South Dakota – Page 18 – The (Mostly) True Adventures of Lupe

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 310 – Peak 5800 & New Year’s Eve Peak (12-31-22)

12:32 PM, 39ºF, junction of USFS Road No. 710 & Hwy 385 – Lupe stood next to the RAV4 with a big smile on her face. The American Dingo was all fired up for the last big adventure of 2022, her traditional year end visit to New Year’s Eve Peak (6,046 ft.)!

Ready to set out for New Year’s Eve Peak on the last day of 2022. Photo looks SW.

What luck, SPHP! This year we actually get to go right on December 31st! That’s not always the case.

True enough, Looper! This will be your 10th visit to New Year’s Eve Peak, but only the 4th time right on New Year’s Eve. Flexibility is required, since the weather is unreliable this time of year. I’m like you, though, always hoping December 31st will work out.

Are we going to visit Peak 5800 first, SPHP?

Yes, let’s do it! Should have time enough for that. Onward! Puppy, ho!

Beneath an overcast sky, Lupe headed SW into the forest. The cool air and patches of old snow on the ground did make the day feel a little on the wintry side, but conditions really weren’t bad at all.

Heading into the forest. Photo looks SW.

A gentle slope soon became a steeper climb. Nothing too difficult. After gaining 400 feet of elevation, Lupe reached a clearing where a platform of rock provided the first real view of the day. Rolling grasslands of the Bald Hills were in sight only a mile or two NE. Far beyond them, the sky was lighter on the horizon. Apparently, the gray cloud hanging over the Black Hills didn’t extend way out onto the western South Dakota prairie.

The **Bald Hills** from **partway up Peak 5800**. Photo looks NE.

As Lupe continued higher, she came to a series of rock outcroppings in the forest that were kind of fun.

Queen of the outcropping! Photo looks SSW.

Peak 5800’s long NW/SE oriented summit ridge wasn’t much farther. The forest ended as Lupe approached it. A little snow and deadfall on this last slope presented no difficulty.

Approaching **Peak 5800’s summit ridge**. Photo looks SW.

Lupe reached the summit ridge a bit NW of the SE high point. This was not the true summit, which was located at the NW end. Lupe turned SE going past the high point down to some rocks providing excellent views. Tiny snowflakes filled the air, a gloom descending on Peak 5800 as snow showers swept in.

Storm Hill (5,192 ft.), Boulder Hill (5,331 ft.), Silver Mountain (5,405 ft.), and Calumet Ridge (5,601 ft.) were all still in sight to the SE, along with Sheridan Lake. Meanwhile, off to the SW, Five Points (6,221 ft.) and False North Point (6,130 ft.) were threatening to disappear among the gray clouds.

**Storm Hill** (far L), **Boulder Hill** (L), **Silver Mountain** (Center), and **Calumet Ridge** (R) in the distance. **Sheridan Lake** (R). Photo looks SE.

**Five Points** (L) and **False North Point** (Center). Photo looks SW.

Gosh, I wasn’t expecting snow, Loopster. Maybe the situation is going to get more interesting than the forecast indicated?

Well, we better not dilly-dally then, SPHP. We don’t want to miss out on New Year’s Eve Peak!

Heading NW to Peak 5800’s true summit, Lupe paused briefly on the SE high point before continuing on. New Year’s Eve Peak was already in sight 2 miles NW. Although the sky was completely overcast, it didn’t look as stormy over there.

Loop on **Peak 5800’s SE high point** with the **true summit** (R) beyond her. Forested **New Year’s Eve** **Peak** (L of Center) in the distance. Photo looks NW.

Strewn with rocks and scattered pines, Peak 5800’s broad summit ridge was a pleasant, easy trek. Soon the Carolina Dog was standing atop the 10 foot high rock formation at the true summit.

At **Peak 5800’s true summit**. Photo looks NW.

1:42 PM, 35ºF, Peak 5800 – The view of New Year’s Eve Peak (6,046 ft.) was even better here. Lupe could see the Seth Bullock lookout tower on Scruton Mountain (5,922 ft.), too.

**New Year’s Eve Peak** (Center) from Peak 5800. **Scruton Mountain** (R). Photo looks NW.

Conditions don’t seem to be getting any worse, Loop. Think we can stay here a little while. How about a chocolate coconut bar?

Oh, SPHP! You know I’m never in such a rush that I’d be unwilling to hang around for a chocolate coconut bar!

Shortly after the chocolate coconut bar vanished, a snow shower swept over the mountain, reviving at least some sense of urgency about getting to New Year’s Eve Peak. After a brief stay on Peak 5800’s summit, Lupe was on her way again.

Peak 5800’s W face was by far the most rugged terrain the Carolina Dog would encounter today. Past experience had shown that by going SW, getting off the mountain wasn’t actually hard at all.

Toughest terrain of the day. Great fun! Photo looks NNW.

Down safe and sound, looking SE back at **Peak 5800**.

Skies were clearing to the N. Patches of blue appeared! Continuing NW, beautiful, rolling territory was ahead. This region of rock outcroppings, scattered pines, and big views was one of the features that always made Lupe’s New Year’s Eve Peak tradition such an attractive proposition.

Without much snow to deal with this year, even SPHP made great progress as the American Dingo sniffed and explored her way toward Peak 5917, which now hid most of New Year’s Eve Peak.

**New Year’s Eve Peak** (R) behind **Peak 5917** (far R). **Pistol Point** (Center) beyond Lupe. Photo looks WNW.

Among the rolling hills and grasslands. **Peak 5917** (R). Photo looks WNW.

**Black Elk Peak** (L), **Five Points** (Center), **False North Point** (R). Photo looks SW.

An unexpected transformation had taken place by the time Lupe was closing in on Peak 5917. With only an hour or two of daylight left in 2022, suddenly the Carolina Dog was in sunshine. To the N, skies were almost completely blue, although plenty of clouds remained elsewhere.

Approaching **Peak 5917**. Photo looks NW.

Keep your claws crossed, Looper! Maybe we’ll get to see a glorious sunset from New Year’s Eve Peak?

Oh, I hope so, SPHP! That would be a fabulous finish for 2022!

An hour earlier, and Lupe would have had time to climb Peak 5917, too, but the position of the sun indicated that she’d better not delay in getting to New Year’s Eve Peak. Traversing the S slope, Loop went over a ridge then down to the saddle leading to Pistol Point.

Turning first W, then SW, 2 steep climbs on a snowy old road next to a fence got Lupe up to the Pistol Point region. Abandoning the road, she headed S looking for the pistol handle, which was super easy to find.

At **Pistol Point**. The big rock R of Lupe is the pistol handle. Photo looks ENE.

Pistol Point is the high point at the end of New Year’s Eve Peak’s S ridge where it curls to the E. With Peak 5917 only 0.5 mile NE, and a great look at Peak 5800 to the ESE, Lupe always stopped here to enjoy the sweeping views.

**Peak 5917** (L), **Peak 5800** (R) from **Pistol Point**. Photo looks E.

Pistol Point offered grand views to the S as well, but the scene to the SW was the important one at the moment. Quite a few clouds that way, but reasonable hope still remained for a marvelous winter sunset. With the sun already low, Lupe had to press on.

Near sunset at **Pistol Point**. Photo looks WSW.

Hard to believe a whole year had already slipped away since Lupe’s last journey along New Year’s Eve Peak’s familiar S ridge, but it was true. 2022 had been a spectacular year! Now it was about to fade into history forever. A brooding sadness came flooding over SPHP as the American Dingo finished her ascent.

4:02 PM, 29ºF, New Year’s Eve Peak (6,046 ft.) – The sun was still up, but not for much longer when Loopster leapt onto the 4 foot high rock formation that was the mountain’s true summit. A cairn was still on it, and a second cairn sat on some lower rocks a little farther S. The small pines surrounding the true summit were growing up, getting taller every year. Soon enough, there wouldn’t be a view.

At **New Year’s Eve Peak’s true summit**. Photo looks SSW.

The first time Lupe had ever come here, the trees had been tall and old. Hardly any views at all back then except from along the S edge. There hadn’t been any cairns, either. And then, a year or two later, Loop had arrived to find that loggers had come through, taking out quite a few of the old trees, which opened up at least some views to the S and SE.

That first time Lupe stood on these rocks had been the last day of 2012, exactly 10 years ago. Not only 2022 was dying, a whole decade was about to be lost to the annals of time with it. 10 years gone!

Amid SPHP’s morose thoughts, ever so gently requesting recognition, dear Lupe offered her sweet paw. Brightening, SPHP shook it.

Great job, Looper! So glad we’re together again on New Year’s Eve Peak!

In time for sunset, too, SPHP! And another chocolate coconut bar, I hope!

Oh, yes, I brought another one, Loop. Let’s go sit down and enjoy it.

Suddenly, from somewhere off to the N, gunshots rang out. Panicked, Lupe sprang off the summit.

Hide, SPHP! Enemies!

The gunshots were loud and kept coming, seldom pausing for more than a minute or two.

Blam, blam, blam!

Took a lot of convincing, but Lupe curled up on SPHP’s lap on the upper W slope. Lupe and SPHP had always sat here together facing the snowy hills stretching away to the W, but this time Lupe was trembling as SPHP stroked her soft ears.

Nervous Lupe on the upper W slope. Photo looks N.

The familiar snowy hills. Photo looks WSW.

Sitting there facing WSW, it was kind of cold. The chocolate coconut bar was frozen stiff as SPHP divided it up. Loopster enjoyed her share, but not the rest of the experience. That dang gunfire wouldn’t stop. More than anything else, the Carolina Dog wanted to flee.

The chocolate coconut bar was gone. SPHP chomped 2 small apples while the sun sank into a bank of clouds. Instead of a splendid show, 2022 was destined to die dull and drab. Too bad, but nothing to be done about it. SPHP tried to think of all of Lupe’s wonderful adventures in 2022, but it was impossible to celebrate the now fleeting year, brood over days gone by, or even ponder what 2023 might bring.

Blam, blam, blam!

200 rounds. For the first time ever, New Year’s Eve Peak wasn’t fun.

4:32 PM – Still light in the sky, but after sinking into the murk, the sun hadn’t been seen for a while. Clearly no point in staying in this war zone without even any hope of a colorful display. Exactly half an hour after arriving, a paranoid American Dingo stood once more on New Year’s Eve Peak’s summit.

Back at the **true summit**. **Sheridan Lake** (L), **Black Elk Peak** (R). Photo looks SSE.

SPHP smiled, and gave Lupe an apparently unreassuring pat.

10 years, Loopster! At least we made it back here again.

Yes, wonderful, truly amazing, SPHP! Now hurry up, take the shot, and let’s get out of here before this turns out to be not only 2022’s grand finale, but ours as well!

Lupe leapt down the instant the photo was taken, but did pause briefly a short distance from the summit on the rocks with the best views along the S edge. Beyond her, Black Elk Peak (7,231 ft.) was a dark blue, Five Points (6,221 ft.) a deep green and gray. Far to the SSW, a pale orange strip of sky was visible above the distant hills.

Soon the light would fade. 2022 would sneak away in the night never to return. For a moment, Lupe stood there looking wistful.

The Carolina Dog said nothing, though, before continuing down the slope leading to the S ridge. By the time she got to Pistol Point, dusk was on the verge of turning into night. Silence reigned among the shadows. A little later on, going over Peak 5917’s S ridge, the flashlight came out. Stars twinkled above, and a half moon brightened what snow remained.

In darkness, snow crunched beneath SPHP’s boots as Lupe trotted down USFS Road No. 710. 2022’s final quiet, happy time together. Tomorrow dawn would arrive with whatever adventures New Year 2023 would bring. (End 5:54 PM, 30ºF)

**New Year’s Eve Peak**, Black Hills of South Dakota 12-31-22

Links:

Next Black Hills Expedition Prior Black Hills Expedition

Lupe’s GPS Track 12-31-22

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 288 – New Year’s Eve Peak (1-3-22)

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 322 – Peak 6070 & New Year’s Eve Peak (1-1-24)

Want more Lupe adventures? Check out Lupe’s Black Hills, SD & WY Expeditions Adventure Index, Master Adventure Index, or subscribe free to new Lupe adventures!

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 309 – Thrall Mountain (12-11-14)

11:02 AM, 53ºF, Rapid Creek trailhead of Centennial Trail No. 89 –

Hurry up, SPHP! It’s a gorgeous day!

That’s why we’re here, Looper. Last nice day before your birthday.

My birthday is coming? When?

In only 3 more days, Loop. Supposed to be a snowstorm, though, so we won’t be doing anything in the Black Hills then. Today will have to suffice as your birthday adventure served up a bit early, I’m afraid.

Better late than never, SPHP! And better early than late!

Ready to set out on a pre-birthday adventure! **Peak 5040** (R of Center). Photo looks SE.

As soon as SPHP was ready, Lupe set out on Centennial Trail No. 89, which began flat as a pancake running SE parallel to Rapid Creek, but a little way from it. At first, tall dry grass and bushes hid the stream, but 5 minutes was all it took to reach a bridge.

Following **Centennial Trail No. 89** through the tall grass. Photo looks SE.

After crossing the spiffy bridge over Rapid Creek, even more bushes lined the trail, which still bore a skiff of snow along in here.

Beyond the bridge. **Peak 5040** (R). Photo looks ESE.

5 minutes from the first bridge, a second one appeared. After crossing it, too, the Tamarack trailhead was only a short distance farther. From the trailhead, Centennial Trail No. 89 ran E along a barbed wire fence for a little way. After passing an old cabin to the S, the trail went through the fence, then turned SE again. A steady climb through pine forest ensued.

Crossing the second bridge over Rapid Creek. Photo looks SE.

Going through the fence **E of the Tamarack trailhead**. Photo looks S.

After gaining 120 feet of elevation, Centennial Trail No. 89 leveled out at a small clearing where there was a junction with USFS Road No. 165.1A.

At the junction with USFS Road No. 165.1A. Photo looks E.

Taking the road ENE (L), it almost immediately curved S, and began a steady descent. Another road junction was soon in sight. Toward the R, Centennial Trail No. 89 continued S, following USFS Road No. 165.1D up Tamarack Gulch.

Approaching the next junction. USFS Road No. 165.1D and Centennial Trail No. 89 go R. No. 165.1A veers off to the L. Photo looks S.

Don’t go that way, Loop! Go L instead.

We’re leaving Centennial Trail No. 89, SPHP? Where are we off to then?

Thought it might be fun to climb Thrall Mountain (5,091 ft.), Loop. Kind of a favorite spot, and we haven’t been there in a long, long time.

Oh, that sounds good, SPHP!

That’s what I like about you, Looper! You’re never picky as long as we’re going somewhere.

Sticking with USFS Road No. 165.1A, Lupe turned L at the junction, soon passing the remains of an ancient cabin on the L. Beyond it, the road curved SE and began climbing steadily up a fairly narrow valley.

After nearly 0.5 mile, No. 165.1A finally topped out at a lumpy spot. This was Pass 4780. A junction with USFS Road No. 722.1B was just beyond this high point.

Which way now, SPHP? L or R?

Thrall Mountain is R, Looper, but we’ve got plenty of time. Peak 5040 is only 0.25 mile N, and we’ve never been there before. Might have a decent view of Thrall from up there, or even catch a glimpse of Pactola Reservoir. Want to climb Peak 5040?

Fine with me, SPHP! Exploring is fun! L then?

Yup!

No 722.1B wound around a bunch on the way up Peak 5040. No distant views present until the American Dingo reached a break in the forest where a power line running E/W crossed the upper S slope. The top of Thrall Mountain was visible from here, but Lupe wasn’t high enough to see much more than that.

**Thrall Mountain** (L of Center) from **Peak 5040‘s upper S slope**. Photo looks E.

No. 722.1B continued N beyond the power line. Although almost certain the forest was going to block any better views, SPHP figured Lupe might as well finish her Peak 5040 ascent. Didn’t take long to reach the road’s high point. Leaving the road, a short climb WSW got Loopster to the summit.

As expected, no views. After standing on the highest rock formations, it was time for a break.

Pleasant enough, but Peak 5040 isn’t honestly all that scintillating, SPHP.

They can’t all be magnificent, Looper. Nice, quiet spot, though. How about we share a chocolate coconut bar? Would that be scintillating enough?

A vast improvement, I’m sure. Bring it on, SPHP!

After supplementing the chocolate coconut bar with a little Taste of the Wild and water, the Carolina Dog was ready to move on. Rather than immediately returning to the road the way she came up, Lupe sniffed SW through the forest for a little way.

Turning S, Loop soon came to the power line again. A bit farther W now than she had been earlier, there actually was a view of Pactola Reservoir from here, as well as another glimpse of Thrall Mountain.

**Pactola Reservoir** (Center). Photo looks W.

**Thrall Mountain** (R of Center) again. Photo looks E.

Continuing to explore S, Lupe eventually rejoined USFS Road No. 722.1B. Following it back to Pass 4780, this time she continued ESE down a long valley. Crusty old snow lingering on the shaded road crunched loudly beneath SPHP’s boots.

USFS Road No. 722.1B **ESE of Pass 4780**. Photo looks E.

0.5 mile from Pass 4780, the valley opened up. The road bottomed out amid a sunlit meadow bordered by stands of leafless aspens.

This is a pretty spot, SPHP! Very secluded.

Yes, it is, Loopster. Seems familiar, too. Almost certain I remember being here with you late on a snowy winter afternoon. We were on our way back from Thrall Mountain. Such a long time ago, almost like a dream!

Crossing the low spot, USFS Road No. 722.1B started uphill again, first curving N then switchbacking sharply S before resuming a SE course. After a steeper, steady climb, the road turned NE and promptly leveled out. A side road took off to the N, and another power line running N/S was visible a little farther E. SPHP checked the map.

Alrighty, Loop! This must be Pass 4730. We need to take No. 722.1C now. That’s the road going N.

At **Pass 4730**. USFS Road No. 722.1C goes L (N) from here. No. 722.1B continues R (SE). Photo looks NE.

Abandoning USFS Road No. 722.1B, Lupe followed No. 722.1C 0.2 mile N to Pass 4850. The power line she’d seen at Pass 4730 crossed this pass just a little E of the road. Going over to it, Lupe enjoyed a better view of Thrall Mountain (5,091 ft.) than the one she’d had from Peak 5040.

**Thrall Mountain** (R of Center) from **Pass 4850**. Photo looks NE.

Returning to No. 722.1C, Lupe continued N into the next valley, passing under the power line coming E from Peak 5040 on the way. Quickly looping S back to it again, the road turned E following the power line right-of-way, which now provided a direct route to the base of Thrall Mountain’s S slope.

After passing a faint remnant of USFS Road No. 722.1D, which curved off to the NW, Lupe began angling NE, starting her ascent.

**Thrall Mountain** (Center) from the power line right-of-way. Photo looks ENE.

Following USFS Road No. 722.1C. Photo looks E.

Starting up **Thrall Mountain’s lower S slope**. Photo looks ENE.

Thrall Mountain’s S slope was nearly all forested. A fairly gentle grade soon became quite steep as Lupe climbed among scattered rocks and deadfall. Higher up, there was less deadfall, but more rock. Loop came to a boulder field, but by then she was already getting close to the top.

2:08 PM, 52ºF, Thrall Mountain (5,091 ft.) – Lupe reached the summit region on a ridge a little bit E of the true summit. SPHP was gazing NNE toward Turkey Ridge and Prehistoric Ridge, when the American Dingo made a quiet announcement.

SPHP!

Hmm? What is it, Loop?

We’re not alone!

What? Not alone? Unheard of! That was the last thing SPHP expected. At least, not on a Black Hills peak without a road or maintained trail to the top. Thrall Mountain had neither, yet glancing W toward the true summit, SPHP saw that Lupe was right. Someone was sitting there next to a huge cairn!

So Loopster met Donovan. Turned out that meeting him wasn’t quite as enormous a coincidence as SPHP first thought. Donovan had lived in the nearby Johnson Siding region since 1995. He’d lost track of exactly how many times he’d climbed Thrall Mountain, but was pretty certain this was somewhere around his 1,100th ascent!

Lupe with **Donovan, King of Thrall Mountain**!

Donovan was friendly and most gracious. SPHP enjoyed a nice 10 or 15 minute chat with him. Having been up here so many times, Donovan said he usually didn’t stay long. He’d been about ready to start back down when Lupe showed up. Before departing, Donovan mentioned a registry hidden within the cairn, then he was on his way.

**Thrall Mountain’s summit region**. Cairn (R). Photo looks W.

On the cairn, with one end of the white registry tube visible inside. Photo looks E.

Did you hear that, SPHP? Donovan has been up here 1,100 times!

Yes, I did. Simply amazing! Another 1,097 ascents of Thrall Mountain, and you’ll have caught up with him, Loop. Provided, of course, that he never comes back, which seems like a decidedly poor bet.

Oh, I’m not doing that, SPHP! Nothing against Thrall Mountain, it’s lovely, but I’m not climbing any mountain 1,100 times. I don’t mind coming back to favorite places now and then, but I’d usually rather explore new ones.

Good! I feel the same way. Unless I really ace a creative writing course, I suspect 1,097 repeats wouldn’t make for a very spell-binding blog, anyway, so that’s probably for the best, Loopster.

Unsurprisingly, the registry tube contained a big notebook chock full of entries, no doubt nearly all by Donovan. Nevertheless, after reading a few, SPHP entered Lupe’s name, temporarily breaking the pattern.

You know what, SPHP? I bet Donovan built this huge cairn all by himself! All he would have had to do would have been to put a rock in his pocket every time he comes up here, and add it to the collection.

I bet you’re right, Loop! Most of these cairn rocks don’t look like anything naturally up here already. Who else would have built it? Building it this big would have been quite a project for anyone who hadn’t been here 1,100 times, which includes everyone in the whole world other than Donovan.

Yes, it’s an impressive cairn, but I still like your method better, SPHP.

Huh? What are you talking about, Loop? I almost never build cairns, and rarely tote any rocks. Seems like work. Unnecessary work, at that!

I’m not talking about rocks, SPHP, or even cairns. I’m talking about what you actually do bring up mountains. In fact, I’m really hoping you’ve brought another one up this mountain!

Oh, I get it, sly Dingo! Hint, hint, aye?

Evidently, time for another break, or at least, another chocolate coconut bar! Pines blocked the views in almost every direction, but exploring a little way down the S slope, there was a decent place to sit with a nice view of Black Elk Peak (7,231 ft.) on the horizon.

**Black Elk Peak** (Center). Photo looks SSW.

The chocolate coconut bar vanished. Lupe lingered, enjoying the view. Mid-afternoon, but the December sun was already low. SPHP wanted to check out another favorite Thrall Mountain viewpoint, a ridge of big rocks over-looking a steep, extensive boulder field on the upper NNW slope. After returning to the summit cairn, Lupe headed that way.

On the ridge of big rocks. Photo looks NNW.

The views were much more open here, a sweeping panorama to the N and W. Hat Mountain (4,883 ft.) wasn’t very high or big, but it’s circular shape made it easy to pick out. A bit farther E, Norris Peak (4,982 ft.) stood out a lot more.

Overlooking the steep boulder field. Photo looks NNW.

Rounded little **Hat Mountain** perceptible R of Center. **Norris Peak** by Lupe’s ears. Photo looks N.

Custer Peak (6,804 ft.) was discernable on the far NW horizon. Much closer, many other peaks were visible among the rumpled forested hills to the W and NW, but with the exception of Perrin Mountain (5,212 ft.), few were as readily identifiable. Still, it was a pretty scene, and Lupe was having fun scrambling around on the big rocks.

**Perrin Mountain** (R) with **Custer Peak** (far R) faintly on the horizon. Photo looks WNW.

Having a good time! **Perrin Mountain** (R of Center). Photo looks WNW.

3:28 PM, Thrall Mountain – How times flies! Hat Mountain, Norris Peak, Perrin Mountain, Lupe had been to all of them, but years ago now. Good to see them again, if only from a distance. Now Lupe sat in the slanting rays of what passed for late afternoon sun in December, the magnificent cairn built by Donovan behind her.

By the mighty cairn Donovan built on **Thrall Mountain** over 27 years. Photo looks N.

You’re beautiful Lupe, and I love you! Guess this is about it for your last adventure while you’re still 11. Did you enjoy coming to Thrall Mountain?

Oh, yes! Of course, I did, SPHP! We even met the King of Thrall Mountain. That doesn’t happen every day.

Lupe hadn’t made it very far down the S slope when SPHP noticed both New Year’s Eve Peak (6,046 ft.) and Scruton Mountain (5,922 ft.) in a gap in the trees.

**New Year’s Eve Peak** (L) and **Scruton Mountain** (R) in the gap. Photo looks SW.

Your birthday, Christmas, then weather permitting, New Year’s Eve Peak, Loop! Won’t be long before we’re way over there! 2023 will be upon us!

Don’t rush it, SPHP! Every day is precious. Let’s enjoy them all while 2022 is still here!

With the exception of skipping Peak 5040, the American Dingo’s return route was the same. Following these seldom visited old USFS roads as light faded, it was up and down the long quiet valleys, and over all the minor passes. Evening gloam grew. The brightest stars twinkled. It was all wonderful, every moment alone together, as always. (4:59 PM, 38ºF)