Blizzards used to hit the Black Hills in late winter or early spring with some degree of regularity. Whether due to global warming, long term cycles, pure chance, or other factors, blizzards have become increasingly rare here. Yet this one hit October 4th, easily the earliest in the season SPHP could ever remember.
Leaves were still on the trees and caught the heavy snow, making the storm far more destructive. Huge branches, even entire trees collapsed. SPHP narrowly avoided losing power to the house by trimming branches off a tree in the back yard using an electric pole saw before they broke and fell on the main power line.
The whole town was a mess. Intense cleanup efforts took days. It was weeks before things were back to normal.
The October 4th blizzard dropped a couple feet of heavy, wet snow at a time of year normally before the first frost, never mind all this!No one went anywhere for a few days.Leaves still on the trees caught the heavy, wet snow and made the storm far more destructive. Lots of branches broke. Even large trees snapped.Lupe was amazed by all the snow.A couple big branches had broken over at Lupe’s friend Sidney’s house.SPHP cleared a Dingo path on the front walk.All the clean white snow was destructive, but beautiful, too.At first, Lupe wasn’t sure what to make of this radical overnight transformation of the neighborhood, but she did enjoy being outdoors while all the cleanup activity going on.
Lupe enjoyed all the outdoor cleanup activity after the storm, but weeks went by and she hadn’t gone on a single Black Hills expedition yet in October, normally a great month to be out in the hills.
Finally, the great day arrived! At home, all the snow had melted long ago. The debris was gone or cut up for firewood. It was time to get out in the hills, and see what things looked like out there. As a special treat, Lupe got to invite her friend and next door neighbor, Sidney, to come along with. Nina said it was OK. This would be the first time Big Sid ever got to come with Lupe on one of her expeditions!
Sidney zoomed out the front door of his house, full of enthusiasm, but without the faintest idea what was about to happen. SPHP had trouble persuading him to get into the G6. He kept wanting to run back home to get JB. Finally, SPHP got Sidney in the car. Lupe and Sidney were off on an adventure together!
SPHP drove far enough into the central hills to get to where there was still some snow around, parking at the junction of USFS Road No. 256 and Rocky Johnston Road (10:56 AM, 50°F). Everyone piled out of the G6 and started following Rocky Johnston Road going gradually up a valley.
Everyone didn’t keep doing that, though. By now, Sidney was alarmed at this turn of events. Where was JB? Where was Nina? Where was Cassie? No one in his family was here. He’d been dog-napped!
Every time SPHP relaxed and stopped paying attention, Sidney snuck back to the G6. Big Sid wanted to go home. It was scary being way out here with Lupe. What terrible fate might be in store? What evil lurked in that scrawny Dingo’s heart? Mommy! Daddy! Help! Save me!
Knock it off, Sid, you big chicken-dog! You’re going to be fine. You’re not going home now, we just got here. Stick with Loopster, and have some fun exploring. You’ll love it. Stay close! Come on, now!
Big Sid finally realized SPHP wasn’t going to let him back in the G6. Ever so reluctantly, fearful of being totally abandoned and alone outside, he decided he had no choice but to follow wherever the Carolina Dog went and hope for the best.
Rocky Johnston Road went W at first, then turned N. The road hike was easy, but kind of boring. SPHP thought Sidney might become more interested and involved sniffing around in the forest E of the road. At first, Big Sid thought leaving the road was nuts, but seeing Lupe busy exploring the forest soon made him forget some of his fears. He began to get into the swing of things, too.
Sidney was in no shape to keep up with Lupe, but did his best. What he lacked in physical conditioning, he started gaining in spirit. He often arrived to take his turn sniffing at points of canine interest about the time Lupe completed her own investigations. Through the snowy forest, Lupe led and Sidney followed. Big Sid forgot all about the G6. He actually was having a good time!
The trek through the forest paralleled Rocky Johnston Road for more than a mile, but eventually big white fields, a home, and outbuildings could be seen ahead at the end of the valley. To avoid this private property, Lupe, Sidney and SPHP crossed over to the W side of Rocky Johnston Road and climbed NW up a snowy slope.
The terrain up above was nearly level. Lupe and Sidney continued NW through a thinly forested area. More snow was up here than down below, but it wasn’t too deep. Before long, Lupe reached a small clearing where a couple of unmarked USFS roads met. The roads went W or NW. Both directions looked interesting.
However, something even more interesting was in sight to the N beyond a much larger clearing – a high ridge topped by small limestone cliffs. That ridge was likely the highest ground Lupe and Sidney would come to today, so taking a look at the sights from up there seemed like a good idea.
When you join Lupe’s pack, the American Dingo doesn’t cut you much slack. An hour after leaving the G6, Sidney found himself climbing a mountain. It wasn’t all that big a mountain, but it was steep enough near the top. The limestone at the S end of the ridge was discontinuous. Even Lupe and SPHP couldn’t find a way up onto a couple of limestone islands in the sky.
Nevertheless, a route was found to the top of the ridge slightly farther N. Sidney followed Lupe up. A 180° panoramic view existed to the W. Lupe was used to seeing this sort of thing, but maybe it was a new experience for Sidney. Big Sid seemed a little shocked at the size of the world. He wasn’t afraid of being up here, though. He stood calmly surveying the vast territory in view before him.
Lupe and Sidney arrive up on top of the high ridge. A couple of limestone islands in the sky that weren’t easily accessible are seen beyond them. Photo looks S.Never been on a mountain before, Sid? Yeah, I do this all the time. The views aren’t bad here, but I’ve seen lots better than this. Stick with me, play your cards right, and maybe I’ll take you to some of the really good stuff! Photo looks S.OK, Sid, pay attention. You need to start learning your way around. That big field down there is at the upper end of Gudak Gulch. I’ve been by it before on Expedition No. 56, so I know. Off in the distance is Terry Peak(7,064 ft.), lots of towers and a ski resort on it. Biggest peak in the northern Black Hills. If you want to learn downhill skiing around here, either Terry Peak or nearby Deer Mountain are your choices. Photo looks NNW.We were way down there?!This is totally awesome! I had no idea a backyard could be this big! Hey, I think I saw something move down there. Maybe it’s good to eat! How do we get to it?
On the ridge, Big Sid was visibly encouraged and an eager participant when break time was announced and he got to share in the Taste of the Wild with Lupe. SPHP sat munching an apple while the chow hounds made great progress lightening the backpack.
A few minutes after break time was complete, it was time to head back down. Lupe and Sidney returned to the little clearing S of the ridge. Big Sid wouldn’t have to climb any more high points, but his inaugural expedition with Lupe was far from over. Lupe and Sidney began exploring the USFS road going W.
This road leading W from the small clearing eventually proved to be USFS Road No. 219. Photo looks W.
The road turned SW, but remained level for a while before eventually starting to lose elevation. Lower down there was less snow.
After losing some elevation, there was less snow on USFS Road No. 219. Photo looks WSW.
When the USFS road turned S, SPHP figured Hwy 17 coming N out of Rochford couldn’t be too far away to the W. Leaving the road to climb a minor ridge to the W soon proved the point. Yes, there was Hwy 17 on the other side. Lupe and Sidney followed the ridge S a little, then left it to cross Hwy 17 and get on the Mickelson Trail near the confluence of the North Fork of Rapid Creek and Buskala Creek.
Traveling S on the flat, wide Mickelson Trail was easy, but a little dull. Lupe and Sidney did get to see an interesting old red building. The sides and roof were made of something round. A fascinating and highly informative plaque told all about this historical building and exactly what it was made of, but SPHP can’t recall a single detail. Must be the A.D.D.
Lupe and Sidney passed by this historical red building made of some circular things while traveling a short stretch of the Mickelson Trail about a mile N of Nahant. Photo looks NNW.
S of the historical red building, everyone left the Mickelson Trail to cross Hwy 17 again. A gravel road, which might have been a driveway, led E up into the hills. There was no sign of any recent traffic on this road, but sure enough, a little way up the hill a house could be seen tucked back against the trees at the edge of a field to the NW.
The driveway started curving N, so Lupe and Sidney left it to cross the dam of a small stock pond. They headed SE over a low pass back onto USFS land, and soon after arrived at USFS Road No. 256.
When it turned out Lupe and Sidney had entered private property, they crossed the dam of this small stock pond and headed back onto USFS land continuing over the low pass seen at Center. Photo looks SE.
Hours had gone by. Sidney wasn’t used to anywhere near this much exercise. He was tired! The easiest and most merciful thing to do would have been to follow No. 256 a few miles E to reach the G6 at the junction with Rocky Johnston Road. Lupe, however, wasn’t done exploring. She crossed No. 256 going SSE, eventually climbing up a ridge. Sidney did his best to keep up, but his enthusiasm was clearly waning.
The ridge Lupe led Sidney to was hideous. Either fire, pine bark beetles, or a combination of both had wiped out the pine trees. Loggers had subsequently come through and clear cut a large area. All the devastation did have one benefit. It opened up views of higher country to the SW.
S of USFS Road No. 256, Lupe and Sidney wound up on this ugly ridge where fire or pine bark beetles had wiped out the forest. Loggers had clear cut the dead trees. At least the logging opened up the views. Photo looks S.
From the hideous ridge, SPHP looked for an easy route to the E or NE. The sun was starting to get low, and Sidney was fading. The terrain stubbornly remained easiest going SSE. Finally, the time came to forget about the terrain and just do it. Lupe turned NE entering a thick, healthy forest and descended into a valley.
Lupe came across these unusual slender plants in the woods during her explorations S of USFS Road No. 256. She always finds interesting things to sniff, but by now long shadows meant it was time to be getting back to the G6. Photo looks N.
The valley was in shadow and noticeably darker, but Lupe and Sidney made good progress going NE through the forest. They found a dirt road, which led to USFS Road No. 203 up on Minnesota Ridge. No. 203 eventually led N to No. 256 again.
Sunset was imminent. The G6 was still nearly 2 miles E. Big Sid was a trooper, but desperately wanted to stay on the road now. He couldn’t understand why the crazy American Dingo insisted upon remaining in the forest. She was still racing back and forth while wandering up and down various slopes. Sidney tried to follow Lupe, but headed straight for the road every time she got close to it.
The sun set. Lupe stayed in the forest N of the road. She went down a steep, snowy slope. She jumped over a small stream at the bottom. The G6 was in view! To Sidney’s relief, the Carolina Dog finally returned to the road and led him to the G6. At 5:41 PM (40°F), Lupe’s fun and Big Sid’s ordeal were over.
Expedition No. 67 had been the biggest outing of Sidney’s life! JB and Nina later reported that poor Sid couldn’t even move the next day. He was exhausted and sore for days on end.
Dingo initiation rites are brutal, but Big Sid had made it! Sidney would be invited along again on more expeditions for more adventures. Over the next few months, he was a regular member of Lupe’s pack. Long-suffering Sid willingly braved whatever she put him through.
Big Sid must love a challenge, he was always eager to go!Links:
Days 23 & 24 of Lupe’s 2017 Dingo Vacation to the Yukon & Alaska!
8-22-17, 1:00 AM, near the Sagavanirktok River, Deadhorse, Alaska – SPHP woke up thinking it might be possible for Lupe to see the Northern Lights. Only 2 hours ago, the evening sky had been mostly clear. Dream on. Not now. Foggy, again. Maybe later?
No. A thick fog prevailed every time SPHP checked. Northern Lights? Not happening.
4:14 AM – Still no change. Time to get going anyway. The Aurora Hotel in Deadhorse would be serving breakfast 4:30 AM to 7:30 AM. SPHP didn’t want to miss out on that. May as well beat the crowd and arrive early! Lunch there yesterday had been fabulous.
4:37 AM, 39°F – Beat the crowd? Ridiculous! So naive, it’s funny! The Aurora’s parking lot is already jammed with white pickup trucks. Deadhorse is wide awake and bustling with activity. Oilfield workers are getting breakfast in preparation for the long work day ahead. SPHP finds a spot to squeeze the G6 into. Loopster will have to wait here, but SPHP promises to save her something good from breakfast.
The breakfast buffet is simply awesome! All you can eat for $12.00, tax included. The lady SPHP pays is named Terry. Terry says to feel free when leaving to use one of the paper bags or Styrofoam boxes to take enough extra food for a mid-morning snack later on. Oh, yeah! This is Loopster’s lucky day.
The buffet has pancakes, eggs, muffins, toast, waffles, potatoes, sausages, ham, bacon, fresh fruits, cottage cheese, tea, coffee, fruit juices, soft drinks and so much more. You name it, the Aurora’s got it. Whatever you want, as much as you like. The huge dining room is 80% full with oilfield workers packing it away. They are talking, laughing, and watching the morning news on big flat screen monitors mounted around the room. SPHP sits near one of the huge windows with a view of Lake Colleen, watching ducks and geese in the early morning gloom.
None of the other tourists Lupe and SPHP had met along the Dalton Highway had anything good to say about Deadhorse. Industrial. Ugly. Flat. Boring. Nothing to do. Only a dull, drab turnaround spot for those who bothered going all the way to the end of the Dalton Highway.
Maybe Lupe agreed with them? She hadn’t been able to go on the Arctic Ocean tour with SPHP yesterday, although she’d enjoyed a couple of nice walks along the beautiful Sagavanirktok River.
SPHP didn’t feel that way about Deadhorse at all. Industrial? Yes. Kind of ugly? Yes. Yet it was awesome being way up here near the Arctic Ocean on the N edge of North America. It would be fun to work up here and experience all the radically changing seasons of a long Arctic year, see whatever exotic wildlife might appear, and be part of a crew working long hours to keep the oilfield producing despite tough conditions.
It was exciting just watching the camaraderie of everyone getting ready to go to work in a very special environment. Of course, maybe SPHP is just plain nuts.
Oh, Loop! You lucky, Dingo!
Hmm? What do you mean, SPHP? What are you talking about?
You have just hit the jackpot Most High Exalted Dingo of the Arctic Sisterhood!
I have? How?
Take a look at this! Fresh bacon, sausages, and ham from the Aurora Hotel! No smuggling a few tidbits to you this time around. They said it was alright. They expected and even encouraged me to take it!
Lupe’s eyes sparkled! Why, it was a box full of delicious, delectable treasures! She wasn’t just dreaming either. It was all real. She was rich!
I can’t believe it! All this for me? Can I have some now?
Go right ahead, Loop. Help yourself. Chow down while I find the gas station and fill up the G6. We’ll be on our way out of Deadhorse soon.
What’s the rush? Maybe we should stick around and make this a tradition? Mmmm. Oh my, this is scrumptious! Thanks so much, SPHP!
After fueling up the G6, SPHP wrote up the second postcard that Lupe was sending to her Grandma from Deadhorse, the one with a picture of a sunset over Prudhoe Bay. Then it was back to the Aurora Hotel real quick like to mail it. It was light out now. The fog was beginning to thin as Lupe and SPHP drove past Deadhorse Camp for the last time, starting the long journey S on the Dalton Highway. (6:24 AM, 38°F)
6:58 AM, 34°F – Ten miles out of Deadhorse, the fog dissipates rapidly. It was only a ground fog. The Carolina Dog soon has views of morning sunlight on the flat tundra. Mist rises from ponds and streams.
Lupe 15 miles out of Deadhorse on what is rapidly becoming a beautiful morning on Alaska’s North Slope.
8:38 AM, 47°F on the Dalton Highway – Woke up too many times last night. After following a pilot car for 14 miles, SPHP is already sleepy. A few miles farther, and Lupe is on a big hill near the place where she’d seen a faint rainbow on the way to Deadhorse a couple of days ago. There’s a pullout by the road. SPHP parks behind a couple of semi trucks. Nap time despite the early hour!
10:19 AM – Awake and feeling much better. Lupe is on her way again. Pretty day. Stop now and then for photos of the Sagavanirktok River. The Brooks Range is in view far beyond the river, but Loop is getting closer to it as she continues S.
Lupe along the Dalton Highway with the Sagavanirktok River and the Brooks Range in sight beyond her. Photo looks SE.Sagavanirktok River from the Dalton Highway. Photo looks NE.The Sagavanirktok River flows N out of the Brooks Range all the way to the Arctic Ocean near Deadhorse and Prudhoe Bay. Photo looks SE.Foothills of the Brooks Range from an unnamed pond along the Dalton Highway. Photo looks S.
11:37 AM, 57°F – On the way N to Deadhorse 2 days ago, Lupe had seen a lone mountain among clouds and mist not terribly far from the W side of the Dalton Highway. Although there were lots more mountains off to the E, none of them were accessible, because Lupe would have had to ford the Sagavanirktok River to get to them. However, that one lone mountain to the W had looked like access might not be an issue. This mountain has been in view now for the past half hour. Loop will soon be drawing near it again.
12:03 PM – Parked at the start of an Alaska oil pipeline access road just W of the Dalton Highway. On the other side of the highway, a different side road heads E. A street sign says “Slope Mountain Camp 1”. The lone mountain W of the Dalton Highway must be Slope Mountain(4,010 ft.)! Even though it’s still a few miles off to the SW, it’s the only notable peak anywhere in this vicinity.
After a couple of days spent mostly in the G6, Lupe is ready for action! It would be great fun to climb a mountain way out here on Alaska’s North Slope, and Slope Mountain is the best candidate she’s seen. It’s not clear if she will have to ford any streams to get to the mountain, but it’s worth a reconnaissance trip to check it out. If Looper can get to the base of Slope Mountain, success seems assured. It looks like an easy climb.
Lupe about to set off on a reconnaissance mission to see if its possible to climb Slope Mountain (L), which is still several miles away. Looks easy from here, if she can get to the mountain without having to ford any big streams or rivers. Photo looks SW.
The first part of the trek is a cinch. Lupe and SPHP follow the access road leading to the Alaska oil pipeline, then follow the service road near the pipeline SW. The plan is to get as close as possible to a large saddle between Slope Mountain and a lower hill to the NE before leaving the service road to strike out for the saddle.
Lupe near the red gate at the start of the access road leading to the Alaska oil pipeline. She will follow a service road near the pipeline SW (L) before striking out for the big saddle seen beyond her in the distance. Photo looks W.
As Lupe follows the pipeline, it becomes apparent that there is almost certainly a stream between here and Slope Mountain. No stream is in view, but a telltale line of tall bushes 0.25 mile away runs along the lowest part of a large drainage area. The only way to find out how big the stream might be is to march right on down there.
Away from the service road, the tundra becomes increasingly boggy and full of tussocks as Loop makes her way down a long slope. Upon reaching the bushes, she has to cross a couple of gullies which must represent old, abandoned stream channels. Lupe forces a way through a thick stand of bushes, and arrives on the bank of a small river.
After forcing a way through the bushes, Lupe arrives at a small river. Photo looks W.
The stream is deepest near the opposite bank, and appears to be at least knee deep on SPHP. Bushes crowding the far shore look like they might make getting out of the stream a bit of a pain, and the current is fairly strong. Yes, the river looks fordable, but SPHP isn’t eager to take it on. Lupe will have to swim, and it isn’t clear where she can get out on the other side.
Lupe and SPHP stand there, pondering the situation. Things don’t look much different either upstream or downstream. Hmm. So close, yet so far! The stream isn’t dangerous, but not wanting to get soaking wet, SPHP finally decides it isn’t worth risking slipping and falling in, which might easily happen. The river is just a little too deep, and the current a little too strong.
Sigh. Lupe and SPHP turn and head back to the Alaska oil pipeline service road. The return trip is a fun hike, and the Carolina Dog has a blast sniffing and exploring all along the way.
Once back at the G6 (2:03 PM), SPHP continues driving S on the Dalton Highway. Even though Looper’s initial reconnaissance hasn’t produced the desired result, perhaps there is an alternative? Maybe a route to Slope Mountain exists which avoids the river, or at least crosses it at a more favorable point?
Not until Lupe is S of Slope Mountain does SPHP find what looks like the most promising approach. Shortly after the Dalton Highway crosses the small river (signed Oskyruk… something or other) that blocked Lupe’s first attempt, SPHP parks the G6 at a small pullout near the top of a rise. This pullout is 100 feet S of milepost 297 on the E side of the road.
Across the highway, a long golden slope beyond the Alaska oil pipeline leads toward the mountain. No major drainages can be seen between here and Slope Mountain’s summit. The summit is once again miles away, and Loop faces a long trek to a big ramp leading up to the top of the mountain. Nevertheless, the American Dingo shouldn’t have any problem getting there from here!
Lupe ready for another attempt on Slope Mountain. The summit is on the L. Photo looks NNE.
This time (2:33 PM, 57°F), the Carolina Dog follows the Alaska oil pipeline service road a mile NE until it starts to lose elevation. She then leaves the road, turning N to begin a long, steady trek up the golden slope leading to Slope Mountain.
Unsurprisingly, much of the tundra is spongy and wet. Tussocks slow SPHP’s progress, and make the gentle climb far more energy draining than it would be on firmer terrain. Wide bands of greener vegetation mark the course of numerous little streams seeping and trickling down the long slope.
Loop and SPHP plod on and on, aiming for the lower end of a big golden ramp, an obvious route leading almost all the way to the top of Slope Mountain. This is such a remote area, SPHP has high hopes Lupe will see some animals up here, but none ever appear. SPHP does scare up a flight of 5 or 6 birds, which excites the American Dingo! For a while, she dashes around in wide circles searching for more, but doesn’t come across any.
Nothing really changes until Loop reaches the base of a fairly steep rocky hillside. An easy scramble brings Loop up onto the big ramp she has been aiming for all this time. Part of the ramp is strewn with loose rock, and the rest consists of still more spongy, damp tundra.
After a miles long march across a tussocky slope and a short scramble up a hillside of rock, Lupe arrives on the big ramp she will follow almost all the way to the top of Slope Mountain. Photo looks NE.
The rocky parts of the ramp are easier traveling than the soggy tundra. For quite a long way, Lupe sticks to the rocky SE edge of the ramp where the views are best. When the rocks eventually give out, she crosses the tundra to reach the base of the higher ridge to the NW.
Along the SE edge of the big ramp. Loop eventually went over to the base of the highest ridge seen on the L, and continued up the ramp over there. She didn’t climb up onto the highest ridge until she was nearly to the top of the mountain. Photo looks NE.
Lupe and SPHP follow the base of the higher ridge, staying close to the area where the rocks and tundra meet. Many rocks have broken into relatively thin flat layers. In some places, they form a sort of natural flagstone pathway.
Back down on the long slope leading to Slope Mountain, Lupe had stuck pretty close to SPHP most of the time. Up on the big ramp, though, Looper takes off running and exploring. She runs far ahead of SPHP, and spends her time investigating whatever her super sensitive Dingo nose tells her might be interesting. Apparently, she finds actually being up on Slope Mountain more to her liking.
Loop hasn’t quite reached the end of the big ramp when SPHP figures maybe it’s time to climb up onto the higher ridge. This involves another easy scramble, and doesn’t take long. Upon reaching the top, a large tower is in sight only 200 yards off to the N. The tower stands at the summit of Slope Mountain(4,010 ft.).
Almost there! Lupe discovers this big tower at the summit of Slope Mountain. Photo looks N.Although climbing Slope Mountain wasn’t at all difficult, SPHP told Lupe it was still one of her greatest accomplishments. After all, Slope Mountain is farther N than any other mountain she has ever climbed. Surely, few Dingoes have ever been on a mountain N of the Brooks Range in Alaska! Photo looks N.
Mechanical noises are coming from a couple of sheds near the tower. The summit area is 5 to 10 acres in size, flat to gently sloping, and covered with small rocks and sparse vegetation. To the N and E, a lip of the mountain drops off rather sharply, but the resulting cliffs aren’t all that high. Passing by the tower, Lupe sees two cairns ahead.
By far the largest cairn is a tower of flat stones near the N edge of the summit area. Someone had put an awful lot of work into creating it.
Lupe by the largest of two cairns on Slope Mountain. Someone had put an awful lot of work into building this one! Photo looks E.Lupe had tremendous views of Alaska’s North Slope from up on Slope Mountain. The Sagavanirktok River is seen in the distance. Photo looks NE.
More than 50 feet to the W, a faded orange wind sock flies above a much smaller cairn. This cairn is decorated with antlers.
Lupe checks the wind direction indicated by the faded orange wind sock at the top of the smaller cairn. She didn’t really need the wind sock, though, to tell that a chilly breeze was now blowing out of the S. Photo looks NW.
Although it had been sunny and comfortably warm when Lupe struck out for Slope Mountain, a chilly S breeze is blowing now. The sky has clouded over to a considerable degree, and is rather dark to the S where a line of showers can be seen N of the Brooks Range. SPHP forgot the rain poncho back at the G6, so a cold rain is nothing to look forward to.
Unfortunately, with the weather deteriorating, Lupe isn’t going to be able to stay up on top of Slope Mountain very long. About 15 minutes is all the Carolina Dog is going to get before it will be time to vamoose. That is a shame. The views of Alaska’s North Slope are fantastic!
Off to the W is a 6 mile long row of big rounded hills featuring sweeping curves. These hills are roughly 400 feet lower than Slope Mountain. Lupe can see the top of slightly higher Imnavait Mountain(3,702 ft.) 10 miles away beyond them.
Imnavait Mountain (Center) appears a few miles beyond a line of big rounded hills W of Slope Mountain. Photo looks WNW.
To the N, dark beneath a purple gray sky, Alaska’s flat, featureless North Slope stretches away to a dim horizon. The Sagavanirktok River, which Lupe has come to know over the past couple of days, can still be seen many miles away to the NE. Both the Alaska oil pipeline and Dalton Highway are visible closer by in this direction, too.
The best views, however, are of Alaska’s mighty Brooks Range running 180° from the NE to the E and S all the way around to the SW. Lupe sees many fabulous snow capped peaks, but SPHP doesn’t know the names of any of them.
The Accomplishment Creek valley (Center). Photo looks SE toward the Brooks Range.Lupe could see many impressive snowy peaks of the Brooks Range. Photo looks SSE.
SPHP is very glad Lupe has made it to the top of Slope Mountain, but it is disappointing to have to depart so soon. Yet it’s the prudent thing to do. Loopster stands sniffing the breeze for a final few moments, while SPHP gazes in wonder upon the glorious views from the mountain farthest N of all the peaks Lupe has ever climbed.
Even concentrating with my eyes closed, I can’t detect a thing, SPHP. I was hoping to sniff out some more ham, bacon and sausages from the Aurora Hotel. I wish you would have brought some in your pocket!
As Looper and SPHP leave Slope Mountain’s summit, electronic noises similar to animal calls begin being emitted from somewhere over by the big tower. Very strange indeed, but no animals appear in response to the tower’s pleas. The noises are soon left behind. Lupe follows the big ramp back down to about where she first reached it on her way up the mountain.
From here, the Carolina Dog takes a more direct route down to the Alaska oil pipeline. This saves time, but it’s still a long way, and results in a longer, but easier march back on the service road to the G6. Thankfully, the rain showers never do catch up with Lupe, having drifted off in another direction. (8:40 PM, 51°F)
The evening is spent some miles farther S at a very large pullout along the E side of the Dalton Highway where a semi truck sits idling. The pullout is on a high spot from which Lupe can still see Slope Mountain as dusk creeps over the land. (9:40 PM)
8-23-17, 6:25 AM, 38°F at a pullout along the Dalton Highway within sight of Slope Mountain, Toolik Lake, and the N side of the Brooks Range – That semi truck idled for hours here last night, but finally quit. A hard rain then fell for a while, but it’s not raining now. For once it isn’t foggy out. The morning sky is mostly cloudy, but these clouds are high and non-threatening. Small patches of blue sky mean there’s still hope Lupe stands a chance of climbing Table Mountain(6,314 ft.) today, her last peakbagging goal along the Dalton Highway.
While the morning sky wasn’t super encouraging, there was still hope Lupe would be able to climb Table Mountain today, her last 2017 peakbagging goal along the Dalton Highway. Photo looks SE toward the Brooks Range.
7:30 AM, 38°F – After driving S a little way just to warm up, SPHP parks the G6 again at the side road near milepost 278 where Lupe has twice gone on her short Stroll to the North Slope Knoll adventures. Loop and SPHP share a breakfast of soup, while enjoying views of the North Slope and the N side of the Brooks Range for the last time.
9:18 AM, 44°F – It’s a lovely day! Loop has stopped briefly at a side road a short distance S of the Dalton Highway bridge over the Atigun River. Lake Benchmark Mountain, which Loopster climbed 5 days ago in rain, snow, and fog is in clear view. Too bad conditions back then weren’t like they are now. At least the American Dingo had succeeded in reaching the summit, despite climbing the wrong mountain first.
Lake Benchmark Mountain(5,000 ft.) (L) which Lupe had climbed 5 days ago in rain, snow, mist and fog is in clear view from a side road a little S of the Dalton Highway bridge over the Atigun River. Photo looks NNE.
10:10 AM, 32°F – Lovely day? Hah! So much for that. After a gorgeous drive S up the Atigun River valley, a snowstorm greets Loop at Atigun Pass. The snow is already sticking to the road. Probably a good thing Lupe is getting S of the pass. Wouldn’t take much of a snowstorm to make the Dalton Highway impassable here for the G6. Still more than a week to go in August, and it’s a real possibility!
Lupe arrives at Atigun Pass in a snowstorm. Good thing she’s on her way S of the pass before the G6 can no longer make it over.
10:52 AM, 39°F – Weather conditions are definitely better here at the Chandalar Shelf than up at Atigun Pass. However, it’s still marginal for an attempt on Table Mountain. There’s actually some blue sky around, but plenty of clouds and patches of fog are sweeping by from out of the Dietrich River valley, too. The summit of Table Mountain can sometimes be seen. Definitely considerably more new snow up there than the last time Lupe dropped by 3 days ago.
Having spent a while dithering over whether it is a good idea or not, Loop and SPHP set off across the Chandalar Shelf heading for Table Mountain(6,314 ft.).
Not even 10 miles from Atigun Pass, weather conditions are much better here at the Chandalar Shelf. Photo looks E.Conditions are still marginal, however, for an attempt on Table Mountain (L). Clouds and fog sail by from out of the Dietrich River valley. Photo looks S.
11:26 AM, 39°F – Well, that was a total flopperoo! Already back at the G6. The wind driving clouds up out of the Dietrich River valley was just plain chilly. SPHP’s feet were soon soaking wet from marching across the Chandalar Shelf’s boggy tundra. Visibility was constantly being threatened by fog.
Table Mountain is a good long day hike. No way was Lupe going to make it to the summit under these conditions. Even if she did, who knew if the Carolina Dog would be able to see anything up there hours from now? Spending the whole day cold, wet, and miserable for such an uncertain result simply wasn’t worth it.
Too bad, though. Table Mountain always looked like a terrific, fun peak. Lupe has been by the Chandalar Shelf four times now, but conditions have never been right. This was her last chance. Oh, well. Two minutes after making it back to the G6, it starts to rain. Yeah, returning was the right decision.
SPHP promises Lupe she can go on her 2016 Last Mile North adventure again near Dillon Mountain(4,820 ft.). It’s much shorter, easier, and can be done whether the weather is decent or not. In fact, with Table Mountain now off the table, the rest of the day will be spent revisiting several of Loopster’s favorite quick stops along the Dalton Highway on the way back to Fairbanks.
12:25 PM, 48°F – The G6 is parked W of the Dalton Highway just S of the Dietrich River (S of milepost 207). Lupe is excited! The American Dingo recognizes this place. Her 2016 Last Mile North adventure is one of her very favorites. It’s an easy stroll N along the Alaska oil pipeline service road to a stream flowing W from a valley N of Dillon Mountain.
The original longer version of this adventure follows the stream all the way W to a confluence with the Dietrich River. With 207 miles yet to go on the Dalton Highway today, Loop isn’t going to go all the way to the confluence. Still, this will be a genuine treat for the Carolina Dog.
Lupe is eager to get going! She doesn’t want to waste a single minute. It’s virtually non-stop running, sniffing, chasing, and exploring the whole way.
After crossing the bridge over the Dietrich River, Lupe stops for a look at magnificent Sukakpak Mountain, one of the Dalton Highway’s best known landmarks.Lupe climbed Sukakpak Mountain in 2016. It was her first big adventure in this part of the Brooks Range. Photo looks S.
After crossing the bridge over the Dietrich River, the 1.25 mile long trek N along the Alaska oil pipeline service road is pure fun. Although it’s mostly cloudy out and sometimes sprinkles rain, Loop and SPHP barely even notice. Lupe has been expending so much energy, she plops herself down in the stream NW of Dillon Mountain to cool off as soon as she gets there. She emerges soaking wet, looking like this is the greatest day of her life!
This is just the most fun ever, SPHP!At the stream that flows W to the Dietrich River from N of Dillon Mountain (R). Lupe also made it to the top of Dillon Mountain in 2016, another grand adventure! Photo looks SE.Happy Lupe at one of her favorite spots in the Brooks Range.Hey, SPHP! Why don’t you build us a cabin in the woods somewhere around here? That way we can come and do this every day!
The return trip along the Alaska oil pipeline is no less busy and fun. Lupe crisscrosses the service road umpteen times, dashing back and forth between excursions into the forests on each side. The glorious scenery includes views of Sukakpak Mountain and Dillon Mountain where Lupe had two of her greatest adventures ever in 2016.
Looking W from the Alaska oil pipeline service road.Busy times near the Alaska oil pipeline.Looking SW along the pipeline service road.
All too soon, Lupe is back at the Dietrich River. Loop’s 4th time on her 2016 Last Mile North adventure is about over. Before long she’s back at the G6, saying goodbye to Dillon Mountain. (1:43 PM, 52°F)
Back at the Dietrich River, Lupe’s 4th time on her 2016 Last Mile North adventure is nearly over. Sukakpak Mountain and the Dalton Highway bridge over the river are in view. The G6 is on the R. Photo looks S.Back at the G6. Time to say goodbye to Dillon Mountain (Center). Photo looks E.
Only 6 or 7 miles S of the Dietrich River, Lupe and SPHP stop briefly again. A few minutes are spent bidding farewell to Sukakpak Mountain.
Looper bids farewell to Sukakpak Mountain. Photo looks NE.
Coldfoot is only 25 miles S of Sukakpak. SPHP stops by the restaurant hoping for another great buffet, like the wonderful breakfast buffet enjoyed here 4 or 5 days ago. It’s too late in the day for that. An enormous “standard” burger with fries for $10.95 isn’t a bad substitute, but Loop doesn’t come away with a buffet windfall like the one SPHP brought her from the Aurora Hotel yesterday morning.
After fueling up, Lupe and SPHP keep cruising S on the Dalton Highway. (3:35 PM) Loop sees Cathedral Mountain again 6 or 7 miles S of Coldfoot, but SPHP doesn’t stop until she’s all the way to the Arctic Circle. (5:01 PM, 51°F)
Six days after crossing it going N, the Most High Exalted Dingo of the Arctic Sisterhood returns to the Arctic Circle.
5:51 PM, 50°F – Lupe’s last summit along the Dalton Highway is a trivial one. She makes the short 100 yard stroll E from the highway to the big cluster of rocks on top of Finger Mountain. SPHP gives her a needed boost. Caribou Mountain is in sight off to the WNW.
Lupe back up on Finger Mountain, her final ascent along the Dalton Highway. Not much of a climb, but she can see Caribou Mountain (L) in the distance. Photo looks WNW.Looking NNW toward the broad Kanuti River valley from Finger Mountain.The summit of Caribou Mountain (L) is in view directly beyond Loop. A week ago, Lupe and SPHP had been up there. Photo looks WNW with help from the telephoto lens.
Finger Mountain is a short, but worthwhile stop. However, Loopster’s journey S along the Dalton Highway soon continues. (6:09 PM) The last major landmark is the Yukon River. (7:11 PM, 57°F) A couple of dogs down by the river want to be friends with Lupe, but she’s having none of that. Although it’s a beautiful evening, with those dogs pestering her, it’s two photos and the Carolina Dog is ready to scram. (7:26 PM)
On the N bank of the mighty Yukon River. Photo looks S.The Yukon River looks like a placid lake on this beautiful evening. Photo looks W.
S of the Yukon River, Lupe’s 2017 adventures along the Dalton Highway are nearing their end. Loop and SPHP have had a fabulous time. The scenic miles go by one after another. Suddenly, Loop and SPHP both see something they’ve never ever seen before. A big wildcat, a lynx, is near the edge of the highway!
The lynx hesitates 4 or 5 seconds. It had intended to cross the road, but changes its mind. As the G6 approaches, the lynx turns and slinks back into the forest. Lupe is all excited, but she won’t see the lynx again.
Ten minutes later, it’s all over. In two days, Lupe has traveled all 414 miles of the Dalton Highway from Deadhorse near Prudhoe Bay back to its start near Livengood. Eight days after leaving Fairbanks to come here, Lupe stands once again at the big sign marking the S end of the Dalton Highway. (8:59 PM, 50°F)
Back at the S end of the Dalton Highway. The Most High Exalted Dingo of the Arctic Sisterhood spent 8 days along the Dalton Highway in 2017, 6 of them actually N of the Arctic Circle. Fabulous times that won’t soon be forgotten.
What tremendous fun it had all been! Climbing glorious mountains, dodging rain, snow and fog, feasting and starving, seeing sights few will ever see while this remote part of the world remains wild and unspoiled, all the way to the Arctic Ocean and back.
NW of Dillon Mountain, Brooks Range, Alaska 8-23-17
Start: 9:09 AM, 58°F, Spring Creek trailhead of Centennial Trail No. 89
Lupe was back! For the second week in a row, she was starting her day’s adventures at the Spring Creek trailhead of Centennial Trail No. 89. Last week she had gone all the way N to Twin Sisters (5,244 ft.) and the Brush Creek trailhead. This time around, she was going to explore Centennial Trail No. 89 all the way S to the Samelius Peak trailhead.
Like last week, the first order of business was to follow the spur trail from the trailhead up Spring Creek. The spur trail would join the main trail at the Sheridan Lake dam. The Carolina Dog didn’t mind repeating this easy, scenic stroll at all.
Starting up the spur trail along Spring Creek.Spring Creek canyon on the way to Sheridan Lake.
Shortly after crossing the first of three beam bridges over Spring Creek, Lupe heard a rush of water over and above the usual noise made by the creek. She soon came to the source of this noise. A tremendous waterfall was sending a spray of water not only down into Spring Creek, but even raining down upon the opposite shore.
A tremendous waterfall was raining down not only upon Spring Creek, but completely over it! Only a week ago, this waterfall hadn’t even been here.
Lupe had been on this spur trail lots of times. No waterfall had ever been here before! Only a week ago, it hadn’t been here, either. How strange! Loop went closer to investigate.
Hmm. This wasn’t a real waterfall, at least not a natural one. Water was shooting out of the side of the canyon from halfway below the ridgeline above. Must be a pipe or some other man made source up there.
A horizontal waterfall! Now that’s something you don’t see everyday!
The horizontal waterfall made quite an impression. Lupe liked cooling off in its spray. Once she was cool and wet enough, she continued up the spur trail.
Crossing the 2nd beam bridge over Spring Creek.Continuing up the canyon. The trail is nearly level almost all the way to Sheridan Lake.Crossing the 3rd and final beam bridge. Part of the Sheridan Lake dam is now in view ahead. Photo looks WNW.
The spur trail joins the main Centennial Trail No. 89 at the S end of the Sheridan Lake dam. Last week Lupe had gone N across the dam. This time she didn’t. Instead, she left the dam going W across a brushy area, part of the seldom needed lake overflow channel. She quickly reached the S shore of Sheridan Lake.
On the S shore at the far E end of Sheridan Lake. The rounded hill at Center beyond the lake is Clark Mountain(5,267 ft.).Looking back at Sheridan Lake dam. Photo looks NE.
A sign about Sheridan Lake was nearby. The sign mentioned the trail system and showed a map of Flume Trail No. 50. Centennial Trail No. 89 and Flume Trail No. 50 are the same trail along the SE shore of Sheridan Lake, but they split here near the dam. Centennial Trail No. 89 continues N across the dam, but Flume Trail No. 50 goes E.
This sign about Sheridan Lake is posted near the divergence of Centennial Trail No. 89 and Flume Trail No. 50.
Lupe followed the dual Centennial/Flume trail SW along the SE shore of Sheridan Lake. The ground right along the shoreline was fairly steep. The nearly level trail stayed 30 to 40 feet above the lake. A Ponderosa pine forest permitted only tree broken views.
The joint Centennial/Flume trail stays 30 or 40 feet above the SE shore of Sheridan Lake. Photo looks SW.
0.5 mile from the dam, Lupe was getting close to Blue Wing, a residential resort community where the Flume Trail begins. The lakeshore wasn’t as steep here, so she went down to take a look at the Blue Wing inlet. The lake was smooth as glass. A red-wing blackbird was singing from a perch on a cattail. Shouldn’t it have been a blue-wing blackbird?
Lupe visits the Blue Wing inlet of Sheridan Lake. Photo looks NNW.
A footbridge led across an orange creek into the resort community of Blue Wing. The Flume trailhead of Centennial Trail No. 89 was close by. This was the W end of Flume Trail No. 50.
A footbridge leads across an orange creek as Lupe reaches the resort community of Blue Wing. This is the W end of Flume Trail No. 50.
Centennial Trail No. 89 skirted the N end of Blue Wing on a curving stretch of paved road. After only a few hundred feet, the trail left the road heading W into open forest. It soon turned S. Looper was gaining elevation steadily now. The trail began passing small rock formations.
SW of Blue Wing, Lupe reaches small rock formations along Centennial Trail No. 89. Photo looks S.
0.5 mile from Sheridan Lake, Centennial Trail No. 89 crossed a gravel road. The trail now began to steepen. Switchbacks appeared. Lupe started getting glimpses of Sheridan Lake again.
After gaining several hundred feet of elevation, the trail turned W. It passed just S of a couple of big rock formations N of High Point 5412. Lupe left the trail to climb up onto the lowest one. Part of Sheridan Lake was in view a mile away. (topo map)
On the lower of two big rock formations N of the trail. The higher one is on the L. Part of Sheridan Lake is in view. Photo looks N.
Lupe didn’t bother climbing the highest of the two rock formations. It wasn’t until the Carolina dog returned to the trail and went a bit further that she saw that the higher rock formation was already occupied! Way up near the top, a couple of turkey buzzards sat surveying the scene.
Turkey buzzards were already in possession of the rock formation Lupe hadn’t climbed.
Continuing on, Centennial Trail No. 89 went down a few switchbacks and crossed a saddle leading toward High Point 5624. The trail then turned SSW passing E of High Point 5624. Here the trail bounced up and down along the mountainside. Lupe kept gaining elevation only to lose it again. Forest permitted only tree broken views of Calumet Ridge(5,601 ft.) to the ENE, and Mount Warner(5,889 ft.) to the S.
Beyond High Point 5624, Centennial Trail No. 89 left the pine forest. Lupe descended into a valley of aspens and open ground.
Lupe reaches the valley S of High Point 5624. Photo looks SW.
The trail began following a grassy abandoned road which went W up the valley. Lupe ended up back in the pine forest on a saddle at the top of a ridge. For the first time, she had tree broken views of distant ridges and mountains to the SW.
The American Dingo had reached the main ridgeline leading to Mount Warner. For the next 0.75 mile, Centennial Trail No. 89 stayed high on the ridge climbing steadily SSW toward the summit. At the top of the mountain, the trail passed 50 feet N of the true summit.
Light rain showers were sweeping in out of the N when Lupe reached the highest rocks on Mount Warner(5,889 ft.).
At the summit of Mount Warner 50 feet S of Centennial Trail No. 89. Photo looks W.Rain showers were sprinkling Mount Warner when Lupe arrived. Photo looks ENE.On the highest rock.
Lupe and SPHP took shelter from the rain along the S side of a line of rocks at the summit. Time for a break, anyway! Lupe wasn’t hungry yet, but she was ready for water. SPHP had an apple. Half an hour went by simply relaxing. The rain showers moved on and the sun came out.
Trees hid the views from Mount Warner in most directions. From down the S slope a little way, Lupe was able to get a fairly good look at both Samelius Peak(5,856 ft.) and more distant Black Elk Peak(7,231 ft.).
Samelius Peak (L) and Black Elk Peak (Center) from Mount Warner. Photo looks SW.
Lupe still had a lot of exploring to do. She returned to Centennial Trail No. 89, which now lost elevation heading SE. The trail quickly brought her to a rock shelf providing a less obstructed view of Samelius Peak.
Yes, there it is, Samelius Peak!
From the rock shelf, Centennial Trail No. 89 began curving E. Loopster entered a more level area where the forest was full of deadfall timber. Pine bark beetles had taken a heavy toll here. This stretch wasn’t long, however. Soon the forest was looking better again. Lupe briefly went to check out the views from a rock outcropping 100 feet N of the trail.
Hey! Guess what? I can still see a tiny piece of Sheridan Lake from here! Photo looks N.
The view to the N wasn’t bad. Lupe could still see a sliver of Sheridan Lake, but this was the last time she would see it. Lupe returned to the trail. It went E a little way, then turned N losing elevation more rapidly again. The terrain leveled out at a saddle between Mount Warner and High Point 5636.
At the broad saddle between Mount Warner and High Point 5636. Photo looks SE.
From the saddle, Centennial Trail No. 89 turned SE and proceeded clear around the SE end of Mount Warner. At first, Lupe was losing elevation at an easy pace. Later on the trail wound along the mountainside going both up and down with little net elevation change.
Going around the SE end of Mount Warner. Photo looks SSE.
Once around the end of the mountain, Centennial No. 89 turned NW and began climbing toward the still unseen saddle between Mount Warner and Samelius Peak. Another 1.5 miles on the trail would bring Lupe to the Samelius Peak trailhead.
However, Lupe had been on this part of the trail before. Maybe it was time for something a little different? A bit of peakbagging was in order! Lupe and SPHP left Centennial Trail No. 89 heading SE down a valley. After wandering for 0.25 mile, Loopster turned SW and began climbing. Another 0.25 mile brought her to the saddle between Hardesty Peak(5,562 ft.) and Samelius Peak(5,856 ft.).
Off trail in the saddle between Hardesty Peak & Samelius Peak. Photo looks WSW.
Lupe paused in the saddle for another water break, but was soon on her way up the NNW slope of Hardesty Peak. The climb from the saddle was steep, but involved only 200 feet of elevation gain. Loop went up near the E edge of a boulder field. Before long, she was on Hardesty Peak’s E/W running summit ridge.
The true summit was only a little E of where Lupe came up. Although forest hid the views in almost every direction, both Samelius Peak and Mount Warner could be seen from here.
At the true summit of Hardesty Peak. Mount Warner is on the L. Photo looks NE.Oh, we’ve come a way from Mount Warner (Center), SPHP! Samelius Peak (L) is close by, though. Are we going there next? Photo looks N.Samelius Peak from Hardesty Peak. Photo looks NW.
Time was marching on. Lupe needed to as well. Nearby Samelius Peak was her last peakbagging destination for the day. The American Dingo went back down to the saddle leading to Samelius Peak the same way she had come up.
On the way back down to the saddle leading to Samelius Peak (R) Lupe stayed R (E) of this boulder field. Photo looks NW.
The climb up Samelius Peak was longer than going up Hardesty Peak had been. Lupe gained more than 500 feet of elevation following a SE ridge to a S ridge, which led to the summit. Close to the summit were a few minor high points and saddles, but nothing posed any real difficulty along the way.
The weather had changed again, however, by the time Lupe reached the top. Rain showers were passing through once more. Loop discovered a crude Dingo shelter at the top of Samelius Peak. Unfortunately, it was so primitive it really didn’t provide any protection from the rain.
At the summit of Samelius Peak. Rain showers are sweeping through once more. The lower hill at Center is Humbolt Mountain(5,722 ft.). Storm Hill(5,656 ft.) is on the L. Photo looks WNW.
Lupe discovers a crude Dingo shelter at the top of Samelius Peak.Would you mind calling a roofing contractor, SPHP? This really isn’t much help.
The Dingo shelter didn’t amount to much, but oh well. Lupe decided she was hungry! As rain sprinkled down, she devoured all of her Taste of the Wild. SPHP ate the last apple. After a while, the rain diminished as the showers moved off.
Although the top of Samelius Peak was forested, there were more openings between the trees here where Lupe could see the views than either Mount Warner or Hardesty Peak had provided.
Black Elk Peak(7,231 ft.) from Samelius Peak. Photo looks SW.Black Elk Peak with help from the telephoto lens.Loop on Samelius Peak’s highest rock. Humbolt Mountain is beyond her on the L. Five Points(6,221 ft.) is on the R. Photo looks NW.Custer Peak(6,804 ft.) is the distant pointy peak on the L. New Year’s Eve Peak(6,046 ft.) is the highest point on the R. Photo looks NW with help from the telephoto lens.
After 45 minutes at the top of Samelius Peak, Lupe was ready to move on. She had a last look around the summit area, then headed down the mountain.
The Samelius Peak trailhead of Centennial Trail No. 89 was only 0.4 mile away to the SW. Lupe headed WSW to intercept the trail only a little N of the trailhead. For a long way, this route was quite steep, but it finally started leveling out to some degree. Lupe soon intercepted Centennial Trail No. 89 as expected.
Samelius Peak summit area. Photo looks NE.Samelius Peak summit again. This time looking SW.Starting down the mountain. Photo looks E back up toward the summit.Back on Centennial Trail No. 89. Photo looks SW.
The Samelius Peak trailhead wasn’t far from here. Even though it was the wrong direction considering the time of day, Lupe went all the way to it.
Climbed 3 mountains and made it all the way to the Samelius Peak trailhead. Pretty good, huh?Centennial Trail map. As the trail goes, it’s 8 miles one way between the Spring Creek & Samelius Peak trailheads.
It was evening. No time to dilly dally here at the trailhead. The sun would still be up for at least an hour, maybe close to two. However, Lupe faced an 8 mile long return to the Spring Creek trailhead. Somewhere along the way, it was going to get dark.
Almost as soon as she reached the Samelius Peak trailhead, Lupe started back. This time she would take Centennial Trail No. 89 the whole way.
Oh, a long beautiful evening stroll ahead. Maybe we’ll see some deers?
The sun was still up, but on the horizon when Lupe reached the summit of Mount Warner for the second time. She no more than tagged the true summit before hurrying on. Sunlight disappeared from the mountains. Dusk, then darkness. The flashlight came out before Loop reached Blue Wing. No moon, but the sky was clear and the stars were brilliant.
A black night, but reflections of starlight sparkled in Sheridan Lake as Lupe trotted by well above the shoreline. In inky darkness, she crossed the beam bridges over Spring Creek. Lupe heard, but did not see, the odd horizontal waterfall still spraying from the mountainside.
The G6 sat alone at the Spring Creek trailhead when Lupe arrived. It had been a long day, but another good one on Centennial Trail No. 89. (10:28 PM, 47°F)
Sunset on Mount Warner, Black Hills of South Dakota, 5-6-18
