4-23-21, late morning – It was the shrillest, happiest, most enthusiastic greeting ever! Uncle Joe, Aunt Andrea, and Cousin Dusty from Colorado could scarcely get in the door or be heard above the din. The Carolina Dog was in a complete frenzy of joy and excitement! Lupe knew what their arrival meant – good times ahead!
Cousin Dusty arrives for a visit.
Festivities started off with a quick trip to Qdoba’s for take-out, and a visit to Grandma’s, where Lupe and Dusty each enjoyed a Busy Rib Hide.
After lunch, Aunt Andrea and Grandma were going shopping. Uncle Joe did not disappoint. How about a romp in the hills? A suggestion very well received by the pack!
Where to, was the immediate question? The day was breezy and gray. Barely above freezing, it was cold for late April. Furthermore, Cousin Dusty would be 15 in June, and was recovering from surgery to remove a tumor. She was doing well, but something not terribly strenuous was in order. SPHP suggested an easy trek along Rapid Creek.
4-23-21, 1:30 PM, Silver City trailhead – Out of the wind down in scenic Rapid Creek canyon, Deerfield Trail No. 40 was the perfect solution! The trail was easy to follow and wound upstream with minimal elevation gain. Dusty could go as far as she wanted to, or turn back at any time.
Heading W from Silver City on Deerfield Trail No. 40.
Early on there was a nice view of Silver Peak(5,810 ft.).
Silver Peak (L). Photo looks SW.
The trail passed through forest, and along stretches of Rapid Creek. It even went by a Dingo Cave.
Lupe and Cousin Dusty by Rapid Creek.Uncle Joe and Cousin Dusty from the Dingo Cave.
Lupe had been here many times before, but today there was something new to show off to her guests from Colorado. 3 bighorn sheep were up on a steep slope overlooking the trail. One wore two tags, No. 353 and No. 354, plus a radio collar.
Bighorn sheep.
Cousin Dusty was doing great! In fact, she was having such a grand time that she often led the way, even doing some off-trail exploring. As the trek continued, Dusty crossed several more bridges over Rapid Creek. Eventually, the sky darkened further. It began to snow.
Hiking with Uncle Joe.One of several bridges over Rapid Creek.On a remnant of a mysterious man-made wall or support.Dusty leading the way across another bridge.
Could have been November! Snowflakes filled the air, drifting silently lower. After passing Stewart Gulch, Uncle Joe called a halt. Probably far enough for Dusty. A break was taken. SPHP shared chocolate coconut bars with everyone, and Uncle Joe provided Kind bars.
Rapid Creek not far from the point of farthest advance.Dusty relaxing on the snow.
The bighorn sheep were still there on the way back, they’d hardly moved at all. Snowed the whole time, but it was too warm for any of it to stick. The return seemed to go fast. Cousin Dusty was still leading when the trailhead appeared ahead. (3:35 PM, 36ºF)
Heading back.
4-24-21, 10:30 AM, 45ºF, Horse Creek Road – Gray and cold earlier, just like yesterday, but the clouds were breaking up now! Sunny, getting warmer, and not too windy. A bit muddy, but everyone was in a good mood while setting out on USFS Road No. 243.2J.
Heading down Horse Creek valley. Photo looks SSW.Crossing Horse Creek. Photo looks SSW.
No. 243.2J led to a junction with USFS Road No. 669 near a pond that had been frozen over the last time Lupe was here a little over a month ago. Not so today! Cousin Dusty decided to take a dip.
By the pond. Joe and Dusty over on USFS Road No. 669. Photo looks SW.Dusty in the pond.
Although the pond still had to be mighty cold, Dusty showed no sign of being chilled when she emerged. She went right back to leading the way on USFS Road No. 669 as it headed SE up a valley.
Heading SE on USFS Road No. 669.
No. 669 topped out at a broad saddle 0.6 mile past the pond. Peak5520, an objective chosen for its excellent views and because Cousin Dusty would be able to climb it, was just 0.2 mile NE.
At the saddle with Peak 5520 in the background. Photo looks NE.
Could have chosen a tougher peak! Dusty had no problem at all. Soon everyone was congregated at the top of the mountain.
Heading up. Photo looks NNE.Joe and Dusty not too far from the top. Photo looks NE.With Uncle Joe & Cousin Dusty on Peak 5520. Photo looks NW.Cousin Dusty still peakbagging in the Black Hills at 14 years, 10.5 months!
Veterans of many trips over the years, Joe and Dusty were no strangers to the Black Hills. A number of peaks they had climbed before with Lupe were visible from Peak 5520, including Boulder Hill(5,331 ft.), Peak5917, Mount Warner(5,889 ft.), Black Elk Peak(7,231 ft.) and Custer Peak(6,804 ft.).
Fond memories on display in almost every direction!
Peak6070 (L) and Peak 5917 (R). Photo looks N.Mount Warner (L) and Black Elk Peak (R). Photo looks SSE.Mount Warner (L of Center), Peak5741 (R of Center), with Samelias Peak(5,856 ft.) (Center) between them. Photo looks SE.Lupe and Uncle Joe on Peak 5520. Five Points(6,221 ft.) (L). Photo looks SW.
Naturally, a chocolate coconut bar break, shared in by all, was taken to commemorate another successful Black Hills ascent. Then it was down Peak 5520’s S slope, a slightly different route back to USFS Road No. 669, with a brief stop to check out the still splendid views from some of the rock formations.
Uncle Joe starts the descent. Mount Warner (Center). Photo looks SE.On the rocks with Uncle Joe. Five Points (R). Photo looks SW.
4-24-21, 12:50 PM, Horse Creek Road, back at the G6 – Good times with Cousin Dusty and Uncle Joe! Two nice hikes in two days, but this was only a very quick trip for them. Although they’d arrived only 27 hours ago, bright and early tomorrow morning they would be on the road back to Colorado.
Still early afternoon, though, and Dusty was doing great! Would they consider spending a little longer in the hills before heading back to town? SPHP suggested lunch in Hill City, then another short outing.
And so it was. Lupe and Dusty rested up in the G6, while Joe and SPHP enjoyed a fabulous meal at the Alpine Inn. Then it was on to Burnt Fork Road and a hike to the Gold Mountain Mine.
At the Gold Mountain Mine. Lowden Mountain(6,055 ft.) (L). Photo looks SW.Joe reads one of 7 or 8 plaques while Dusty looks on.Cousin Dusty at the Gold Mountain Mine.
In the valley SE of the mine was another pond, considerably larger than the one on the way to Peak 5520. On the way back to the G6, Cousin Dusty couldn’t resist taking another dip.
Cousin Dusty in the bigger, more scenic pondSE of the Gold Mountain Mine. Union Hill(6,120 ft.) (Center). Photo looks E.
Then it was back to town to Grandma’s apartment where Aunt Andrea was playing cards with her, and where two lucky cousins got to enjoy Busy Rib Hides after another fun day together in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota.
Busy Rib Hide time at Grandma’s apartment, 4-24-21
9:10 AM, 44ºF, Spring Creek Road W (USFS Road No. 305) –
This is really cool, SPHP!
You can say that again, Loopster! Going to be downright frigid!
After parking the G6, Lupe and SPHP had taken a short walk up the road. A wall of rock on the other side of Spring Creek had inspired Lupe’s reaction. No bridge across the stream had inspired SPHP’s.
Parked just off USFS Road No. 305 near Spring Creek. Photo looks S.A gorgeous spot from which to start Expedition No. 276! Photo looks S.
SPHP took another look at the topo map. Yeah, this had to be the place, didn’t it? Did appear to be some sort of faint road on the other side of Spring Creek. Kicking boots off, SPHP waded across the stream. Not hard, not deep, but numbingly cold.
C’mon over, Loop!
Lupe ran anxiously back and forth along the bank, but refused to brave little ole Spring Creek. No amount of encouragement could persuade her to make the plunge. SPHP sat down, and started putting boots back on. Suddenly, Loop was right here! A tree trunk formed a partial bridge a little upstream, maybe she had run across it? Whatever she’d done, the Carolina Dog looked pretty pleased with herself.
Oh, aren’t you the foxy one, Miss Dry Paws?
Miss Dry Paws, safely across Spring Creek.
An adventure right off the bat! Ready, Looper? Let’s find out what else Peak6360 has in store for us!
Loopster turned and trotted up what SPHP hoped was what remained of USFS Road No. 305.1H.
By Spring Creek, about to set off for Peak 6360! Photo looks S.
Up a little rise, and the road leveled out in a meadow. For a moment it seemed the road had already vanished, but Lupe quickly found it again heading WNW up a little valley past a stand of naked aspens. No. 305.1H must have been abandoned a long time ago. Among the aspens stood the remains of an ancient cabin that had been, too.
In the meadow. Photo looks W.Wow! This cabin has been here a while! Photo looks WNW.
Just past the cabin, the road made a big snowy curve S, starting to climb out of the valley along a forested hillside. Matched up perfectly with the map. This was USFS Road No. 305.1H, alright!
Leaving the valley. Photo looks SSE.
Passing tall pines and spruce, the air was comfortably warm, but a light breeze sometimes carried a fresh coolness aloft. Still snow-covered, the road soon turned E. Lupe trotted ahead without ever breaking through the crust, while SPHP plodded along behind.
Wonder how long it’s been since anyone’s been back here, SPHP?
No telling, Loop. Seems super secluded, doesn’t it?
Rounding the E end of a ridge, USFS Road No. 305.1H curved WSW along the N edge of a hidden valley. Scattered pines and a stand of tall aspens decorated a grassy lowland enclosed by forested ridges. Snow clung to the N slopes. Large rock formations could be seen at several high points way up on the ridgelines. Peak6360 was somewhere up there!
What an awesome place, SPHP! This is amazing!
I’ll say! No one ever sees this, Loop. We are so lucky!
Entering the hidden valley. Photo looks SW.Isn’t this magnificent? I’m loving it! Photo looks SSE.
No. 305.1H wound along the N, then W edge of the valley. A junction where USFS Road No. 305.1K continued S, and No. 305.1H curved away to the W, was barely recognizable. Lupe got on No. 305.1K, following the road until it faded away near the S end of the wonderful valley.
Skirting the valley on USFS Road No. 305.1H. Photo looks SW.Rounding a snowy curve on USFS Road No. 305.1K. Photo looks SSE.Heading for the S end of the valley. Photo looks SSE.
No. 305.1K was on the E side of the valley, just starting to climb, when it finally disappeared completely. A huge rock formation way up on the ridge looked like it might be a problem to get around, so Lupe began her ascent of Peak 6360 aiming S of it. A modest amount of deadfall during the initial part of the climb soon became a wretched relentless jumble.
Enthusiasm was not dimmed. SPHP toiled after her, as Lupe leapt over one obstacle after another. Views kept improving. The sense that Peak 6360 might prove to be a spectacular summit by Black Hills standards kept growing.
Starting to climb as USFS Road No. 305.1K vanishes. Photo looks SSE.Making progress! Photo looks SW.The indomitable Dingo! Photo looks NE.
The climb took an inordinate amount of time for the amount of distance covered, but the steepness eventually began to diminish. Lupe reached the ridgeline right where she’d been aiming, a little S of the big rock formation.
Crossing the narrow ridge, the American Dingo came to a gorgeous view of Saint Elmo Peak(6,458 ft.) and Black Elk Peak(7,231 ft.).
Saint Elmo Peak (L) and Black Elk Peak (R of Center). Photo looks ENE.
Wowee! What a fabulous view, SPHP!
Yeah, it’s incredible, Loop! This is a new perspective! Seems different from what we’ve grown used to, doesn’t it?
It does! Can’t wait till we get to the top! Wonder what we’ll see then?
The top of Peak6360. A gnawing fear had existed ever since Lupe first saw this ridge from way down in the hidden valley. All these big rock formations up along the ridgeline! If the summit was like that, some huge vertical clump of stone, getting to the top might be an issue. Peak 6360 might be beyond the Carolina Dog’s capabilities, and that would be really sad, especially when this whole experience had been so fabulous so far.
Lupe was high on Peak 6360’s N ridge, and probably not too far from the summit. A glance to the S only reinforced the fear of possible failure. 3 rock formations dominated the view. The 2 closest were spiky, but of no concern, since they clearly weren’t the top. The most distant formation, which might well be the true summit, was different. From here it looked exactly like “some huge vertical clump of stone”. Not good!
Looking S along the ridgeline. Potential summit visible near Center beyond Lupe.
Loopster! Scramble up on that closest spiky formation. Let’s see how things look from there.
Hmm. Not any better. The view from the first spike only reinforced the notion that Peak 6360 might well be nigh impossible for a Dingo without genuine rock climbing skills. Looking back N at the rock formation Lupe had avoided by coming up S of it wasn’t much of a confidence booster, either, if that was a sample of what lay ahead.
Looking pretty dicey, SPHP!Peak 6360 summit(?) (Center). Photo looks S.The rock formation (Center) that Lupe skipped by reaching the ridge on this side of it. Photo looks N.
Hard to say. Maybe it wasn’t as bad as it looked? Closer inspection was in order. Picking a way slowly through the interminable deadfall, Loop continued S, working up to and past the 2nd spike.
Be of good cheer! We’re gonna do this! Approaching the 2nd spike. Photo looks S.
Ugh! More big rocks, more deadfall ahead. The summit block looked more intimidating with each step toward it.
Past the 2nd spike, a somewhat disheartening view. Photo looks S.
Peak 6360 was still very cool, though! Although problematic, the rock formations were beautiful and unique. In addition to Saint Elmo Peak and Black Elk Peak, Lupe had a grand view of Elkhorn Mountain(6,381 ft.), Gap Lode Peak(6,560 ft.), Little Devils Tower(6,960 ft.) and Sylvan Hill(7,000 ft.), too.
Saint Elmo Peak (far L), Elkhorn Mountain (L), Black Elk Peak (Center), Little Devils Tower (R), and Sylvan Hill (far R). Photo looks ENE with help from the telephoto lens.
11:43 AM, 52ºF, Peak 6360 – The sky had been clear, a bright blue, when the Carolina Dog set out from Spring Creek, but was mostly cloudy now. Sort of surprising, since the forecast yesterday had been for clear skies all day. Every few minutes, the situation changed from sunlight to shadow or back again.
Lupe had made it to a patch of grass at the intersection of Peak 6360’s 3 main ridges. A glorious spot, but the news could hardly be worse for a peakbagging Dingo. The N ridge was of no concern. That was the way Loop had come up. The true summit clearly wasn’t anywhere along it.
The main problem was just to the SE, right at the start of Peak 6360’s long E ridge. That “huge clump of stone” Loop had seen from the N ridge did appear to be the true summit.
Not happening, is it, SPHP? Looks impossible!
Yeah, sorry Loopster! Most disappointing, but not entirely unexpected as we have seen. Doesn’t appear to be much hope that the other side is any better, either. Probably worse.
500 or 600 feet out on the SW ridge was another, smaller high point. Might have been a glimmer of hope for Loopster, since it looked to be possibly in contention for title of true summit, but to be honest, it didn’t really look like it from here. Had to be close, though!
Cold comfort! The SW high point appeared to be a tight collection of long rocks standing on end. “Fail” written all over it, too.
Peak 6360’s SW high point (R of Center). Photo looks SW.
Well, might as well see what we can do here, Loop. Looks like you can get pretty close to the top. Maybe there actually is a way up?
The American Dingo headed for the E summit block and began to climb.
Loopster got pretty high, but not all the way to the top. A snow-covered shelf on the N side of the formation was as far as she could go.
As high as Loop got on the E summit block. Photo looks WNW.
SPHP had tagged along, of course. No way to boost Lupe any higher. The rock walls were simply too tall. No safe route back, even if she could get higher. Yeah, this was it.
How much farther is it to the top, SPHP? Can you tell?
Eh, I’d say at least 10 feet, Loop, no more than 20.
So, what now?
Guess we’re done. No sense breaking our necks doing something stupid. Stay here, I’ll go back down and take your picture.
As SPHP turned to head down, a sudden gust of wind ripped SPHP’s hat off. It went tumbling down the S side of the rock formation.
My Alaska cap!
Can you still see it, SPHP?
Yeah, about 15 feet down.
15 feet! Can you still get to it?
Not from here, Loop! However, looks like I can climb up to it from down around the S side. Anyway, stay where you are. I’ll get that picture!
As high as Lupe got on the E summit block. Photo looks SE.
Alrighty! Got it!
Lupe came bounding down, rejoining SPHP at the little grassy patch.
Shall we go get your cap, SPHP?
Naw, not yet. It’s on the lee side now, so it isn’t going anywhere for the time being. Let’s take a break.
A chocolate coconut bar. A little Taste of the Wild. That was about it for refreshments. The sky darkened. A few snowflakes sailed by. Nothing serious. Lupe and SPHP sat on the grass contemplating the unbeatable E summit block. In addition to the magnificent views to the ENE, there were interesting sights in other directions, too.
A line of big ridges along the E edge of the limestone plateau country was visible off to the W. Some of the highest ground in the Black Hills was over that way. The fire lookout tower on Bear Mountain(7,166 ft.) was visible to the naked eye, but didn’t show up on a photo. Zimmer Ridge(6,600 ft.) was 3 miles NNE.
The break area is the patch of grass seen on the L. Photo looks NW.Bear Mountain (R). Photo looks W with help from the telephoto lens.Zimmer Ridge (Center). Photo looks NNE.
Cap time, SPHP?
Yeah, let’s go get it. Don’t want to lose my Alaska cap!
To get to the cap, Lupe first had to go down the S side of the ridge a little way. The views in this direction were also quite impressive! Wasn’t that Northeast Cicero Peak(6,240 ft.) on the far horizon? SPHP was almost certain it was. Lots of rugged terrain closer by, too.
Northeast Cicero Peak (Center) on the far horizon. Photo looks SSE.
While Lupe waited below, SPHP managed to climb 25 feet up a narrow chute, successfully retrieving the Alaska cap. A little farther down to the SE was a fairly large rock formation that looked like it might be worth visiting just for fun. However, the American Dingo had barely started toward it, when SPHP noticed another chute heading up the S side of the E summit block.
The chute was long, and very steep, but maybe doable! And weren’t those little trees visible at the upper end the same ones that Lupe had seen from the other side that were right up on top?
Loopster! Let’s check this out! Maybe, maybe, baby!
Partway up the S side chute. Photo looks NE and up!
Getting a little scary, but not much farther to go. 15 feet? Lifting Lupe, SPHP held her aloft.
Climb, Loop, climb! You can do it!
A tiny little spot where she could sit was just ahead, but the American Dingo absolutely refused to try for it.
Your certifiable, SPHP! Put me down! NOW!
Lupe scampered lower as soon as SPHP complied.
Alright! Stay there, Loop. We’re a team! I’ll go up and tag it for the both of us.
Fine! Have at it! Be my personal representative, SPHP.
A few feet higher, and hmm. The Dingo was right. Any halfway decent rock climber could do this, but SPHP didn’t have those credentials. Not even a wannabe. Too scary. Not a high enough percentage play. SPHP retreated. So close, but defeated again!
Congratulations, SPHP! You do have a few brain cells left!
Yeah, maybe one or two. Let’s go take a look at that other formation now, just for kicks.
The lower formation was a very scenic spot.
Loop (Center) on the lower formation. Photo looks SE.S side of Peak 6360’s E summit block from the lower formation. Photo looks N.
Peak 6360 has been quite the experience, SPHP, but are we about done?
Almost. One more thing though, Looper! We ought to at least go over to the SW high point and poke around a bit.
Point “Fail”, you mean?
Hah! Yeah, that’s the one. Shouldn’t take long.
Except for the deadfall. Every movement up here on Peak6360 took a month of Sundays, but Lupe was willing, so the slog began.
Holy smokes, Loopster! You can’t be far from the top! Stay right there. I’m coming up!
Lupe sat among bare-branched little bushes in a cleft way up on the NE side of the SW high point. Much to SPHP’s surprise, it hadn’t been that hard to get this far.
In the cleft high on the SW summit. E summit block (R), and Saint Elmo Peak (far R). Photo looks NE.
SPHP scrambled up next to Looper. Hardly any room, but what a view! An exciting one to be sure. Lupe appeared to be just as high, if not a bit higher than that dang E summit block!
Careful, Loop! Don’t move! You’ve got some big drops right next to you!
An airy spot on the SW summit block. E summit block (beyond Loop), Saint Elmo Peak (Center), Black Elk Peak (R) and Little Devils Tower (far R). Photo looks NE.
SPHP stood next to a couple of skinny rocks jutting higher. Couldn’t reach the top of either of them with a hand, but tapped both tops easily enough with a broken hiking pole that was only 2.5 feet long.
Cheating! And not good enough, at that. Just a little farther SW were more rocks a few feet higher yet. So close, but no way to get to them. A crying shame! Probably Peak 6360’s true summit. SPHP would almost bet money on it.
Top of the SW high point, likely Peak 6360’s true summit. Photo looks SW.
Lupe was in a precarious spot. Better get down! SPHP retreated.
Starting down. Zimmer Ridge (L of Center), Peak 6360’s E summit block (R). Photo looks NE.
Lupe picked her way down to a viewpoint S of Point Fail. Great stuff, but by now SPHP was more interested in the view of Point Fail itself from this direction.
A little farther down the SW ridge. Black Elk Peak (L), Little Devils Tower (Center) and Sylvan Hill (R). Photo looks E.Peak 6360’s SW summit block. Photo looks NNW.
Another go at it, SPHP?
Yes! Let’s try it from the SW!
Through the deadfall, then another scramble higher. Nope.
First try from the SW. Photo looks NE.
Wrong route. A better one existed closer to the highest rocks, but clearly Lupe’s last chance! Before going over there, another rest break was in order. This time the Carolina Dog put a serious dent in the Taste of the Wild supply.
Atlantic Hill(6,393 ft.) was in sight. The original plan had been to climb it, too.
Atlantic Hill (far L). Photo looks SW.
Ready to do this, Loopster?
The American Dingo was, but she couldn’t. Climbing right along the SW side of the SW summit block, Lupe got up to a decent-sized shelf that was probably just as high as the cleft she had reached on the other side of the formation, but could go no higher. Within 10 or 15 feet of the top and right next to it, but that was it.
Lupe was done.
As high as Lupe got W of the SW high point. Not far from the tippy top! Photo looks N.
Her personal representative wasn’t.
The wall of rock next to the shelf had a few narrow little footholds. The rock was super solid with decent handholds, too.
Stay here, Loop! I’ll give it a go!
A little bit of rock climbing, and SPHP’s head was right next to and a foot higher than the highest rock on Peak 6360.
Woot! Peak6360! We did it, Looper! At least, we’re claiming it!
Are you at the top, SPHP?
I’m looking right at my R hand gripping the top of the highest rock.
Oh, that’s excellent! Close enough for Dingo work! Enjoy the view, then come on down!
No letting go! One-handed, SPHP snapped a few pics.
Peak 6360 true summit!Peak 6360’s E summit block (L), Saint Elmo Peak (Center), Black Elk Peak (R). Photo looks ENE.The cleft Lupe had made it to during her attempt from the NE side is seen toward the R. Peak 6600 (far L), Zimmer Ridge (Center) and Peak 6360’s E summit (far R) in the background. Photo looks NE.Loopster waiting below. Hidden valley (far R). Photo looks WNW.
2:39 PM, Peak 6360’s SW ridge – Well, it was over. After going a little way down the S side of Peak 6360’s SW ridge, Lupe had found a pass through the rocks. She now stood looking at the descent back down to the hidden valley. It was an awesome view!
Medicine Mountain(6,878 ft.) and the lofty ridges of the E edge of the limestone plateau were to the NW. Almost directly N, Peak6720 and Peak6600 were in sight, too.
Too late in the day to consider trying to go all the way to Atlantic Hill. Sad, because it looked like a fun trek, but Peak 6360 had chewn up too much time. Worth it, though! What a memorable peak 6360 had been!
About to head down. Photo looks SW.
This was a different route down, a steep N slope with 2 feet of snow in addition to all the deadfall. The descent took a long time, but there was no hurry, and Lupe got to enjoy the views until they sank out of sight.
Peak 6720 (L) and Peak 6600 (R). Photo looks NNW.Limestone Plateau (L) and Medicine Mountain (R of Center). Photo looks NW.Heading down. Photo looks S.Looking back. Photo looks SSE.
Past the last of the deadfall, the trek back through the hidden valley was a joy. Easy, beautiful, and Peak 6360 had ultimately been a success! The only bad part was that the delightful return was over way too soon.
Re-entering the hidden valley on the way back from Peak 6360. Photo looks NNW.
4:01 PM, 54ºF, Spring Creek –
Oh my gosh, Lupe! Are you alright? Is that how you did this before?
Right through Peru, baby! Upon reaching Spring Creek again, SPHP had waded across without the slightest hesitation. No bothering with taking boots off this time. They weren’t waterproof, and with all the snow on Peak 6360’s N slope, SPHP’s feet were already soaking wet.
Immediately after getting across, though, SPHP had turned to see Lupe, anxious because left behind, take a running start and hurl herself in one mighty leap over the stream. She barely made it, and landed with a hard thud against the bank.
Did you break a rib, Loop?
Nope! The Carolina Dog looked a bit sheepish, but she was fine. Peak 6360 adventure complete! Onward, puppy ho!
