Green Mountain – Page 2 – The (Mostly) True Adventures of Lupe

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 161 – Mount Theodore Roosevelt, Polo Peak, Green Mountain & Elkhorn Peak (3-12-16)

Well, it happened again, and at the exact same spot. Lupe was on her way to Mount Theodore Roosevelt, but the G6 wasn’t going to make it to the parking lot near the summit. Even though temperatures have been way above normal in the Black Hills for weeks, snow and ice covered the road ahead. The G6 would probably make it through OK, but probably wasn’t good enough. Fortunately, there was a spot next to the road where SPHP could park (8:11 AM, 55°F).

Nearly a year ago, Lupe had come to Mount Theodore Roosevelt (5,680 ft.) on Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 123. Back then, the snow was considerably deeper. A red car had been abandoned on the road, high centered and incapable of moving. Even though conditions were better now, they weren’t good enough. SPHP didn’t want to chance it. No harm in using paws and feet to go the extra 0.33 mile to the parking lot.

Lupe, freshly damp from rolling in the snow. Photo looks S from the ridge close to where the G6 was parked.

High clearance vehicles would have no problem, but the G6 wasn’t really made for this.

Along the way, Lupe came to a rare Mountain Dew colored snowfield. There was even a plastic Mountain Dew bottle laying right there, left by the original artist. The green snow looked kind of strange. They say “Don’t you eat that yellow snow!” What about green snow? Green snow isn’t natural. Lupe and SPHP just let it be.

Lupe at the greenish Mountain Dew snowfield. The Mountain Dew bottle is to her left, abandoned there by the original artist.

Lupe made it to the parking lot 0.25 mile from the summit of Mount Theodore Roosevelt. A trail goes to the Friendship Tower at the top of the mountain. Two plaques telling about the Friendship Tower were at the start of the trail. The Friendship Tower was built in 1919 through the efforts of Seth Bullock to commemorate the life and death of his personal friend Theodore Roosevelt.Not far from the parking lot, the trail divides and makes a loop. Lupe and SPHP took the SW part of the loop, which features a nice view of Deer Mountain (6,652 ft.) and Terry Peak (7,064 ft.) to the SW.

Deer Mountain (snowy peak at far L) and Terry Peak (far R) from the trail to the Friendship Tower on Mount Theodore Roosevelt.

A couple was just leaving the Friendship Tower as Lupe and SPHP approached. They stopped to chat briefly with SPHP. They commented on what a nice day it was, and then pointed at a discarded plastic water bottle on the snow. What a shame it is that people have the energy to bring stuff up here, but don’t bother to take it with them when they leave! SPHP agreed.

The couple then left empty-handed on their way back to their truck, leaving the water bottle behind. Hmmm! It wasn’t their fault the water bottle was there, of course. They weren’t the problem, but then again, they weren’t the solution, either. SPHP resolved to pick the water bottle up, if it was still there later in the day when Lupe returned. No sense carting it all over the mountains.

Lupe and SPHP climbed up the steep, narrow circular staircase to the top of the Friendship Tower.

Lupe at the top of the Friendship Tower. She is sitting on the grate over the stairway, where she can see without risking a fall. In the distance, Bear Butte is seen beyond Crook Mountain. Lupe had been to Crook Mountain just a week earlier on Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 160. — Lupe at the top. She is sitting on the grate over the stairway, where she can see without risking a fall. In the distance, Bear Butte is seen beyond Crook Mountain. Lupe had been to Crook Mountain just a week earlier on Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 160.

Lupe looks back down the steep, narrow circular stairwell.

**Custer Peak (6,804 ft.)** (L of Center) from the Friendship Tower. Photo looks S.

Bear Butte (4,422 ft.) (in distance on L) and Crook Mountain (4,930 ft.) (long forested ridge at Center) from the Friendship Tower. Taken with the telephoto lens. Photo looks ENE. — **Bear Butte (4,422 ft.)** (in distance on L) and **Crook Mountain (4,930 ft.)** (long forested ridge at Center) from the Friendship Tower. Taken with the telephoto lens. Photo looks ENE.

**Spearfish Peak (5,800 ft.)** (L) using the telephoto lens. Photo looks NW.

Even from the top of the Friendship Tower, the forest blocked the views in some directions, but there were great views in many others. At first, SPHP didn’t see Lupe’s next peakbagging objectives, Polo Peak (5,410 ft.) and Green Mountain (5,325 ft.). They were supposed to be practically due N and just a couple miles away, but where were they? SPHP saw nothing that looked right.

SPHP brought out the USFS map to try to figure it out, lining up known peaks with Mount Theodore Roosevelt. There they were! SPHP had been looking for Polo Peak and Green Mountain twisted around on directions by nearly 45°. SPHP had been looking NW instead of N. It still didn’t seem quite right, but the map insisted it was, and the map knew best.

Now that SPHP knew where Polo Peak and Green Mountain were, Lupe headed back down.

Lupe and SPHP followed a short path NW to the edge of Mount Theodore Roosevelt. The path led to a wooden viewing platform with a grand view to the NW and N. A field of boulders covered the NW side of the mountain just below the platform. Lupe needed to go N, so she circled over in that direction, but the boulder field extended over that way, too.

Lupe near the top of Mt. Roosevelt. Polo Peak is the thinly forested hill at center. Green Mountain is the heavily forested hill just beyond Polo Peak and slightly to the R. Photo looks N.

Lupe had to go down the boulder field to get to Polo Peak. The rocks were only of modest size. Even some of the larger ones were loose and tippy. It wasn’t hard going down, just a little slow. Below the boulders, Lupe came to a fairly large snow field. The snow was up to 2 feet deep in a few places, but only 1 foot deep on average.

Aspens were growing thickly at the lower end of the snow field. Below the aspens, Lupe entered a Ponderosa Pine forest. The N slopes of Mount Theodore Roosevelt are quite steep, but Lupe was able to follow a spine of the mountain that remained walkable for SPHP. Lupe was losing elevation as fast as SPHP could go. The going was steepest as Lupe neared the bottom of Polo Gulch.

Lupe on her way down the N slopes of Mount Theodore Roosevelt. She is getting closer to Polo Peak, seen in the background. Photo looks N.

Lupe found a dirt road at the base of the steep slopes down in Polo Gulch. On the other side of the road was a 15 foot embankment leading down to a level area full of aspens, a few pines, and a great many leafless bushes and brambles. Lupe and SPHP could hear running water. A brief struggle through the nearly 2 foot deep snow and thick underbrush brought Lupe to Polo Creek.

Lupe reaches Polo Creek. Melting snow had Polo Creek flowing right along at a good clip on this very warm early March day. This part of Polo Creek may well be just a seasonal stream.

Polo Creek was in the sunlight where the snow had already melted. SPHP thought Lupe might be thirsty by now, but she wasn’t. She had been busy eating snow. Lupe and SPHP crossed the stream. Lupe climbed a 40 foot embankment on the other side. It wasn’t too steep, but there was a lot of underbrush in the forest. Even after Lupe reached flatter ground above Polo Creek, SPHP had to wind around through the dense vegetation.

Before Lupe could begin her climb up Polo Peak, it looked like she might have to lose some elevation again traversing a small valley up ahead. It turned out she didn’t have to. Instead, Lupe came to another dirt road. Lupe and SPHP followed it, since the road was so much easier than going through the forest. The road headed NE gaining elevation slowly, but steadily.

Before long, Lupe came to a very steep side road that went N. A sign said this road was closed to motor vehicles to encourage re-vegetation. Lupe and SPHP followed it. The road started down in the forest, but as Lupe gained elevation, the forest thinned and finally gave way to scattered stands of pines. Lupe entered sunny meadows with big views.

Lupe reaches the meadows on the S end of Polo Peak. Terry Peak (Center) is seen in the distance. Photo looks SW.

The top of Polo Peak is rounded and grassy. As Lupe neared the end of her climb, the terrain became progressively less steep and more level. The road gradually faded away. Here and there, small rock outcroppings rose above the open ground.

Shortly before reaching the summit of Polo Peak, Lupe came to this rock outcropping. In the background are Mount Theodore Roosevelt (L), Deer Mountain (snowy peak on the far horizon R of Center), and Terry Peak (R). Photo looks SSW.

Lupe reaches the summit of Polo Peak! Photo looks SSW.

Polo Peak was sunny and warm. The brilliant sunshine made Lupe squint whenever she looked S. From the summit, Lupe and SPHP continued N. It was a very easy stroll on gently sloping terrain. Lupe was heading toward Green Mountain, her next peakbagging goal.

Spearfish Peak (5,800 ft.) (L) and Crow Peak (5,787 ft.) (R) from near the N end of Polo Peak. Photo looks NW using the telephoto lens. — **Spearfish Peak (5,800 ft.)** (L) and **Crow Peak (5,787 ft.) (R)** from near the N end of Polo Peak. Photo looks NW using the telephoto lens.

Lupe reaches the N end of Polo Peak. Green Mountain is seen beyond her. Photo looks N.

Green Mountain is only 0.5 mile from the N end of Polo Peak. The entire territory between the mountains is forested. Lupe went down the N slope of Polo Peak staying a bit toward the W. She crossed the saddle over to Green Mountain and started climbing again.

SPHP wasn’t certain Lupe would find any views up on Green Mountain. From the S, it looked much more heavily forested than Polo Peak had been. There was only one little opening visible among the trees near the top that had given SPHP at least a little hope that Lupe might find a view in some direction.

As Lupe neared the summit, it became clear that the top of Green Mountain was not completely hidden in a shady forest as SPHP expected. Beyond the band of trees around the S end, the summit was flat and almost completely bare. Lupe had sweeping, unobstructed 180° views to the N.

Part of the flat, bare top of Green Mountain. Although fringed with trees toward the S, most of the summit area was like this.

Lookout Peak (4,478 ft.) near Spearfish, SD from Green Mountain. Photo looks NW using the telephoto lens. — **Lookout Peak (4,478 ft.)** near Spearfish, SD from Green Mountain. Photo looks NW using the telephoto lens.

Elkhorn Peak (4,724 ft.) from Green Mountain. Photo looks NE using the telephoto lens. — **Elkhorn Peak (4,524 ft.)** is the big barren hill at Center. Photo looks NE from Green Mountain using the telephoto lens.

Bear Butte (4,422 ft.) using the telephoto lens. Photo looks ENE. — **Bear Butte (4,422 ft.)** using the telephoto lens. Photo looks ENE.

Crow Peak (5,787 ft.) using the telephoto lens. Photo looks WNW. — **Crow Peak (5,787 ft.)** using the telephoto lens. Photo looks WNW.

The glorious views from the flat, barren expanse on top of Green Mountain were surprising. Green Mountain had another surprise, too. Someone had used rocks to spell out names and other words. Not all of them were still legible, but SPHP could make out the following: Dannette, Trussell, Mexico, Seiler.

Green Mountain, with its sweeping views, was a great place to take a break. Lupe wasn’t terribly hungry yet, but she was thirsty. After a big drink, she rested on the ground near SPHP, panting in the warm sun. Meanwhile, SPHP ate an apple while enjoying the incredible views extending far out onto the prairie beyond the Black Hills.

After a while, the time came for Lupe to leave. She paused for a photo at the summit before heading out.

Lupe at the very summit of Green Mountain before starting her trek back to Polo Peak and Mount Theodore Roosevelt (both seen on the L). Terry Peak is seen on the horizon on the R. Photo looks SSW.

Lupe and SPHP took essentially the same route back to Polo Peak and Mount Theodore Roosevelt. There was plenty of time, so Lupe stopped for a few photos along the way.

Although most of Green Mountain is rounded, there was a rather large craggy rock formation Lupe had to go by part way down the S slope. Lupe is seen here standing on a small portion of it. (It was easy to just go around these rocks.) Photo looks SE.

After summiting Polo Peak for a 2nd time, Lupe continued S to this jagged rock formation with a view toward Mount Theodore Roosevelt. Photo looks S.

Even though it was still early March, Lupe found one of the first signs of spring in the Black Hills on the sunny S side of Polo Peak. Bees were busy gathering nectar from these Pasque flowers (also called crocus). The Pasque is the state flower of South Dakota.

When Lupe got back to Mount Theodore Roosevelt, people were coming and going between the Friendship Tower and the viewing platform to the NW. At least a dozen people came and went. Lupe cooled off on the snow, while waiting for the crowds to leave.

SPHP hadn’t forgotten the discarded water bottle. It was still there, plus a rusty beer can and some other trash near a picnic table. SPHP picked it all up and put it in the backpack. SPHP ate the last apple seated at the picnic table. When everyone else had left, Lupe and SPHP returned to the top of the tower.

Lupe cools her jets on the snow near the Friendship Tower on Mount Theodore Roosevelt.

On the way back to the G6, Lupe and SPHP reached the greenish Mountain Dew snowfield again. SPHP had been picking up trash alongside the road and added the plastic Mountain Dew bottle to the collection.

Even though it was still early, Lupe must have figured Expedition No. 161 was over when she arrived back at the G6 (3:07 PM, 66°F), but SPHP had a surprise in store for her. She was going to climb one more mountain today, one she had seen from Green Mountain.

SPHP drove Lupe to Elkhorn Mountain. Lupe did seem surprised when SPHP parked the G6 again (3:30 PM, 76°F). At first, she wasn’t sure if she was supposed to get out, or not. When SPHP encouraged her, she jumped out ready for action.

Elkhorn Mountain looks like just a big rounded hill. SPHP hadn’t appreciated how BIG it really was. It took considerably longer to get to the top than anticipated. Between the heat and the elevation gain, Lupe and SPHP went through the rest of the water supply.

Up above the forest, Elkhorn Mountain really was beautiful in the slanting rays of the late afternoon sun. Some of the taller grass glowed an amazing orange. The 360° views were wonderful. A bit of a breeze helped counter the heat. Lupe found what appeared to be a grave shortly before reaching the summit.

Lupe came to this gravesite very close to the summit of Elkhorn Mountain. There was no sign, marker or plaque telling who might be buried here. Photo looks WSW.

Lupe and SPHP spent a bit of time at the summit of Elkhorn Mountain. It was a beautiful way to end the day, with a pleasant stroll back down to the G6 ahead. When Lupe got back to the G6 (5:10 PM, 76°F), her peakbagging exploits on Expedition No. 161 were over, but SPHP still had a task in mind.

There was still time to return to the junction of Crook Mountain Road (USFS Road No. 176) and USFS Road No. 176.1A. This was where the G6 had been parked a week ago at the start of Lupe’s Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 160 to Crook Mountain (4,930 ft.) and Whitewood Peak (5,140 ft.). The intersection had been strewn with all kinds of trash. SPHP didn’t have anything to put it all in back then, but now had 2 garbage bags in the trunk of the G6.

Lupe barked enthusiastically at many deer, cows and horses on the way to USFS Road No. 176.1A. Once there, though, she had to stay in the G6 while SPHP gathered up the trash. There was broken glass around, and SPHP couldn’t be certain it had all been found. It only took a little more than 1 overflowing garbage bag to hold all the trash SPHP could find. It was almost dark out by the time Expedition No. 161 was really, truly over, and the American Dingo was on her way home.

For those possibly interested in the surprising tale of Theodore Roosevelt’s last great adventure exploring Brazil after losing the 1912 U.S. Presidential election, Lupe recommends The River of Doubt – Theodore Roosevelt’s Darkest Journey by Candice Millard.

Note: Lupe Treasures gathered for disposal or recycling on Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 161 included: 57 aluminum cans, 15 glass bottles, 3 large plastic cups, 27 plastic bottles, 17 cigarette butts, a tin of Copenhagen snuff, part of a tailpipe, beer cartons, plastic bags, broken glass and assorted miscellaneous trash.

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Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 134 – Copper, Odakota, Green & Hat Mountains Plus the Dragon Caves (6-20-15)

It’s getting to that time of year when Lupe’s expeditions into the Black Hills usually stop for the summer. The weather just gets too warm for a long day’s march in the hills to be much fun. Usually the mud puddles have dried up by now, and the little seasonal creeks and streams are starting to dry up too. SPHP has a hard time carrying enough water to satisfy a hot, thirsty American dingo.

So far this June though, temperatures have been pretty mild. Rainfall has been way above normal, so there are still lots of mud puddles. All the creeks and streams are looking good. With a still reasonably tolerable high temperature forecast in the lower hills just in the low 80’s, this day was still going to be pretty nice in the higher hills. Lupe could continue her peakbagging along the E edge of the limestone plateau country of the western hills.

SPHP parked the G6 at 7:49 AM along USFS Road No. 301.1A just off No. 301 at the exact same spot as on Expedition No. 132 two weeks earlier. It was a beautiful 59°F, with completely clear blue skies and a light N breeze. Since they were so close, Expedition No. 134 was going to start the same way as Expedition No. 132, with ascents of Copper and then Odakota Mountains.

Lupe on the SE cliffs of Copper Mountain. Harney Peak is the highest point in the distance. Medicine Mountain is at the right edge. Photo looks ESE.

Lupe on the flat top of Copper Mountain.

The first of many water holes, mud puddles and streams made use of by Lupe. This one is on the W side of Copper Mountain.

Green Mountain is the high point on the right. Photo looks NNW from USFS Road No. 301.

The views were great from the SE end of Copper Mountain (6,920 ft.). Lupe and SPHP stopped here for a little while for SPHP to goop up with sunscreen (the first of 3 goopings on this sunny day) while appreciating the bright morning views. The stop at the summit of Odakota Mountain (7,200 ft.) was shorter, just long enough for a photo of Lupe at the summit cairn. Lupe and SPHP weren’t going to trek all the way to the SE edge of the mountain through all that deadfall timber again like Lupe did on Expedition No. 132. Instead, Lupe left Odakota Mountain to head for Green Mountain (7,164 ft.).

Lupe headed W from Odakota Mountain crossing USFS Road No. 693 at its high point and continuing on following the ridge line, which had a series of small rock escarpments along it. There was a fair amount of deadfall timber around, but not so much as to seriously impede progress. More annoying was the barbed wire fence which followed along fairly close to the ridge line, too. No matter which side of the fence Lupe and SPHP got on, it seemed like the terrain soon changed to make the other side of the fence more desirable again.

Lupe and SPHP reached USFS Road No. 301 again just E of No. 301.1R, which goes N up Windmill Draw. Windmill Draw is a pretty shallow broad valley with open meadows in the middle. Pines and a few aspens line the sides of the draw. No. 301.1R stuck to the W side of the draw near the pines. Beetle-killed deadfall blocked the way fairly frequently, but it was easy to just drop down a bit into the valley to get around it where it was bad. Pines still standing provided some shade, which was welcome with the sun so high in the sky.

At the upper end of Windmill Draw, No. 301.1R meets up with No. 691.1B (both unmarked here). Lupe and SPHP took No. 691.1B NE to Green Mountain. The best views here were from the cliffs at the SE end of the mountain. There were splendid views of everything from the NE around to the SE and S. Lupe and SPHP took a break on the cliffs. Lupe was ready for some Taste of the Wild. SPHP had the usual apple and split a little granola bar with Lupe.

Looking SE towards Copper Mountain (near center) from Green Mountain. — Looking SE towards Copper Mountain (lower rounded hill near center) from Green Mountain.

Gillette Prairie from Green Mountain. Photo looks E.

Lupe on Green Mountain 6-20-15. Photo looks E.

Lupe’s next peakbagging goal of the day was Hat Mountain (6,779 ft.) over 3 miles to the NW. Although Hat Mountain is near the limestone plateau country, it is a little different from Copper, Odakota and Green Mountains in that it sits out a little distance from the limestone plateau instead of being along the E edge of the long escarpment. Lupe and SPHP left Green Mountain exploring to the N of No. 691.1B until the terrain forced a turn to the W to stay on the high ground. Although SPHP was hoping for views of Hat Mountain, there were none from here that were any good. There were too many trees.

There was also a substantial amount of deadfall timber to contend with. Somewhere not too far W of the junction of USFS Roads No. 301.1R and No. 691.1B at the upper N end of Windmill Draw, Lupe and SPHP retreated S to get back on No. 691.1B heading W. The road was open and the deadfall timber in the forest was just too much to deal with. Lupe had a long way to go yet on this expedition, and it just took too much time. When No. 691.1B reached No. 691, Lupe turned N on No. 691.

No. 691 isn’t a major gravel road, but it was in good condition and wide enough so that it didn’t get much shade. Even though No. 691 lost elevation as Lupe headed N on it, the trek was so sunny and warm that SPHP was soon sweating. Lupe and SPHP took occasional shade breaks (and a goop break) along the way in the forest just off the road. SPHP was glad to leave No. 691 to turn W on No. 691.1E (marked as ATV trail No. 6004) just before reaching Heely Creek S of Hat Mountain. No. 691.1E was a lesser road and much shadier.

Pretty girl Lupe takes a rest break on her way to Hat Mountain. What a lovely dingo!

From No. 691.1E, Hat Mountain, now just a mile to the N, was soon visible through the trees. SPHP hoped for an easy way down the short, but steep bank through the trees into the meadow near Heely Creek, but finally gave up and just plunged N into the forest full of deadfall to get down to the valley. Shortly after getting there, it was apparent that no more than a couple hundred yards farther W on No. 691.1E would have brought Lupe and SPHP to an easy side road right on down to a little ford across Heely Creek. Exploring is like that.

Hat Mountain dead ahead! Lupe in the Heely Creek valley. Photo looks N.

There was a lot of marshy ground along Heely Creek and the easiest crossing point was at the little ford on the side road, so Lupe and SPHP crossed the creek there. Once across the creek, it was an easy matter to make the trek up Hat Mountain from the S. Unlike the other mountains Lupe had already climbed earlier in the day, Hat Mountain is not thickly forested and there was no deadfall timber to contend with.

Looking W at the Heely Creek valley S of Hat Mountain.

The top of Hat Mountain is a flat limestone escarpment. Without any trees up there, the views were excellent in every direction. Consequently, Lupe and SPHP dallied up on Hat Mountain quite a while. Lupe took a generous helping of Taste of the Wild. The last little granola bar was shared and the last apple disappeared. There were some beautiful clouds around and some big birds came swooping by for a little while. The only thing Lupe didn’t like was that the top was so rocky. It wasn’t terribly comfortable laying down to rest while viewing the scenic display.

The view N from Hat Mountain towards South Castle Rock, Nipple Butte and Flag Mountain where Lupe had been on Expedition No. 133. — The view N from Hat Mountain towards South Castle Rock, Nipple Butte and Flag Mountain (all near the center on the horizon) where Lupe had been on Expedition No. 133.

Deerfield Lake from Hat Mountain. Photo looks N.

Looking S from Hat Mountain towards Green Mountain (large ridge at right) and Copper Mountain (lower ridge just left of Green Mountain). — Looking S from Hat Mountain towards Green Mountain (large ridge at right) and Copper Mountain (lower shaded ridge just left of and beyond Green Mountain).

Another look S from Hat Mountain. Green Mountain at very right edge. Copper Mountain beyond it and now in sunlight. Harney Peak toward left side of photo.

Looking SW from Hat Mountain towards the limestone plateau country where the Dragon Caves are hidden.

A 50% chance of scattered thunderstorms had been in the forecast for between 1-4 PM. There were enough clouds around by now so that rain did look like it might develop. SPHP thought maybe it was time for Lupe to head for the Dragon Caves. There was probably time to get there before any serious rain developed. So Lupe left Hat Mountain heading SW. She rounded the S end of a low ridge down near Heely Creek and then followed the creek to USFS Road No. 291 (Ditch Creek Road).

A look back at Hat Mountain from the SW before Lupe rounded the low ridge near Heely Creek.

Lupe turned S on No. 291, which is a pretty major gravel road. It is a beautiful drive, but was way busier than SPHP likes for hiking. Groups of ATV’s roared up and down the road, along with cars and pickup trucks. Nothing really all that major, but Lupe and SPHP usually go many hours and often the entire day without seeing anyone on Lupe’s expeditions. Now it was minutes, and not all that many, between traffic events. Fortunately, it was only 2/3 mile from Heely Creek to the bridge across Ditch Creek that leads to the Dragon Caves.

Lupe refreshed after a dip in Heely Creek.

Lupe crossed the bridge over Ditch Creek and instead of following USFS Road No. 385 to the right, continued straight ahead on an ATV trail up a small hill. A right turn at an open area leads directly to the Dragon Caves. The Dragon Caves have three large openings (they have to be large to accommodate dragons) facing S. Farther back into the caves all three entrances connect. Imagine a capital letter “E” with the long connecting side running E/W and the three shorter lines pointing S, and you have a good idea of the floor plan and orientation of the Dragon Caves entrances.

Lupe reaches the Dragon Caves. Two of the entrances are seen here. The third is around a little corner to the right. — Lupe reaches the Dragon Caves. Two of the entrances are seen here. The third is around a corner to the right.

*Uh, SPHP, you did bring the flashlight didn’t you? Ever consider using it? Maybe you should now.*

It was cool inside the Dragon Caves. And dark. SPHP got the flashlight with weak batteries out. The dim light showed the dusty floor well enough to continue in to the area where the entrances are connected. There is more to the Dragon Caves than just the “E”. Big side passages and some smaller ones go back into the dark recesses. Lupe went dragon hunting. Fortunately for Smaug and any other dragons, they must have had some warning that a Carolina Dog was coming for them. They had already departed.

*I’ve got this exit covered SPHP, see if you can find any dragons over there.*

Lupe dragon hunting in the Dragon Caves.

Possessed dingo prepares to face dragons in the Dragon Caves.

American Dingo heroine Lupe arrives at the Dragon Caves too late! The dragons have already fled with all their treasure hoards and damsels in distress.

Unfortunately for Lupe and SPHP, the dragons had evidently had time to pack up their treasure hoards and damsels in distress and depart with the entire bounty. The only thing left other than dust was a beer can, dropped no doubt by some poor tourist during a dragon encounter with an unhappy ending. Tourists just don’t know enough to bring a Carolina Dog with them for protection. It’s not their fault really, they are from somewhere else and unfamiliar with the situation. SPHP picked up the beer can as the only souvenir of Lupe’s dragon hunting this time around.

Lupe emerged from the Dragon Caves to find that it was sprinkling outside. Now and then weak pathetic thunder could be heard. If this was the scattered thunderstorm in the forecast, there was nothing to worry about. Lupe went back to USFS Road No. 291 and turned S again. About 1.5 miles farther on Lupe passed Ditch Creek campground, which seemed to be a source of the traffic in the area. Despite its dreadful name, Ditch Creek campground is one of the nicest and most scenic campgrounds in the Black Hills. Many of the campsites are right on Ditch Creek, a small clear cold stream that always has decent flow. Plenty of people were around, but the campground wasn’t yet full.

Approaching Ditch Creek campground from the N.

Lupe wasn’t going to camp. She pressed on to the S on No. 291. An ATV trail map back at Ditch Creek campground had shown SPHP that Lupe should watch for ATV trail No. 6008 less than 0.75 mile S of the campground. It supposedly wound its way E back to USFS Road No. 691.

Pretty soon Lupe reached No. 6008 and made the turn to the E. No. 6008 was a lovely little road that climbed steadily, but not too steeply. By the time Lupe turned on to No. 6008, the sun was low on the horizon. As she climbed on No. 6008, though, the sun just didn’t set. It always seemed like it was going to, but Lupe kept getting high enough up to keep it in view.

A look back N along USFS Road No. 291 (Ditch Creek Road) shortly before Lupe left it to head E on ATV trail No. 6008.

No. 6008 went on and on, climbing higher and higher. Lupe saw a nice herd of 10 elk (the “giant deers”, as Lupe knows them!) disappear into the forest. There started to be various intersecting ATV trails, all with different numbers. Where No. 6008 went to, SPHP couldn’t say. After a while Lupe seemed to be on No. 6010 and still later on No. 6011. Lupe was on No. 6011 when the road finally reached the high point of the ridge between No. 291 to the W and No. 691 to the E. Unfortunately, No. 6011 turned S and didn’t look like it was going to complete the trip to No. 691, which couldn’t have been much farther E at this point.

By now the sun was down, but it was still plenty light out to leave No. 6011 in search of No. 691. Lupe and SPHP headed E and then SE through the forest. Sure enough, before long Lupe reached No. 691. SPHP recognized the spot, too. Lupe was just 100 yards N of where No. 691.1B leaves No. 691 to head for Green Mountain. SPHP decided it would be fun for Lupe to go tag the summit of Green Mountain again. It would be nearly dark by the time Lupe got there, but so what? It was a beautiful evening.

The 2nd ascent of Green Mountain was Lupe’s final peakbagging accomplishment of the day. The light was fading fast, but Lupe and SPHP were both ready for a rest. Copper Mountain was visible a couple miles to the SE. The G6 was a short distance beyond Copper Mountain. However, with darkness coming on, Lupe and SPHP would have to stick to the roads. That meant the G6 was still 6 miles away. After a 10 or 15 minute rest break at the cliffs on Green Mountain, it was time to move on ready or not.

Lupe ascended Green Mountain for a 2nd time this date, reaching it as dusk was coming on.

Lupe on Green Mountain at nightfall. Still 6 miles by road back to the G6!

The flashlight had to come out as the crescent moon wasn’t going to provide much light. It was going to set within 2 or 3 hours and was obscured by clouds part of the time anyway. Lupe and SPHP retraced No. 691.1B going SW to No. 301.1R at the N end of Windmill Draw. SPHP started S through Windmill Draw on No. 301.1R and somehow got on a dirt track heading down through the meadow in the middle of Windmill Draw. This was actually better than being on No. 301.1R, since there wasn’t any deadfall timber to contend with.

By the time Lupe reached the main gravel road, No. 301, there was lightning. There was a little cloud-to-cloud lightning in the thin clouds nearby, but in the distance there was intense lightning in several different directions. Lupe and SPHP took a rest break, but it didn’t last long. SPHP heard thunder, still faint, but coming from off to the NW, the likely source of approaching weather. It was time for Lupe to hurry on.

Lupe and SPHP took several more short rest breaks. It had been a very long day. The lightning display grew brighter and more dazzling, though it was still far enough away so only distant thunder could be heard and even that only now and then. The situation changed after Lupe passed the turnoff for No. 693 to Odakota Mountain and Long Draw, which Lupe did not take. There started to be clear bolts of cloud-to-ground lightning. Thunder rumbled ominously.

Lupe wanted SPHP to stop and hide. She was scared of the lightning. SPHP wouldn’t let her stop and urged her to find the G6. Lupe was almost to Copper Mountain and the G6 wasn’t far beyond it. On the final stretch of road beyond Copper Mountain, the lightning bolts directly to the ground started striking alarmingly close. The lightning was nearly continuous. Thunder exploded, echoing in the forest. When Lupe finally saw the G6, the terrified dingo bolted away from SPHP and ran for it. When SPHP caught up, she leaped into the G6 as soon as the door was open.

Through all of this, not a drop of rain had fallen. Within a minute of reaching the G6 though, it began. First one large drop, then another, then a few more, then a hailstone. Oddly enough, the terrified dingo regained enormous courage, bolstered by the comforting familiarity and armor of the G6. Lupe now wanted to stick her head out the window to sniff the air and see what was going on as SPHP drove the gravel roads towards the pavement at Deerfield Road.

The whole head out the window and sniffing bit didn’t last more than a few minutes. Rain and hail grew stronger. The wind blew. Lightning and thunder raged. The dingo decided to take full advantage of the G6 armor, brought her head back inside the vehicle and curled up on the seat. On the way home there were two significant weather events.

The first was something Lupe and SPHP had never been in before. About 5 miles NW of Hill City, SD was a “hailburst” – like a cloudburst, except with hail instead of just rain. In seconds the road went from having a few hailstones on it to being completely white. In fact, everything was white.

SPHP had to completely stop the G6 several times right on the highway. Even with high beams on and windshield wipers on the fastest setting, nothing but a wall of white hailstones streaking down could be seen beyond the hood of the G6. SPHP could not see any portion of the road or anything else around the G6. Fortunately, there was no traffic and the hail was not large enough to cause major damage.

The 2nd event occurred later on after a lull in the storm, a cloudburst with just rain and no hail. Although intense, it seemed like a piece of cake next to the hailburst.

Lupe had reached the G6 at 11:40 PM (53°F), 15 hours and 51 minutes after setting out on Expedition No. 134. At nearly 16 hours, Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 134 had been the 2nd longest expedition Lupe has ever been on. It was certainly a memorable one. Lupe didn’t reach home until after 1 AM. A very tired and dirty dingo gobbled up some Alpo and then went straight to bed. Outside the open window, the rain, wind, lightning and thunder continued in the night.

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