British Columbia – Page 10 – The (Mostly) True Adventures of Lupe

Monarch Mountain near Atlin, British Columbia, Canada (8-12-18)

Day 9 of Lupe’s 2018 Dingo Vacation to the Yukon, Northwest Territories & Alaska!

Start: 7:54 AM, 50°F, Monarch Mountain trailhead 3.7 km S of Atlin on Warm Bay Road – Yesterday the trailhead had been a busy place, but no one else was around this early on a Sunday morning. The lucky Carolina Dog was going to have Monarch Mountain (4,723 ft.) all to herself! The trail began right across Warm Bay Road from the huge parking lot.

Lupe about to set off for Monarch Mountain on a Sunday morning.

The Monarch Mountain trail started off climbing gradually through open forest. Before long, it crossed a driveway. A few openings in the forest provided early views of Atlin Lake. Cabins and vacation homes could be seen nearby tucked in among the trees.

An early view of **Birch Mountain** on **Teresa Island** in **Atlin Lake**. A couple of cabins are visible down in the forest. Photo looks SW.

The trail soon came to the driveway a second time. This time it followed the driveway for before returning to the forest. Lupe eventually reached a wooden bench at a small clearing. She came to a second bench a little farther up the trail.

*We’re already at the second bench here! Nice place to rest with a view of Atlin Lake.*

**Atlin Lake** from the 2nd bench. **Birch Mountain** on the L. Photo looks SW.

Beyond the second bench, the trail steepened and stayed in a thick forest which provided no views. After a considerable climb, the forest finally began to thin out. Bushes started to dominate as Lupe reached the subalpine. A small, open ridge appeared NE of the trail.

Climbing this first ridge, the American Dingo was rewarded with sweeping views of Atlin Lake from Birch Mountain (6,765 ft.) to the SW all the way N to Mount Minto (6,913 ft.). For the first time, Lupe could also see Surprise Lake off to the NE.

At the first open ridge above treeline. **Atlin Mountain** (L) is in view beyond **Atlin Lake**. The **village of Atlin** is along the near shore beyond Lupe. Photo looks NW.

**Atlin Lake** and **Birch Mountain** (Center) from the first open ridge. The Monarch Mountain trail is seen along the L edge. Photo looks SW.

Now that she was effectively above treeline, Lupe had views nearly all the time. Occasional steep stretches still existed along the trail, but the overall rate of climb was reduced. Loop followed the trail S along the W edge of Monarch Mountain going from one high point to the next.

To the E, the terrain was hilly and rumpled, still dotted with scattered stands of conifers. Many areas were thickly covered with bushes, but there were large areas of open grassy ground, too.

20 minutes from the first open ridge, Lupe reached the next significant high point. This higher ridge overlooked a sizable drop into a valley to the S. A small tarn could be seen in this valley. On the far side, a large ravine led up toward Monarch Mountain’s huge N summit ridge.

Lupe reaches the next significant high point. Part of **Birch Mountain** is on the R. Photo looks SW.

Looking ESE toward **Monarch Mountain’s N summit ridge**. The high point on the L is where the trail ends.

Lupe had come up the territory seen in the foreground. **Mount Minto** (L) is off in the distance beyond faintly visible **Atlin Lake**. Photo looks NNW.

Loopster on the second significant high point, which was a most scenic spot. **Atlin Lake** in the background. Photo looks WSW.

After enjoying the fabulous views available from this high point, Lupe made a steep rocky descent into the valley. After passing E of the tarn, she immediately began regaining the elevation she had just lost, as the Monarch Mountain trail headed SE up the big ravine.

Looking down on the valley to the S. The Monarch Mountain trail drops into this valley passing E (L) of the small tarn. It then continues up the drainage (Center) on the far side angling gradually toward the L. Photo looks S.

Down by the nearly dried up tarn. There really wasn’t much left of it. Photo looks WSW.

Heading up the next drainage on the way to Monarch Mountain’s N summit ridge. Photo looks SE.

Partway up, the ravine became rocky. The Monarch Mountain trail more or less faded away. Lupe kept climbing. She got beyond the rocky stretch, but did not find the trail again. Didn’t really matter, anyway, since Monarch Mountain’s N summit ridge wasn’t much farther. Loop soon reached the high point at the SW end of the ridge.

Lupe reaches the high point at the SW end of Monarch Mountain’s N summit ridge. The ravine she had followed to get here is seen on the R. Photo looks WSW.

Looking NW now from the SW high point of the N summit ridge. The second significant high point Lupe came to is in view L of Center by **Atlin Lake**. The drainage she came up is on the L. **Mount Minto** (R) in the distance.

**Atlin Lake** from the N summit ridge’s SW high point. Photo looks SSW.

The topo map shows Monarch Mountain has two large, distinct summit ridges. Both are hundreds of feet long. Like the S summit ridge, the N ridge which Lupe had just reached was oriented NE/SW. The top of the N ridge was a broad, rolling territory covered mostly by sparse vegetation, and scattered rock outcroppings of moderate size. From the high point near the SW end, Lupe could see two more high points off to the NE, both clearly somewhat higher than where she was now.

So as soon as the Carolina Dog was done taking in the views from the SW high point, she headed NE. In a shallow drainage full of low bushes, she came across the Monarch Mountain trail again.

On the way to the NE high points (Center) of the N summit ridge, Lupe rediscovered the Monarch Mountain trail in the slightly lower green area toward the L. Photo looks NE.

The trail ultimately ended near the high point farthest N of the two high points at the NE end of the summit ridge. At the top of a rock formation, a thick white stick 3 feet high was propped up amid a modest cairn. A survey pin was close by, too. Apparently this N high point where Lupe was now was commonly regarded as the summit of Monarch Mountain.

At the N high point at the NE end of the N summit ridge. The Monarch Mountain trail ended nearby. **Surprise Lake** is in the distance on the R. Photo looks NE.

Lupe had her best view of Surprise Lake to the NE from here. However, this end of the summit ridge was farther away from Atlin Lake than the SW high point, not to mention everywhere else Lupe had been to coming up the mountain. Consequently, the views to the SW toward Atlin Lake weren’t as impressive as what Lupe had already seen, although she still had a tremendous view to the NW.

**Atlin Lake** from the N high point. Photo looks NW with help from the telephoto lens.

Looking WSW. Part of **Birch Mountain** on the L.

**Atlin Lake** (L) and **Birch Mountain** (R). Photo looks SSW.

The day had started out sunny and comfortably warm, but now the sky was overcast. Definitely colder up here, only 40°F. A 10 mph S breeze felt chilly. Lupe was in the mood to lounge around for a bit, so she did. SPHP put on a couple more layers.

Taking a break on **Monarch Mountain**. **Surprise Lake** on the L. Photo looks NE.

The summit of **Atlin Mountain** (L) is in the clouds. The second significant ridge Lupe visited is in the foreground L of Center. **Town of Atlin** on the R. Photo looks W.

**Atlin Lake** and **Mount Minto** (R). Photo looks NNW.

The S high point at the NE end of the N summit ridge wasn’t far away. It looked about as high as the N high point where Lupe was resting. When Loop felt ready to move on, she went over to check it out, too.

The **S high point** at the NE end of the N summit ridge is the rocky knob a little R of Center. Beyond it **Monarch Mountain’s S summit ridge** is in view. Photo looks S.

On the **S high point** at the NE end of Monarch Mountain’s N summit ridge. The top of **Atlin Mountain** (R) is still in the clouds. The Monarch Mountain trail comes up the green area seen on the R. Photo looks W.

Looking back at the **N high point** (R) where the cairn with the white stick is from the **S high point**. Photo looks N.

Looking SW along the N summit ridge. **Birch Mountain** in the distance.

Both of the two high points at the NE end of the N summit ridge were contained within a 1440 meter (4,725 foot) contour on the topo map. The map showed two more small areas contained within 1440 meter contours on Monarch Mountain. They were over at opposite ends of the S summit ridge. Lupe needed to visit both of these areas to complete her tour of potential locations of Monarch Mountain’s true summit.

The S summit ridge was still a good little march away. To get over there, Lupe headed SW back along the N ridge looking for an easy way down to the intervening low ground.

Though it would have been nice, Lupe found absolutely no trails heading S. Below the high ground of the N summit ridge, dense stands of bushes covered much of the territory the American Dingo needed to cross to get to the S ridge. The bushes were only a few feet high, but that was still higher than Lupe’s head, and they formed a vast nearly impenetrable thicket for her.

Since no trail seemed to exist, Lupe finally had to leave the N summit ridge following SPHP, who tried to guide her along a course avoiding the problematic bushes as much as possible. This worked to some extent, but Loop still had to bound and crash her way through the bushes part of the time, which was scratchy, exhausting work.

In a grassy spot on the way to **Monarch Mountain’s S summit ridge**. Photo looks SE.

Near the S summit ridge, Lupe crossed some completely bare ground, all that remained of a dried up tarn. Beyond it, a steep climb of the S ridge ensued. Considerable success avoiding bushes made for a relatively quick climb. Loop was soon up on top where bushes were scarce and no longer an issue.

Lupe had gained the S ridge near it’s SW high point, so she went there first. Although no trails had come this way, a large, low cairn made of many rocks sat at the high point. After having dealt with so many blasted bushes, all the American Dingo wanted to do was curl up by the big cairn and have a rest. SPHP furnished her with water and Taste of the Wild.

Lupe relaxes by the big cairn at the **S summit ridge’s SW high point**. The NE high point of this ridge is the distant rocky knob seen at Center. Photo looks NE.

Looking back toward **Monarch Mountain’s N summit ridge**. Photo looks N.

The views from the SW summit of the S summit ridge were the best yet! A large portion of the S half of Atlin Lake was in sight. A range of snowy mountains was visible far beyond the lake. Lupe could even see part of the Llewellyn Glacier.

A much smaller cairn sat a little farther down the slope SW of the SW high point. Lupe went down to it. The views from this cairn were the best from anywhere on Monarch Mountain (4,723 ft.). Here, Lupe had a panoramic view of Atlin Lake all the way from Mount Minto in the N clear down to Teresa Island and beyond. The far off snowy mountains and Llewellyn Glacier were all on display, too.

At the small cairn SW of Monarch Mountain’s SW high point of the S summit ridge. **Atlin Lake** and the S end of **Teresa Island** (R) are in view. Photo looks SSW.

**Birch Mountain** (R) on **Teresa Island** in **Atlin Lake**. Photo looks SW.

Zoomed in on the distant snowy mountains. The **Llewellyn Glacier** is in sight beyond part of **Teresa Island** (R). Photo looks SSW.

Atlin Lake (R). Photo looks S with lots of help from the telephoto lens.

From the small cairn, Lupe has a panoramic view of **Atlin Lake** all the way to **Mount Minto** (R) in the N. Photo looks NW

Looking SSW with lots of help from the telephoto lens.

The **Llewellyn Glacier** is partially hidden by **Teresa Island**. Photo looks SSW.

Only one high point remained that Lupe hadn’t checked out. It took her less than 10 minutes to get to the NE high point of the S summit ridge once she left the SW high point. The topo map showed an elevation of 1,442 meters (4,731 ft.) here, which was the highest noted anywhere on Monarch Mountain, but specific elevations weren’t shown for most of the other high points.

Which was the true summit? All the high points on the N and S summit ridges were visible from one another, but they were so far apart, and so close to the same elevation, that SPHP couldn’t tell for certain. Only the SW high point on the N summit ridge was clearly lower than the others.

In any case, Lupe had been to all the contenders. Whether this NE high point of the S summit ridge was actually it or not, it was now certain the American Dingo had been to the true summit of Monarch Mountain somewhere along the way. SPHP enthusiastically congratulated Lupe on her fine peakbagging success of this unique and beautiful mountain.

At the NE high point of the S summit ridge. This was the last high point Lupe visited on Monarch Mountain, completing her tour of all the possible locations of the true summit. This is also the point with the highest elevation actually noted on the topo map (1,442 meters) anywhere on Monarch Mountain. Photo looks SE.

Atlin Lake from the NE high point of the S summit ridge. Photo looks SSW.

The **Llewellyn Glacier** with max assistance from the telephoto lens. Photo looks SSW.

The return trip was a wonderful, happy time. Loopster roamed as she pleased. Beauty was everywhere, on scales both vast and small.

Hardy tundra plants on the way back down the S summit ridge. The brilliant colors and intricate designs never cease to amaze.

Lupe had to go over the SW end of Monarch Mountain’s N summit ridge one more time to get back to the Monarch Mountain trail.

On the N summit ridge again on the way back to the trail. Photo looks NNW.

By the time Lupe was back to the G6 at the trailhead (3:40 PM, 67°F), the day had warmed up considerably. Before leaving the area, Lupe and SPHP returned to the village of Atlin for a picnic by Atlin Lake next to the Tarahne. Lupe got to wade in the cold, clear waters.

Then it was N on Hwy 7. Lupe was on to new adventures! Atlin and this happy day on Monarch Mountain were left behind. SPHP stopped again at the bluff where Lupe had seen Atlin Lake and Mount Minto (6,913 ft.) for the first time. The old man who had been sitting here yesterday afternoon and his van were gone.

**Mount Minto** (R) and **Atlin Lake** from the same bluff Lupe had first seen them from only yesterday. Photo looks SSW.

N end of **Atlin Lake**. Photo looks S with help from the telephoto lens.

At the junction with Hwy 6, SPHP turned L (SW). Lupe didn’t stop until she was a little SE of Carcross along South Klondike Highway No. 2 for a look at what SPHP thought at the time was Nares Mountain (5,833 ft.), but was actually Caribou Mountain (6,400 ft.).

**Caribou Mountain** beyond **Nares Lake** from SE of Carcross. Photo looks N.

Continuing S, Lupe saw smoke and occasionally actual towering orange flames from forest fires on the E side of Tagish Lake.

Forest fires had been burning for a week on the E side of **Tagish Lake**. Lupe still saw huge flames flare up now and then when she stopped for a look. Photo looks E.

The pleasant drive from Atlin had been sunny and warm. However, it now looked cloudy to the S.

Looking S along **Tagish Lake**. Cloudy skies were ahead.

The plan had been to go S all the way to the International Falls pullout near the Alaska border. However, by the time Lupe was S of Tutshi Lake, the temperature had dropped to 50°F. A fierce wind was blowing hard, and fog was in the process of swallowing Log Cabin Mountain.

A front was moving in. Instead of going any farther, Lupe and SPHP stopped just beyond the railroad tracks at the Log Cabin trailhead. Maybe it was best to wait here, and see what tomorrow would bring?

On **Monarch Mountain**, British Columbia, Canada 8-12-18

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The Crocus Trail to Pine Creek Falls, Atlin, British Columbia, Canada (8-11-18)

Days 7 & 8 of Lupe’s 2018 Dingo Vacation to the Yukon, Northwest Territories & Alaska!

8-10-18 – After a black night and morning fog, Lupe had spent nearly the entire day relaxing in the G6 while SPHP drove N. The Carolina Dog was now in NW British Columbia on Cassiar Highway No. 37. The scenery was gorgeous – remote mountains, pristine lakes, and wild rivers. Lupe had briefly escaped the G6 at several quick stops along the way, notably Meziadin Provincial Park and a rest area E of Eddontenajon Lake.

Upon reaching the Stikine River (5:18 PM), it was finally time for a longer break at this favorite spot.

Taking a break from the G6 at the **Stikine River**. Photo looks E.

Lupe searched for squirrels among the trees, while SPHP read information posted up by the side road off Hwy 37. Of interest was a statement saying that the Grand Canyon of the Stikine downstream from here was described by John Muir in 1879 as “a Yosemite 100 miles long”. Might be something worth researching for a future trip?

Map of the area posted along a side road N of the Stikine River.

An 1/8 mile stroll W on a dirt road up in the forest N of the river led to a locked gate where a sign posted by the Stikine Canyon Ranch advertised trail rides. The sign failed to mention the area’s main attraction. Lupe had been delighted to find several squirrels along the road.

This sign was posted near a locked gate on the dirt road N of the Stikine River.

The squirrels were the day’s highlight. More than an hour long delay waiting for a turn for fuel at Dease Lake meant Lupe didn’t get as far N as she might have. Day ended at the charmingly named Rabid Grizzly rest area 45 km N of Dease Lake, still 205 km from the Alaska Highway.

8-11-18, 5:50 AM, 36°F – A chilly morning encouraged an early start. A few hours later, the Yukon border presented an opportunity for Lupe to get out and sniff around a bit. (8:44 AM, 50°F)

The Most High Exalted Dingo of the Arctic Sisterhood returns to the Yukon!

Cassiar Highway No. 37 ended at a “T” intersection a mere 2 km into the Yukon. SPHP turned L onto the Alaska Highway, and Lupe cruised W for hours. Her only major break came at Teslin Lake.

Lupe was glad to get out of the G6 for a bit of a romp at **Teslin Lake**.

Heading for Atlin today, Lupe still had quite a long ride ahead of her.

More miles flew by. At Jake’s Corner, SPHP turned L (SW) off the Alaska Highway onto Hwy 8 to Tagish and Carcross. Actually bound for Atlin, within a few km another L turn was taken onto Hwy 7.

Atlin is 94 km from the Alaska Highway. Lupe had never been to Atlin before, so the drive S was interesting. Mount Minto (6,913 ft.) came into view near the N end of Atlin Lake. SPHP pulled off on a side road up on a bluff. Lupe hopped out for a look around.

From a bluff W of Hwy 7, Lupe has her first view of **Atlin Lake** and **Mount Minto** (R). Photo looks SSW.

Atlin Lake and Mount Minto were beautiful, but still a few miles away. Lupe trotted W on the side road to see where it went. She passed an old man sitting in a chair near a van. The old man was facing Atlin Lake, but whether he was asleep or awake wasn’t clear. He made no gesture, and never stirred as Lupe went on by.

The dirt road turned NW away from the lake and Mount Minto. Lupe took a shortcut back to the G6, exploring an open forest and enjoying a good sniff. Her next stop didn’t come until Hwy 7 reached Surprise Lake Road in Atlin. By then she was back in British Columbia.

It was now mid-afternoon. A list of local activities was posted at the junction with Surprise Lake Road. SPHP was pleased to see several on the list that Lupe might enjoy. Down by Atlin Lake there was a historic white boat, the Tarahne, to look at. The Tarahne had been built during World War I as an excursion boat for tourists interested in pleasure cruises on Atlin Lake.

Two short trails were also of interest, the Beach Trail along Atlin Lake, and the Crocus Trail which led to a view of Pine Creek Falls.

Lupe began her local tour by going into the hamlet of Atlin for a look at the Tarahne and Atlin Lake. The Tarahne was Atlin’s premier landmark along the water’s edge. It looked so well preserved it was possible to imagine the Tarahne setting off on another excursion again today.

Atlin Lake was clear and beautiful. Across the lake were two mountains of particular interest. Atlin Mountain (6,722 ft.) loomed large on the opposite shore. Farther S, Birch Mountain (6,765 ft.) on Teresa Island was in view. Birch Mountain is the second most prominent peak on a lake island in the world.

**Atlin Mountain (6,722 ft.)** from the hamlet of Atlin on Atlin Lake. Photo looks SW.

**Birch Mountain** **(6,765 ft.)** on **Teresa Island** is the 2nd most prominent peak on a lake island in the world! Photo looks SSW.

**Birch Mountain** on **Teresa Island** in **Atlin Lake** with help from the telephoto lens.

Lupe took a short stroll along Atlin Lake. People were around, but Atlin didn’t feel at all crowded. The American Dingo enjoyed a quick tour of Atlin’s main streets. She came to some unusual Atlin architecture, her favorite being the Pyramid House.

Along the E shore of beautiful **Atlin Lake**. **The Tarahne** is visible on the R. Photo looks NNW.

Well, you weren’t going to beat a Pyramid House! Two short trails were both a little way out of town. Perhaps it was time to go check them out? The first one was the Crocus Trail, E of Atlin along Surprise Lake Road. SPHP drove through a light industrial area, and eventually saw a sign for the Crocus Trail on the R.

Just beyond the sign was a small pullout rimmed with concrete barriers. SPHP parked here. (4:32 PM, 63°F) Lupe bounded out of the G6, happy to be free again. Peering over the barriers, it was already possible to see Pine Creek rushing through a surprisingly deep, narrow gorge. Looked promising! Lupe headed over to the sign at the start of the Crocus Trail.

The Crocus Trail began by heading downhill. After only 50 feet, Lupe came to an open grassy spot on the L. A lone bench was situated in a sunny location near the trees.

The open spot was a small area. A little beyond the bench was a cliff without any fence or railing. From near the edge, Lupe could see Pine Creek plunging down a series of small waterfalls in the upper portion of the deep gorge. This was certainly an exciting start to the Crocus Trail!

*Oh, look at that! Kind of a double waterfall up there at the top.*

From the bench, the Crocus Trail went W through the woods. Lupe was on level terrain. She soon reached open ground along the upper rim of Pine Creek Canyon. The canyon had already widened out considerably.

On the Crocus Trail not too far from the bench.

Along the open N rim of Pine Creek canyon. Photo looks W.

Mighty Pine Creek Falls was nowhere in sight, though the roar of water could be heard. SPHP kept expecting the trail to go down to Pine Creek, but it didn’t. Instead, approaching a higher section of bluffs, a signed switchback wound a little way NW into the forest away from the canyon’s edge.

As Lupe gained the modest elevation required to get up to the higher bluff, the trail returned to the rim of the canyon. Here was a junction where what appeared to be a side trail headed NW into the forest again. Wooden signs said this was the Pom Pom trail to a cemetery.

Lupe continued W along the rim of Pine Creek canyon. As the trail went on and on, the canyon was broadening out a great deal. The Crocus Trail to Pine Creek Falls was only supposed to be 1.2 km long, and Lupe had already gone at least that far. The truth finally dawned on SPHP.

The trail curved NW. Lupe came to a bigger opening along the bluffs where she could see SW all the way to Atlin Lake, Birch Mountain, and Atlin Mountain.

**Atlin Lake**, **Birch Mountain** (L) and **Atlin Mountain** (R) from the W end of what might still have been the Crocus Trail. Photo looks SW.

This is about it, Looper. It’s a lovely view, isn’t it?

Yes, it is, SPHP! But where is Pine Creek Falls? Shouldn’t we be there by now?

We saw it already.

We did? When? Did I blink?

Back at the start. That first waterfall must have been it. Apparently we did the Crocus Trail backwards. Guess I should have paid more attention to the directions. We must have started at the end. The way we’ve gone about it, this lovely view is our somewhat anti-climactic finish.

So we’re actually at the start of the Crocus Trail now?

No. Not quite. I’m not even completely sure we are still on the Crocus Trail anymore. We can go a bit farther, if you like. We might come to the trailhead. Probably not much to see there, though, even if we do.

Lupe was in favor of going farther. A grassy road led off into the forest. Almost immediately, Loop came to a sad place. Not far from the bluff with the lovely view was a pet cemetery.

The cemetery was a small one. Looking around, SPHP noticed only 5 simple graves. One had a metal marker in the shape of a stop sign. Cut through the metal was the outline of a dog with a curly tail. The sign said only “King, Life-Long Friend”.

As the Most High Exalted Dingo of the Arctic Sisterhood stood next to the sign full of life, smiling happily, and squinting in the bright sunshine, the world filled with mist. SPHP’s cheeks felt the raindrops begin.Come on, Looper, let’s go! This is far enough.

Lupe returned along the Crocus Trail the way she had come, all the way back to the bench by the Pine Creek Falls overlook. Looking back at the trail from here, SPHP suddenly realized there was a side trail branching off the Crocus Trail that went down into the canyon. Surely it led to Pine Creek?

Lupe was more than willing to explore this side trail, too. An easy stroll through the woods down into the canyon led to an open floodplain full of rounded rocks. Nearby, Pine Creek came rippling around a bend on its journey W to Atlin Lake.

On the side trail leading down to Pine Creek.

A man was camping out of a van parked near the creek. A huge brown dog rested motionless next to the van. The man seemed startled at the sight of anyone else, but came over to talk to SPHP.

He was hard to understand. The man spoke with an accent so thick, it wasn’t even clear if he was speaking English or some other language. The conversation wasn’t particularly enlightening for either party. SPHP managed to gather that the man knew nothing about any trail down here that might lead to Pine Creek Falls. In fact, he was unaware of the falls’ existence.

The massive brown beast over by the van made SPHP nervous. Using the first break in the unproductive conversation as an excuse to leave, SPHP took a look at information posted nearby. Somewhere around here was “the powerhouse”, an Atlin area attraction.

The posted information included the same description of the Crocus Trail seen before, including directions on how to find the trailhead.

How to find the start of the Crocus Trail. Probably works great if one can follow simple instructions.

Not terribly interested in a powerhouse, there didn’t seem to be much more to do down by Pine Creek, so it was back up the side trail to the bench by the Crocus Trail for a final look at Pine Creek Falls.

**Pine Creek Falls** with help from the telephoto lens.

Looking downstream along the narrow gorge below Pine Creek Falls.

Lupe’s adventures on and off the Crocus Trail were now over. (6:01 PM) Returning to Atlin Lake, dinner was enjoyed at a picnic table right next to the Tarahne. Afterwards, came a short evening drive 3.7 km S on Warm Bay Road to the huge Monarch Mountain trailhead.

The Beach Trail, the second short trail in the Atlin area, began at the S end of the parking lot. A forested embankment led down to Atlin Lake.

A long sunset stroll along the huge lake sounded wonderful! However, when Lupe got down to lake level, the Beach Trail disappeared into big stands of tall bushes. Maybe Atlin Lake was at an unusually high level from some reason? In any case, the trail disappearing into the bushes was submerged beneath dark standing water.

Utilizing a combination of less flooded portions of the trail, and off-trail bushwhacks, Lupe did manage to get to the shore of Atlin Lake. No sign of a trail existed along the beach, and only a relatively short stretch of beach a few hundred feet long was out in the open. What could be seen of the rest of the shoreline was choked with the tall bushes.

This wasn’t the eagerly anticipated long walk, but Lupe still had fun. She was still full of energy, all corked up from spending most of 2 whole days in the G6. The Carolina Dog raced up and down the beach, weaving in and out among nearby bushes, streaking past SPHP as fast as she could. Having shown off how fast and agile she was, she concluded with a were-puppy attack on SPHP.

So as the evening sun sank, whether on any Beach Trail, or more likely, not, Lupe had her fun by the shore of fabulous Atlin Lake. It was great to see her in the joy of life. And whether the American Dingo noticed, or not, Monarch Mountain (4,723 ft.), tomorrow’s big adventure, stood brightly illuminated by the slanting rays overlooking her happy antics.

**Monarch Mountain** from **Atlin Lake**, British Columbia, Canada 8-11-18

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