Yukon Territory – Page 2 – The (Mostly) True Adventures of Lupe

Mount Mye, Anvil Range, Yukon Territory, Canada – Part 1: On & Off the Moose Trail to Base Camp (9-8-23)

Part 2 of Day 44 & Days 45 thru 48 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2023 Dingo Vacation to Canada & Alaska!

9-4-23, 5:35 PM – For a 4th evening on this Dingo Vacation, the RAV4 was once again parked along the ridge with a view of the N end of Atlin Lake, flanked on the L by Black Mountain (5,738 ft.) and Mount Hitchcock (5,886 ft.), and on the R by Mount Minto (6,913 ft.). Drinking the last grape Powerade purchased in Tok, Alaska what seemed like ages ago, it was a view for which SPHP had new found respect. Crumbs falling on her pink blanket, Lupe finished chomping on a cracker.

Any more summer sausage and Ritz crackers, SPHP?

Nope, that’s all we had left, Loopster.

The Carolina Dog heaved a big sigh, put her head down, and closed her eyes.

After more than 34 sleepless hours, even SPHP’s painfully throbbing shin and toes couldn’t keep the sandman away.

9-5-23, 7:10 AM, 45ºF – A nearly 14 hour snooze definitely helped. The sky was overcast, when Lupe woke with a little cough.

You alright, Loop?

It’s nothing, SPHP. How’s your shin?

Got a big knot on it, and part of my L paw is all purple, Looper, but at least my shin isn’t throbbing any more. Doesn’t hurt, as long as I don’t touch it.

Are we going to Whitehorse for supplies today, SPHP?

No. We still have things we can eat, Sweet Puppy. Just going to hang out here. You can relax, while I catch up the trip journal.

Salmon for breakfast, baked beans for lunch, chicken and dumplings for dinner. Lupe participated in two out of the three. Other than eating and taking it easy on her pink blanket, the American Dingo enjoyed 3 romps in her favorite woods, visiting the newly cleaned up abandoned camp each time, and roaming farther than she’d ever been before.

A lazy afternoon on the **pink blanket**.

Waiting for **chicken and dumplings** to heat up. Photo looks S.

An evening romp in **Lupe’s favorite woods**. Photo looks NW.

**Black Mountain** (Center), **Mount Hitchcock** (R), **Atlin Lake** (far R). Photo looks SSE.

**Black Mountain** (far L), **Mount Hitchcock** (L), **Atlin Lake** (Center), **Mount Minto** (R). Photo looks S.

All in all, it had been a pleasant and much needed rest day.

9-6-23, 7:10 AM, 47ºF – A beautiful morning! Lupe enjoyed a final romp in her favorite woods. The Carolina Dog felt so wonderful that on the way back to the RAV4, the dastardly were-puppy attacked SPHP.

9-6-23, 2:38 PM, 64ºF – Having spent most of the morning fueling up and resupplying in Whitehorse, the “Welcome to Carmacks” sign along North Klondike Hwy No. 2 was the next stop.

The **spiffy welcome sign** along North Klondike Hwy No. 2 on the way into **Carmacks**.

Carmacks! Isn’t that on the way to Dawson City, SPHP? Are we going back to the Dempster Highway again?

Yes to your first question, and no to the last, Looper. We’re crossing the Yukon River here, then heading E on Robert Campbell Hwy No. 4.

Robert Campbell Hwy No. 4, SPHP? Funny, but I can’t seem to remember a thing about it!

That’s because we’ve never been on it before, Loopster.

Oh, awesome, SPHP! All new adventures in all new territory coming up?

Precisely, Sweet Puppy.

The turn onto Hwy No. 4 came a mile after crossing the Yukon River. Lupe was soon enjoying a terrific view of the fabled river from a high bluff overlooking it.

The mighty **Yukon River.** Photo looks SE.

The highway followed the Yukon River E for a while, before eventually angling NE up the Little Salmon River valley. The Little Salmon River was seldom, if ever, in view. No big deal, but SPHP was disappointed when Robert Campbell Hwy No. 4 reached Little Salmon Lake, and there were no pullouts with views. Trees lining the highway permitted only occasional glimpses of the huge lake.

Taking a chance on a side road named Snowcap View Road, it went by several private cabins before getting Lupe down to Little Salmon Lake. Better yet, Snowcap Mountain (5,800 ft.) was actually in sight directly across the impressive lake.

**Snowcap Mountain** (Center) across **Little Salmon Lake**. Photo looks S.

**Little Salmon Lake**. Photo looks WSW.

*If this is Little Salmon Lake, **Big Salmon Lake** must practically be an ocean!* Photo looks E.

At least, Lupe had gotten a chance to see Little Salmon Lake. Returning to Robert Campbell Hwy No. 4, the drive continued. Approaching the E end of Little Salmon Lake, SPHP slowed down, constantly peering up at the mountains to the NE.

What’s up? Looking for anything in particular, SPHP?

Yes. I’m looking for Truitt Peak (6,850 ft.), the next mountain on your list of possibilities, Looper. Think I see it, too.

SPHP soon had Lupe spending quite a bit of time sniffing around various spots that might serve as a place to stash the RAV4 during an attempt on Truitt Peak. She had some success, coming up with a couple of choices.

With a place to park, we can climb Truitt Peak tomorrow, SPHP!

Yeah, but I don’t know, Looper. Looks like a real long bushwhack to get to the alpine. Not sure my shin is ready yet to force our way through dense forest and bushes again. Hurts when anything touches my big knot.

Wanting get another look at Truitt Peak, SPHP found one at the empty Drury Creek campground. While SPHP pondered the view of Truitt Peak’s distant summit, Lupe explored Little Salmon Lake’s shoreline.

**E end of Little Salmon Lake** from the **Drury Creek campground**. Photo looks SE.

Evening at **Little Salmon Lake**. Photo looks W.

**Truitt Peak** (Center) from the **Drury Creek campground**. Photo looks NE.

9-6-23, 7:05 PM, Drury Creek campground on Little Salmon Lake –

So, come to any enlightened conclusions yet, SPHP?

Yes, afraid so, Loop. Hate to skip out on Truitt Peak when we’re in already in position for it, but due to my wounded shin, we’re going to.

Too bad, SPHP, but I understand. Where to, then?

Faro. I suspect there’s a trail at least partway to Mount Mye (6,763 ft.).

Faro was still close to an hour’s drive E. On this gorgeous evening, the slanting rays of the sinking sun highlighted all the fall colors. Faro was 10 km N of Robert Campbell Hwy No. 4 along Mitchell Road, and after making the L turn, this short drive was even more spectacular. Mitchell Road wound downhill, eventually bottoming out at a beautiful bridge over the Pelly River.

9-6-23, 8:09 PM – There’s an access road going down to the river on the L, SPHP! Please take it. We gotta see this!

**Pelly River bridge** to Faro. Photo looks E.

The American Dingo was so right! The Pelly River bridge was certainly worth a stop. After admiring the scenic river from the S bank, Lupe and SPHP piled back into the RAV4. Driving across the red and light green bridge, Mitchell Road wound uphill a couple more km to Faro.

Crossing the **Pelly River bridge** to **Faro**. Photo looks NE.

At Faro, Mitchell Road reached an intersection. A turn R on Campbell Street led into the village of Faro itself. Going straight, Mitchell Road continued uphill, now as the Faro Mine Access Road.

SPHP drove right on by Faro.

We’re going to the mine, SPHP?

Nope. I believe this road is part of the W half of a loop that will get us to Vangorda Creek, Looper. On the topo map, it looks like there’s some kind of a trail a little E of the creek that heads up to the alpine S of Mount Mye. Let’s see if we can find it before it gets dark.

Passing a place called “Fingers” on the L after a few km, the road, which was now a very wide gravel road in good condition, climbed steeply NE for roughly 10 km before coming to a fork where there was an electric power substation. SPHP had been looking for a turn to the R, but upon making it, immediately became concerned. Signs warned that this was a restricted area, and said to stop by the guardhouse.

Well, Dingo feathers! We were doing so well, too, Loop. Vangorda Creek is only another 6 km.

Going SE on this new road despite the signs, the guardhouse appeared on the L 3 km in. It was dusk by now, and the guardhouse was dark. A huge fence with a formidable closed gate blocked the road.

Figures. We’ve struck out going this way, Loopster.

There was another turn to the R a few hundred feet back, SPHP. I saw a bunch of pickup trucks over by some buildings.

Hmm. Might as well try it, Loop. Worst they can do is throw us out.

The buildings proved to be some kind of a work camp. Although it was already almost dark, a few people were milling around outside. No one knew anything at all about Mount Mye. What they did know was that this region was part of the former Faro mining operation. Most of the territory around here was restricted access.

Back to Truitt Peak, SPHP?

Possibly. Not yet, though, Loopster. Tomorrow we’ll check out the E side of the loop. Maybe we can still get to Vangorda Creek that way?

Discouraged, SPHP drove back down the mountain, deciding to turn in at the Fingers place before getting all the way to Faro. Fingers turned out to be a wildlife viewing and nature interpretive site. Using the flashlight to examine a posted map of the area, it contained excellent news.

9-7-23, 9:03 AM, 46ºF, Fingers Interpretive Site –

Been barking at squirrels, Loopster?

It’s a great way to start the day, SPHP. I like this place! Ready to go, yet?

Almost, Loop. Let’s have a look at the view, then get a photo of that map.

**View** from the **Fingers Interpretive Site**. Photo looks SW.

Alright, got it, Loopster. No. 5 on this map is the trail to Mount Mye. It’s right where I thought it would be, E of Vangorda Creek. Must be access to it from the E side of the loop!

Terrific, SPHP! Let’s go find the trailhead.

That was the plan until SPHP drove into Faro.

Hey, there’s a visitor centre, Looper. Let’s find out what they can tell us.

At the **Campbell Region Interpretive Centre** in Faro.

A note on the door said that the Campbell Region Interpretive Centre didn’t open until 10:00 AM.

Hmm. Not that long from now, Loop. Let’s wait.

After a short driving tour of Faro, the interpretive centre was open.

I’ll be back soon, Loopster.

It was too bad they didn’t allow Dingoes. There was some fine sniffing to be done in the interpretive centre for a keen nose.

**Campbell Region Interpretive Centre display room**.

9-7-23, 10:30 AM, Campbell Region Interpretive Centre –

Sure took your sweet time about it, SPHP. Learn anything?

Yeah. Glad we stopped in, Looper. Talked to a lady named Sabine. First thing she told me was that due to a bridge that washed out, it’s no longer possible to drive to the Mount Mye trailhead near Vangorda Creek. She had no idea how far it was to the trailhead from the bridge.

Oh, that’s bad, SPHP!

Yup, a real downer, Loop. However, Sabine also said that it’s possible to get to Mount Mye from the Moose Trail, which starts 16 km up the Faro Mine Access Road. Instead of turning R at the fork, we go L, looking for a moose sign. Sabine provided me with a set of written instructions on how to find the trail, and navigate the first part of it, which is evidently a bit confusing.

Oh, that’s good, SPHP!

Yes, except that the instructions seem mighty vague, too, Looper. When I asked questions, Sabine couldn’t clarify anything. She’s never been on the Moose Trail herself. All she could really tell me was to look for a moose sign along the R side of the road. The directions, which I find confusing enough, have a cryptic message scribbled on them saying “Moose sign 50 m back.” 50 meters back from where? Sabine had no more clue than I did.

Not so hot, SPHP, but how hard can it be to spot a moose sign?

Who knows, Loopster? In any case, Sabine also gave me vague directions on how to find the trailhead for both Rose Mountain (6,513 ft.) and Faro Mountain (5,467 ft.), too. They are out W past the Faro Mine. Supposed to rain this afternoon, so maybe we can at least find the trailheads today?

Rain wouldn’t be surprising, SPHP. It’s awfully cloudy.

Oh, and by the way, Sabine gave me 2 little Milk-Bones for you.

Now you’re talking, SPHP! That was nice of her.

Intent upon finding the Moose Trail, SPHP drove back up the Faro Mine Access Road while Lupe munched on the Milk-Bones. This time, SPHP took the L branch of the road when it forked, then began slowing down after a couple more km, the better to watch for a moose sign on the R.

Nothing! SPHP drove all the way to the Faro Mine main gate without seeing a moose sign.

Now what, SPHP?

Seems strange that we didn’t see the Moose Trail, Looper. I was driving super slow. The Rose and Faro Mountain trailhead is supposed to be at the end of a side road 3 miles W of here. Let’s see if we can find that before making another Moose Trail pass.

A side road did leave the Faro Mine Access Road heading W, just before reaching the Faro Mine main gate. Taking it, 2 live moose, a mama and calf, soon crossed right in front of the RAV4.

What luck! No doubt they’re on the Moose Trail, SPHP!

Yes, but not the Moose Trail we’re looking for, Loopster.

The side road ended after 2+ miles. A deserted gravel yard was on the R, and another road headed into the trees on the L. It was blocked by a red and black trailer. An ATV, a bigger white trailer, and a small table with camp chairs were all nearby. No signs about any trails were evident, but Rose Mountain (6,513 ft.) was in sight.

**Rose Mountain** (Center) in the distance. Photo looks W.

No one was around. The whole setup seemed odd. Exploring the gravel road beyond the red and black trailer, within 200 feet it turned to grass as it headed S through a region full of bushes. Trotting S along this jeep trail, for it was no more than that, Lupe crossed most of the valley before it suddenly ended at Rose Creek, which was big enough to be a river.

Hmm. Nothing seems much like the way Sabine described it, Loopster. Might as well head back.

Back at the RAV4, SPHP had just started the engine, and was about to drive off, when a pickup truck with a man and woman in it pulled up. The woman said that they were moose hunters, and that this was their camp. They had only left temporarily on some errand.

The moose hunters cheered up considerably when SPHP explained that Lupe was not here to hunt moose, but merely looking for the Moose Trail, and/or the trailhead for Rose and Faro Mountains. They advised heading back toward Faro as far as an electric power substation. Look for the Moose Trail there!

9-7-23, 2:03 PM – The substation was easy to find. It was at same the fork in the road where SPHP had turned R on the way to the guardhouse and locked gate last night. Sure enough, 150 feet beyond this substation, a wood post bearing a tiny moose sign and an arrow pointing L stood at the start of an ATV trail angling off into the bushes.

At the start of the **Moose Trail** (L). Totally obvious **Moose Trail sign** (Center). **Road to guardhouse** (R). Photo looks E.

**Moose Trail sign** with appropriate magnification.

We’re in business! Let’s check it out, SPHP!

Eager to escape the RAV4 for a while, the American Dingo explored the first 1.4 miles of the Moose Trail, at which point the ATV route entered a giant mudhole, which seemed an excellent spot to turn around. It was starting to rain, anyway.

Despite this reconnaisance mission, SPHP remained mystified.

1.4 miles in along the **Moose Trail**. Photo looks NE.

Huh. I don’t get it, Loop. We saw the teeny weeny Moose Trail sign, and this route did cross the mine haul road, but nothing else at all matches up with the directions Sabine gave me.

How many Moose Trails can there be around Faro, SPHP?

I’m starting to wonder that myself, Loopster.

9-8-23, 10:48 AM, 47ºF – Right or wrong, and it did seem like it had to be right, since there actually was that Moose Trail sign, and the ATV route did head in the general direction of Mount Mye, Lupe was back.

Back at the **start of the Moose Trail**. Photo looks NE.

Alrighty, Loopster! Pack’s ready. Think we’re all set.

Did you remember to bring the tiny house, SPHP?

I did. Onward! Puppy, ho!

The Moose Trail began perfectly flat, running E along a corridor between tall bushes and a few trees. This easy stretch didn’t last long. The trail soon curved L up a steep, rocky slope. After a quick climb, the ATV route nearly flattened out shortly before reaching more Moose Trail signs on a post next to the Faro Mine haul road mentioned in Sabine’s directions.

Setting out on the **super easy first stretch**. Photo looks E.

The **short, rocky climb** at the first curve. Photo looks NW.

**Moose Trail signs** (R) along the edge of the **Faro Mine haul road**. Photo looks NNE.

Crossing the **haul road**. Photo looks SE.

A few tens of feet after crossing the haul road, another Moose Trail sign was leaning over among the bushes on the R at the top of a skinny pole. This sign was different from the others, and proved to be the last official indication that the Carolina Dog was going the right way.

The **Moose Trail sign** seen on the R shortly after crossing the haul road.

Beyond the haul road, the Moose Trail was more like an old jeep trail than an ATV route. The road climbed gradually as Lupe followed it NE. Much of the road was in great shape, but the mud puddle the American Dingo had made it to yesterday wasn’t the first one she’d encountered.

A **nice stretch of road** early on. Photo looks NNE.

At the **first big mud puddle** with a **mucky stretch** beyond. Photo looks NE.

These first mud puddles were generally easy enough to go around. The Moose Trail improved again. After passing through a forested area, the road climbed onto a small ridge where a big stream was visible off to the L (W). Lupe briefly left the road to get a better look.

Near the **stream** (L). Photo looks NNE.

A bit farther on, with a better view of the **stream** (Center). Photo look NNE.

9-8-23, 11:53 AM, along the Moose Trail – Other than the occasional mud puddle and mucky stretch exceptions, the road was firm and dry nearly the entire way back to the giant mud puddle reached yesterday.

Continuing along the **firm, dry jeep trail**. Photo looks NE.

Back at the **same mud puddle** Lupe reached yesterday. Photo looks NE.

What came next wasn’t much fun. From here on, the Moose Trail was mostly a sea of standing water and thick black mud, really more of a Moose Bog than a trail. A black-pawed Dingo usually traipsed right on through the mess without giving it a second thought, but SPHP made a valiant attempt to avoid getting boots and socks full of muck.

Staying always toward the R (E) side, which was a bit higher than the road, SPHP spent a vast majority of the time completely off the wretched Moose Trail, thrashing through dense, head-high bushes. Off-road, the ground was covered with thick, green moss that had absorbed water like a sponge. Standing water was often here, too, draining from this soggy region in a thousand tiny streams down onto the “road”.

A typical stretch of the **Moose Bog**. Photo looks NNE.

Passing one ghastly spot after another, SPHP kept trying to return to the Moose Trail, but it was no use. Virtually the entire trail was nothing but muck and water. Rare semi-dry spots ended almost instantly, another long stretch of misery ahead.

Criminitly, Loopster! I see now why they call it the Moose Trail. Only a genuine moose would enjoy a slog through a swamp like this!

Maybe you should have asked Sabine for directions to the Human Trail to Mount Mye, SPHP?

Ahh, yes! The Human Trail to Mount Mye! Wish I’d had the presence of mind to ask for that instead, Loop, although one would think that Sabine would notice that I don’t really much resemble a moose, do I?

Well, now that you happen to mention it, SPHP, from the right angle, and in the right light, you …

Oh, no you don’t, Looper! Don’t even go there!

The horrid, no good, excruciatingly slow bushwhack went on and on. Perseverance would eventually pay off, though. The Moose Trail was clearly heading for the lower W slopes of Peak 6400, where steeper ground would almost certainly put an end to the bog slog.

9-8-23, 1:01 PM, Moose Trail – Over an hour had gone by during SPHP’s soggy, 0.33 mile bushwhack, but Lupe was finally back on firm ground. Ahead, the Moose Trail was in vastly improved shape again as it wound up onto Peak 6400’s lower W slopes. SPHP’s boots squeaked as water squished out with every step during a steep trudge higher.

At the Moose Trail’s initial high point on the slope, SPHP paused for a breather. A steep, 25 foot deep dip was ahead, beyond which the trail vanished into another forest.

Thankfully, back on **terra firma**. Photo looks NNE.

At a **local Moose Trail high point** before a **dip** (L). Photo looks NNE.

Enough already! Aren’t you about done griping about the bushwhack yet, SPHP? We’re in the Yukon! Mount Mye is a wilderness adventure! What did you expect? You should have just stuck with the Moose Trail like I did, instead of battling the bushes. We would have been through the Moose Bog a lot faster. Your boots are completely water-logged, anyway. What good did all that ridiculous bushwhacking do you?

My paws may be soaking wet, Loop, but at least my boots aren’t full of muck.

You could have washed out the muck at the first decent stream we come to, SPHP.

Eh. Maybe so, Loopster. Over and done with now. I’ll shut up about it.

Beyond the steep 25 foot dip, the Moose Trail climbed again, eventually leveling out 250 feet higher than where the Moose Bog ended. After a pleasant flat stretch, Lake 4663 came into view as the jeep trail began a gradual descent.

An easy traverse along the **lower W slopes of Peak 6400**. Photo looks NNE.

Approaching **Lake 4663** (L of Center). Photo looks NNE.

Is the Moose Trail going to take us to that lake, SPHP? Looks like it will!

Who knows, Loopster? I bet you’re right, though. We’ll soon come to a stream that we’ll have to ford, if you want to visit the lake. However, we don’t need to go that way, if you’d rather not. Now that we’re past the W end of Peak 6400, we should really be turning E up the big valley N of it.

Let’s visit the lake, SPHP. We’re here now, and it isn’t that far, so why not?

The American Dingo soon had her answer. As the road descended into a region of tall yellow bushes, the Moose Trail once again deteriorated into a sea of mud. The stream couldn’t have been much farther, but wasn’t in sight yet when SPHP balked.

Sorry, Loop, but I’ve about had it with the Moose Trail. Lake 4663 isn’t happening. Let’s stick with our main objective and head for Mount Mye.

Going back up the Moose Trail far enough to reach a mix of tundra and smaller bushes, the Carolina Dog finally abandoned the trail, heading SE up the broad valley N of Peak 6400.

Leaving the Moose Trail. **Peak 6400** (Center). Photo looks SE.

The entire valley appeared be full of yellow bushes. Staying fairly high along Peak 6400’s lower slopes in order to remain among smaller ones seemed best. Patches of tundra were even better, but relatively rare.

Gaining 150 feet elevation, Lupe briefly enjoyed her best view yet of the S end of Lake 4663. However, as the Carolina Dog proceeded farther up the valley, the lake soon disappeared entirely behind Peak 6500.

Up on the **S side of the valley**. **Peak 6500** (L), **Peak 6400** (R). Photo looks E.

A glance back at **Lake 4663** (Center). Photo looks N.

**S end of Lake 4663** (Center). Photo looks N with help from the telephoto lens.

Lupe eventually needed to cross the stream in the center of the valley. Angling gradually toward it, the yellow bushes grew in size. Waist high, chest high, head high, and more on SPHP. Progress became difficult and slow through the dense thicket during a constant search for relatively open lanes where spurts forward were possible.

However, none of this endless jungle was anywhere close to as bad as the Moose Bog had been. When Lupe reached the stream in the middle of the valley, it banks were firm, not marshy. Happily, this stream was small enough to be an easy rock hop.

On the **N bank of the stream** after crossing it. Photo looks SE.

Once on the N bank, the bushes soon began diminishing in size as Lupe continued up the valley. More open lanes appeared, even some small clearings. Progress improved, and would have improved even more, if not for a certain degree of weariness setting in.

An **open lane** among the **yellow bushes**. **Peak 6400** (R of Center). Photo looks ESE.

The bush ordeal effectively culminated with a trudge up to the top of a bush-free, tundra-covered rise. From here, 2 small tarns were now in sight, nestled in a large flat region along the base of Peak 6400. Lupe was already well above them.

The **lower tarn** (L & Center) from the **tundra-covered rise**. Photo looks SSW.

The **upper tarn** (R). **Peak 6400 summit** (far L). Photo looks SE.

9-8-23, 3:56 PM – Tired, Lupe plunked herself down on the soft tundra.

This is a good, scenic spot, SPHP! Can we take a break?

Yeah, why not? It’s not that much farther to Pass 5550, Looper. 1.5 km. It’s got to be right around this next bend.

Taking a break. **Peak 6400** (R), **Pass 5550** (L) around the corner. Photo looks E.

SPHP sat down, and began absent-mindedly examining the tundra. The tundra was always so beautiful, so intricate, delicate, yet tough.

Pass 5550, is that where we’re staying tonight, SPHP?

That’s the plan, if it isn’t too rocky, Loop, and I can still manage to drag myself up there.

20 minutes shot by. Ought to be enough to restore some energy. If Loopster didn’t get going again soon, the way SPHP was feeling, she would be spending the night right here.

Onward! Puppy, ho!

More or less ready to head for **Pass 5550** (L of Center). Photo looks E.

Pass 5550 was still nearly 400 feet higher. More bushes were along the way, including some tall ones, but open lanes almost always made it easy to avoid them. Overall, the bushes rapidly shrank in size as Lupe gained elevation. The American Dingo crossed several rock slides along the way, too, none of which presented any real difficulty.

9-8-23, 5:04 PM – Overcast, the sky was gray, just as it had been all day, when Lupe finally reached Pass 5550, actually coming in a bit higher than the low point. For the first time, the Carolina Dog could now see 2 mountains E of the pass. A large, steep-sided dome was closest, only a few km NE. The other peak, due E, was farther away, and more like a plateau tilted skyward. It was hard to tell which was highest.

Arriving at **Pass 5550**. Photo looks E.

Are either of those mountains Mount Mye (6,763 ft.), SPHP?

Yes. Not sure which one, though, Loopster. Hang on, let me check the map … it’s the one on the L.

The big dome is Mount Mye, SPHP?

Uh-huh. That’s it, Loop! The other mountain must be Peak 6519.

Although it had been calm all day, a cold, gusty 10 mph E breeze sprang up almost as soon as Lupe reached Pass 5550. Anxious to get into the tiny house ASAP, the American Dingo barked impatiently, while SPHP searched for a sufficiently soft spot to place it, then had a bit of a time getting it pitched in the wind.

Once the tiny house was up, and her red sleeping bag spread out, Lupe couldn’t wait to get inside and lie down. She clearly had no intention of leaving it again this evening. SPHP was forced to take a photo of Mount Mye beyond the tiny house without her.

**Mount Mye** (L), **Peak 6519** (R) from **Pass 5550**. Photo looks ENE.

9-8-23, 6:10 PM, Pass 5550 – SPHP crawled into the tiny house. Time for dinner! Beef jerky for dessert. Lupe inhaled her share, then eyes heavy, put her head down. A moment later she was lost in Dingo Dreamland. The sun now chose to put in its only appearance of the day. For 15 or 20 minutes, the tiny house glowed bright.

And then the light was gone again. Tired, but restless, SPHP left the tiny house, and saw only a distant red glow in the W. The E wind had been growing stronger, and now came in powerful gusts between periods of calm. Dusk was coming on, and a light mist began to fall.

Returning to the tiny house, SPHP pulled part of the red sleeping bag over the snoozing Carolina Dog, then put on the Yukon fur trapper’s cap. Toasty! It was raining harder now. Snuggling into the blue sleeping bag, SPHP listened to wind and rain, wondering if it was going to snow?

Snug in the tiny house at **Pass 5550**, Anvil Range, Yukon Territory, Canada 8-9-23

Links:

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Mount Mye, Anvil Range, Yukon Territory, Canada – Base Camp to the Summit! (8-9-23)

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Mount White, Yukon Territory, Canada (9-1-23)

Days 40 & 41 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2023 Dingo Vacation to Canada & Alaska!

8-31-23, 9:06 AM, Kluane National Park & Reserve – Lupe arrived nearly an hour before the Thechal Dahl visitor centre opened. Not a soul was around. However, like yesterday, by the time the park rangers showed up, a small crowd had already gathered. No buses this morning, though.

By the **Thechal Dahl visitor centre flags** in the **Slims River valley**. Photo looks SW.

SPHP was pumped!

Wait here in the RAV4, Loopster. I’ll be back as soon as I’ve had a chance to chat with one of the rangers. Just want to make certain that we ought to be able to cross Bullion Creek safely. If it’s a go, I’ll check out one of the clumsy bear-proof canisters, and we’ll be on our way to the Kaskawulsh Glacier and Observation Mountain (6,824 ft.)!

How long will we be gone, SPHP?

At least 3 days, more likely 4, Loop. It’s a bit of a march.

Sounds totally awesome, SPHP!

Oh, it will be, Looper! You can count on it! There’s a reason this has been on your list of possibilities for so many years.

8-31-23, 10:47 AM, Kluane National Park & Reserve – SPHP was back.

Where’s the bear-proof canister, SPHP? Did you forget it?

We aren’t going, Loopster.

What! Why not? That couple we met on the way to the Bullion Plateau yesterday said the rangers told them it was possible to cross Bullion Creek, if they just went downstream from where the Slims West trail reaches it.

Yes, that’s true. Still kind of a tough crossing from what I understand, but that’s not the problem, Loop.

What is then, SPHP? Are they out of bear-proof canisters?

I don’t think so. The problem is Canada Creek, the last creek before the Kaskawulsh Glacier. It’s been captured by the Alsek River, too! Canada Creek used to have a braided delta, so crossing it was no big deal back in 2016, but since then it has carved a channel concentrating all its flow in one fast-moving, frigid torrent.

We can’t cross it? How deep is Canada Creek, SPHP?

They tell me it’s waist deep! On me! We’re free to attempt it, if we want to, Loop, but at our own risk. The rangers strongly advise against it. Large groups that can help each other are having some success getting across Canada Creek, but most loners like us end up turning back.

Hate to miss out on the Kaskawulsh Glacier, SPHP, but I prefer adventures where I get to live to tell the tale.

Kind of how I feel about it, too, Sweet Puppy.

The Canada Creek news had come out of the blue. Nothing to be done about it. Time for Plan B! Less than 15 minutes later, Lupe was enjoying a brief romp along the S shore of Kluane Lake. Evidently this would be her last opportunity to see the big lake on this Dingo Vacation.

Paw deep in **Kluane Lake**. Photo looks N.

Instead of setting off on a grand adventure, this became a positioning day, which meant a long drive. In Whitehorse, SPHP purchased orange juice, a roasted chicken, doughnuts, and other supplies, then fueled up the RAV4. Other stops were few and far between. SE of Whitehorse, Lupe got to escape the RAV4 for a few minutes at the Alaska Highway bridge over the Yukon River, but that was about it.

**Alaska Highway bridge** over the **Yukon River**. Photo looks W.

8-31-23, 4:25 PM, 2 km from Jake’s Corner – The American Dingo stood on the pavement near the start of Atlin Highway No. 7. A mountain she’d been by many times was in sight.

That’s Mount White (5,016 ft.), isn’t it, SPHP?

**Mount White** from **near the start of Atlin Highway No. 7**. Photo looks SE.

Indeed it is, Loopster, or at least part of it.

Are we finally going to climb Mount White, SPHP? Is that why we’re here?

That’s the plan, Looper. Tomorrow, weather permitting!

Going to happen then, SPHP! The weather is beautiful here in the Yukon.

8-31-23, 4:56 PM – SPHP had driven right on by Mount White all the way to a favorite spot, a ridge with a view of the N end of Atlin Lake flanked by Mount Hitchcock (5,886 ft.) and Mount Minto (6,913 ft.). Between them, both Birch Mountain (6,765 ft.) and Atlin Mountain (6,722 ft.) were also in sight at the far end of the lake.

**N end of Atlin Lake** (Center) with **Black Mountain** (far L), **Mount Hitchcock** (L) and **Mount Minto** (R). Photo looks S.

How about a romp through your favorite woods, Loopster?

The Carolina Dog was all for it! Excited and happy to be here, Lupe raced through the woods sniffing everything. SPHP kept an eye out for the strange, abandoned camp she’d found last year, but didn’t see it.

Lupe roamed farther N in these woods than she’d ever been before. She had a great time, arriving back at the RAV4 famished. Roasted chicken with a Busy Rib Hide for dessert! It doesn’t get much better than that!

A cool S wind was blowing, and the sky began clouding up as the sun sank toward the mountains.

9-1-23, the wee hours – The S breeze blew all night. Every time Lupe wanted out, clouds were sweeping past a waning, but still nearly full moon. SPHP found the moon reassuring. No drastic changes. The weather was going to be alright.

9-1-23, 7:17 AM – A gorgeous morning! Only a light breeze now. As Lupe enjoyed an early morning stretch, sunlight spread over Mount Minto. According to the Tlingit sign, they called it Kiyan.

Morning at the viewpoint ridge. Photo looks NW.

By the old **Taku River Tlingit sign**. **Kiyan** (Center).

Any roasted chicken left, SPHP?

Yeah, some. It’s what’s for breakfast, Loop.

The Carolina Dog was fine with that. SPHP guzzled some orange juice, too, then got the pack ready.

9-1-23, 9:03 AM, Atlin Highway No. 7 – Driving back N, SPHP turned R off the highway at the White Mountain sign. Lupe cooperated in a photo op at the sign, then hopped back into the RAV4. A short drive on a gravel side road quickly led to an empty trailhead.

At the **White Mountain sign**. Photo looks E.

Before hitting the trail, SPHP paused for a look at the dilapidated plaque on display. It took a moment to sink in.

The **dilapidated plaque** on display at the trailhead.

Oh, good grief! Back into the RAV4, Loopster.

Why? What’s wrong, SPHP?

I’ve always just assumed from that sign out by the highway that this was the trailhead for the trail up Mount White. It isn’t! This trail is just an abandoned stretch of the old highway. It doesn’t go up the mountain. We’re at the wrong place, Looper!

Do you know where the trailhead we’re looking for is, SPHP?

Not exactly, but we can’t be too far from it, Loop. I remember now that the trail is supposed to leave a highway maintenance gravel yard from behind a generator. Can’t be too many places that would fit that description.

Returning to Atlin Highway No. 7, SPHP drove slowly N, watching for side roads toward the mountain. Right after passing a driveway for the Little Atlin Lodge on the L, another side road appeared on the R, directly opposite from an unofficial-looking Km 6 sign. A yellow metal gate 100 feet in on this wide gravel side road was closed, but there was plenty of room to park the RAV4 near the highway.

This might be it, Looper. Let’s have a look.

**Atlin Highway No. 7** (R), **Yellow metal gate** (L of Center). Photo looks S.

9-1-23, 9:27 AM, 56ºF – Walking past the yellow gate, machinery could be heard as Lupe followed the broad side road on an uphill curve to the L (E). Around this first corner, the road immediately entered a large, flat gravel yard. No one was around. The sound was coming from over by a large white shed sitting up on a slightly elevated area off to the L (N).

That must be where the generator is, Looper.

Sure looks like we must be in the right place now, SPHP.

At the **gravel yard** with **Mount White** beyond the generator shed. Photo looks N.

Venturing up to the shed, at first, SPHP didn’t see any sign of a trail. A more careful look then revealed a 4 foot tall metal post down the slope behind the shed right along the edge of the gravel yard. No sign was on the post, but a trail disappeared down into the trees right next to it.

Lupe standing right in front of the **metal post** down the slope behind the generator. The **Mount White trail** starts in the trees right beside her. Photo looks N.

We’re in business, SPHP!

The Mount White trail started off dipping 15 feet down into the forest, where it immediately crossed a small stream. A 3″ diameter electrical cable sheathed in pink insulation was suspended over the creek. The American Dingo helped herself to a drink, then, passing right under the overhanging cable, began following the trail N.

Down by the **tiny stream**. Photo looks NNE.

Beyond the stream, the pink cable ran right along the ground. The trail never strayed far from it during a long, aggressive climb directly up a ridge with virtually no switchbacks. Early on, Lupe traveled through a stretch of aspens, but most of the time she was in a spruce forest.

Heading up among the **aspens**. Photo looks N.

At first, there were no views, or only tree-broken glimpses. Lupe gained hundreds of feet of elevation before reaching the first open area. From here, she already had a terrific view of Little Atlin Lake, and the gravel yard far below.

First view of **Little Atlin Lake**. **Mount Minto** (Center). **Gravel yard** (R). Photo looks S.

Heading back into the forest, the steep climb continued. After gaining 800 or 900 feet of elevation, Lupe came to another opening. The views were even better here. At the upper end of this clearing, Lupe faced a 10 to 15 foot near-vertical, rocky scramble. She was up it in a flash without any assistance from SPHP.

Following the **pink electrical cable** higher. Photo looks N.

**Steep clearing** reached after gaining 800 to 900 feet of elevation. Photo looks NNW.

Enjoying the **short, near-vertical scramble**. Photo looks N.

**Little Atlin Lake** from above the scramble. **Mount Minto** (L of Center). Photo looks S.

After gaining roughly 1,200 feet of elevation, the forest began to thin out. Lupe came to more and more rocky open spots with grand views. By now, the trail’s aggressive rate of climb was beginning to diminish. The microwave tower powered by the generator via the pink electrical cable eventually appeared up ahead. It was still quite a bit higher, but the Carolina Dog was making good progress toward it.

**Little Atlin Lake** from one of the many superb viewpoints. Photo looks W.

Approaching the **microwave tower** (L of Center). Photo looks NNE.

Just before reaching the microwave tower, Lupe came to a flat region with a sweeping view of Little Atlin Lake. Virtually the entire lake was now in sight!

**S end of Little Atlin Lake** from just below the microwave tower. **Mount Minto** (L of Center). Photo looks S.

Beyond the N end of Little Atlin Lake, the American Dingo could even see the S end of Marsh Lake.

Marsh Lake is the source of the Yukon River, isn’t it, SPHP?

Yup. That’s right, Loopster. The Tagish River is the main one flowing into Marsh Lake. It’s officially the Yukon River leaving Marsh Lake. See that highest peak beyond Marsh Lake? You’ve been there!

I have? What peak is it, SPHP?

That’s Mount Lorne (6,629 ft.), Looper.

Mount Lorne! Where we met Greg and Svetlana. They were so nice!

Yes, they were. It’s also where we got lost in the bushes on the way back.

**N end of Little Atlin Lake** (Center), **Marsh Lake** & **Mount Lorne** (R). Photo looks WNW.

Going on up to the microwave tower, Lupe spent a few minutes sniffing around. Two bins made of logs were near the tower. These bins were connected to each other, and full of huge rocks.

Strange! What are these bins for, SPHP?

I don’t know, Loop. Maybe ballast holding in place some underground support structure for the tower?

A helicopter pad was nearby, too. The Carolina Dog ventured up onto it, but no helicopters came to whisk her away to Mount White’s summit.

Just below the **microwave tower** (L). Photo looks N.

The **helicopter pad** view. **Little Atlin Lake** and **Mount Minto** (L). Photo looks SSW.

Waiting for a free ride to the summit! Photo looks NE.

Sorry, Loopster. We’re going to have to walk.

That was no longer such a big deal. Lupe had already gained nearly 2,000 feet of elevation, and had less than another 500 feet to go. The Mount White trail continued beyond the microwave tower, still quite steep for a few hundred more feet, before getting easier as it wound through a shallow valley among bushes and stunted trees bordered by large outcroppings of light gray rock.

Climbing **beyond the microwave tower**. Photo looks NE.

In the **shallow valley**. Photo looks N.

Making a final short ascent, the trail climbed out of the valley. Lupe reached smooth bedrock. Directly ahead, a cluster of white stones sat atop a highpoint.

Approaching **Mount White’s premier viewpoint** (R of Center). Photo looks N.

9-1-23, 11:52 AM, 52ºF – Although the sun was shining, a 10 mph SW breeze felt chilly as Lupe reached Mount White’s premier viewpoint.

At **Mount White’s far W viewpoint**. **N end of Little Atlin Lake** (L), **Marsh Lake** (R) with **Mount Lorne** (R) beyond. Photo looks WNW.

Congratulations, Loop! You’ve reached Mount White’s most scenic spot!

Thank you, SPHP, but “most scenic spot”? That’s terrific news, but are you implying that we have more mountain to climb?

SPHP shook Lupe’s paw.

Heh. If you only knew, Sweet Puppy. Yeah, we’ve got a long way to go yet. Mount White (5,016 ft.) is gigantic! See that high point 0.25 km off to the E? It’s clearly higher than we are here, and that’s just Mount White’s SW subpeak. The true summit is somewhere way off to the NE.

**Mount White SW Peak** (R). **Survey marker** (L) at the tip of Lupe’s tail. Photo looks E.

**Survey marker** at **Mount White’s premier far W viewpoint**.

Like how far NE do you mean, SPHP? I don’t even see it!

Like nearly 5 km NE of that SW summit as the crow flies, Looper. Longer the way we’ll have to go. It’s not that much higher, only a couple hundred feet. I can’t tell which hill out there is it yet, either.

**Peak 5540** (L). Although SPHP didn’t realize it at the time, the **hill in the distance by the R edge** is **Mount White’s true summit**. Photo looks NNE.

More than 5 km? We’ll be needing extra energy to do all that, SPHP. Break out the chocolate coconut bar!

Only brought one, Loop, and we’re saving it for the true summit. How about a Cliff cool mint bar, instead?

The cool mint bar was an acceptable substitute. When it was gone, SPHP shared beef jerky and water with Lupe, then sat munching on peanuts while admiring the tremendous views. In addition to Marsh Lake and the N end of Atlin Lake, both the N and S ends of Little Atlin Lake were in sight, although some of the middle wasn’t. Mount Lorne was easily identifiable off to the NW.

Nares Mountain (5,833 ft.) and Montana Mountain (7,233 ft.), two other peaks Lupe had been to before, may have been in view far to the SW, but even if they were, SPHP didn’t recognize them.

To the E, the terrain consisted of rumpled highlands, only a bit lower, with a line of silver cliffs visible far to the ENE. SPHP wondered if the high point above them might be the true summit of Mount White? Hopefully, not. It seemed incredibly far away.

The silver cliffs (L), **Mount White SW Peak** (R). Photo looks E.

The best view of all was the one to the S, where Mount Minto (6,913 ft.) rose beyond the S end of Little Atlin Lake.

**S end of Little Atlin Lake** (L), **Mount Minto** (Center). Photo looks S.

Mount Minto! That’s another one that’s been on your list of possibilities for years, Loopster.

I know! Are we ever going to climb Kiyan, SPHP?

You speak Tlingit now, too, Loop? I’d love to, but rather doubt it. We’d need an affordable way to get across the N end of Atlin Lake. Haven’t found one yet.

40 minutes had already flown at this viewpoint, and Mount White was on today’s agenda, not Mount Minto. If Lupe was ever going to get to the true summit, she’d better be on her way.

Mount White SW Peak (4,790 ft.) is next, Loop. Onward! Puppy, ho!

The territory leading to the SW peak was a rolling landscape of grass, tundra, low bushes, and light gray rock outcroppings, a beautiful, easy romp. On the way there, Lupe came across a bright red patch of alpine bearberries.

Among the **alpine bearberries**. Photo looks SE.

9-1-23, 12:45 PM, Mount White SW Peak (4,790 ft.) – Next to a cairn, Lupe stood at the top of a small, stony highpoint. It had taken her only 10 minutes to get here.

**Mount White SW Peak summit**. Photo looks E.

Good job, Loop! What do you see up there? Any sign of Mount White’s true summit?

I see a lot of territory, SPHP. No obvious true summit, though. Come on up, and see for yourself.

SPHP did. Looking NE along the sharp edge of the massive Mount White plateau, an undramatic hill way over at the far end appeared to be at least a little higher than anywhere else on the plateau.

That hill must be it, Looper. At least, that’s what it looks like from here.

Doesn’t look like much, SPHP. Not even very rocky. Sure is a long way off, though.

Well, the true summit is either there, or way over by those silvery cliffs, which are even farther away. In any case, we better keep going, Loop.

**Peak 5540** (L). **Mount White true summit** (R) in the distance. Photo looks NE.

After spending only a few minutes at the SW peak, the American Dingo left it again, heading SE while slowly losing elevation along a ridge. To the E, a very interesting region was in view. Beyond a valley that Lupe was going to have to cross, she saw many low hills of light gray rock. A somewhat lower region toward the S was dotted with trees.

**Mount White’s true summit** (L), **silvery cliffs** (R). Photo looks NE.

**Low gray hills** (L), **tree-dotted region** (R). Photo looks E.

So pretty! That looks like such fun territory to explore, doesn’t it, Loop?

We’ll have a blast, SPHP!

Wrong! Well, not completely.

It started out well. Losing 200 feet of elevation during a steeper descent from the ridge into the valley, instead of heading for the gray hills, which would have been by far the better choice, SPHP led Lupe toward the somewhat lower region dotted with trees. At first, it wasn’t bad, but as the Carolina Dog pressed on toward the E, more and more dense thickets of bigger and bigger bushes appeared.

This was beautiful country, but one that became an increasingly difficult struggle to move through efficiently. It didn’t help at all that the 100 foot contours on the topo map hid a lot of up and down along the way.

At a decent spot in the **bush and tree region**. Photo looks NE.

A second significant valley had to be crossed as Lupe made her way E. She managed to reach the bottom a little N of the narrow valley’s high point, finding the valley itself nearly bush-free. However, after going S to the saddle and turning E again, another difficult bushwhack ensued while trying to get to the top of the next ridge.

At the **bottom of the second valley**. Photo looks S.

Persistence paid off. Lupe managed to reach the ridge line. Instead of chest high on SPHP, the bushes were much shorter up here, only a foot or two high, with firm tundra in some areas between them. To the N, a series of slightly higher small hills was ahead.

A quick glance back. **Mount White SW Peak** (L of center). Photo looks W.

Finally **up on the ridge** with **small hills** ahead. Photo looks N.

Sheesh! When am I ever going to learn, Looper? In the far N, it’s almost always best to avoid vegetation. Bushes, tussocks, Devil’s club, hidden bogs, spongy tundra, it’s always some tale of woe! We should have come through those rocky gray hills. We will on the way back. I can guarantee you that!

You live, yet never learn, SPHP. I’ve had to get used to it.

Happily, while Lupe still had quite a way to go yet, the difficult part of the journey was over. All that was necessary now was to stay on the high ground, avoiding any tall bushes.

Heading N along the hilly ridge crest, the true summit of Mount White, which had been out of sight for a long time, came back into view. By now, SPHP was certain the hill to the NE was it. Thankfully, it wasn’t clear over by the silvery cliffs, which were still impossibly far away.

Starting to close in on **Mount White’s true summit** (Center). Photo looks NNE.

The trek N was fun! Low bushes, and scattered patches of taller ones, did little to impede progress. Much of the time, Lupe was racing across firm tundra, running and sniffing to her heart’s delight. At one point she clearly sniffed something interesting off to the W, repeatedly raising her nose to the air, then staring off that way. However, nothing appeared, and the scenic journey continued.

A scenic journey. **Mount Minto** (far R). Photo looks SSE.

Getting closer. **Mount White true summit** (R). Photo looks NNE.

*It’s over that way, SPHP!* Photo looks NNW.

Saving time, Lupe didn’t hit all the high points while crossing the vast rolling plateau, but stayed high enough to avoid any serious vegetation. Turning E, a final gradual descent to a broad saddle got her to only a moderately steep climb up a long tundra slope. Cake all the way!

On final approach. **Mount White true summit** (Center). Photo looks ENE.

9-1-23, 4:21 PM, 50ºF, Mount White (5,016 ft.) – Next to a white rock, Lupe sat in a chilly 15-20 mph SW wind. That foot high rock, situated on a fairly flat region of tundra with other white rocks scattered about, was the true summit of Mount White.

At **Mount White’s true summit**. Photo looks SE.

SPHP shook Lupe’s paw.

Congratulations, Loopster! We made it!

Thank you, SPHP. Now about that chocolate coconut bar. Seems long overdue!

Fine! But let’s get out of this cold wind, first.

Although the best views were S and W, SPHP retreated a little down the NE slope before taking a seat on the tundra. After sharing the one and only chocolate coconut bar, beef jerky, and water with Lupe, she curled up on SPHP’s lap.

Facing NE away from wind, conditions were reasonably pleasant. Lupe was very interested in the beautiful Yukon scene stretched out before her. Looking down a long tundra slope, she scanned a broad region of highlands on Mount White’s NE flank for signs of movement. SPHP’s gaze was drawn more toward lines of nameless dark blue mountains on the horizon. Looking E, the silvery cliffs were still 6 km away.

Looking down on the **highlands along Mount White’s NE flank**. Photo looks NE.

The **silvery cliffs**. Photo looks E with help from the telephoto lens.

SPHP drank a vanilla Equate, polished off the peanuts, then worked on the trail mix. Not to be outdone, Lupe gobbled up the rest of her Taste of the Wild, and had more water. Then for a long while, it felt good sitting there together, simply staring out into space, enjoying the Yukon.

Of course, that could only last so long.

Nearly picture time, Loopster. We better have a look at some of these other magnificent views while we’ve got the chance.

30 feet N of the true summit, quite a few white rocks were over near 4 short wooden stakes that formed a rectangle. An old survey pin was among them.

**Mount Michie** (L) beyond the **4 wood stakes**. **Peak 5540** (R). Photo looks NNW.

Little Atlin Lake couldn’t be seen from here, but Marsh Lake was in view to the NW. Lupe could still see Mount Lorne, too.

By the **4 wood stakes**. **Mount Lorne** (far L), **Marsh Lake** (Center & R). Photo looks NW.

Almost due W, the Alaska Highway was 2,500 feet below. Jake’s Corner at the junction with Tagish Road, which goes to Carcross, was in sight.

**Alaska Highway** (R) with the **S end of Marsh Lake** beyond. Photo looks W.

Although Little Atlin Lake wasn’t in view, both Mount Minto (6,913 ft.) and Mount Hitchcock (5,886 ft.) were, with the N end of Atlin Lake sandwiched between them.

**Mount Hitchcock** (L), **Mount Minto** (Center). Photo looks S.

Kiyan is still my favorite view from Mount White, SPHP. We’ve had a lot of fun in the Atlin Lake region over the years!

Mount Minto is my favorite, too, Loopster. And guess what? If all goes well, we’ve got other big adventures coming up down that way.

On this Dingo Vacation, SPHP?

Yep! You’ll see!

While Mount Minto may have been the unanimous favorite, another view was rapidly becoming the most pertinent. Off to the SW, Jubilee Mountain (5,951 ft.), among the closest peaks on the far side of unseen Little Atlin Lake, stood out beyond Mount White’s SW Peak.

**Jubilee Mountain** (R of Center), **Mount White SW Peak** (R). Photo looks SW.

Hate to say it, Loop …

Oh, I know, SPHP! It’s a long way back, and getting to be about that time.

9-1-23, 5:11 PM – 50 minutes after arriving, the American Dingo sat alone in the wind, enjoying her final moments at Mount White’s true summit. Glancing back to the NW, she saw SPHP give the signal to come.

Final moments at **Mount White’s true summit**. Photo looks SE.

The first part of the return was so much fun! Encouraged by SPHP, Lupe hit some of the high points skipped during the ascent. As a result, she journeyed mostly along tundra, making travel fast and easy. Once back to the region where she’d sniffed something out there, the Carolina Dog began raising her nose in the air, and staring off to the W again.

She knew!

Heading back. **Jubilee Mountain** (L of Center), **Mount White SW Peak** (R of Center), **N end of Little Atlin Lake** (R). Photo looks SW.

Lupe never saw them, but, this time, SPHP did.

**One of the color-coordinated white mountain goats** of Mount White.

Progress slowed once the descent into the region of bushes began. On the way down to the narrow bush-free valley, Lupe succeeded in finding more open routes, making the bushwhack easier than before. Trying to climb NW back out of the valley was another matter, though.

On a steep slope, an incredibly dense thicket of bushes taller than SPHP was such a struggle to push through. At a particularly difficult point, SPHP gave a mighty shove, attempting to squeeze by. The bushes gave an even mightier shove back, sending SPHP into an uncontrolled fall backwards.

SPHP! Are you all right?

Didn’t hurt. Not at all, because SPHP never hit the ground. Cushioned by the bushes below, SPHP was left hanging upside down with the pack wedged in among them, thrashing around like a beetle or turtle that had been flipped over, unable to regain its feet.

Yes, of course, I’m alright, Loop. Couldn’t hurt myself here, if i tried, but I can’t get up!

Well, you look ridiculous, SPHP!

No doubt. My brainpower may be increasing, though. All my blood is pooling in my head.

After repeated failures, SPHP finally did manage to escape the bushes’ grasp, and that was about the end of the worst of it. The terrible struggle didn’t go on much farther. Lupe managed to find an open lane leading above and beyond the tallest bushes.

Although the sun was in SPHP’s eyes, making it almost impossible to see, the journey became easier when the American Dingo reached tundra on the way to the gray hills along the 4,700 foot ridge E of Mount White’s SW Peak. Once there, the rocky terrain made for easy travel.

Lupe tagged Mount White SW Peak (4,790 ft.) again, but lingered only a few minutes. The sun was sinking into the clouds as she hurried on.

9-1-23, 8:42 PM – Back at Mount White’s premier viewpoint, the evening views were even more amazing. A golden glow was in the clouds, while the big lakes below were a shimmering silver among a darkening land.

Back at **Mount White’s premier viewpoint**. Photo looks WNW.

We should stay and watch the sunset, SPHP. Might be truly amazing!

I’d love to, Loopster, but don’t want to take on the steep descent in the dark. That one near-vertical scramble in particular worries me. Besides, there are a lot of clouds around. Chances are the sun will just sink into them, and be lost from view without producing much of a sunset. This may be as good as it gets.

Several more minutes appreciating the awesome views, and Lupe was reluctantly on her way.

Evening view of **Mount Hitchcock** (Center) beyond the **S end of Little Atlin Lake**. **Mount Minto** (R). Photo looks S.

A fair amount of light was still in the sky as Lupe reached the microwave tower again, but it faded quickly during the subsequent steep descent. As usual, SPHP was as slow as molasses on the steepest sections. The growing gloom of twilight made the descent seem faintly dangerous.

Returning to the **microwave tower** (R). Photo looks SSW.

It turned out that SPHP’s concerns about the short, vertical scramble in the dark were not justified. Exploring a bit E, Lupe managed to avoid the whole thing without difficulty. The Carolina Dog was already below the scramble when she stopped and looked.

Told you, SPHP! We should have stayed up on Mount White!

Off to the NW, beyond the N end of Little Atlin Lake, beyond Marsh Lake, even beyond Mount Lorne (6,629 ft.), a scene of rapidly fading glory! The sky was on fire. Awestruck, both Lupe and SPHP stood watching.

Moments later it was gone. Nothing remained, other than the steep, dark descent through the black forest. (End 10:38 PM, 55ºF)