Dingo Vacations – Page 132 – The (Mostly) True Adventures of Lupe

A Quick Trip to Colorado – Visiting Babies Felix & Owen plus a fun White Ranch Park outing (12-28-17 thru 12-31-17)

Christmas had come and gone. The year was almost shot, but Lupe had a final chance for adventure in 2017. Xochitl, Steve and baby Felix were flying into the Denver area from Chicago for a couple of days. They would be staying at Matt, Cassie and baby Owen’s home in Parker. Lupe and SPHP had an invitation from Joe and Andrea to come and stay in the Cowboy room at cousin Dusty’s home in Arvada.

Adventures with babies? That was something new, and a rare opportunity! Babies have a way of changing fast, and not being babies any more. SPHP told Lupe that even though it would be a quick trip, there might be time for an outdoor adventure or two as well. Even if Loop wasn’t certain about how adventures with babies might turn out, the year was going to end with bitterly cold subzero weather in the Black Hills. Nothing was going to happen these last few days here at home. So, did Loopster want to go to Colorado?

Cousin Dusty comes to visit the Black Hills every so often, so Lupe’s ears pricked up at the mention of Dusty’s name. Loop hadn’t been to Colorado, though, for a very long time – not since November, 2015. She could scarcely remember the Cowboy room at Dusty’s house, other than a vague sense that it had been a great place to stay. There hadn’t been any babies around back then, but Lupe had climbed a couple of choice Colorado county high points. That had been fun!

Babies in Colorado, with the possibility of an outdoor adventure or two? Or stay home and spend the rest of the year laying on the living room rug staring bored-to-tears out the window at a subzero polar display? Hah! Lupe knew the answer to that one!

The novel adventure began on the frosty morning of 12-28-17 (6:58 AM, 16°F) when Lupe left home in the G6 comfortably riding shotgun atop her usual pile of pillows and blankets. A Dingo Vacation in the winter was something completely unheard of up until now. Lupe had great expectations!

At first those expectations were disappointed. Hwy 471 S of Edgemont was snow-packed and slippery. The day hadn’t warmed up a bit. SPHP cancelled two possible short peakbagging breaks in the Nebraska panhandle, deciding to stay on main Hwy 18 which was clear to Mule Creek Junction in Wyoming. No consideration was given to any other significant breaks the rest of the way.

Lupe arrived at cousin Dusty’s house in Arvada before mid-afternoon (2:06 PM, 39°F). Dusty and Andrea were both home and answered the door. Lupe dashed right in all excited to see them! After the initial excitement, Loop sniffed around for a few minutes. Yes, it was all coming back to her now. The Carolina Dog did remember this place!

A lot of pent-up canine energy needed to be released. Dusty, Andrea, Lupe and SPHP set out on a favorite walk around the 100 acre field out in back of Dusty’s house.

Andrea, Dusty & Lupe in the 100 acre field behind Dusty’s house. Photo looks W.

Cousin Dusty was sure surprised when Lupe showed up!

Cousin Dusty loves to fetch sticks. The bigger the stick, the better. She ran ahead of Andrea and SPHP looking for sticks to drop in their path, hoping to entice them to throw them for her. Dusty would then zoom away after the stick, often catching it on the first bounce after a good throw.

Dusty waits for Andrea or SPHP to toss the stick she has carefully positioned out in front of her. Photo looks N.

Lupe never shows the slightest interest in chasing Dusty’s sticks. Instead, she loves to act as defense on the stick’s behalf. As soon as the stick gets tossed, she focuses entirely on barking and trying to herd Dusty. While Lupe ignores the stick, Dusty ignores Lupe. It’s a game they rarely tire of.

Dusty awaits the tossing of the stick, while Lupe awaits the opportunity to herd Dusty.

When the journey around the 100 acre field was over, Lupe was quick to reclaim the Cowboy room back at Dusty’s house. Even though they like to spend time in the wilderness, American Dingoes are big fans of luxury, too!

Lupe was quick to claim her spot in the Cowboy room at Dusty’s house, where she would stay the next 3 nights. American Dingoes love luxury in addition to the outdoors!

As sunset approached, Lupe, Dusty and SPHP took one more trip around the 100 acre field. There was more Dingo excitement when Joe came home after work. After dinner, Joe, Dusty, Lupe and SPHP went on a long evening walk on the bike path near Ralston Creek. Lupe went all the way past Jungle and Utah bridges.

The next day, Joe and Andrea had to work. Dusty and Lupe went on dawn patrol with SPHP around the 100 acre field to get the day off to a good start. Lupe and SPHP then drove down to Matt, Cassie and Owen’s house in Parker, arriving late in the morning.

Babies Owen (6 months) and Felix (9 months) were up looking bright-eyed and happy, but the adults were about shot. The plane Steve, Xochitl and Felix had taken last evening had been hours late, arriving in Denver after midnight. Felix had then proceeded to cry and scream until 3:30 AM. A bleary-eyed Xochitl was up, and so was Matt. Matt was probably exhausted, too, but he is always so calm natured, it was hard to tell. Cassie and Steve were both asleep.

Lupe with Felix. Lupe isn’t used to being around children much, especially infants. She sometimes eyed Felix suspiciously as he crawled toward her. Perhaps it was because Felix liked to whack her face, his way of petting her.

The afternoon was spent watching, feeding, and playing with Felix and Owen. Lupe also played with Matt and Cassie’s dog, Maya. She went on a neighborhood walk with Matt, Maya and SPHP. Cassie eventually appeared, long before Steve finally regained consciousness at 3:45 PM. By then, Felix was taking a nap.

Steve, Xochitl, Matt, Cassie and Owen all went out for sushi around dinnertime. Lupe and SPHP stayed at the house with Felix. Felix is known for not sleeping much, so he was expected to wake up at any moment. Instead he was still snoozing when everyone returned from the restaurant at 9 PM. Lupe and SPHP then headed back to the Cowboy room at Dusty’s house in Arvada.

Saturday morning was Lupe’s one chance on this short Dingo Vacation for an adventure in the Colorado front range foothills. Joe, Dusty, Lupe and SPHP headed for the lower E trailhead at White Ranch Park, which was only 10 minutes from Dusty’s house.

Joe, Dusty & Lupe about to set out on the Belcher Hill trail from the lower E trailhead at White Ranch Park.

It was a chilly 14°F when Lupe and her pack set out on the Belcher Hill trail. The trees and fields were frosty, wisps of fog and low clouds hung in the air, but the sky overhead was blue. The trail lost a bit of elevation on the way N to a low spot, then started climbing gradually as it followed the dry Van Bibber creek drainage NW.

Joe leads the way on the brief initial drop down to Van Bibber creek (where the frosty trees are). The creekbed was dry down here, but contained a little flowing water higher up. Photo looks NNW.

Joe, Dusty & Lupe near the start of the climb. Photo looks NW.

The Belcher Hill trail starts out on an easement across private property that leads to the rest of White Ranch Park. At first there were homes not far from the trail. It wasn’t long before Lupe had gained enough elevation to be looking down on several Colorado shacks.

As shacks go, they were really quite nice. No doubt one can be had for only a few million dollars. Lupe liked the looks of them, and asked SPHP’s opinion. SPHP liked them too, but sadly checked pocket change and came up rather short.

Looking down on several Colorado foothills shacks from the Belcher Hill trail. Photo looks NNE.

After 1.1 mile, Lupe reached a junction with the Whippletree trail. She stayed on the Belcher Hill trail, which turned SW here. By now it was clear that a huge expanse of cold air E of the foothills was capped with a layer of low clouds. The city of Denver and all its surrounding suburbs were hidden from view. Lupe could see the top of North Table Mountain (6,570 ft.) off to the SE floating barely above the clouds.

The flat top of **North Table Mountain** could be seen floating like an island above low clouds. Photo looks SE.

Joe and Dusty on the Belcher Hill trail a little beyond the junction with the Whippletree trail. Photo looks NE.

Shortly after bypassing the Whippletree trail, the effects of a powerful inversion became evident. The temperature started changing rapidly, sometimes quite noticeably within only a few feet. Overall it was getting a lot warmer out, but Lupe came to pockets of cold air, too.

Joe, Dusty & Lupe nearing the end of the Belcher Hill trail portion of the hike. It was already a lot warmer out, mostly due to a powerful inversion. Joe & SPHP were soon shedding layers. Photo looks SW.

The Belcher Hill trail steepened, and made a switchback shortly before coming to another junction, this time with the Longhorn Trail.

**North Table Mountain** again from the Belcher Hill Trail. The low clouds were just starting to clear out, moving slowly off to the E. Photo looks SE.

Lupe still along the Belcher Hill trail. She had started out near the frosty trees seen way down in the valley below. Photo looks SE.

Joe and Dusty pause for a look around near the end of the Belcher Hill trail section of the hike. Photo looks W.

At an intersection 1.8 miles from the E trailhead where Lupe had started, Joe and Dusty led the way onto the Longhorn Trail.

Lupe at the intersection of the Belcher Hill and Longhorn trails 1.8 miles from the trailhead. Joe & Dusty are already leading the way on the Longhorn Trail. Photo looks NE.

As clouds moved off to the E, it became possible to get a good look at Ralston Reservoir (R). Photo looks NE from the Longhorn Trail.

Ralston Reservoir (L) from rocks near the Longhorn Trail. Photo looks NE.

Another look at Ralston Reservoir from some different rocks. Photo looks NE.

After a short steep section, the Longhorn trail leveled out and became more of an up and down affair as it headed N. After 0.4 mile, a junction with the Shorthorn trail was reached. A longer loop could be made by taking the Shorthorn trail. It was such a nice warm day this high up due to the temperature inversion, longer was definitely the better choice. Everyone hit the Shorthorn trail.

The Shorthorn trail gained a bit more elevation, but only gradually with both up and down stretches along the way. At first it headed NW. This was a unique part of the hike, because the trail went through a shady forest of large pines. Later on the trail turned NE, and wound around a series of ravines on much more exposed sunny slopes.

Joe and Dusty on the Shorthorn trail. Photo looks NE.

Dusty on the Shorthorn trail. Photo looks E.

Cousin Dusty again. **North Table Mountain** is seen on the R, still partially hidden by clouds. Photo looks SE.

**North Table Mountain** from the Shorthorn trail in White Ranch Park. Photo looks SE.

A 1.1 mile trek on the Shorthorn trail led to a different point on the Longhorn trail. Shortly after reaching this junction, Joe discovered he had forgotten his walking stick about 0.33 mile back while shedding layers due to the near 60°F temperatures. Everyone doubled back to retrieve it.

Joe, Dusty & Lupe near a second junction of the Shorthorn & Longhorn trails. Photo looks SE.

Heading back on the Shorthorn trail to retrieve Joe’s walking stick. Photo looks SW.

The walking stick successfully retrieved, it was back to the second junction of the Shorthorn and Longhorn trails. A short hike up the Longhorn trail led to a tiny creek in a ravine. At a big rock beside the little stream, it was time for a break. Lupe and Dusty shared some Taste of the Wild. Joe and SPHP had apples. Dusty enjoyed polishing off the apple cores.

At the break rock near the tiny stream along the Longhorn trail.

After the break, it was time to head back down to the trailhead. Joe and Dusty lead the way, using the Longhorn and Whippletree trails to complete a loop back to the Belcher Hill trail. By the time Lupe arrived back at the trailhead, the air had warmed up some down here, but it was still only 30°F compared to near 60°F higher up.

Joe and Dusty lead the way down the Longhorn Trail on the way back to the trailhead.

The White Ranch Park adventure was over, but more good things were about to happen! Joe, Andrea, Dusty, Lupe and SPHP were soon on the way back to Matt and Cassie’s house in Parker. It was time for more fun with babies! Owen was the only baby there at first. Steve and Xochitl had taken Felix with them to visit friends. Felix hadn’t woken up until 7 AM this morning, a recent personal record of 16 consecutive hours of sleep!

Knowing that SPHP was certain to sneak her some, Lupe was especially pleased at the news that Matt was going to smoke a huge chicken and ribs this afternoon!

*Oh, boy! Smoked chicken and ribs! Let’s make this a tradition after every adventure! Whad’ya say SPHP?*

Andrea with momentarily camera shy baby Owen.

Lupe had fun with Maya. Eventually Steve, Xochitl and Felix showed up. Mark did, too. SPHP built towers with Owen’s blocks. Felix had a good time knocking them down.

Lupe kept wanting to wrestle with Maya. Maya did a little bit, but finally retreated to her doggie bed for a respite from the over-active Dingo.

Felix eventually showed up at Matt & Cassie’s. Felix liked knocking down towers of blocks that SPHP built for that very purpose.

The big chicken and ribs took a long time to smoke. Steve, Dusty, Maya, Lupe and SPHP took a walk at dusk. Upon return, the smoked chicken and ribs were nearly ready. The feast was soon served. The smoked chicken and ribs were delicious! Everyone had a great time! A certain sly Dingo feasted on both chicken and ribs.

All too soon, it was time to head back to the Cowboy room in Arvada with Joe, Andrea and Dusty. The next morning, Lupe left Dusty’s house after one last spin around the 100 acre field with Joe, Dusty and SPHP. The trip to Arvada and Parker, Colorado had been a quick one, but a fun time!

By the time the sun set for the last time in 2017, Lupe was back in her Black Hills of South Dakota. The G6 said it was 5 below zero when Lupe finally got home. 2018 was destined to get off to a frigid start.

In Wyoming on the way home on the last day of 2017. Photo looks W with the Laramie Range (R) seen faintly on the far horizon.

Looking S at I-25 from the rest stop near Orin, WY as 2017 draws to a close.

Related Links:

White Ranch Park trail map

Want more Lupe adventures? Choose from Lupe’s Dingo Vacations Adventure Index or Master Adventure Index. Or subscribe free to new Lupe adventures.

Wind River Peak, Wyoming – Part 4: Tayo Lake to Worthen Meadow (7-12-17)

Day 5 of Lupe’s 2017 Dingo Vacation to the Wind River Range, Wyoming & Select Peaks in Montana

The sun was up, and so was SPHP, busily engaged in breaking camp. Was Lupe OK? For once, it was the American Dingo that still seemed tired. Lupe remained relaxing in her “tiny house” until SPHP was ready to disassemble it.

Looking WNW from Lupe’s “tiny house” the morning after she’d climbed Wind River Peak. It was going to be a glorious, but long day.

Come on out of there, Loop! It’s a glorious morning, and we have a long day ahead of us.

What’s the rush? Are we going to climb Wind River Peak (13,192 ft.) again?

I wish, but no, we aren’t. As much as I hate to leave such beautiful territory, it’s time to head back to civilization. The rush is that this whole trip was only supposed to take 3 days, and this is the 4th day. I’ve already had a bite to eat this morning, but now all I have left is one Cliff bar. No doubt you’ll want at least half of it.

We’re out of food!?

I am. You still have plenty Taste of the Wild. At least, until I start chowing down on it, which will happen tomorrow for sure, if we don’t get out of here. It’s a long way back to Worthen Meadow Reservoir.

What flavor did you say that Cliff bar was?

I didn’t, but it’s chocolate coconut, if you must know.

Oh, that does sound good! Let’s get going!

Lupe ready to leave base camp S of **Wind River Peak**. **Lake 11,145** is in view. Photo looks WNW.

Only 500 or 600 feet S of base camp, Tayo Lake came into view. Most of the lake was still covered in snow and ice. What a beautiful sight it was! It really was a shame to have to leave.

Shortly after departing base camp, ice and snow-covered **Tayo Lake** came into view again. **Mount Nystrom (12,356 ft.)** (Center) is in the distance. On the way past **Tayo Lake**, Lupe would go down the long ridge seen on the L. Photo looks SSE.

Loop had just been feeling lazy back in her tiny house. There wasn’t a thing wrong with her. On the way down to Tayo Lake, she was bursting with energy. She had a great time racing across the open heather and frisking on big snowbanks.

When Lupe got close to the end of Tayo Lake, SPHP suggested leaving the ridge to go down to the shore near the Tayo Creek outlet. Loopster was in favor of that. She hadn’t actually been to the lake shore on the way to Wind River Peak. This was her last chance to see it.

The water was perfectly still. High rock ridges reflected in the silvery smooth surface. Lupe could hear the nearby gurgling of Tayo Creek starting down the valley. Beyond Tayo Lake was the big green ridge where she’d spent the past two nights in her tiny house at base camp. From there she’d been able to look down on Lake 11,145, now hidden in a cirque above Tayo Lake. Wind River Peak towered over it all. Only yesterday, Lupe had been up there.

After a few minutes lost in contemplation of the magnificent scene, Lupe reminded SPHP it was time to press on. SPHP led Loopster back up onto the ridge. She then started S down wide snowy lanes flanked by stunted forest.

As Lupe descended, SPHP kept watching for the route she had taken up to Tayo Lake 2 days ago, but never really found it. Uncertain whether the Carolina Dog was too far W or E, SPHP led her back and forth in both directions. Lupe traveled over snowfields SPHP was certain she hadn’t been to before. Gradually it dawned on SPHP that Loop was too far W. It wouldn’t really matter, though, would it? The terrain should eventually funnel all routes down to the same general area.

The first indication of a potential problem came when Lupe reached a rushing stream. Cascading swiftly down a narrow channel, the stream was large enough to be Tayo Creek, yet Lupe was W of it. How could that be? Lupe had started off E of Tayo Creek when she left Tayo Lake, and hadn’t crossed it. SPHP was also certain Looper hadn’t crossed or even seen this stream on the way up to Tayo Lake 2 days ago. The maps revealed nothing. Hmm.

The first sign of a potential problem came when Lupe reached this swift stream somewhere well below Tayo Lake. Photo looks SSW.

Lupe followed the gushing stream down to a large clearing where it fed into a pond. A short distance below the pond, a smaller stream flowed down from the NW to join the larger one. The smaller stream almost certainly had to be Tayo Creek. Tayo Creek wasn’t particularly wide here, but was fairly deep.

Lupe reaches another smaller creek coming down from the NW. This had to be Tayo Creek. Photo looks WNW.

The larger stream just above the confluence with Tayo Creek. Photo looks NE.

Loop needed to get across Tayo Creek, but SPHP didn’t relish the idea of fording it. Near the confluence of the creeks, snow bridges extended over both streams. All the snow banks Lupe had crossed higher up had been strong enough to hold even SPHP’s weight. These snow bridges looked substantial, too.

Just below the confluence, another snow bridge went over the combined streams. If the snow bridge over Tayo Creek collapsed, Lupe might get swept under the downstream bridge where SPHP couldn’t help her.

The snow bridge over Tayo Creek just below the confluence with the large stream Lupe had been following. If Lupe got swept under it while trying to cross Tayo Creek, SPHP wouldn’t be able to help her.

SPHP tested the snow bridge by the edge of Tayo Creek. It seemed plenty sturdy enough. Lupe would be fine, if she went first.

Lupe ready to dash across the snow bridge over Tayo Creek. Photo looks SE.

Lupe dashed across the snow bridge with no problem. SPHP followed. The snow bridge held. Well, that was easy! Way easier than fording the creek would have been.

Lupe was now W of Tayo Creek. She wouldn’t have to cross it again, but knew from experience other big streams were still ahead. The American Dingo followed Tayo Creek S. She ran and sniffed happily in open green forest. Meanwhile, the stream plunged into a narrow canyon. Lupe was losing elevation much more slowly. Tayo Creek was soon far below her.

After crossing Tayo Creek, Lupe ran and played in an open green forest. Meanwhile, Tayo Creek plunged down a narrow canyon, leaving Lupe on much higher ground. Photo looks SE.

Tayo Creek disappeared from view. Lupe continued through the forest in a S or SE direction, still losing elevation. A mere 15 minutes after crossing Tayo Creek, Lupe arrived at yet another large stream. This was the stream flowing E from Coon Lake.

15 minutes after crossing Tayo Creek, Lupe arrived at this stream from Coon Lake. Photo looks WSW.

The stream from Coon Lake was too wild to ford where Lupe reached it. Loop and SPHP followed it upstream looking for a place to cross. After 15 minutes, SPHP saw a single flat rock that the entire stream was flowing over. The water was shallow and evenly spread. Lupe could cross there!

A 15 minute upstream search brought Lupe near this flat rock where the stream was evenly spread out and shallow. Lupe could cross here! Photo looks SW.

Lupe had other ideas. While SPHP started for the flat rock, she found some other place to cross the creek. Suddenly, there she was on the opposite S bank!

Before she even reached the big flat rock, Lupe found a way across the stream from Coon Lake all on her own. SPHP never saw how she did it, but suddenly, there she was standing proudly on a snowbank on the far shore. Photo looks SW.

Having made it over the creek all on her own, Lupe was anxious for SPHP to follow. The big flat rock wasn’t far away, but rocks, trees and a considerable quantity of deadfall made it a struggle to get there. SPHP shouted to Lupe to stay where she was. For several minutes, she did. However, Loop became increasingly concerned as SPHP continued crashing around obstacles on the opposite shore.

When SPHP reached the flat rock, it was possible to see a good snow bridge only a little farther upstream. That would be an even better place to cross! SPHP pleaded with Lupe to remain where she was, but when SPHP turned away she couldn’t wait any longer. Suddenly she was at SPHP’s feet again, fine and dandy. She’d crossed the stream unseen a second time.

Upon reaching the snow bridge, Lupe could see she wasn’t far below a massive snowfield that extended out of sight up the slope to the W. Coon Lake must be up there somewhere, perhaps not too far away. Unfortunately, the already long day ahead meant Lupe didn’t have time for a side trip to go see it. She crossed the creek from Coon Lake for the third time on the snow bridge with SPHP.

S of the creek again, Loop headed SE through the forest. Half an hour went by before she reached another big stream. This was the stream from Mountain Sheep Lake.

After safely crossing the stream from Coon Lake 3 times, Lupe arrives at the next large stream. This one flows N out of Mountain Sheep Lake. Photo looks S.

Once again, Lupe had reached the stream at a poor place to attempt a crossing. She traveled upstream looking for a better spot, and soon stumbled upon Mountain Sheep Lake itself. The pretty lake was long, narrow, and tucked in a deep side valley off the main canyon Tayo Creek flows through.

Looking for a way across the stream from **Mountain Sheep Lake**, Lupe arrives at the lake itself. **Mountain Sheep Lake** was a beautiful sight tucked away in a deep side canyon. Photo looks S.

A short break was taken to admire Mountain Sheep Lake. When it was over, the problem of where to cross the outlet stream still needed to be resolved. There seemed to be two choices. Not too far downstream from the lake, the creek flowed through a rocky area where it might be possible to rock hop most of the way over.

A little downstream of Mountain Sheep Lake the creek passed through this stony area where Lupe might be able to rock hop most of the way across. Photo looks N.

The other choice was to ford the creek right at the outlet from Mountain Sheep Lake. The stream was wide here, but relatively shallow most of the way. The current was slower, too.

Looking across the outlet from **Mountain Sheep Lake**. Photo looks E.

SPHP thought maybe the outlet was the better choice. Convinced Lupe wouldn’t have a problem, SPHP started across, but Loop didn’t follow. SPHP made it to the opposite bank only to turn around and see poor Loop still stranded on the other side. She was intimidated by the width of the stream.

After crossing the stream at the outlet of **Mountain Sheep Lake**, SPHP turned around to find Lupe still stranded on the far shore. She was scared of the width of the creek, and hadn’t dared come across. Photo looks SW.

SPHP shouted encouragement to Loop. She could do this!

Lupe hesitated, clearly torn over what to do. She went back and forth along the far bank looking for an answer to her predicament. Finally, as she stood on a rock projecting into the stream, another urging from SPHP seemed to embolden her. She went back to the bank, then waded into the cold water. She had to swim, but only a little bit. Lupe made it across.

SPHP had rewarded Loop with pieces of the last chocolate coconut Cliff bar after she’d crossed Tayo Creek, and again after she’d crossed the creek from Coon Lake. Lupe looked at SPHP expectantly.

Guess, I knew all along you’d get most of this Cliff bar. Here you go, Loop.

I earned it!

Yes, I know. You did great, Looper.

Lupe wouldn’t face another major stream crossing for a long way now. The next landmark she would go by would be Poison Lake, about a mile to the NE. Lupe had a fantastic time in the forest, staying well S of Tayo Creek. The Carolina Dog displayed great energy and enthusiasm, crossing many minor streams and numerous big bogs. She frolicked and cooled off on snowbanks melting away in the soggy forest. She was back in prime squirrel territory, and spent much of her time barking happily.

Going around the SE end of Poison Lake, Lupe returned to the rock platform overlooking the lake she’d been to before on the way up. The sun was almost directly overhead. Time for another break. Lupe and SPHP sat together with a view of Wind River Peak far beyond Poison Lake. What little was left of the chocolate coconut Cliff bar met its doom.

Lupe at the edge of the rock platform overlooking **Poison Lake**. **Wind River Peak** (R) is in view in the distance.

Beyond Poison Lake, Lupe continued following the Tayo River downstream. She didn’t stay as close to it as she had on the way up, since she didn’t need to find a way across. She did see one of the two waterfalls she’d discovered on the way up, but whether it was the upper or lower falls, SPHP didn’t remember.

Lupe had a wonderful time in the forest, but she finally reached Lower Tayo Park again and came to the Middle Popo Agie River. She forded it at the S end of Lower Tayo Park just as she’d done before.

Lupe reaches the **Middle Popo Agie River** again at the S end of **Lower Tayo Park**. This was where she’d started her successful divide and conquer strategy two days ago that enabled her to get to **Tayo Lake** and **Wind River Peak**. Photo looks W.

Fording the **Middle Popo Agie River** at the S end of **Lower Tayo Park**. Photo looks SW.

Looking NW across **Lower Tayo Park**. **Tayo Creek** emerges from the forest across the valley to join the **Middle Popo Agie River** here. Photo looks NW.

Lupe had finally made it back to a trail! SPHP was curious to see what conditions were like now back at the ford where Trail No. 707 crosses the Middle Popo Agie River below its confluence with Tayo Creek. The situation really hadn’t changed much at all. The ford was still as badly flooded as it was before.

Lupe returned to Middle Fork Trail No. 700, and followed it NE downstream along the Middle Popo Agie River. She was getting close to the junction with Stough Creek Basin Trail No. 704 when a backpacker appeared ahead. He was the first person Lupe and SPHP had seen in 75 hours – more than 3 days.

The backpacker was from Flagstaff, Arizona. He said he was on his way to Tayo Lake, but had nearly turned back at the Stough Creek ford. SPHP explained the situation he would soon face at the flooded ford in Lower Tayo Park, and also described how Lupe had bushwhacked all the way to Tayo Lake and Wind River Peak.

Lupe by the **Middle Popo Agie River**. The trail junction where she would leave it to head for **Stough Creek** was nearby. Photo looks NNE.

The backpacker went on. Lupe would never know if he made it to Tayo Lake using her bushwhacking route or not. She soon left the Middle Popo Agie River on Trail No. 704 to Stough Creek.

Until now, Lupe had been going downhill nearly all day long. Now she had to climb. The American Dingo did great. She still had plenty of energy to run around looking for squirrels in the forest. SPHP felt played out, though. Going uphill was tough. At least a lot of snow had melted since Lupe had last been here, so it was easier to follow the trail.

Lupe reached the ford at Stough Creek. The situation had not changed from 3 days ago. SPHP still didn’t like the looks of it. Stough Creek was too fast, deep and scary! SPHP was going to have Lupe cross a little upstream of the ford again, then remembered the bridge over Stough Creek near the next trail intersection higher up. Maybe Lupe could just bushwhack up to that bridge?

Loop abandoned the trail for the final bushwhacking session of her Wind River Peak adventure. She hadn’t gone far when she came to a sizable tributary of Stough Creek. Loop forded this lesser creek, and entered a lovely green field that proved to be sopping wet. Another bog! She traipsed across it, and a second one, too, before finally reaching the forest and dry land on the other side.

The off-trail climb through the forest was steep. Lupe came to another major tributary of Stough Creek. It was all whitewater where Lupe reached it.

Lupe reaches a 2nd major tributary of Stough Creek trying to bushwhack up to a bridge.

Lupe followed the tributary upstream to where the terrain leveled out. Here she could ford the tributary without much of a problem. Shortly after crossing the tributary, she found a trail. Lupe followed the trail N. Within 300 feet she arrived at the bridge over Stough Creek. Yes!

Lupe on the bridge over Stough Creek. Bridges were a rare luxury on Lupe’s journey to Wind River Peak and back. Photo looks N.

Lupe had finally reached Stough Creek Lakes Trail No. 702. It would take her the rest of the way back to the Worthen Meadow trailhead, still a good 5 miles away. Only one major creek crossing remained, Roaring Fork Creek which would come near the end. Onward!

On Stough Creek Lakes Trail No. 702. This trail would take Lupe all the way back to the Worthen Meadow trailhead.

The Carolina Dog was now in a nearly level part of the forest. She soon came to the area where stagnant yellow and orange ponds were scattered among the trees. Up until now, the mosquitoes hadn’t been bad, but here they were terrible.

The climb back up to the high saddle N of High Point 10965 where Lupe had first seen Wind River Peak on her way in was torturous for SPHP, who was nearly exhausted by now. The plucky American Dingo was unfazed. Mosquitoes drove SPHP on. Even when Lupe reached the high saddle, they were bad enough to prevent any long delay. Lupe and SPHP did pause for a few moments, though, to gaze upon the grandeur of Wind River Peak for a final time.

A last look back at **Wind River Peak** from the high saddle. Photo looks WNW with help from the telephoto lens.

It was still 3 miles back to the Worthen Meadow trailhead from the high saddle. Nearly all of it was downhill, which helped SPHP a great deal. The constant whine of mosquitoes was maddening, but all the Deet was long gone. Lupe busied herself looking for squirrels in the forest. Rest assured American Dingoes never tire of this sport.

Another squirrel spotted! What could be more fun?

At long last, the final ford over Roaring Fork Creek next to Roaring Fork Lake appeared. Lupe ran down to the stream and plunked herself down in the water to cool off.

Lupe cools off in **Roaring Fork Creek**. This was the final stream ford of Lupe’s 4 day Wind River Peak adventure. Photo looks SE.

Roaring Fork Creek didn’t look any different than it had 3 days ago. The water was just as high as before. No matter. In a cloud of mosquitoes, SPHP prepared to cross, then simply went for it.

This time, SPHP stayed upstream of the big rock. The water wasn’t mid-thigh deep here like it was downstream of the rock, but was still several inches over the knee. The even gravelly bottom and gentle current made this ford seem trivial now after all the streams and rivers Lupe had crossed on the way to Wind River Peak and back.

Lupe hadn’t come, though. The water was over her head for a long way. SPHP tried coaxing her from the opposite bank, but without the aid of the enticing chocolate coconut Cliff bar, Lupe stayed put. Seeing further entreaties were futile, SPHP dumped the backpack and waded back into the stream.

As soon as Lupe saw help was on the way, she plunged into Roaring Fork Creek and started swimming toward SPHP. She remembered being on the big rock SPHP had put her on before midstream and swam to it. However, the rock was steep where she reached it. She tried, but Lupe couldn’t get up on it by herself. The current carried her out of sight behind the rock.

Lupe didn’t reappear downstream. What was happening? No doubt she was still striving to get up on the rock, but SPHP couldn’t see her. Before SPHP could get there, Loop grew fearful and gave up. Suddenly she was in view again heading back to shore. SPHP continued over to get her.

SPHP picked the cold, drenched Carolina Dog up, and carried the grateful, dripping Dingo across Roaring Fork Creek. Lupe’s last adventure of her 4 day journey to Wind River Peak was over.

At Worthen Meadow Reservoir, Lupe lost no time hopping into the G6 (9:00 PM). She curled up on her pillows and blankets, licked herself clean, and devoured an entire can of Alpo. She still had room for a McDonald’s cheeseburger in Lander an hour later. The night time scene at Lander City Park was astonishing. The place was absolutely packed with tents and RV’s.

SPHP took the last parking spot available. It was right beneath a bright streetlight. For some strange reason the streetlight cycled on and off at 30 second intervals. After Lupe’s long march all the way from Tayo Lake, it was only a minor annoyance. Lupe and SPHP were both fast asleep, dead to the world, still dreaming of fabulous Wind River Peak.