December 2017 – Page 3 – The (Mostly) True Adventures of Lupe

Whiskey Peak, Wyoming (6-16-17)

Day 9 of Lupe’s 2017 Dingo Vacation to the Laramie Range & Beyond!

Though shown on the road map, Lamont didn’t even seem to be a town. Sagebrush, a few cattle, and a highway intersection was about it. After turning W off Hwy 287, SPHP found a place to park. Lupe got out for a look around. Off to the NW, she could see her next peakbagging objective, Whiskey Peak (9,225 ft.), the highest point in the Green Mountains.

**Whiskey Peak** from Lamont, Wyoming. Photo looks NW.

The view was encouraging. Whiskey Peak looked like an easy climb for the Carolina Dog. The big question was access. If Lupe could get to Whiskey Peak, SPHP was certain she could climb it. The only roads into the area that the G6 might be able to manage were NW of the town of Bairoil. Even those roads might quickly deteriorate to high clearance or 4WD vehicles only.

Hwy 73 was paved all the way to Bairoil. So far, so good. Bairoil didn’t really seem to be much of a town either, but there was a lot more here than at Lamont. Bairoil appeared to be more of an energy-related industrial center. Metal buildings, industrial equipment, and vehicles were widely scattered along a network of dirt and gravel roads. There didn’t seem to be a whole lot going on right now. Maybe because energy prices were still relatively low in 2017?

A pronghorn antelope in the thriving industrial metropolis of Bairoil, Wyoming.

The street layout in Bairoil didn’t seem to match up very well with what was shown on the old topo map. SPHP drove NW through town, staying mostly to the L at turns, and continued this same practice once Lupe was N of town. A number of gravel roads headed out this direction, none marked in any way that meant anything to SPHP.

After bumping along for 2 or 3 miles, SPHP parked the G6 near an intersection on relatively flat, sparsely vegetated ground. There hadn’t been any signs indicating private property or prohibiting public access on the way here. Close enough! Situation excellent! This was about as far as SPHP had dared hope the G6 would be able to make it, anyway. Lupe could start for Whiskey Peak from here. (10:35 AM, 62°F)

Lupe a few miles NW of Bairoil about to start out for **Whiskey Peak**. Part of the Abel Creek drainage is seen in the foreground. Photo looks NE.

A strong breeze was blowing out of the W as Lupe set out. She didn’t head straight for Whiskey Peak, which was now to the NE, but followed a road leading NW from the intersection. This road, which was in such good condition the G6 might easily have followed it farther, appeared headed for a ridge a few miles away. The ridge was mostly bare, but dotted with scattered pines or junipers.

A fairly strong W wind was blowing as Lupe began following this road. The road headed toward Whiskey Ridge, but Lupe didn’t follow it very far. Photo looks NW.

A fence ran parallel to the road, not too far off to the R (NE). Lupe stuck with the road only until the fence ended. Staying on the road would have taken Loop up to Whiskey Ridge, but a more direct route to Whiskey Peak appeared to be an option. Up on more heavily forested slopes along a higher part of Whiskey Ridge straight N from here, another road could be seen.

Lupe followed the road she started out on only to this point where the fence turned. A different road, which was a much more direct route to **Whiskey Peak**, is seen at upper L going up the ridge. Lupe headed for it from here. Photo looks NNE.

Lupe abandoned the road she’d been following, and headed NE avoiding the fence. She crossed the Abel Creek drainage, which was dry and fairly shallow here. A faint, grassy road led out of the drainage to a better road that headed for Whiskey Ridge. Loop followed it N across high prairie toward the forest, gradually gaining elevation all the way.

On the way N to **Whiskey Ridge**. The high ridge on the L is **Stratton Rim**. The small high point seen straight up from Lupe’s back is **Stratton Rim North (8,740 ft.)**. The less uniform ridge on the R is part of **Whiskey Ridge**. Photo looks W.

The road Lupe was on led right to the road she’d seen from a distance high up in the forest on Whiskey Ridge. As she got near the trees, the slope began to increase dramatically. Soon Lupe was climbing steeply. The road up was in bad shape. For a long way, it was deeply eroded and full of loose rocks. As a road, it was nothing but a disaster, though it still made a good trail.

By now, it was quite warm in the sun. The steepness of the route caused SPHP to stop many times to rest. Lupe was eager to escape the heat. She curled up in the shade whenever SPHP stopped, and frequently accepted water.

By and by, Lupe finally reached the top of the ridgeline. The remnant of the road she’d been following went right on over the saddle where she came up. Oddly enough, what appeared to be a large electrical service box was close by.

Lupe reaches the top of **Whiskey Ridge** at this saddle. She’s standing on the faint remnant of the road she’d been following. This road went right on over the saddle past the unexpected electrical service box seen beyond Loop. Photo looks N.

Not realizing how much of a shortcut Lupe had taken, SPHP was puzzled to find no other roads around. The topo map showed a road following closely along the top of Whiskey Ridge for nearly 2 miles from a pass NE of Stratton Rim North. The plan had been for Lupe to follow this road all the way to Whiskey Peak. However, it was nowhere in sight.

SPHP failed to realize Lupe had arrived at the 8,730 foot saddle at the E end of the 2 mile stretch where the road to the summit abandons the ridgeline. Very close to where Looper was, it jogged N going downhill a short distance before turning SE to head for Whiskey Peak. If Lupe had just stuck with the road she’d been on a bit farther, she would soon have come to it.

Instead, Loop and SPHP turned E, and began climbing a grassy slope which led to a forested high point. It seemed like the most reasonable thing to do, since it was clear Whiskey Peak was still well to the E from here. As Lupe went up the grassy slope, she started getting her first look at some impressive views.

As Lupe climbed the grassy slope, she got her first look at this wild looking territory N of **Whiskey Ridge**. Photo looks NNW.

Looper coming up the grassy slope. **Whiskey Ridge** leads toward **Stratton Rim** in the distance on the L. The road Lupe had just missed coming to that winds along **Whiskey Ridge**, is seen on the R. Lupe had arrived at the saddle below coming up through the trees on the L. Photo looks WSW.

Loop entered the forest above the grassy slope, and continued on up to the high point. The high point itself wasn’t heavily forested. Lupe could see a tower up on Whiskey Peak from here.

SPHP was surprised by how close Lupe was already. She was over 9,000 feet, and the summit was only a mile away. Getting there would be a cinch! A long grassy slope went all the way to the top.

Lupe reaches the first high point over 9,000 feet. SPHP was surprised by how close she was to the top of **Whiskey Peak** already. The tower (L) was only a mile away.

A small ridge led E from the first high point Lupe had reached to another slightly higher one no more than 0.25 mile away. (High Point 9041 on the topo map) Loopster started for the next high point following this little ridge.

Lupe following the small ridge leading to **High Point 9041**. **Whiskey Peak** is dead ahead. Photo looks E.

Lupe never got to High Point 9041. Instead, she spotted a small pond to the N at the bottom of a short slope. The pond looked refreshing! Naturally, the American Dingo had to go check it out.

Before she got to **High Point 9041**, Lupe spotted this small pond. Photo looks N.

Oh, yeah! Lupe doesn’t like to swim, but wading in the pond was fun and refreshing.

The ridge Lupe had been following is seen on the L. Photo looks W.

After wading around to cool off and drinking her fill, Lupe left the pond. She traveled E through an open forest where yellow wildflowers grew in sunny glades.

Beyond the forest, Lupe reached the long grassy slope that went the rest of the way up to the top of Whisky Peak. As she approached, a small herd of 5 horses watched with concern. These horses seemed to be wild, and living up on Whiskey Peak permanently. They were curious, but gave Lupe and SPHP a wide berth.

This small herd of horses watched the Carolina Dog’s approach with a mix of concern and curiosity. They gave Lupe a wide berth, but never left the broad grassy slopes W of the summit. They seemed to be wild and living on **Whiskey Peak** on a permanent basis.

Lupe reached the summit of Whiskey Peak (9,225 ft.). The highest point was near the S end of a long, spacious ridge. Pink, orange, tan and white rocks and boulders were plentiful. The biggest, most eye-catching view was off to the ESE toward Ferris Mountain (10,037 ft.).

**Ferris Mountain** from **Whiskey Peak**. Photo looks ESE with help from the telephoto lens.

Whiskey Peak featured plenty of impressive views in other directions, too. Lupe and SPHP hung out around the summit quite a while taking it all in.

The W wind hadn’t been bad most of the way up, but was practically a gale on top of Whiskey Peak. Loop took little breaks now and then between photo sessions. She usually sought out the lee side of rocks, or sat next to SPHP for shelter.

Mighty breezy up here, SPHP! Is this it?

Sure is, Loop. Is this what?

The top of the mountain, silly. Is this it?

Oh, yes, of course! Yeah, this is the top, alright. Look at those views!

Yes, yes, quite splendid. And windy. So it’s time to celebrate, right?

Oh, sure! Congratulations, Looper, you’ve climbed another magnificent mountain! All the way to the top. Great job, Loop!

Thanks for shaking my paw and all, SPHP. I do appreciate your sentiments, but I was hoping for a bit more actually. This is sort of a special place, right?

Yes, I suppose it is special. What were you hoping for? Water, Taste of the Wild? I brought plenty of both.

Umm, no. Those are fine usually, but I was hoping for something a little more appropriate for the occasion.

Huh, like what?

You’re a bit slow as usual SPHP. Where are we after all?

Whiskey Peak.

Exactly!

Ruh, roh! Lupe gazed expectantly up at SPHP, her eyes shining merrily with a big smile on her face. The wind ruffled her fur, but she was momentarily unperturbed.

For a moment, not knowing what to do, SPHP did and said nothing. Gradually, the smile began to fade from Looper’s face. As SPHP began to pet her, Loop’s ears drooped. Gone was the look of a 4 year old on Christmas morning. Tears glistened in her always trusting light brown eyes.

Sorry, Loop.

So, there’s nothing else in the pack for me, for us, then?

No, sorry Loop.

No Glenfiddich? Not even a little Jack Daniels?

Not a drop. Guess, I didn’t think. I didn’t realize you might be expecting anything like that.

Lupe blinked back the tears.

Oh, it’s OK. I suppose I should have known. We’ve been to Elk Mountains and there haven’t been any elk. Deer Mountain and there weren’t any deer. Bear Mountain and there weren’t any bears. I never will understand you humans. I just thought that this time, after all the mountains we’ve been to, maybe this one was a really special place. Maybe this time you really were planning a special celebration for me. I got my hopes up.

Sorry to have disappointed you, dearest Dingo. I’ll make it up to you somehow, before too long. Whiskey Peak is a really special place. Just like all the other mountains we’ve been on. There are countless mountains in the world, and we will only ever see the world from a tiny fraction of them. Seeing these fabulous views, even if for only a little while, and even if we never ever come back to see them again, makes this place special. And what makes it really special is that we are both here to share it together, sweet Dingo of mine!

Lupe sighed, then smiled weakly.

I know you’re right, SPHP. But promise me one thing. If we ever do come back to Whiskey Peak, you won’t disappoint me again. Deal?

Deal! Shake?

Lupe lifted her freckled paw and let SPHP shake it.

OK, SPHP. Let’s go see what else there is to see from here before I get blown off clear to the next county.

Looking S toward the little community of Bairoil. The views were terrific, but Loopster was not enjoying the gale out of the W.

Hiding out from the wind. Photo looks SE.

Much of **Whiskey Peak’s summit ridge** is in view here. Loop is on some of the very highest rocks. Lupe found no cairns, but **Whiskey Peak** did sport the fairly sizeable stone fort seen beyond her. Photo looks NNW.

Looper in the stone fortress. Photo looks WNW.

After taking a break and spending a while near Whiskey Peak’s true summit, Lupe went N along the summit ridge toward the tower close to the N end. The ground near the tower was definitely lower than where she’d already been, but this area provided a different vantage point for another look around.

Nearing the tower at the N end of Whiskey Peak’s long summit ridge. Photo looks N.

**Ferris Mountain** from the N end of the summit ridge. Photo looks ESE.

Lupe found the Rapid survey benchmark on a rock N of the tower.

Looking S along Whiskey Peak’s summit ridge. The stone fort near the true summit is in view on the L.

Another look at the interesting dome-like hills to the NNW.

Lupe still had a long way to go, so she couldn’t stay up on Whiskey Peak too long. The wind being what it was, she was glad of that. From the tower, she started down the huge grassy slope to the W. The wild horses saw her coming again, and circled back around the S side of the slope up towards the true summit to stay out of the Carolina Dog’s way.

The wild horses circled away from Lupe back up toward the true summit.

On the way down, Loop stuck to the road that came up the center of the grassy area for a considerable distance.

Lupe stuck to the road coming down the center of the grassy area for a while, but eventually headed back to the pond she’d passed in the forest on the way up. Photo looks E.

Lupe eventually left the road to go back to the pond she’d gone wading in on the way up. From the pond she went NW through the forest, hoping to avoid having to climb the high point W of the pond again by staying N of it.

This turned out to be the worst possible route back to the saddle where she’d first reached Whiskey Ridge. Either staying on the road from the tower, or climbing from the pond back up to the high point would have been better. The forest NW of the pond was full of deadfall timber, plus a steep drainage that was a bother to cross.

Nevertheless, Loop made it back to the grassy slope leading down to the saddle where she’d first reached Whiskey Ridge. The shortest route back to the G6 would have been to leave the saddle going S right back down the steep rocky road she’d come up earlier in the day. However, by now, SPHP had seen the road following Whiskey Ridge farther WSW, and understood where Lupe was on the topo map.

Instead of going straight back to the G6, following the road along the ridge would eventually get Lupe to where she could peakbag Stratton Rim North (8,740 ft.) today, too. This was a long detour, but Loop still had time enough to do it. It seemed like a fun idea, and she wasn’t likely to ever have another chance like this one.

So from the saddle, Lupe followed the ridge road.

Following the road winding WSW along **Whiskey Ridge**. Lupe’s next peakbagging goal, **Stratton Rim North**, is the little high point at Center. Photo looks SW.

Orange wildflowers growing near the road on **Whiskey Ridge**.

After 2 miles on the winding road traversing Whiskey Ridge, Lupe reached Low Pass. Several roads intersected here. Stratton Rim North was still another 0.75 mile away. Only an ATV trail went the remaining distance to it, but that was plenty good for Loop.

After following the road along **Whiskey Ridge** for 2 miles, Lupe arrives at **Low Pass**.

Several roads intersected near **Low Pass**. The one seen here heads down into a valley to the N. Loop wasn’t going this way.

Only this ATV route continued the remaining 0.75 mile to **Stratton Rim North** from **Low Pass**, but it was a great trail for Lupe to follow. Photo looks W.

Almost there! Approaching **Stratton Rim North**. Photo looks SW.

The ATV trail didn’t go quite all the way to the top of Stratton Rim North, passing N of the high point only a short distance below it. The wind was howling here, even worse than it had been up on Whiskey Peak. Lupe wasn’t thrilled with the idea, but she did manage to climb to the top of Stratton Rim North (8,740 ft.).

SPHP was glad she did. The views were really terrific!

Loop arrives at the summit of **Stratton Rim North**. **Whiskey Peak** (L), where she’d just come from, and more distant **Ferris Mountain** (R) are in view. Photo looks E.

**Ferris Mountain** from **Stratton Rim North**. Lupe wasn’t enjoying the wind at all. It was much gustier here than it had been earlier in the day. Periods of relative calm existed between sudden blasts. Photo looks E with help from the telephoto lens.

The rest of **Stratton Rim** from **Stratton Rim North**. Photo looks SW.

**High Point 8729** is the small bare hill L of Center ringed by a few trees near the top. A long snow bank is seen below the E lip of **Stratton Rim’s long N ridge**. Photo looks NW.

**Ferris Mountain** (R) with help from the telephoto lens. Photo looks ESE.

**Whiskey Peak** (R of Center) with help from the telephoto lens. Photo looks ENE.

Lupe’s journey to Whiskey Peak and Stratton Rim North had been a success! However, the American Dingo was anxious to escape the powerful blasts of the gusty W wind. SPHP briefly considered the possibility of going straight on down Stratton Rim North’s E slope, but decided it was too steep to be worth the trouble. May as well take the ATV trail back to Low Pass.

Before she got all the way back to Low Pass, though, Loopster did take a shortcut. She left the ATV trail descending E down a minor ridgeline into a valley. She intercepted a road going S down the valley from Low Pass. The road gradually curved SE.

Lupe was still high enough to have panoramic views to the S and E, but far enough down so Stratton Rim sheltered her from the wind. The evening trek back to the G6 was easy, beautiful, and fun. Lupe saw a larger herd of wild horses, and several pronghorn antelope on the way.

Happy times out of the wind on the way back to the G6. **Ferris Mountain** (L) is in the distance. Photo looks ESE.

View to the S on the way back from **Stratton Rim North**.

On the way back, Lupe passed this sign. It understated the distance to **Whiskey Peak** (at least following the road) by a good mile. Photo looks NW.

Lupe passed by this larger herd of wild horses, too.

It was still light out when Lupe got back to the G6 (7:42 PM, 65°F). After having her evening Alpo, she wanted out again. She wandered around sniffing for a bit, then found a place to curl up. This far from Stratton Rim, the W wind swept over her, though not nearly so strongly as up on the ridge.

And there Lupe stayed, listening and watching, as clouds swept past overhead and light of day faded away. Whiskey Peak disappeared from view as the world turned black. And if SPHP had had any Glenfiddich or Jack Daniels, Lupe surely would have gotten a shot or two before bed, but alas, the poor doggie had none!

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Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 214 – The Search for Elk Mountain with Rizzo, Buddy & Josh Hilpert (11-4-17)

October 21st dawned bright and breezy, the air exceptionally crisp and clear. Puffy white clouds sailed the blue sky. SPHP knew instantly that cancelling had been a mistake, but nothing could be done about it. Yes, this was a breezy day, but nothing approaching the forecast 40+ mph wind gusts would ever materialize.

Lupe’s opportunity to meet new friends had been rescheduled. November 4th arrived, and she was finally on her way! What a day this was, though! Heavily overcast, dark and cold. Only a couple of days ago, the forecast had looked fine. Now this! Again too late to do anything about it. Expedition No. 214 was on, come what may!

At 7:59 AM, with exactly one minute to spare, Lupe arrived at the Latchstring Inn at Savoy in Spearfish Canyon. No sign of Rizzo, Buddy & Josh, yet. No worries, they’d be here soon enough. In the meantime, Lupe went over to take a look at the Spearfish Canyon Lodge.

The Spearfish Canyon Lodge at Savoy normally has wonderful views of some of Spearfish Canyon’s most impressive limestone cliffs. Today it was socked in with fog.

Looper also had time to check out Little Spearfish Creek.

At Little Spearfish Creek. Two of the best waterfalls in the Black Hills are on Little Spearfish Creek. Spearfish Falls is only 20 or 30 feet downstream of where Lupe stands here. Roughlock Falls is less than a mile upstream. Lupe wouldn’t get to see them today.

Rizzo, Buddy & Josh soon arrived. Rizzo and Buddy were so excited about going on an expedition, they weren’t about to hold still for a group photo. Lupe and her new friend, Josh, posed together, though.

Lupe and new friend Josh Hilpert at Savoy in Spearfish Canyon.

The date wasn’t the only thing that had changed for this first outing together. Only a couple of days ago, Plan A’s chosen destination had fallen through. A major disappointment at the time, but now clearly a good thing given the weather.

Josh had expressed interest in any routes Lupe knew of up into the country E of Spearfish Canyon. On prior expeditions Lupe had explored two such routes. Plan B was that Loop would take Rizzo, Buddy and Josh on one of them. Two specific destinations became Expedition No. 214’s objectives – Elk Mountain (6,422 ft.) and the cliffs overlooking Savoy.

Lupe’s route to Elk Mountain started at Annie Creek Road near Elmore, 4 miles up Spearfish Canyon from Savoy. The weather remained cold and heavily overcast, even a bit foggy, but everyone was in good spirits as the trek began. (8:36 AM, 32°F)

Lupe and her new friend Buddy near the start of Annie Creek Road. Photo looks N.

Annie Creek Road went N for 0.75 mile. Upon reaching the side canyon Annie Creek flows down, it turned NE for another 0.75 mile. The snowy road was an easy romp, being nearly level this whole way. It was a good place for everyone to become acquainted.

Lupe wasn’t used to having so much company, but the dogs all got along just fine. Buddy and Rizzo were adventure dogs, too! In fact, Rizzo and Josh have been enjoying their own weekly adventures in the Black Hills even longer than Lupe and SPHP. Buddy wasn’t as experienced in the adventuring business, having only recently joined the Hilpert family. However, it was clear he was relishing his good fortune.

The first big decision came at an intersection 1.5 miles from the start. The only time Lupe had been to Elk Mountain before was nearly 1.5 years ago. Back then, she had taken the road to the L, which went W back to Spearfish Canyon before turning NW. The road stayed level, but ultimately came to two places where old bridges had collapsed. Lupe had made it past the first resulting gap, but not the second. In the end, she’d had to climb a very steep slope, though once on top, this had ultimately proven to be a good direct route to Elk Mountain.

The other option was take the road to the R, which went NE up the Annie Creek valley. Last time, looking for a shortcut back to the G6 late in the day, Lupe had gone down a different steep slope that had brought her into this valley. SPHP remembered it had looked like Lupe could have followed roads all the way down, if she had been willing to take a somewhat longer route.

Nearing the first intersection. A decision would have to be made soon – go L or R? Josh crouches to stay in the photo (which he didn’t have to do). Buddy on the L while Rizzo circles around behind Josh. A familiar furry face out front and center. Photo looks N.

Same spot, but showing better how foggy it was. Josh pats Buddy while Rizzo helps himself to some snow.

It was cold and damp. Ice and snow might make hillsides treacherous. It seemed best to avoid the steep climb up from the road to the L. The decision was made to turn R, following the road up Annie Creek valley.

Another intersection was reached only 0.25 mile farther on. Rizzo and Buddy crossed Annie Creek for a brief exploratory foray on a side road going SE up Lost Camp Gulch. That wasn’t the way to Elk Mountain, though, so they quickly returned.

Buddy (L) & Rizzo (R) return from a brief foray up Lost Camp Gulch. The small stream is Annie Creek. Photo looks SE.

Lupe and SPHP had never been this far up Annie Creek before, but it seemed reasonable to continue on the road following the creek a little farther before looking for a way up onto higher ground to the N. Rizzo, Buddy and Josh had never been here before either, so they simply tagged along.

The road following Annie Creek headed NE, beginning to gain significant elevation above the stream on the way. Eventually a minor side road appeared on the L. It went N up a steep, forested slope. N was the right direction, so the side road seemed like a good way to reach higher ground quickly.

After a steep climb, the side road leveled out as expected. The forest was pretty foggy up here.

Buddy and Lupe on the minor side road once it leveled out. The forest was cold and quite foggy up here. Photo looks NNW?

Elk Mountain couldn’t have been much more than 1.5 miles to the NW as the crow flies from here. Due to the fog, though, the mountain wasn’t in sight. No other landmarks more than a couple hundred feet away could be seen, either. As long as Lupe kept heading N or NW, though, SPHP was confident she would eventually find the mountain.

The minor road eventually faded and curved off in the wrong direction. Lupe and SPHP led everyone N or NW, traversing snowy slopes. The terrain was more convoluted here than where Lupe had been on her first visit to Elk Mountain. Lupe tried to keep gaining elevation, but often she had to lose some. She finally came to a big fence.

Reaching the fence was encouraging! Beyond it were extensive gold mining operations. Lupe had seen them before. She had followed this fence N on her first trip to Elk Mountain. She hadn’t had to follow it more than 0.25 mile before she’d seen a big pond inside the fence. If the American Dingo could find that pond again today, SPHP was certain of the rest of the route to Elk Mountain.

Everyone trudged NW along the fence. The terrain went up and down, but eventually seemed to be going more down than up. On and on, much farther than Lupe had followed the fence the first time. SPHP had expected it to be farther coming this way, but quite a bit of time went by. The pond didn’t materialize. By now it was so foggy Lupe might not even be able to see it.

Why hadn’t the pond appeared? Had the Carolina Dog passed it in the fog? Could it really be this far? Josh and SPHP stopped to consult the topo map and discuss things. The problem was, the topo map SPHP had was old. The mining operations, which had altered a great deal of terrain, were newer and not shown on the map. SPHP knew the mine was SE of Elk Mountain, but only had a general idea of how far SE.

Consulting the map without being able to see some landmark shown on it, was no help. Even more disturbing, it turned out that Josh and SPHP had completely different ideas on what direction Lupe had been going! Knowing the truth about that was sort of important. Critical, one might say.

15 or 20 feet beyond the fence, a mine worker was standing on a knoll. He was busy watching or directing someone else operating a truck or other equipment that could be heard, but wasn’t in sight from outside the fence. Josh suggested asking him where this spot was on the map. Sure, why not?

The miner was friendly, and glad to be of service. He said this was the Wharf Mine. No doubt that was true. Other than that, he was a wealth of misinformation. Before even looking at the topo map, he volunteered that Lupe and company were somewhere between Foley Mountain (6,640 ft.) and Terry Peak (7,064 ft.).

What!? Impossible! If true, Lupe had been going in completely the wrong direction for a long time. Another glance at the map convinced SPHP that couldn’t possibly be right. Lupe would have had to take the road up Lost Camp Gulch to be anywhere close to the area between Foley Mountain and Terry Peak. Rizzo and Buddy had started up that road, but that hadn’t been where everyone had ultimately headed.

Josh and SPHP showed the miner the topo map. He ultimately pointed out a different area ESE of Elk Mountain, and said that was where this place was. That didn’t seem right either, but it wasn’t outlandish. Lupe might not be too far S of there. If so, that was good news.

Nearby, a road headed away from the fence. The miner said to follow it to get to Elk Mountain. Worth a shot, maybe. After thanking the miner for his assistance, everyone took the unmarked road.

The snowy road was fairly level. The forest was foggier than ever. Away from the fence, all sense of direction, accurate or not, was lost. Rizzo, Buddy, Lupe, Josh & SPHP arrived at a fork in the road. Which way? The road to the L led to a hill. The road to the R was level or losing elevation gradually as it disappeared into the fog.

Rizzo in the fog that was threatening to confound Expedition No. 214.

After leaving the fence at the edge of the gold mine behind, Rizzo, Buddy, Lupe and Josh arrive at a fork in the road suggested by the miner. Which way now?

Buddy on the L, Rizzo again behind Josh. In the fog, Lupe was having a hard time even finding Elk Mountain. Photo looks ?

On the vast majority of mountains, the summit is kept at the top. SPHP suggested taking the L fork going up the hill. If Lupe was anywhere on the slopes of Elk Mountain, going up would eventually get everyone to the summit.

The hill proved to be a small one. The road soon leveled out. It began curving to the L, then disappeared beneath a pile of deadfall. In every direction, the terrain sloped down. Gah! SPHP thought higher ground was visible in a small opening between trees off to the R, then became convinced it might only have been fog.

Josh had a compass! He’d mentioned it before. SPHP was completely turned around, so when Josh mentioned the compass again, suddenly it seemed to be the crucial missing link. Was the compass accurate? Josh was convinced it was. According to the compass, this road up the hill had been going W before turning SW.

No one was going to get to Elk Mountain going SW! SPHP still believed the mountain was NW from here, but NW was down a slope. Lupe and SPHP led everyone N off the road, into the forest. The terrain to the N lost elevation, too, but more slowly than going NW would have. It wasn’t long before Lupe was gaining elevation again. SPHP found a road! Yes!

No! Josh had the temerity to point out this was the very same road that had just been left behind. Really? Yeah, really. There were the fresh foot and paw prints. Proof positive. Good grief! Better go back to the fork and try the road to the R. Josh headed off in the wrong direction. Everyone arrived again at the place where the road turned SW and disappeared under the deadfall. Company halt! About face, and march!

Back once again at the fork, the road to the R was the next subject of exploration. After 5 or 10 minutes, a long straight section was reached that stretched ahead as far as could be seen into the foggy forest. What direction was that? Josh checked the compass. The road went W.

This wasn’t going to work either. SPHP was convinced Lupe was still too far S. Going a long way W would only bring everyone to cliffs at Spearfish Canyon. A lot of time was being chewed up wandering all these roads. Best to go back to the fence at the mine, and keep following it as before. If that didn’t work, Expedition No. 214 was doomed to failure. Sad, but true.

The terrain went down at first, as Lupe followed the fence. This didn’t seem right, but she hadn’t gone far when suddenly, there was the pond! It was faintly visible in the fog beyond the fence. Confusion vanished. Lupe was going to get Rizzo, Buddy and Josh to the top of Elk Mountain after all! Puppies, ho! Onward!

After crossing shallow McKinley Gulch, a rough road was reached. This road went NE to an intersection near the upper end of the gulch. A much better road ran E/W here. W was now the way to go! Still unseen, Elk Mountain was only 0.5 mile away.

On the road to success! Looking W on the road near the upper end of McKinley Gulch. Rizzo at Josh’s feet.

The road W soon arrived at another fork. Lupe took the L branch going SW. She followed it looking for one more turn, a driveway on the R. Found it! Gaining elevation all the way, the driveway headed W to the S side of Elk Mountain, then curled all the way around to the mountain’s E and then N slopes.

Rizzo and Buddy charge on ahead. The summit of Elk Mountain wasn’t much farther now! Photo looks NW.

It was only early November, but the top of Elk Mountain was a winter wonderland! Snow, frost, cold and fog. It could have been January, the way things looked and felt.

Lupe, Buddy & Rizzo on the final stretch to the summit. It was only early November, but Elk Mountain was a winter wonderland! Photo looks S.

Due to the fog, the success of the whole expedition had been in doubt for hours, but everyone made it to the top of Elk Mountain (6,422 ft.).

Rizzo next to the playhouse at the summit of Elk Mountain. Rizzo once fell out of a truck at 60 mph, and is lucky to still be able to go exploring the Black Hills. Rizzo is a very experienced Black Hills explorer, and has been many places Lupe’s gone to, plus more besides!

Buddy at the summit. Buddy is a recent addition to the Hilpert clan. Lucky guy! He loves his weekly outings in the Black Hills with Josh and Rizzo. Buddy had one oddity about him. When he stood, one of his back legs would often start quivering and shaking as though he was very cold. Josh says this is normal for Buddy. It happens even when it’s warm out.

Of course, all views from Elk Mountain on this glorious day were hidden in the fog. Right on the summit, though, was a sight that brought cheer to the whole group. Lupe and SPHP had known it was here, but it was a complete and welcome surprise to Rizzo, Buddy & Josh.

At the top of the mountain is a small octagonal structure with 7 windows and a little door. It appears to be a child’s playhouse. Nothing of significance was inside. Hundreds, maybe thousands of dead flies covered the carpeted floor. On this cold, snowy day, that didn’t matter.

The playhouse was unlocked, a little warmer, and much drier than being outdoors. It was just large enough so Rizzo, Buddy, Lupe, Josh & SPHP could all get inside. Everyone got in to rest and warm up a bit. Lupe had water and her usual Taste of the Wild. Rizzo and Buddy tried some Taste of the Wild, too, and found it to their liking.

Josh and Buddy near the octagonal child’s playhouse on Elk Mountain. This structure came as a complete surprise to Rizzo, Buddy & Josh, but they were glad to see it on this cold day.

Of course, Lupe and SPHP had seen the playhouse before. In good weather, it has a fantastic view of the Wharf gold mine. Today, it was just large enough to serve as a shelter for the entire expedition.

Josh and SPHP discussed options for the rest of the day. Unfortunately, it had taken so long to find Elk Mountain, there wasn’t going to be much time for extras. The other original objective for the day, going to the cliffs overlooking Savoy, was out. It would take too long to get there, and nothing would be gained from going to a fabulous viewpoint in the fog, anyway.

Ragged Top Mountain (6,200 ft.) was only 1.25 miles NW, but other than peakbagging for peakbagging’s sake, again there didn’t seem to be any point in the fog. The old townsite of Preston was closer, but consists mainly of a single decaying old building. Not too scintillating. It wasn’t enough of an enticement on such a wintery day.

In the end, no other easily attainable objectives nearby came to mind. Days are short in November, and it was already early afternoon. In this weather it would get dark even earlier than normal. Just getting back to the vehicles was going to take hours.

So once everyone had taken a break and warmed up a little in the charming, dead-fly decorated playhouse, it was time for another look around Elk Mountain’s summit before beginning the journey back.

Josh and Rizzo on Elk Mountain. The weather hadn’t improved any during break time in the playhouse. Photo looks SW.

Josh grasps a post to which a small metal crucifix (not pictured) is attached while Buddy looks on. A certain Black Hills dingo is still in the vicinity, too. Photo looks NNE from near the playhouse.

Rizzo near the crucifix post. Photo looks NNW.

Despite the weather, Lupe’s Elk Mountain guide service had ultimately been fruitful.

With no views to linger for, final inspection of Elk Mountain’s relatively small summit ridge didn’t take much time. Soon the descent through the mountain’s winter wonderland began.

Josh and either Rizzo or Buddy on the upper N slope of Elk Mountain. Photo looks N.

Loopster blends in with the winter wonderland, not too far below the summit yet. Photo looks SSW.

The first part of the journey back was a simple retracement of the ascent. By the time everyone was S of McKinley Gulch, back at the fence on the W side of the Wharf gold mine again, the fog had lifted to a degree. The pond Lupe had been looking for on the way to Elk Mountain was now in clear sight.

On the journey back, the fog lifted to a degree. The pond at the Wharf gold mine was now in view from the fence around the mine. This pond is less than a mile SE of Elk Mountain. Photo looks N.

While heading S from the pond not far from the fence, SPHP saw terrain to the SW that looked familiar. Hadn’t Lupe been over there the first time she went to Elk Mountain? Yes! A quick foray in that direction brought the expedition to a road Lupe had been on before.

From here, it was possible to follow a series of unmarked roads S or SE that ultimately led back down to Annie Creek. The clouds had lifted enough to reveal partial views from a few points along the way.

Josh, Buddy & Lupe on the way down to Annie Creek. The W end of **Foley Mountain (6,640 ft.)** is in view. Photo looks SE.

Fellow Black Hills explorer and adventurer Josh Hilpert with Lupe.

Light was beginning to fade by the time the last intersection 1.5 miles from the vehicles was reached. The rest of the way back was a snap from here. Maybe enough time remained for a little more exploring? SPHP talked Josh into checking out the road Lupe had taken to Elk Mountain the first time.

It was farther along this road to where the first bridge had collapsed than SPHP remembered. After 0.5 mile or more, it was time to forget it and turn around.

In increasing darkness, the march back along Annie Creek Road seemed longer than it had early in the day. The adventure dogs all had a fine time, though, while Josh and SPHP chatted.

There had been plenty of opportunities to visit during the day. It had been fun to compare notes and have wide ranging discussions on peaks, places, and a variety of other topics. Rizzo, Buddy and Lupe had gotten along well together. The weather hadn’t been conducive to enjoying scenery, but had made Expedition No. 214 seem far more mysterious and challenging than it otherwise would have been.

It had been a good day, a fun time for all. Rizzo, Buddy & Josh Hilpert live in Sturgis, SD, so perhaps more adventures are in store with Lupe’s new friends from time to time. It’s something to look forward to!

With new adventuring friends Buddy & Josh on Elk Mountain. Camera-shy Rizzo was around here somewhere, too!

Links:

Next Black Hills Expeditions Prior Black Hills Expeditions

Black Hills SD Expedition No. 230 – Ward Draw & 2K Peak with Rizzo, Buddy & Josh Hilpert (5-19-18)

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 172 – Elk Mountain, Ragged Top Mountain & Twin Peaks (5-14-16)

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