Days 33 & 34 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2022 Dingo Vacation to Canada & Alaska!
8-31-22, 9:33 AM, Dalton Highway MP 275, Galbraith Lake campground –
Good morning, and about time, SPHP! How are your paws?
Still sore, but better. Thanks for asking, Loop. Going to be a day or two before I climb any more mountains, though. And how are you?
Ready to do some sniffing, if you’ll let me out of the RAV4, SPHP.
I will. Won’t be joining you, though. This should be a good day to catch up the trip journal while I’m incapacitated. Have fun out there!
The Carolina Dog bounded out of the RAV4 as soon as SPHP opened the door. Apparently, her paws were just fine.
Yesterday’s brief Dingo Summer was gone. Completely overcast. Not a speck of blue sky! The clouds were high enough so that the summits of nearby peaks were in sight, but bigger peaks farther S along the spine of the Brooks Range were hidden.
After yesterday’s relative calm, the S wind was back at it again. Yellow leaves were flying off the tall bushes surrounding the campsite. Last day of August, and the bushes were already looking rather bare. Here on the N side of the Brooks Range, winter was plotting its return sometime in the not too distant future.
SPHP worked fairly diligently on the trip journal, but also eventually did manage to hobble along with Lupe on occasional short strolls.
This region near Galbraith Lake is a nice dry spot when the wind is out of the S like this, SPHP! If we stay here again tonight, maybe we can climb Lake Benchmark Mountain (5,000 ft.) tomorrow?
I’d really like to, Loopster, but conditions are pretty gloomy. If I knew for sure it would be sunny tomorrow, I’d be in favor of staying. However, I’d also like to see if the weather is better S of Atigun Pass. Haven’t forgotten about Poss Mountain (6,180 ft.). Would sure like to get another shot it.
As dark as those clouds are to the S, it’s still going to be rainy down there, SPHP. What will we do, if it is?
Love the Brooks Range, but Alaska is a big place. Lots of other beautiful parts of Alaska that I’m hoping we can visit on this Dingo Vacation, Loop. We’ll find something wonderful to do!
Mid-afternoon, SPHP joined Lupe on a last great romp around the entire Galbraith Lake campground. During gusts of the S wind, yellow leaves continued to fly as the American Dingo enjoyed her last outing on the N side of the Brooks Range.
Sad to even think about leaving! If the sky had started to clear up at all by now, Lake Benchmark Mountain would be on the agenda tomorrow, but conditions remained as overcast and gray as they had been earlier.
8-31-22, 3:38 PM, 55ºF, Dalton Highway MP 276 – After driving 2 miles N up the first big hill, SPHP turned around, then started back down before parking the RAV4 right along the highway.
Last chance for a good look at Galbraith Lake, Looper, but let’s be quick! Don’t want to be sitting here when the next big truck comes along.
The weather deteriorated during the drive S to Atigun Pass (4,739 ft.), pretty much as expected. 10 miles before Lupe actually got that far, the dry region near Galbraith Lake was left behind. Mist and light rain fell. The mountains were lost in fog. The Dalton Highway turned sloppy. Still hauntingly beautiful, though! Lupe made a couple of brief stops before continuing on.
8-31-22, 4:39 PM, 41ºF, Atigun Pass (4,739 ft.) – Somewhat surprisingly, the pass itself was only sporadically foggy, conditions relatively benign. The S breeze driving one cloud after another through the pass was only 10 mph. During breaks in the fog, Lupe could actually see something of the mountains. Everything was wet, but it wasn’t cold enough to be icy, although a skiff of new snow did exist way up near the summits.
Continuing S from the pass, the sky darkened. A dreary, steady rain set in, and the Dalton Highway became a sea of mud. Big trucks ahead of the RAV4 crawled along kicking up a mucky spray. SPHP stopped at the Chandalar Shelf to let them get farther ahead. The American Dingo got out for a few minutes to enjoy a sniff.
The Chandalar Shelf was visible, but Table Mountain (6,314 ft.), where Lupe had such an incredible adventure not that long ago, and all other peaks in this region were completely hidden from view.
8-31-22, 6:02 PM, 50ºF, Dalton Highway MP 207 – SPHP was glad to get back to pavement at MP 209, stopping only a couple of miles farther at the pullout near Dillon Mountain (4,820 ft.). The clouds were higher and brighter here, with only light rain.
Hungry, Loop? We haven’t had much to eat today.
Famished, SPHP! Say, isn’t this the start of my 2016 Last Mile North?
Yup! I’ll heat us up something for dinner, then we’ll do your 2016 last mile N hike again, since it’s always relaxing and so much fun.
Chicken and dumplings, plus Ritz crackers, were what was for dinner. Lupe was happy with that.
8-31-22, 7:08 PM – The Carolina Dog was even happier when she got to repeat her 2016 last mile N for the 3rd time on this Dingo Vacation. Still overcast, but the rain was only intermittent by the time she crossed the Dalton Highway, and went past the gate over the access road leading to the Alaska oil pipeline.
The familiar 1+ mile stroll N along the pipeline right-of-way was as easy and pleasant as always. A little sunshine on the mountains would have been nice, but that clearly wasn’t in the cards. Even so, the cool, moist gloom did nothing to dampen the American Dingo’s spirits, and the fall colors now at their height here added scenic brilliance.
Upon reaching Dillon Creek, Lupe turned W into the mossy forest where nature had rolled out the red carpet for her. The forest rang with the shrill bark of the Most High Exalted Dingo of the Arctic Sisterhood once more, as she sniffed and explored, racing this way and that while searching for squirrels with some success.
8-31-22, 8:01 PM – 0.6 mile from the Alaska oil pipeline, Lupe reached the confluence of the Dietrich River and Dillon Creek. This was the endpoint of her now traditional 2016 last mile N trek. Another 10 miles N, the top of Lupe’s Mountain of the Midnight Sun was wrapped in clouds, as had been the case every time this Dingo Vacation. Nevertheless, it was still amazing just being back at this magical place again.
Must have been raining practically every day since we were last here prior to heading N for Deadhorse, SPHP. The river is higher now.
Highest we’ve ever seen it, Loop, but then we’re always here in August. Bet even Dillon Creek is a torrent when the snow melts in late spring.
SPHP shook Lupe’s paw, congratulating the Carolina Dog on her return to this long favorite spot, once the farthest N she had ever been. The evening was cool and gray, but Lupe lingered for a little while. Back to the S, Sukakpak Mountain (4,459 ft.) was nearly cloud-free. Its soaring N fin didn’t look as dramatic as usual against the drab sky.
Sadly, unless things changed in a hurry, which appeared very unlikely, Lupe wasn’t going to get to climb Sukakpak Mountain again on this Dingo Vacation.
Not looking too good for Poss Mountain (6,180 ft.), either, is it, SPHP?
Afraid not, Loopster. We may never get there.
A last glance up Dillon Creek, and SPHP sighed.
Well, I suppose it’s time, Loop. Onward! Puppy, ho!
The return was marvelous as always. Near the end, Lupe tacked on the short extra jaunt S to where the Alaska oil pipeline crossed the Dietrich River. The Dalton Highway bridge was visible from here, as well as the great N fin of Sukakpak Mountain. The rest of the summit region was back in the clouds again.
We’re going to miss this place, aren’t we, SPHP?
Always, Loop. We’re so lucky we ever got to see and experience it.
9-1-22, 8:16 AM, 48ºF, Dalton Highway MP 207 – Totally overcast again this morning, a slight bluish tint to the clouds the last hopeful sign to cling to as far as any remaining possibility for another adventure in the Brooks Range. Fog drifted among the mountains as Lupe roamed the forest barking at squirrels, while SPHP straightened out the RAV4.
Don’t go too far, Loop! We’ll be heading S in just a few minutes.
9-1-22, 9:45 AM, 50ºF, MP 175, Coldfoot Camp – Gas was still $7.49 per gallon, but the breakfast buffet was terrific! $16.95, tax included. After a hearty meal, SPHP bought a souvenir at the gift shop, then brought Lupe 5 big strips of bacon. She only got 1 of them right away, though.
Started raining again, so the Brooks Range was definitely over and done with for this Dingo Vacation. Before continuing S, Lupe dropped by the Arctic Interagency Visitor Center just across the highway, and received a 2nd bacon strip.
9-1-22, 12:32 PM, 57ºF, MP 115 – Intermittent rain kept the rest of the drive S through the Brooks Range sloppy. Nearly 2 weeks after crossing the Arctic Circle, the Most High Exalted Dingo of the Arctic Sisterhood reached it again. Conditions were drier here. A 3rd bacon strip helped celebrate the occasion.
We’ve been up N a while, haven’t we, SPHP? Seems like the Arctic Circle is way down S now!
Yeah! We’ve had quite a time, Loopster. Been fabulous! So glad we came, and went all the way to Deadhorse again!
It’s been wonderful, SPHP! Where to now, though?
Not entirely sure. Don’t have to worry about that quite yet, anyway, Loop. Still have a few stops ahead of us before we get back to Fairbanks. Getting low on supplies, so we’ll buy some there, then figure it out.
9-1-22, 1:28 PM, 49ºF, Dalton Highway MP 98 – Raining again, but Lupe had to stop here! Climbing Finger Mountain (2,202 ft.) wouldn’t take long. Even beneath the dull, gray sky, the colors along the short nature trail winding up to the collection of boulders forming the summit were incredibly vivid. So much orange and red that the scenery looked fake!
Despite the rain, Caribou Mountain (3,179 ft.) was dimly visible 7 miles WNW. Lupe had been there before, too, but that was an all day affair.
Of course, the American Dingo couldn’t complete the tiny scramble to the top all on her own. Those 2 summit boulders were way too tall! As usual, SPHP helped Lupe out with a boost.
How many times have I been up here, SPHP? Do you remember?
This is your 7th ascent of Finger Mountain, Loop!
Lucky me, SPHP!
You certainly are, Loopster! Bet you hold the Dingo world record for Finger Mountain ascents!
As a reward for Lupe’s latest successful ascent of Finger Mountain, SPHP doled out the 4th of the 5 bacon strips from Coldfoot Camp.
You gorged yourself at the breakfast buffet, SPHP! I know you did! Why so stingy about doling out my bacon strips?
Gives you something to look forward to at every stop, Loop. You should be glad I’m distributing them one by one.
Even Carolina Dogs have a hard time celebrating deliberate deprivation, SPHP!
9-1-22, 2:44 PM, 56ºF, MP 56 – Be that as it may, the Carolina Dog seemed happy enough to get the 5th and final bacon strip upon reaching the bridge over the Yukon River again. A tour bus arrived at the same time. Fortunately, the local tour started off with everyone paying a visit to the nearby Yukon River Camp. Meanwhile, Lupe had the N bank of the river all to herself during a short sniff along the water’s edge.
9-1-22, 4:14 PM, 57ºF – Well, sadly, inevitably, it was over. Once again, the Most High Exalted Dingo of the Arctic Sisterhood stood by the sign at the start of the Dalton Highway, two full weeks of glorious adventures along this road to the true Arctic now in the rear view mirror.
I understand what you mean about the advantages of doling out the bacon strips gradually now, SPHP! Are you sure you don’t have one more?
Sorry, Loop. 5 was all I had. You ate the last one back at the Yukon River.
In that case, you should have brought me 6 from the buffet, SPHP! Surely, the start of the Dalton Highway is worthy of a bacon strip!
Absolutely, Loop! Next time, I’ll have to be more careful with the count.
A lot of good that does me now, SPHP!
Life has its little disappointments, Loopster. Let’s just be grateful for all the marvelous adventures we’ve had.
Oh, I am, SPHP! We had some grand times along the Dalton Highway. Hope it won’t be so long next time before we return!
9-1-22, 5:50 PM, 57ºF, Fairbanks – The pavement was actually dry along much of the Elliot Highway, but by the time Lupe reached Fairbanks the sky was spitting rain again. SPHP spent a couple of hours getting free potable water at Pioneer Park, buying supplies, and fueling up the RAV4 at the now super cheap by comparison price of a mere $4.49 per gallon.
This roasted lemon pepper chicken was a great idea, SPHP! Delicious!
Yup, we’ve done a number on it, too, Loop. Not much left.
So, what now, SPHP?
Depends. Let me check the weather forecast on our fancy schmancy new iPhone. Hmm. Not that great. Sunny tomorrow, but rainy after that.
Any mountains we can climb around here in a day, SPHP?
Oh, I think we’ve got a good option on your list of possibilities, Loop. Been on your list for years. Maybe it’s about time we checked it out?
Onward then, SPHP!
9-1-22, 8:00 PM, Fairbanks – The sky was merely overcast when Lupe left Fairbanks heading N again. At Fox, SPHP took the Steese Highway. Rain showers returned as the light began to fade.
9-1-22, 8:53 PM, Upper Chatanika River State Recreation Site – A sniff along the Chatanika River proved to be Lupe’s last chance to stretch near the end of a day spent mostly in the RAV4. She didn’t go far, but if the forecast was right, the Carolina Dog would be back in action tomorrow!
Links:
Next Adventure Prior Adventure
Lake Benchmark Mountain, Brooks Range, Alaska (8-19-17)
Dillon Mountain, Brooks Range, Alaska (8-15-16)
Lupe’s Last Mile North, Brooks Range, Alaska (8-14-16)
Sukakpak Mountain, Brooks Range, Alaska (8-13-16)
Cathedral Mountain, Brooks Range, Alaska (8-17-17)
Caribou Mountain, Alaska (8-16-17)
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