bunch of peaks with at least 300 feet of prominence according to Lidar to their database.
So, suddenly we’ve got a lot more mountains to climb, SPHP?
Yes, quite a few, even just here in the Black Hills. Kind of makes a mess of things, though, because all the old maps are now out of sync with the Lidar Data. Hang on a moment, Loop. Think we should have seen USFS Road No. 410 by now, but this fence just keeps going.
The birthday Dingo waiting for SPHP to check the map. Hwy 89 (L). Photo looks SSE.
So, what’s the verdict, SPHP?
According to our GPS track, Loopster, we’re not only past USFS Road No. 410, which there’s been no sign of, but already at the S end of the strip of USFS land we were going to explore W from here. Something must have changed. Everything W of the highway has been fenced off and posted.
What a shame, SPHP! Guess that means no Peak 6530. What’s plan B?
Plan B is still Peak 6530, Looper, but from another direction. Supposed to be USFS land N of all this private property, too.
N! We’ve been going S, SPHP.
Yeah, we have to go back, Loop. This didn’t pan out.
Peak6733 was in sight as Lupe began the trek back N along Hwy 89. According to Lidar, it was only 6,725 feet high.
Peak 6733 (L of Center) from Hwy 89. Photo looks N.
Anyway, as I was about to say, Loop, I chose Peak 6530 today for several reasons. First of all, according to Lidar, it’s not only a newly discovered 300 foot prominence peak, but had one of the greatest upward elevation revisions I’ve seen. According to the old topo maps, its elevation was only 6,419 feet.
An overnight gain of 111 feet. Simply volcanic, SPHP! Sounds like this will be quite a memorable birthday adventure, after all. We’ve never run into lava in the Black Hills before.
Or anywhere else for that matter, Looper. Furthermore, Peak 6530 is now on the Black Hills 6,500 Foot Peaks list.
A list we’ll never complete due to our lack of rock climbing skills, SPHP.
True enough, Loop. Peak 6530 also had the virtue of being a mostly easy road hike on abandoned USFS Road No. 410.
Which apparently no longer exists, SPHP.
I also figured Peak 6530 was a fairly short trek, so we’ll be back in time for your big 14th birthday bash this evening.
Oh, it’s all making sense to me now, SPHP! Peak 6530, here we come!
Shortly after passing the RAV4 back at USFS Road No. 794, the American Dingo paused for a look at a buffalo striking a dramatic pose.
By the Busskohl Ranch Game Refuge buffalo. Photo looks W.
Hmm. Appears we’ll be exploring USFS land near the Busskohl Ranch Game Refuge, Loopster. Never knew it was here before.
Maybe we’ll see lots of wildlife, SPHP? I always like that!
Continuing N along Hwy 89, Peak 6733 came into sight again before reaching a curve.
Peak 6733 (L of Center). Photo looks NNE.
Believe we’re far enough N to leave the highway, Looper.
Heading NW off Hwy 89, Lupe crossed a tiny frozen tributary of Willow Creek, then promptly came to a fence along the edge of the Busskohl Game Refuge.
Along the E border of the Busskohl Ranch Game Refuge. Photo looks NNE.
What now, SPHP?
Follow the fence N, Loopster. When it turns W, we can angle NW toward Peak 6530.
The open forest was an easy romp. Lupe gradually gained elevation as she headed N. Glimpses of enormous rock formations way up on a high ridge served as reminders of the type of terrain she might encounter at Peak 6530. None of it looked too daunting, though.
A glimpse of the high ridge to the N (R). Photo looks NNE.
Once the fence turned W, the Carolina Dog roamed NW through gently rolling territory. An unusual peak soon appeared ahead. A massive curved granite formation comprised a winding vertical E face soaring above heavily forested slopes.
The unusual peak (Center). Photo looks NW.
A strange looking peak, even for this area, isn’t it, Looper?
Hope that’s not Peak 6530, SPHP! We’d never get to the top.
Agreed, Loop. Simply impossible!
Another fence eventually appeared not too far ahead.
Map shows more game refuge land W of us, Looper. We’re going to have to climb a little to get around it.
Turning N, then NE, Lupe passed several clusters of big rocks before climbing a moderately steep slope. Near a really big rock, she came to what appeared to be a long abandoned road. Covered with tall, dry grass and young pines, it headed NW.
Passing some big rocks. Photo looks NNW.On the abandoned road (R). Really big rock (L). Photo looks NW.
Might as well follow it, Loop. It’s going the right direction.
Before long, the old road curved W, and there was that unusual peak again, somewhat closer now.
Another glimpse of the unusual peak (Center). Photo looks WNW.
Oh, brother!
What’s wrong, SPHP?
It’s in the right area. That’s got to be Peak6530, Loopster.
We’re doomed, SPHP! And on my birthday! You’re going to owe me for this one.
Hope springs eternal, or, at least in this case, temporarily.
Maybe there’s a way up on the other side, Looper?
Fat chance, SPHP, but we’ve come this far, we might as well find out.
The ancient road continued winding N and W. A nice view of Peak6430 and Buckhorn Mountain soon appeared beyond game refuge land.
Buckhorn Mountain (L) and Peak 6430 (R of Center). Photo looks SSW.
We should have revisited Buckhorn Mountain today, SPHP. It’s got a cool summit with some great views, and we can actually get to it. Remember the weird fins of rock on the way up?
Of course I do, but we’ve been there. On the other paw, you haven’t visited Peak 6430 yet.
Time to get your eyes checked, SPHP! Don’t you see those huge rocks on top? Another no go! Although, admittedly at least within the realm of possibility compared to Peak 6530.
It was quickly becoming apparent to SPHP that this road Lupe was on was actually going to lead straight into USFS Road No. 410 where the maps showed it ending along the N boundary of the Busskohl Ranch Game Refuge. Sure enough, after topping out, the road began a steady decline, soon reaching and following the fence W to No. 410.
Every step got the American Dingo closer to that scenic and forbidding Peak6530.
Peak 6530 (Center). Photo looks W.
Before long, USFS Road No. 410 turned S. Lupe left it here, heading NW up what started out as a shallow valley.
Heading up a grassy valley after leaving USFS Road No. 410. Photo looks NNW.
The terrain soon steepened. Lupe ventured among minor ridges and ravines as she headed toward a much higher ridge NW of Peak 6530. Climbing along the E side of a deeper valley, the slope became much steeper. A maze of deadfall and rocks made travel difficult and slow.
Once above the steepest terrain and worst of the deadfall, big granite formations were visible along the crest of Peak 6530’s N ridge. Instead of heading directly toward them, Lupe went N up the valley, soon coming to a narrow lane running through a thick forest of dog hair pines.
Granite formations along Peak 6530’s N ridge (Center & R). Photo looks NW.Following the narrow lane. Photo looks N.
Partially shown on the topo map, this shady lane was actually a remnant of USFS Road No. 352.2E. Slowly gaining elevation while trotting easily along this seldom visited path, Lupe reached a clearing where shadows of the pines still hid an inch of snow from the sun.
At the clearing. Photo looks NNE.
Where to now, SPHP?
This clearing is the low point between Peak 6530 and Peak 6733, Loopster. We’ll need to work our way S along Peak 6530’s N ridge from here.
Leaving the clearing, the dog hair pines were super thick. Lupe could sneak along easily enough, but SPHP had to search for routes permitting passage. Heading SW, the thick stand of dog hair pines soon opened up. A 30 foot high wall of rock was directly ahead.
At the base of the wall of rock. Photo looks WSW.
The NE end of this wall wasn’t far from where Lupe reached it. Circling around to the E, a wide ramp led up to the region on top of the wall. Narrow glimpses of Crazy Horse less than a mile NW appeared between the trees, as Lupe continued her explorations SW along this upper ridge.
On the upper back side of the rock wall. Photo looks W.Crazy Horse (Center). Photo looks NW with help from the telephoto lens.
A second wall of rock appeared ahead. Once again, going around its NE end revealed a route higher. This one, however, began at a narrow cleft that was a bit of a scramble. A single mighty leap, and the Carolina Dog managed to clear it without any assistance from SPHP. This route led to a broader region of rock formations with views of both Peak 6530 and Crazy Horse.
By the second wall of rock. Photo looks WNW.Peak 6530 (Center) from the top of the second wall. Photo looks SSW.Crazy Horse (Center) again. Photo looks NW.
The view of Peak 6530’s summit, a massive vertical fin of granite from this angle, still wasn’t the least bit encouraging. The fin was only 0.2 mile away now, so hope for much of an improvement was fading fast. After a descent back into the forest, Lupe reached a third wall.
Near the third rock wall. Photo looks S.
This time, Lupe went around the W end before turning S. A trek through the forest took her past more rock formations, some of which she went over, and others that she avoided. At last, after going up a snowy slope, a mighty rock formation again blocked the way forward. Climbing SE amid some deadfall led to another glimpse of Peak 6530’s summit fin.
Approaching the snowy slope (R). Photo looks SSW.Climbing SE around the enormous rock formations (R). Photo looks SE.Closing in on Peak 6530’s summit block (R). Photo looks S.
Deadfall and thorny bushes littered the final stroll to the N end of Peak 6530’s summit fin. Lupe climbed as high as she could easily go, but there was no sense in pushing her Dingo luck. A near vertical wall soared above the big rock she reached. Without serious rock climbing skills, this appeared to be about it.
Below the N end of the summit block. Photo looks SSW.
Well, shucks, Loopster! Unless the W side of the mountain is a whole lot easier, which I seriously doubt, looks like we’re about as high as we can go. Want to try to get over there?
May as well while we’re here, SPHP, but it doesn’t look promising at all.
Circling around to the NW, a steep little climb nearly got Lupe to where it might be possible to see what the W face looked like, but getting past a blocking ridge of stone just wasn’t in the cards without a big downclimb.
Beside the blocking ridge. Photo looks NW.
Eh, don’t think it’s worth the effort to go down and around, Looper. We could if we had more time and wanted to be 100% certain, but it appears extremely unlikely that the W face will get us to the top.
A fail on my birthday! You owe me big time, SPHP!
True enough. Circling back around to the NE side of the summit block, a small area that wasn’t too steep provided a decent spot to take a break.
As good as it got at Peak 6530. Photo looks SSW.The E face. Photo looks SSE.
3:01 PM, Peak 6530 – No summit, no chocolate coconut bar. Lupe had water and munched on a little Taste of the Wild, while SPHP drank a vanilla Equate.
You knew all along, didn’t you, SPHP? You probably didn’t even bring a chocolate coconut bar!
Yeah, I entirely spaced out bringing a chocolate coconut bar, Loopster, but that was just an oversight, not intentional. We had a good time, didn’t we? It’s actually been pretty interesting, hasn’t it?
Oh, I always have fun in the hills, SPHP, you know that.
Good! That’s the spirit, Sweet Puppy! Guess we better get going, if we want to be back in time for your big 14th birthday bash.
Onward then, SPHP! One fail is more than enough!
On the way back to the RAV4, Lupe varied her route a bit as SPHP hoped to shave some time off the return.
Crazy Horse (Center) from the snowy slope. Photo looks NNW.Peak 6430 (Center). Photo looks S.Approaching the N end of USFS Road No. 410.1C. Peak 6430 (R). Photo looks SSE.
To some degree, it worked. Even so, before reaching Hwy 89, the sky turned black. The flashlight had to come out as a nearly full moon rose in the E. (End 5:50 PM, 41ºF)
Lupe’s Peak 6530 GPS Track
7:05 PM – The American Dingo was 5 minutes late to her own birthday party when she trotted in the front door, SPHP following her carrying a big bag of tacos. Tremendously excited upon realizing that Mush, Steve, Felix, and Asher were already here, Lupe could scarcely contain herself, greeting them all with frantic, ear-splitting enthusiasm. Lanis arrived a few minutes later, and Yvonne appeared within half an hour.
SPHP got the party underway, serving tacos to all who wanted them, and champagne to the adults. Time for the traditionally dreaded birthday event, the trial by fire! Nervously facing the 14 alarm conflagration atop her cake, Lupe successfully endured an entire rousing round of “Happy Birthday to You” sung by all her guests, before making her escape.
Before the conflagration.The conflagration begins!Enduring the 14 alarm trial by fire!
Cake and ice cream were served. Felix and Asher were first in line. More tacos and champagne for anyone that wanted them. Although hungry after her Peak 6530 adventure, Lupe had none of it, holding out for the grand prize.
Everyone had brought wonderful presents for the birthday Dingo! Laying on the old couch, the Carolina Dog was practically buried in birthday loot, while all of her guests gathered around.
Amid quite a haul!L to R: Steve, Mush, Lanis, Lupe, Yvonne & Felix. Asher on the floor.Canine Carryouts from Mush.Some of the presents from Lanis& Yvonne.Darford Mega Pumpkin Bone from Lanis & Yvonne. This was a big hit during the next few days!Weruva Grandma’s Chicken Soup, also from Lanis & Yvonne.Presents from Steve, Felix & Asher.Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula, also from Steve, Felix & Asher.Gifts from SPHP.
At 14, Lupe was rich, thanks to the generosity of all who loved her! SPHP wouldn’t have to buy the Carolina Dog another treat or toy for months on end.
That may be, SPHP, but I know you’re holding out on me! Where is it?
Felix did the honors, helping Lupe unwrap the final present.
2 T-bones!
While Lupe waited not-so-patiently, SPHP slow-broiled one of Lupe’s two T-bone steaks for her. When it was ready, SPHP cut most of the steak into bite-sized chunks. The American Dingo made short work of them. Felix then got to present her with the actual T-bone itself, with plenty of delicious meat still clinging to it.
Oh, it was fun! The party went on with everyone in good cheer, while a fire in the fireplace flickered merrily, and Lupe munched and gnawed happily away on her prize, a whole new year of adventures yet to come.
Lupe at 14, listening to everyone sing Happy Birthday during the trial by fire, 12-14-24
