November 2015 – Page 2 – The (Mostly) True Adventures of Lupe

Thunder Butte, Douglas County High Point, Colorado (11-6-15)

Heading S on Hwy 67, SPHP saw a sign that said Teller County. Lupe was too far S! SPHP must have missed the turn for Westcreek. SPHP turned the G6 around, and headed back N looking for it. Between mile markers 91 and 92, SPHP found two turns to Westbrook. Both had green street signs, but there was no other evidence of a community along the highway.

Abbey Road was the first turn, and led a short distance down a hill to Westcreek Road (County Road No. 73), which left Hwy 67 about 0.5 mile farther N. A left turn on Westcreek Road took Lupe past a few buildings, which comprised what there was of the tiny community of Westcreek. Less than a mile after getting on Westcreek Road, there was a junction with County Road No. 68 near a little lake and the Mountain Communities Volunteer Fire Department.

County Road No. 68 was what SPHP had been looking for. Lupe was on her way to climb Thunder Butte (9,836 ft.) , the high point of Douglas County, Colorado. In a couple of miles, No. 68 would lead Lupe past Sheep Nose (8,894 ft.) to 9-J Road. About 1.5 miles in on 9-J Road, there was supposed to be a place to park at a sharp bend where the road turns NW. From there, Thunder Butte would be just a couple of miles to the NNE.

Lupe nears Sheep Nose just off Douglas County Road No. 68. Photo looks W.

Sheep Nose in Douglas County, Colorado. Photo looks W.

At 10:24 AM, SPHP parked the G6 at the bend in 9-J Road. There wasn’t any trailhead or real parking lot, but there were at least a couple of places to pull off the road. It was only 33°F, with a light NW breeze. There were a few small snowflakes in the air. Lupe would get lightly snowed on a few times during the day, but the snow squalls stayed mostly off to the N.

Thunder Butte was in clear view to the NNE. Lupe was going to have a great time climbing it! There was no trail up Thunder Butte, but it looked like a pretty easy trek.

Thunder Butte from near the G6. Photo looks NNE.

Lupe starts her trek to Thunder Butte. Sheep Nose is behind her to the SE. — Lupe starts her trek to Thunder Butte. Sheep Nose is behind her to the SSE.

The first part of Lupe’s journey to Thunder Butte was very easy. She just had to follow a nearly level ridge heading NE. When she got to the edge of Shrewsbury Gulch, she turned N staying on the ridge. It was easiest to just stay to the W of Shrewsbury Gulch until Lupe could get around the N end of it without losing elevation.

Lupe reaches the W edge of Shrewsbury Gulch. From here she headed N staying on the ridge. Thunder Butte, her peakbagging goal for the day is visible ahead the whole way. Photo looks NNE.

Partway N along the W edge of Shrewsbury Gulch, Lupe came to Pedestal Point – a rock carved by nature over millions of years for the sole purpose of serving as a pedestal for the display of an adventurous Carolina Dog with Thunder Butte in the background. Since Lupe was the only Carolina Dog available this day, she hopped right up on Pedestal Point rock.

Lupe poses on Pedestal Point rock. SPHP nicknamed the large rock outcropping seen above Lupe on Thunder Butte the "Snout". This photo shows the long low forested ridge at the N end of Shrewsbury Gulch that led Lupe up to the area below the Snout. — Lupe poses on Pedestal Point rock. SPHP nicknamed the large gumdrop-shaped rock outcropping seen above Lupe on Thunder Butte the “Snout”. This photo shows the long, low forested ridge at the N end of Shrewsbury Gulch that led Lupe up to the area below the Snout.

Getting close to the forested ridge at the N end of Shrewsbury Gulch. Lupe did not climb up to the lowest point of the saddle between the two halves of Thunder Butte. Instead, she climbed up below the Snout to the high point seen just to its right.

The ground along the W edge of Shrewsbury Gulch undulated up and down a little bit, but with little net elevation change. Towards the N end of Shrewsbury Gulch, Lupe started turning slowly E towards Thunder Butte. In some places she found a faint trail, but it quickly disappeared again each time. Lupe worked her way through the forest over to the N side of the ridge. The forest was full of interesting rock formations along the way.

Lupe among the boulders on the forested ridge.

Over on the N side of the low forested ridge, there was a little meadow with views to the NW. Here Lupe turned to the E and headed directly up toward the Snout. On the way, she emerged from the living forest and climbed up through young aspens growing in a previously burned area.

This seemed to be the easiest way up. There was some deadfall timber, but it wasn’t too bad. There were quite a few dead trees still standing, however. At some point in the future when more of them fall over, the easiest route up will likely be through the living forest.

Lupe starts the climb up to the E towards the Snout. Here she is a few hundred feet N of the living forest (not pictured) on the low ridge. Photo looks E.

Approaching the Snout (R)from the W. The summit of Thunder Butte is seen on the L. — Approaching the Snout (R) from the W. The summit of Thunder Butte is seen on the L.

A look over to the lower S peak of Thunder Butte as Lupe climbed up toward the Snout. Photo looks S.

When Lupe got pretty close to the base of the Snout, she stayed to the S of it. She was now above the living forest in an area that had been pretty thoroughly burned back in 2003. Although that meant the immediate surroundings weren’t too pretty, it also meant there were some terrific views off in the distance.

The terrain near the Snout was fairly steep, but not dangerously so. Lupe sniffed around, while SPHP trudged slowly up the mountain. Lupe and SPHP arrived at a rocky outcropping to the SSE of the Snout. From here, Lupe could get a clear view of the saddle area between the two summits of Thunder Butte. The lower summit was to the S. The true summit was to the N.

Lupe reaches the rocks at the high point SSE of the Snout. This photo looks S toward the lower half of Thunder Butte.

Looking W now. The low forested ridge is now way down there on the L. Lupe is almost as high as the Snout, seen on the R. — Looking W. The low forested ridge is now way down there on the L. Lupe is almost as high as the Snout, seen on the R.

Looking S toward the lowest part of the saddle over to the lower S summit of Thunder Butte.

Looking W from the rocks at the high point SSE of the Snout.

The beautiful remaining climb to the N up to the true summit of Thunder Butte.

Lupe and SPHP did a bit of exploring around the rocky high point SSE of the Snout. SPHP wanted to see if there was an easy way up here from the lowest part of the saddle between the two halves of Thunder Butte. It turned out there was a break in the rocks with a wide grassy pass between them. The pass led down to the saddle. It looked kind of steep, but was certainly a feasible route up or down.

In this pass, Lupe and SPHP also discovered the Most Interesting Rock of Thunder Butte. The Most Interesting Rock stuck out over part of the pass from the W. SPHP liked the unusual shape of the rock and its overhanging positioning. Lupe agreed to strike a dramatic American Dingo pose on the Most Interesting Rock.

An American Dingo poses dramatically upon the Most Interesting Rock on Thunder Butte.

Lupe on the Most Interesting Rock. Photo looks SE.

From the Most Interesting Rock, Lupe and SPHP started the climb to the N up to the true summit of Thunder Butte. Shortly before getting there, Lupe reached a ridge that led the last little way to the NW up to top. Soon Lupe was sitting on the highest rocks on Thunder Butte next to a registry. SPHP entered Lupe’s name on the registry for her, and signed in as well.

After registering, it was time for a break. Lupe chowed down on some Taste of the Wild, while SPHP consumed an apple. Then there was plenty of time for admiring views, and taking some pictures. There were great views to the SE, S, W, and NW. A small area of living forest mostly hid the views to the N, NE and E.

Lupe gains the ridge that leads the last little bit of the way up to the NW to the true summit of Thunder Butte.

Lupe reaches the register on Thunder Butte, successfully completing her 2nd peakbagging goal of her November, 2015 vacation to Colorado. — Lupe reaches the registry on Thunder Butte, successfully completing her 2nd peakbagging goal of her November, 2015 vacation to Colorado. Photo looks S.

Lupe gets speckled with a bit of snow as she enjoys some Taste of the Wild on Thunder Butte.

Looking S from the top of Thunder Butte. The lower S summit is seen in the foreground. SPHP believes the high mountain in the clouds in the distance is Pikes Peak. — Looking S from the top of Thunder Butte. The lower S summit is seen in the foreground. SPHP believes the high mountain in the clouds in the distance is **Pikes Peak (14,110 ft.)**.

Looking NW. Portions of Cheesman Lake are visible.

Looking S toward Pikes Peak. Sheep Nose is visible on the R.

Lupe and SPHP had a fun time up on the summit of Thunder Butte. The views were magnificent, and the solitude complete. Sadly, eventually, it was time to go. On the way down, SPHP tried to get some pictures of the views to the NE which weren’t available from the summit.

Looking NE from Thunder Butte. SPHP believes Turtle Mountain is shown here. — Looking NE from Thunder Butte. SPHP believes **Turtle Mountain (8,882 ft.)** is shown here.

Going SE down the ridge from the summit.

Looking S at the lower S peak of Thunder Butte. Sheep Nose is on the R. At lower R is the top of the Snout. Pikes Peak in the distance.

Lupe and SPHP retraced their route up back down Thunder Butte. Once down to the low forested ridge, Lupe did some sniffing around in the forest among the interesting rock formations. The sun was starting to get low in the W. However, there was still plenty of time to get back to the G6. Lupe and SPHP had some fun among the rocks.

Lupe went SW from this rock formation along the low, forested ridge N of Shrewsbury Gulch. Photo looks SW.

Looking NE at the turning point rock. — Looking back NE at the rock after Lupe passed it.

Looking S at Sheep Nose from the low, forested ridge W of Thunder Butte.

Lupe's route back to the G6 went along the W side of Shrewsbury Gulch almost directly toward Sheep Nose. — Lupe’s route back to the G6 went along the W side of Shrewsbury Gulch almost directly toward Sheep Nose.

The S sub-peak of Thunder Butte. Photo looks E.

Lupe found her way to the G6, but SPHP called her away again. It was so nice out, SPHP wanted to go a little closer to Sheep Nose for a better look. Earlier in the day, SPHP had ruled out trying to climb Sheep Nose, which looked like it might require some technical climbing skills and equipment. Sheep Nose was still an interesting looking peak. Maybe it looked less troublesome from closer up.

Lupe near Sheep Nose. Not a huge peak, but still fairly rugged and quite interesting looking. Photo looks SSE. Interested in living near Sheep Nose? Go back to the first photo of Sheep Nose near the start of this post. The roof of a mobile home can be seen. The home was for sale by owner when Lupe went by it this day.

Looking toward Pikes Peak from the W side of Sheep Nose.

Lupe and SPHP returned to the G6 at 4:00 PM exactly. It was 35°F, and a beautiful calm late afternoon. Lupe’s trek to Thunder Butte had been a fun day, and a great success!

There had been easy parts on nearly level ground near Shrewsbury Gulch, and harder parts climbing steeply up the mountain. Lupe had seen and/or explored cool rock formations like Pedestal Point rock, the Snout, the Most Interesting Rock, and the boulders along the low forested ridge. There had been great views from the top of the mountain, and at many points on the way up.

Lupe did have one complaint, though. She never found a single squirrel in the forest the whole day long.

Thunder Butte, CO, the Douglas County high point from N of Sheep Nose. — Thunder Butte, the Douglas County, Colorado high point from N of Sheep Nose.

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Black Hills, WY Expedition No. 145 – Sundance Mountain, Warren Peak, Sheep Nose Mountain & Devils Tower (11-15-15)

SPHP had been thinking about taking Lupe on an expedition to the Bear Lodge Mountains in Wyoming for a couple of months. Checking the weather forecast early on 11-15-15, SPHP saw that it was going to be an extraordinarily warm day for mid-November in the Black Hills. It was probably now or never, if Lupe was going to go to the Bear Lodge Mountains in 2015.

Lupe was soon on her way, barking enthusiastically at cows and horses along I-90 who were too far away to even notice her passing by. Shortly after reaching Wyoming, Lupe and SPHP made a quick stop at a very nice information center just N of I-90. Lupe got out of the G6 for a few pictures to commemorate the occasion.

Although it hadn’t been windy at all back home, it was plenty windy here in Wyoming. A pretty stiff breeze was blowing out of the W across the high prairie. Lupe took shelter behind the Wyoming welcome sign.

Gotta love that buffalo on the Wyoming state flag!

The Bear Lodge Mountains are already in view off to the W.

The Bear Lodge Mountains are a small mountain range in NE Wyoming separated from the main body of the Black Hills of South Dakota by no more than 15-20 miles of grasslands. The Bear Lodge Mountains are part of the Black Hills National Forest. Lupe was going to get to climb a couple of mountains in the range, and visit a couple more as part of Expedition No. 145.

Lupe’s first goal was to climb Sundance Mountain (5,824 ft.) located just S of I-90 and the town of Sundance, WY. It was 10:04 AM, 54°F and windy out of the W, as Lupe set off to climb Sundance Mountain from the SE. She soon reached a 4WD jeep trail that took her all the way up to the top of the mountain. There were plenty of towers and various small buildings up at the summit.

Sundance Mountain as seen from the ENE near I-90.

Lupe sets out from SE of Sundance Mountain.

Partway up Sundance Mountain along the jeep trail is this view of Inyan Kara Mountain on the S horizon.

The biggest, most impressive tower at the top of Sundance Mountain.

Looking N at I-90 and the town of Sundance, WY from Sundance Mountain.

Looking NE at Green Mountain. Crow Peak W of Spearfish, SD is seen on the horizon just R of center.

Although there were some pretty nice views of Sundance, WY and Green Mountain (5,283 ft.) from the summit, the view SPHP liked best was hidden by the forest. Somewhat below the summit, a short dead-end side road covered with weeds provided an expansive view to the S toward Inyan Kara Mountain (6,360 ft.).

Inyan Kara Mountain from Sundance Mountain. Photo looks S. — Inyan Kara Mountain (L) from Sundance Mountain. Photo looks S.

Lupe faced two dangers on Sundance Mountain. The first one was a patch of cactus growing on a grassy ridge just below where Lupe first reached the jeep trail. The second danger was a cliff on the N side of the mountain. The cliff was situated just below a tree Lupe ran down a very steep bank to, in order to bark at a squirrel. Fortunately, Lupe returned to the G6 unscathed by either cacti or cliffs.

Lupe on "Cactus Ridge" on the SE slopes of Sundance Mountain. Green Mountain is seen behind her to the NE. SPHP helped guide Lupe so she didn't step on any cacti. — Lupe on “Cactus Ridge” on the SE slopes of Sundance Mountain. Green Mountain is seen behind her to the NE. SPHP helped guide Lupe so she didn’t step on any cacti.

The most rugged parts of Sundance Mountain are to the N and W. This photo was taken from the W. — The most rugged parts of Sundance Mountain are to the N and W. The towers at the summit are seen to the L in this photo taken from the W.

After climbing Sundance Mountain, Lupe’s next stop was Warren Peak (6,650 ft.), the highest mountain in the Bear Lodge range at 6,656 feet. Lupe had been up on Warren Peak (6,650 ft.) once before on the first day of her 2014 Dingo Vacation to the Canadian Rockies and the Beartooths.

Getting to the top of Warren Peak 7 miles NNW of Sundance, WY is super easy. A short gravel road off USFS Road No. 838 (Warren Peak Road accessed off Hwy 14 a mile from I-90) winds its way up to a lookout tower at the top. It was 12:16 PM and 50°F with a gale blowing out of the W, when Lupe reached the top of Warren Peak. The views were great, but the wind was really annoying. Lupe stayed on Warren Peaks only long enough for a few quick photos.

Lupe not enjoying the wind too much on Warren Peak. Photo looks SE toward the Black Hills of South Dakota. Terry Peak is the highest point in the center on the far horizon. Crow Peak is the rounded mountain on the horizon on the L. — Lupe not enjoying the wind too much on Warren Peak. Photo looks SE toward the Black Hills of South Dakota. **Terry Peak** **(7,064 ft.)** is the highest point in the center on the far horizon. **Crow Peak** **(5,787 ft.)** is the rounded mountain on the horizon on the L.

Looking NW from Warren Peak. There is a series of high barren hills near Warren Peak. Collectively they are sometimes called Warren Peaks. This photo looks NW from the summit of Warren Peak at other hills in this group. Lupe went over there to investigate, but found the area was fenced off as US Government property with No Trespassing signs.

Lupe at the turn off USFS Road No. 838 (Warren Peak Road) to the lookout tower.

Just N of the turn to the US Government property, USFS Road No. 838, which had been paved, turned to gravel. Shortly after turning to gravel, there was a bend in the road where there was a glimpse of an intriguing view to the NW. There was a large pullout along the side of the road at this point, so Lupe and SPHP stopped to get a photo.

Devils Tower and Missouri Buttes from USFS Road No. 838 a short distance N of Warren Peak. — **Devils Tower** **(5,112 ft.)** and **Missouri Buttes** **(5,374 ft.)** from USFS Road No. 838 a short distance N of Warren Peak. Photo looks NW.

A look back to the S at Warren Peak from USFS Road No. 838.

After checking out the awesome, but distant view of Devils Tower and Missouri Buttes, Lupe and SPHP continued onward. Lupe’s next peakbagging goal was a peak neither she nor SPHP had ever been even close to before. It wasn’t even in the Peakbagger.com data base. Peakbagger.com’s topo maps showed it simply as Sheep Mountain. SPHP’s old USFS maps showed it as Sheep Nose Mountain (5,829 ft.). It lies about 4 miles ENE of Warren Peak on the E edge of the Bear Lodge Mountains.

Winding USFS roads led Lupe and SPHP to a trailhead that SPHP almost missed. Driving by, SPHP just caught a glimpse of a small sign saying “Sheepnose Trail”. There was a roomy parking area, and a map posted at this remote trailhead. The map showed two Sheepnose Trails. One was trail “M” (2.3 miles long), which led to the mountain. The other was trail “L”, which was longer (5.8 miles), branched off from trail “M”, and did not actually quite reach the mountain.

There was no obvious “trail”, just an old unmarked USFS road that headed E from near the posted map at the trailhead. Lupe and SPHP set out on this road, which appeared to be seldom used. A mile from the trailhead, it turned SE where Lupe found it was still marked as USFS Road No. 831.1C. There was an odd-shaped metal gate blocking the way to motorized vehicles. Markers from here onward showed that this was indeed Sheepnose Trail “M”.

Lupe's first look at Sheep Nose Mountain from the NW. This view was 50 feet S of old USFS Road No. 831.1C before it reached the metal gate barring motorized traffic. — Lupe’s first look at Sheep Nose Mountain from the NW. This view was 50 feet S of old USFS Road No. 831.1C well before it reached the metal gate barring motorized traffic.

The trailhead and Sheep Nose Mountain are at about the same elevation. Most of the way to Sheep Nose Mountain, the terrain was quite level. Old USFS Road No. 831.1C did dip down almost 250 feet, though, partway to the mountain. At a saddle there was a small clearing, and an intersection with the longer Sheepnose Trail “L”. Sheepnose Trail “L” was another old USFS Road, which branched off from Trail “M” heading W.

Lupe stayed on trail "M" heading for Sheep Nose Mountain. Sheepnose trail "L" headed R from here to parts still unknown to Lupe and SPHP. — The trail intersection. Lupe stayed on trail “M” heading for Sheep Nose Mountain. Sheepnose trail “L” headed R (W) from here to parts still unknown to Lupe and SPHP.

Of course, Lupe had to regain all of the elevation lost going down to the trail intersection. Sheep Nose Mountain trail “M” wound around on the N side of the mountain regaining elevation. It turned back to the W side of the mountain, and then headed S. There was a big canyon to the W, but it couldn’t be seen through the forest from the trail.

The rocky little ridge at the summit of Sheep Nose Mountain came into view up a sparsely treed slope to the E. Lupe and SPHP left the road to climb straight up to it. It later turned out that the road doesn’t go all the way to the summit (although it gets close). The road and Sheepnose Trail “M” end at cliffs SE of the summit.

Lupe just below the rocky ridge at the summit of Sheep Nose Mountain, WY.

The summit of Sheep Nose Mountain felt lonely and remote, just the way Lupe and SPHP like it. It looked like an area very few people (or American Dingoes) ever see. Warren Peak could be seen to the WSW. Other than forest, not much could be seen to the N, but there were wonderful views to the S and E.

Lupe posed for some pictures. Then Lupe and SPHP took an apple and Taste of the Wild break on top of the mountain. Fortunately, the strong W wind Lupe had experienced up on Warren Peak was greatly diminished by now. Only a gentle breeze remained.

Lupe on the highest rock on Sheep Nose Mountain. Photo looks N.

Lupe and SPHP took their break on Sheep Nose Mountain here. Lupe didn't like the location much. It was too rocky to get comfortable laying down. What a view to the S though! — Lupe and SPHP took a break on Sheep Nose Mountain here. Lupe thought it was a poor choice for a break location. It was too rocky for a Carolina Dog to get comfortable laying down. What a view to the S though!

After the break, Lupe and SPHP left the summit of Sheep Nose Mountain going SE down a gradual slope to where old USFS Road No. 831.1C (Sheepnose trail “M”) had headed. Shortly after reaching the road again, Lupe found it ended at scenic cliffs.

The gentle slope to the SE from the Sheep Nose Mountain summit.

Looking S from the cliffs. Green Mountain is the low forested hill surrounded by prairie in the distance on the L. Sundance Mountain, pokes above other ridges on the R. Far in the distance is the faint outline of Inyan Kara. — Looking S from the cliffs. Green Mountain is the low forested hill surrounded by prairie in the distance on the L. Sundance Mountain pokes above other ridges on the R. Far in the distance is the very faint outline of Inyan Kara.

Looking E along the S cliffs. Crow Peak is seen in the distance on the R.

After seeing the views from the S cliffs, SPHP was almost certain the following photo taken earlier in the day from just N of I-90 is a view of Sheep Nose Mountain from the S.

Looking N from near I-90 at Sheep Nose Mountain.

Lupe and SPHP both enjoyed the return trip along the same route from Sheep Nose Mountain back to the G6. There were squirrels and deer in the woods. There was silence and solitude. The whole trip to Sheep Nose Mountain and back took only 2 hours and 14 minutes. It was the best part of the day.

It was 3:18 PM and still 52°F when Lupe got back to the G6. There was still a little time left before sunset for more fun in the Bear Lodge Mountains. Lupe and SPHP took a drive through the mountains, exploring down toward Hulett, WY on USFS Road No. 849.

No. 849 followed Blacktail Creek out of the Bear Lodge Mountains. Once the road was out of the Black Hills National Forest, it passed through private ranch lands where the creek valley was wide and grassy. The slanting rays of the sun lit up the rocky edges of the low forested hills on the NE side of the valley. In the shadow of the hills to the SW, down in big fields near Blacktail Creek, deer were grazing.

Lupe could hardly believe her eyes. There wasn’t just a deer or two or three over there by the creek. There were herds of them. There were more deer than Lupe, or even SPHP, had ever seen before in one place. Every field had at least 50 deer grazing in it.

As SPHP drove along, Lupe must have barked at 1,000 deer or more. Some of the deer heard her, and dashed off across the fields into the trees. Others just continued grazing. By the time Lupe reached Hwy 24 S of Hulett, she was desperately thirsty and worn to a frazzle.

One of the deer Lupe and SPHP saw along the way had come to a bad end, though it wasn’t because of Lupe. A hunter was busy trying to pull a dead deer he had just shot up into the back of a pickup truck, as SPHP drove by. No doubt the hunter was happy and within his rights, but seeing the beautiful deer which had lost its life only minutes ago just felt terribly sad.

The last rays of the sun were about to fail by the time Lupe reached her last stop of the day. Devils Tower loomed in stony silence as the gloom of night approached. The big convenience store and KOA campground just E of the entrance to Devils Tower National Monument were both closed and deserted.

SPHP parked the G6 at the store. Lupe and SPHP wandered out onto the lawn for a quick photo of Lupe and Devils Tower. Before SPHP could take it, a loud shot rang out from somewhere not very far to the N. Lupe raced for safety back toward the G6. It took SPHP a few minutes to convince her she wasn’t going to wind up like the poor dead deer.

A few last faint rays of sunlight cling to Devils Tower, WY.

Lupe regains her courage long enough to pose for this photo of Devils Tower, WY.

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Flat Top Mountain, Colorado (8-21-15)

Lupe didn’t show up at the Stillwater TH until 1:49 PM on 8-21-15, Day 13 of her Summer of 2015 Dingo Vacation. Lupe and SPHP had both spent the morning recovering from Lupe’s big adventures the previous day going to the Devil’s Causeway, Peak 12,008, the Rio Blanco County High Point and Orno Peak. Now Lupe was setting out from the same TH, but in a new direction – she was going to climb Flat Top Mountain (12,354 ft.).

It had been breezy all day, even down in the valley. The breeze whipped up waves on the Stillwater Reservoir. To get to Flat Top Mountain, Lupe was going to follow Trail No. 1122. The trail went across the Stillwater Reservoir dam, dropped down a bit to cross a valley, and then climbed up a ridge to the S to a pass. From the pass, Lupe would leave the trail and climb the long, reasonably gentle SW slope leading to the summit of Flat Top Mountain.

The breeze whipped up waves on the Stillwater Reservoir. Lupe isn’t a big fan of wind.

Lupe on the Stillwater Reservoir dam. Her peakbagging destination is Flat Top Mountain, seen here to the SE.

SPHP stopped to register Lupe’s trip into the Flat Tops Wilderness Area at the registry station along Trail No. 1122. Although there were quite a few pages in the registry book, they all seemed to be completely filled in already.

SPHP flipped back to the first page to start looking for room to place an entry, and received a bit of a shock. For there, in big bold handwriting in the margin on page one, was a name SPHP recognized. Furthermore, the entry bore today’s date, 8-21-15, noted Flat Top Mountain as the destination, described the party as 1 person and 1 dog, and concluded with “Out!”

Beth Lakin had already climbed Flat Top Mountain earlier in the day with her black lab, Sprocket! Lupe and SPHP didn’t really know Beth and Sprocket at all, but SPHP recognized the name.It all started in early May, 2014, when SPHP happened across the website Peakbagger.com. Peakbagger.com is a site for people (and American Dingoes!) interested in mountains, and like recording data about their hikes and climbs. The site has a large database on mountains worldwide including locations, elevations, various maps, photos and trip reports submitted by users, etc. Registration for a Peakbagger.com account is free, so SPHP registered an account for Lupe. Click here to visit Lupe’s homepage on Peakbagger.com.

In general, anyone can view data submitted by registered account holders on Peakbagger.com – including what mountains they’ve climbed, trip reports they’ve submitted, etc. One day in September or October, 2014, SPHP happened to click on Beth Lakin’s account on Peakbagger.com. Her homepage had a link to her blog at 3UpAdventures.com. Beth blogs about her adventures in life with her black lab, Sprocket.

Beth is a prolific and talented blogger, likes climbing mountains with Sprocket (who is close to the same age as Lupe), and has an incredibly wide variety of interests and adventures. She is a member of Columbia Sportswear’s #Omniten program. During the #OmniGames in early 2014, Beth won a place on a Columbia Sportswear sponsored trip later that year to the nation of Jordan in the Middle East (click the Jordan link to see the video on that trip). She is also an ambassador for other company brands.

SPHP first became interested in blogging while reading 3UpAdventures. It’s fair to say that The (Mostly) True Adventures of Lupe at least partially owes its existence to Beth Lakin, Sprocket and 3UpAdventures.com. Check on what Beth & Sprocket are up to any time from The (Mostly) True Adventures of Lupe by using the drop down menu under the category “Favorite Blogs”.

So, by now, SPHP had been a regular reader of Beth’s 3UpAdventures blog for nearly a year. As Lupe climbed Trail No. 1122 up to the pass, SPHP thought how fun it would be for Lupe to meet Beth and Sprocket. It was Friday, so they were probably around for the weekend. SPHP knew one of Beth’s climbing priorities has been to climb as many county high points in Colorado as possible. SPHP guessed Beth and Sprocket might be heading for the Rio Blanco County High Point tomorrow, the same Rio Blanco County High Point that Lupe had been to just yesterday.

About the time Lupe was reaching the pass on Trail No. 1122, SPHP suddenly realized the weather was deteriorating. While SPHP had been thinking about Beth & Sprocket, a squall line had approached out of the W. For a few minutes, a combination of rain and little tiny snowballs fell out of the sky. Then the squall line headed E. The weather cleared, but another bigger squall line was visible off to the W. It was still far off, but headed this way.

Lupe at the pass. Photo looks N towards Stillwater Reservoir. — Lupe at the pass. Photo looks N towards the Stillwater Reservoir.

Lupe needed to make fast tracks up Flat Top Mountain! She left Trail No. 1122 and started heading NE up the long ridge to the summit. Along the way, she arrived at an intermediate high point called Flat Top Mountain West (11,685 ft.), a minor peakbagging goal. There was still a big climb left up to the main summit.

Looking W from intermediate high point Flat Top Mountain West. The next squall line is approaching!

Looking N from Flat Top Mountain West. Amazing how much smoke haze there still is even after the rain and snow show of the 1st squall line. — Looking N from Flat Top Mountain West. Amazing how much smoke haze there still is even after the little rain and snow shower of the 1st squall line.

Lupe still has a bit of a climb left. Photo looks NE.

As Lupe climbed the rest of the way up Flat Top Mountain, SPHP kept an eye on the still approaching 2nd squall line to the W. It spread out and became a long inescapable wall of rain heading straight for Lupe. However, there was no sign of any lightning or thunder. Lupe could keep going, but she and SPHP might just have to grin and bear it for a while at the top. It looked like the squall would hit right about the time Lupe got there.

The luck of the Dingo held. As the squall line, which had been strengthening, drew closer, it changed and started to dissipate. Lupe reached the top of Flat Top Mountain. The squall hit, but it was only a shadow of its former self just 10 minutes earlier. The wind blew pretty hard, but the rain was lighter than expected. For 10 minutes, the top of Flat Top Mountain wasn’t a great place to be. And then it was again.

Lupe at the big summit cairn on Flat Top Mountain. Yamcolo Reservoir is visible below off to the NE.

Looking SE toward the summit cairn. Flat Top Mountain at 12,354 feet is a new personal record for Lupe! Her previous highest mountain summit was Mount Zirkel at 12,180 feet, which she had climbed just 4 days before on 8-17-15. — Looking SE toward the summit cairn. Flat Top Mountain at 12,354 feet was a new personal record for Lupe! Her previous highest mountain summit was **Mount Zirkel (12,180 ft.)**, which she had climbed just 4 days before on 8-17-15.

Maybe they could have named it Flat & Rocky Top! — They could have named it Flat & Rocky Top!

A look back to the WNW at Stillwater Reservoir where Lupe started this trek.

Climbing 12,354 foot Flat Top Mountain set a new personal elevation record for Lupe! Flat Top Mountain broke the record of 12,180 feet she had achieved by climbing Mount Zirkel (12,180 ft.) just 4 days earlier on 8-17-15. Although Flat Top Mountain was higher, Mount Zirkel had been more of a challenge.

It was time to head back down the mountain. On the way, Lupe took time for more photos near Flat Top Mountain West and a few other points.

Lupe starts down. Photo looks SW. Trail No. 1122 is way down at the pass just before the first big ridge up. — Lupe starts down. Trail No. 1122 is way down at the pass at the base of the big ridge with snow on it. Stillwater Reservoir is seen at the extreme right. Photo looks SW.

Bear Lake (L) and Yamcolo (R) reservoirs. Photo looks NE.

Yes! Lupe was over there the day before! Peak 12,008 (L ridge), Rio Blanco County High Point (center), and Orno Peak (end of ridge on R). — Yes! Lupe was over there the day before! **Peak 12,008** (L ridge), the **Rio Blanco County High Point (12,027 ft.)** (center), and **Orno Peak (12,133 ft.)** (end of ridge on R).

Lupe pauses to sniff the air on her way down the mountain.

Lupe reached the G6 down at the Stillwater TH at 7:36 PM (52°F). Her adventure to Flat Top Mountain was over, but a new adventure was about to begin. Lupe and SPHP were going to look for Beth & Sprocket! SPHP knew Beth would likely be driving an easily recognizable vehicle – her red 1977 Jeep Cherokee FSJ. There couldn’t be too many of those hiding out around the campgrounds and trailheads between Stillwater Reservoir and Yampa!

So the search began, but it didn’t go well. There was no vehicle around that even slightly resembled a 1977 Jeep Cherokee FSJ. The FSJ was the only clue Lupe and SPHP had to go by. There was no telling where Beth & Sprocket might be, or if they were really still even in the area – it made sense, but was only a hunch.

The light faded fast. Night was coming on. Soon the stars would be out. Lupe and SPHP returned to where the G6 had been parked the prior two nights. And then, there it was. Parked in the exact same spot, was a red 1977 Jeep Cherokee FSJ!

Beth & Sprocket's 1977 Jeep Cherokee FSJ. — Beth & Sprocket’s 1977 Jeep Cherokee FSJ. This photo was taken the next morning.

SPHP wound up startling poor Beth out of a deep sleep. After introducing Lupe, SPHP piteously pled to be allowed to take a picture of Lupe with Beth & Sprocket. Despite any annoyance Beth may have felt, she very graciously consented. SPHP seldom takes pictures of Lupe in the mountains at night, and at first could not remember how to use the flash. In a few minutes, the problem was solved and the prized picture was taken.

At first, Sprocket seemed puzzled by the whole turn of events. Why are we getting up? Why is this Dingo here? What is going on? Beth allowed SPHP to give Sprocket a few Cheesy Barkin’ Beggin’ Strips. Although it was still all rather confusing, Sprocket clearly hoped events would continue along this trend. Beth permitted SPHP to stretch Sprocket’s quota by one more Cheesy Barkin’ Beggin’ Strip.

Beth and SPHP had an amiable chat. Beth and Sprocket were indeed planning to head up to the Rio Blanco County High Point in the morning. On August 8th, they had been to Mount Zirkel. Had Lupe been there? SPHP confirmed that Lupe had climbed Mount Zirkel, too, on the 17th. And so it went for a little while. Soon it was time to let Beth & Sprocket get back to sleep.

It had been a great day! Lupe climbed Flat Top Mountain setting a new personal elevation record. She saw beautiful places she had never been to before along the way. She met Beth Lakin, whose 3UpAdventures had at least in part inspired The (Mostly) True Adventures of Lupe. She sniffed with the tall, dark and handsome Sprocket. She had her souvenir photo with Beth & Sprocket, the Celebrity Adventuring & Blogging Duo of 3UpAdventures.com – both as awesome and friendly in real life as they are on the internet.

Lupe with Beth & Sprocket of 3UpAdventures in the Flat Top Mountains, Colorado 8-21-15

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