Part 2 of Day 12, and Days 13 & 14 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2022 Dingo Vacation to Canada & Alaska!
8-10-22, morning – The 20 mile backwoods drive to pavement near the bridge over the Kispiox River took a while. SPHP stopped for fuel and supplies at old Hazelton, then again at a Subway in New Hazelton to buy a couple of Great Canadian footlongs before driving W on Yellowhead Highway No. 16.
Sunny and warm. Not a cloud in the sky! After Lupe’s titanic day getting to Kispiox Mountain (6,877 ft.), and a memorable, but unplanned night out on Moonlit Mountain (5,951 ft.), the relaxing drive quickly made SPHP super drowsy. It didn’t take long at all to get to Seeley Lake.
Ugh! Can’t drive any farther, Looper. Going to stop here at the rest area.
What? It’s not even close to noon yet, SPHP, and the AC feels good.
I’ll put the windows down for you, Loop, but I’ve simply got to take a nap before I pass out.
The Seeley Lake rest area was empty when SPHP parked the RAV4, but soon plenty of people and vehicles were coming and going. So what? Famished, SPHP devoured one of the footlongs, sharing some of it with Lupe, then chugged a bunch of orange juice. Had to move the RAV4 a few times during the next 2 or 3 hours to keep it in the shade, but other than that, SPHP was dead to the world.
8-10-22, 1:15 PM, Seeley Lake –
About time, SPHP! How are you feeling? Can we keep going? It’s hot, and I’m roasting!
Feeling much better, Loop! You slept, too. Don’t tell me you didn’t!
Driving W again on Yellowhead Hwy No. 16 after leaving Seeley Lake, SPHP eventually turned N on Cassiar Highway No. 37. The rest of the day was spent cruising N on the Cassiar.
Laying on her pink blanket, either looking out the window or snoozing as she pleased, Lupe rode in air-conditioned comfort as mile after scenic mile rolled by. The temperature hit a searing 87ºF and stayed there for hours, so brief stops were few and far between.
8-10-22, 7:21 PM – Drove a long way today! Very enjoyable, too, but this was far enough. The Carolina Dog stood on the N bank of the Stikine River, a favorite stop along the Cassiar, but this would be the first time she’d ever gotten to stay here overnight.
The river was running low in August. A mostly forested mountain was on the other side. The top was was open, though. Looked pretty easy. Might be fun to climb it someday, but it wasn’t on Lupe’s list this year. Never hurts to dream, though!
C’mon, Loop! Want to go look for squirrels?
The American Dingo dashed off into the trees.
8-11-22, 8:02 AM, Stikine River – Morning began with a walk along the river, followed by a longer stroll on the old road leading to the property where they rent horses. Lupe found a squirrel to bark at, which made her happy, then it was back to Cassiar Highway No. 37.
At Dease Lake, SPHP treated the RAV4 to 91 octane gasoline at a mere $2.119 CAN per liter. Might as well, regular wasn’t much less, and it wasn’t like you could shop around here.
8-11-22, 10:58 AM, Cottonwood River – The RAV4 purred like a kitten, but by the time Lupe reached the Cottonwood River, a chance to get out and stretch for a few minutes was sounding like a good idea. Turned out there were 2 rest areas here. The one with a sign was on the S side, but didn’t provide access to the river, which was down a steep bank.
The unsigned N rest area, though, was awesome! Lupe could go right down to the confluence of the Cottonwood River and a beautiful large tributary joining in from the N. Immediately below the confluence was an enormous deep pool, which would have made a great swimming hole during yesterday’s heat wave, but it was considerably cooler out today.
Wow, we ought to camp here, SPHP! This is gorgeous!
Can’t today, Loop. We’ve got hundreds of miles to go yet, but I do agree. As far as a place to camp along the Cassiar Highway, this has got to be about the best spot we’ve ever seen. We’ll have to spend a night here sometime.
8-11-22, 1:06 PM, British Columbia/Yukon Territory border – Had to stop here! Lupe stood by the big Yukon Larger Than Life sign. The sign had been brand new and unblemished back when the Carolina Dog reached it the very first time back in 2016. Now it was plastered with stickers, as it had been every year since.
The Yukon! I can’t believe we’re back, SPHP! Remember how happy we were the first time we got here?
I’ll never forget it, Loop. I practically cried, I was so happy seeing you by this sign.
After a short romp in the woods just to get the circulation going, it was back to the RAV4. The junction with the Alaska Highway was only 2 miles N. Time to turn W!
8-11-22, 4:42 PM, Teslin Lake – Gasoline prices were better in Teslin, only $1.899 CAN per liter, so SPHP filled the RAV4 this time. It was just a little farther to the rest area along Teslin Lake where Lupe and SPHP always stopped for a look at the Dawson Peaks.
The huge lake was higher than Lupe had ever seen it before, but that wasn’t what SPHP was thinking about. During the afternoon drive W on the Alaska Highway, the sky had gradually clouded up. No blue sky at all now in any direction. Not good!
At Teslin, SPHP had managed to get a weather forecast for Atlin. Decent day tomorrow, then 3 cloudy days in a row, followed by 4 days of rain. Hot and sunny like yesterday would have been ideal. The big question was, how cloudy would it get? A low ceiling would ruin everything.
By the time Lupe reached Jake’s Corner, a leaden sky had SPHP full of doubt. Far to the S, a long sought objective, which was supposed to be one of the American Dingo’s grandest adventures of this entire Dingo Vacation, was now visible on the horizon. The sky was lighter there.
7-26-22, home, Black Hills of South Dakota –
Find out anything yet, SPHP?
No, but I might have a lead, Loop! Remember when we met Peter Sidler, owner of Glacier View Cabins in Atlin back in 2019, when we were trying to find a way to get across Atlin Lake? Tried calling him to see if he’s got any motorboats to rent that we could reserve, but didn’t get an answer. However, just searching the internet, I found an interesting article dated 11-10-21 in Adventures NW magazine. It’s called An Island in the Sky, written by Lawrence Millman.
Is it about Teresa Island, SPHP?
Yes, it is, Loop! In fact, this article is about the only thing I can find that mentions anything at all about climbing Birch Mountain (6,765 ft.). Millman talks about hiring an Austrian mountaineer-artist guide who has a motorboat. The guide took him to the NW side of Teresa Island. They went a long way up an avalanche chute to avoid “virtually impenetrable forests”, but Lawrence decided to turn back before reaching the summit.
We could hire the same guide, SPHP!
Yeah, that’s what I’m thinking, Loopster, if he isn’t too expensive. Bet it’s not cheap, though! And what’s this “we could hire” business? You aren’t chipping in!
Oh, yes I am! At least, in a way. Does the article say how to contact this guide, SPHP? You should call him! Here’s a suggestion that might save you big money. Don’t ask for guide service, just ask how much it costs for him to get us to Teresa Island and back. We’ll find our own way up Birch Mountain.
Silly Dingo! That’s been the plan all along! We just need a way to get to and from Teresa Island. Unfortunately, the article doesn’t give any contact information. However, it does say the guide’s name is Gernot Dick. Peter Sidler has been in Atlin for decades. If he doesn’t have any motorboats to rent, he’ll know how to find Gernot!
In the evening, Edith Sidler, Peter’s wife, answered the phone when SPHP called Glacier View Cabins again. Peter was unavailable, but Edith knew the scoop. As in 2019, they had kayaks to rent, but no motorboats available. The news on Gernot Dick was disappointing, too. They knew Gernot, but he’d moved away, and wasn’t in Atlin anymore.
Edith had a suggestion on who to call, though. Bobby Smallwood! She gave SPHP a phone number for him. If that didn’t work, SPHP should try hanging out at the Mountain Shack restaurant near the gas bar in Atlin. Someone there ought to have an idea on how to get to Teresa Island.
Bobby Smallwood’s wife, Jodie, answered the number Edith provided. Bobby was unavailable, too, but Jodie answered SPHP’s questions. No, they didn’t have any motorboat rentals, but they did have a boat, and could provide water taxi services. $350 CAN per hour. Figure an hour total for both drop-off and pickup from the closest part of Teresa Island.
7-28-22, home, Black Hills of South Dakota –
Just talked to Bobby Smallwood, Loopster! He confirmed that their water taxi service is $350 CAN per hour. Told him to expect us sometime within the next 2 or 3 weeks. An hour minimum for both drop-off and pickup, and potentially quite a bit more depending on where we want to start.
So, we’ve got a way over to Teresa Island! That’s fantastic, SPHP! Did Mr. Smallwood know anything about the best way up Birch Mountain?
He’s never been up there, Loop. Hardly anyone goes to Teresa Island with the intention of climbing Birch. Peter Sidler’s been up it at least twice, though. Remember how he told us that the best approach was along a rock slide on the SE part of the island? Bobby told me about a rock slide on the E side of Teresa Island at 12 mile point that might be a good place to start. Maybe that’s the same spot Peter recommended? Bobby also knew about the avalanche chutes on the Torres Channel side of the island.
Torres Channel? What side of Teresa Island is that, SPHP?
NW side, Looper. No doubt one of those avalanche chutes is the same one that Gernot Dick took Lawrence Millman up.
8-11-22, 6:00 PM, Alaska Highway at Jake’s Corner – After pondering the gloomy gray sky for 15 minutes, SPHP reluctantly came to a decision.
I don’t know, Loopster. Guess we’ve got to forget about Birch Mountain for the time being. Hate to, but I’m no good at timed events. Since we have no idea on what to expect if we do manage to get to Teresa Island, I’m not even going to attempt it unless we have at least 3 consecutive days of good weather in the forecast. I better call Bobby Smallwood, and tell him we’re not coming.
Oh, SPHP! Are you sure? We’ve been wanting to climb Birch Mountain ever since we first went to Atlin in 2018. Remember how beautiful and mysterious Birch looked when we saw it from Monarch Mountain then? Birch Mountain is the 2nd most prominent lake island in the world, and it’s so close! We’ve got to climb it! We won’t get a million chances, you know! It’s been 3 years since the last time we were here.
I’m sorry, Looper. I don’t want to pay a bunch of money to get to Teresa Island, only to find out that Birch Mountain is socked in with fog by the time we manage to get to the summit. We need a better forecast. Tell ya what, I’ll let Bobby Smallwood know we might swing by in September, weather permitting, on our way home. Who knows? We might get lucky.
No cell service at Jake’s corner? Every attempt to call Bobby Smallwood on the new iPhone had dropped without even ringing once. Maybe SPHP was doing something wrong? The decent thing to do would be to drive down to Atlin, and let Bobby know Lupe wasn’t going to Teresa Island at this time, instead of flaking out and being a no show. Atlin was an hour S, though.
8-11-22, 7:00 PM, a ridge off Hwy No. 7 – The American Dingo stood at a favorite spot with a great view of Mount Minto (6,913 ft.) and the N end of Atlin Lake. Still a long way S, both Birch Mountain (6,765 ft.) and Atlin Mountain (6,722 ft.) were in sight, too.
The sky really is lighter down this way, Loop. Maybe I’m being too hasty? You’re right about having limited chances to ever climb Birch Mountain.
Since we’re going to Atlin in the morning, anyway, SPHP, let’s decide what to do then.
Shortly before sundown, sunlight was clearly visible on Birch Mountain.
8-12-22, 7:55 AM, Atlin – For the first time in 3 years, Lupe stood down by the Tarahne along the E shore of Atlin Lake. Both Birch Mountain and Atlin Mountain were in sight right across the lake, and guess what? The sky was clear as a bell, a beautiful blue, with scarcely a cloud in sight! Even SPHP was excited! Maybe Birch Mountain was going to work out?
Bobby said there isn’t any cell phone service here in Atlin, Loop. I’m going to see if I can use a phone in the hotel to give him a call. You’ll have to wait in the RAV4 for a few minutes.
Odd. Already 8:00 AM, and no one was at the front desk. The lights weren’t even on. SPHP hung around for 10 minutes. A guest came by wanting to check out, but still no staff to be seen.
So, what did Mr. Smallwood say, SPHP?
Nothing. Haven’t spoken to him yet, Loop. Couldn’t use the phone in there.
How are we going to find him then, SPHP?
I don’t know. Guess we’ll do like Edith Sidler said, and ask around for him at the Mountain Shack.
The Mountain Shack was only a few blocks away. Lupe waited in the RAV4 again, while SPHP went in. 6 or 7 men were sitting at a long table having breakfast, the only customers in the restaurant.
Pardon me, but would any of you gentlemen happen to know where I might be able to find Bobby Smallwood?
Everyone roared with laughter, like this was some huge joke.
We were just talking about Bobby! He’s got a big shop with a red roof, and a house out Surprise Lake Road across from the airport. It’s not far, 3 km. You’ll find him.
Bobby Smallwood was at home, working on machinery in his front yard. Yup, still $350 CAN per hour for water taxi service. Closest part of Teresa Island near the N end would be about $350. $700 to get to 12 Mile Point, or $850 to the SE rock slide Peter Sidler had recommended 3 years ago. SPHP didn’t even ask about the Torres Channel avalanche chutes.
If you’re not sure what you want to do, you can take a drive S down to Warm Bay, and have a look at the E side of Teresa Island from there.
I might do that. Thanks, Mr. Smallwood!
SPHP parked the RAV4 at the Atlin airport. The American Dingo went into her usual barking frenzy as a helicopter landed. The pilot leapt out, and began unloading big gray plastic boxes full of fresh-caught salmon. Two men ran over to stack the boxes on a pallet carried by a forklift. The helicopter took off again as soon as the last box was unloaded.
Well, shoot! Hoped to get a chance to talk to the pilot, Loop!
How come, SPHP?
Wanted to check what it would cost to fly to Birch Mountain.
Me in a helicopter, SPHP? Are you serious?
That would be quite the adventure, wouldn’t it, Looper? Anyway, doesn’t hurt to ask. Looks like they’re mighty busy, though. Might as well take a drive down to Warm Bay.
Driving S on Warm Bay Road, SPHP kept peering into the forest on both sides. Everyone, even Lawrence Millwood’s article, seemed to be under the impression that the forests on Teresa Island were impassable, which must be why the recommended routes were always avalanche chutes, rock slides, and such.
The forests over here were thick, but didn’t look impassable. Might be an entirely different situation on seldom visited Teresa Island, though.
8-12-22, 10:07 AM, Warm Bay – After getting a drink, Lupe stood along the shore of Atlin Lake, a few slowly drowning bushes beyond her. The whole NE side of Teresa Island was in sight, but the even longer SE end wasn’t. Should have been able to identify 12 Mile Point from here, but it didn’t really stand out.
So, what do you think, SPHP?
Oh, I don’t know, Looper. Ought to have binoculars! Teresa Island does look somewhat rockier down this way, but I don’t see any big rock slide we could go up like I was expecting. The E side of the island is steeper than the N side, too. To tell the truth, I’m really not seeing anything that makes me want to pay twice as much to start out from 12 Mile Point.
Well, it sure is a beautiful day, SPHP! Have you decided yet if we’re even going to Teresa Island? Did Bobby Smallwood have an updated weather forecast?
Yeah, he did. Practically identical to yesterday’s. Clear today, followed by 3 cloudy days before it starts raining. No guarantees on conditions at the summit, of course, but Bobby didn’t think we’d have a problem.
Are we really going then, SPHP, or not?
Such a perfect day today, that I’m leaning toward it, Looper. If tomorrow was going to be this clear, we’d be going for sure. Let’s head back to Atlin. We’ll make another attempt to check on helicopter prices, then we’ll have all the data.
Alright, but you’re just procrastinating, SPHP! Time’s a-wasting!
Back in Atlin, SPHP stopped by Discovery Helicopters. Matt, the owner, lived in a house practically right next to the helipad.
Birch Mountain? Yes, we can take you and your dog. The boat is going to be a lot cheaper, though.
Matt quoted prices anywhere from $1,500 to $1,900 CAN. That included both drop-off and pickup with as much or little time in between as SPHP wanted. Cheaper to get dropped off high on the mountain, because that saved fuel. Price could be split with other passengers, if anyone else was going. Matt’s smaller copter, which would cost a little less, was out all day on a job, but would be available tomorrow.
SPHP hesitated. A pretty penny to be sure, but Lupe could be on Birch today in excellent weather instead of taking a chance on tomorrow, and whether or not it was really possible to force a way thousands of feet up the mountain through trackless primeval forest.
You know, you could climb Sentinel Mountain (6,316 ft.). Go anytime you like for free, and not have to depend on anyone else. Sentinel’s also has a terrific view of Atlin Lake and the Llewellyn Glacier, too.
Yeah, I know, Matt. Appreciate the suggestion. Brought maps of Sentinel, but it isn’t Birch, second most prominent lake island peak in the world.
Matt smiled. He knew.
Tell you what. I’ve got another flight this morning, and have to get going. Should be back by 1:00 PM. Think about it. If you decide you want me to take you, come around anytime after that, and we’ll get you over there.
SPHP tried checking on the helicopter company at the airport one more time. Same thing as before. The copter soon came in again and landed, but took off immediately after being unloaded.
They’re too busy here, SPHP. You’re never going to get to talk to them. Price will be about the same, anyway. Decision time!
8-12-22, 11:00 AM, Surprise Lake Road E of Atlin – Bobby Smallwood was at his shop now. SPHP showed him a topo map.
Bobby, see this little island on the E side of Teresa Island about even with the N end of Birch Mountain? Is there somewhere around that area where you could drop us off?
Sure can! That’s Sandy Beach. Dropping you off there will be easy, but that’s several kilometers S of the closest part of the island. We’ll have to charge you a little more than an hour’s worth of time. You OK with that?
Yes, that’s fine. We don’t want to have to push through any more forest than we have to.
Great! Are you ready to go?
Not quite. Give us 30 or 40 minutes, and we will be. Where should we meet you, and where can I park the RAV4?
I’ve got some rental cabins down by the marina just S of the hotel. You can park anywhere near the docks there.
8-12-22, 11:54 AM, Atlin Lake – Lupe was excited! After years of waiting for this moment, the Carolina Dog was aboard Bobby Smallwood’s boat, speeding across the waves straight for Teresa Island! Unbelievable!
Wouldn’t take long to get there. 15 or 20 minutes? Something like that. Almost yelling over the roar of the engine, SPHP outlined the plan. Pick up was to be at the same spot 2 days from now, an hour before sunset. A discussion about contingencies in case something went wrong ensued. Mr. Smallwood had no qualms about any of what SPHP proposed.
8-12-22, 12:07 PM, Teresa Island – Couldn’t have picked a better spot to land! While most of Teresa Island was heavily forested right down to the water’s edge, Sandy Beach really was sandy. However, as Bobby throttled down, and the boat drifted in towards shore, SPHP could see a deep, slimy lagoon 15 feet beyond the beach. Complaining to Bobby, he was unperturbed, merely steering off toward a slightly different spot where the bow slid into the sand.
Lupe and SPHP leapt down onto the sand. A moment later, Bobby fired up the engine, and was off.
Oh, my gosh, SPHP! We’re actually here! Alone on Teresa Island!
Yup! Incredible, isn’t it? We’ve really gone and done it this time, haven’t we, Loopster? This might be our greatest adventure ever! Let’s see if we can find a way around this lagoon. It’s still here, too!
Sandy Beach was easily several hundred feet long. Turning SE, Lupe sniffed her way along the edge of Atlin Lake toward the point near the island. Thankfully, the icky lagoon didn’t extend that far.
It was a gorgeous day, sunny and warm! So happy to be here! SPHP felt great about the decision. Near the point by the island, Loopster found a stone campfire ring with a couple of rusty, old metal grates propped up against a tree next to it. Even more surprising was a sign indicating the presence of an outhouse. An arrow pointed into the forest.
There’s a path! Let’s check it out, SPHP!
OK, Loop, but give me a moment. I want to have a look at the Peakbagger app on the iPhone to get our bearings before we leave. Might help us find this spot on the way back in a couple of days.
The app said Birch Mountain’s summit was 4.5 miles SW. SPHP made a note of it.
Can’t you just start a GPS track, SPHP?
I could, if I knew how, Loop, but I don’t yet. No worries. This will do.
The path went more than 100 feet into the forest before dead-ending at a big green, open-air potty. It was in great condition. Looked like new.
I’m guessing privacy isn’t a big concern here on Teresa Island, Loop.
You humans are funny about that, SPHP, but I think you’re right. Bet we own the whole island right now! It’s our own private empire!
Maybe. Who knows what’s out here, Loopster? Anyway, our long-sought moment of truth has arrived. Time to find out if this forest is really, truly impassable, and I’ve just blown $400 CAN for nothing, or not. Onward! Puppy ho!
Beyond the green potty, the forest looked like no one had ever been here before. It was dense, but not impassable here at the start. The deadfall wasn’t all that bad, but branches were everywhere. Lupe could sneak through with relative ease, but SPHP’s progress was very slow. The air was still, the forest completely silent except for the constant snapping of branches as SPHP pushed on through.
At first, the ground was nearly flat, but Loopster soon began gradually gaining elevation. The idea was to head W or WNW for a couple of km over to where the Carolina Dog could turn S up Birch Mountain’s N slope. From a distance, that route had always appeared to be easiest. If Lupe could get above treeline, SPHP believed success was just about guaranteed, since the upper regions of the mountain were barren and not as steep.
SPHP thrashed through the forest taking the path of least resistance. The forest floor became a soft, spongy carpet of thick, green moss. A variety of mushrooms, some of them enormous, sprang forth from it. No views at all. Nothing could be seen except the immediate vicinity.
The first sign that anyone, or anything, had ever been here came half an hour after leaving Sandy Beach.
Look, SPHP! A trail!
The seldom used trail was clear enough to follow NW as it slowly gained elevation.
Unfortunately, the trail soon curved N, the wrong direction. Lupe stuck with it a little farther, but when the trail began to lose elevation, she abandoned it to resume her explorations W.
45 minutes after leaving the trail, the American Dingo reached a clearing full of thick vegetation. This turned out to be a boggy region, but since it wasn’t all that wet, and SPHP could avoid the relatively few holes full of water, traveling through the bog was easier than staying in the forest.
For the first time, Lupe now had a view of a rounded barren high point at the N end of Birch Mountain. It was literally thousands of feet higher.
Holy smokers, Loop! We’ve been gaining a little more elevation lately, but it looks like we’ve hardly made any progress at all!
Well, what did you expect, SPHP, a walk in the park? Hasn’t been that long since we left Sandy Beach, and rumor has it that Birch Mountain is the 2nd most prominent lake island peak in the world. In fact, you’re the one who has been spreading it! Keep going!
The bog was more extensive than it first appeared. Lupe eventually crossed two streams so small that SPHP could simply step over them. When the bog finally ended, it was back into the forest.
It was warm and muggy. The rate of climb was increasing. Lupe started playing her stalking game, hanging back until SPHP was completely out of sight before following. A little nerve wracking in such a wild place, but SPHP was making a lot of noise, and she always appeared quickly when called.
8-12-22, 2:09 PM, in the forest on Teresa Island –
Loop, come! Let’s take a break here!
As SPHP stripped down to a T-shirt, slinking stealthily through the forest, Lupe reappeared and laid down.
Hungry, Looper?
No, not yet. I’m hot, like you. Must be nice to have removable fur!
It is! Don’t know how you manage with the same outfit no matter whether it’s hot, cold, or in-between. How about some water?
I don’t have much choice, SPHP, and yes to the water thing.
Should cool off some as we gain elevation, and it gets later in the day, Loop. Wish you’d stay in sight. Your stalking game is kind of dangerous in a place like this. Remember the lynx at Donjek Crossing Mountain? You might have been a goner within seconds, if you hadn’t come back when you did.
We haven’t even seen a squirrel yet, SPHP!
Yeah, well, we hadn’t seen a lynx until we did, either. Anyway, I’m greatly encouraged! This forest isn’t impassable. We’re making progress. Slow, but I feel certain we’re going to make it, don’t you?
If I don’t have a heat stroke, I will. Really no harder than plenty of other places we’ve been.
Continuing on, it was nearly impossible to tell how much farther W Lupe needed to go before turning S. The terrain was getting quite noticeably steeper, and it seemed like she still wasn’t far enough W yet. Progress was improving, though. The trees were farther apart now, creating open lanes where SPHP didn’t have to be constantly battling branches.
Loopster kept hanging back playing her stalking game. SPHP frequently paused to make certain she never stayed out of sight long.
8-12-22, 3:29 PM, Teresa Island, 2nd rest break in the forest –
So, what does your Peakbagger app say now, SPHP?
Says it’s a good thing we’ve got lots of time. We’ve been on Teresa Island for more than 3 hours, Loop, and Birch Mountain’s summit is still 3.6 miles SSW.
We aren’t even a mile closer yet? We’ve must have gone farther than that, SPHP!
Yeah, no doubt, Looper, but not directly toward the summit.
Shortly after the second rest break, the mountain became much steeper. SPHP tried to lead Lupe farther W, but the terrain often seemed to be forcing her SSW instead. At least, that was directly toward the summit. Better not get too steep, though!
After gaining quite a bit of elevation, Lupe came to a second trail. She didn’t follow it very far, since it was just a level path that really wasn’t any help getting up the mountain. Climbing SW, small rock formations began to appear. Dense stands of young trees formed almost impossible barriers, forcing sideways traverses W. Even Lupe was having trouble. SPHP had to boost the American Dingo up some ledges, and often had to cling to trees.
However, none of it was actually impassable or scary steep, and small clearings were now appearing, along with distant views. Atlin Lake was in sight, and way off toward the N end, Mount Minto (6,913 ft.) and Mount Hitchcock (5,886 ft.) were, too!
The stalking game was over! Suddenly energized by the challenge, the Carolina Dog kept right up with SPHP, climbing aggressively.
8-12-22, 5:33 PM, Birch Mountain’s N slope – Sheesh! Still 3.2 miles SSW to the summit. Lupe had only made 0.4 mile in the last 2 hours! The news was otherwise excellent, though.
The Carolina Dog was near treeline now, with only scattered stands of conifers still above, otherwise just open slopes of grass and low tundra vegetation. Big rock slides and a long snowbank were a short distance W. The view of Atlin Mountain (6,722 ft.) and Atlin Lake back to the N was spectacular!
Unopposed by anything other than gravity now, progress was much more rapid. Clearly enjoying roaming the open territory, Loopster led the way, while SPHP huffed and puffed. A final tree appeared, a small, brown, dead evergreen still a couple hundred feet higher. Getting to it, another small tree was higher yet and even farther ahead.
Rinse and repeat! Lupe was always climbing toward an apparent high point, only to find another long upward trudge ahead upon reaching it, but the rate of climb was diminishing. More tundra appeared. Couldn’t be too much farther to a top!
Oh, yeah? It was still farther than it looked, but the climb was getting easier and easier as the grade steadily diminished. Lupe finally reached a plateau strewn with football-sized rocks among low tundra. A glorious sight was ahead.
SPHP, look! There it is! Birch Mountain’s summit!
8-12-22, 6:57 PM, 5,200+ foot plateau at the N end of Birch Mountain – SPHP dumped the heavy pack. Ugh! Much better!
We made it, Loop! How awesome is this? Too bad it’s so rocky, or we’d camp right here. Let’s take a break, and have a look at these fantabulous views!
From the N end of Birch Mountain, Atlin Lake stretching away to the N with Atlin Mountain to the NW, and Mount Minto and Mount Hitchcock on opposite sides near the far end of the lake were the most impressive sights, but the grand panorama included many beautiful peaks in other directions, too.
Monarch Mountain (4,728 ft.), which Lupe had climbed in 2018, was in view to the NE, and the town of Atlin was visible a few miles farther N along the E shore.
Birch Mountain was huge! This 5,200+ foot plateau Lupe had reached at the N end, was just the start. The summit was still 2.6 miles SSW beyond a deep valley. Directly S, a vast region of easy terrain gradually rose 900 feet toward a hill at the W end of a long ridge coming up from the E. An enormous snowbank ran along the N side of the ridge.
8-12-22, 7:24 PM, 5,200+ foot plateau at the N end of Birch Mountain –
Well, Loop, had enough of a break? Are you ready to move on? We might as well go as far as we can before pitching your tiny house.
I suppose we better, SPHP. Looks like there are some grassy regions on the way to that next big hill. Maybe we can pitch it somewhere over there?
Heading SSW, straight for the true summit, Lupe crossed the rest of the 5,200+ foot plateau. A gradual descent of 100 feet got her to a snowbank in a shallow ravine draining toward the E that cut across the mountain.
From the ravine, it was all uphill. The terrain was easy, but exhaustion was taking a toll. Lupe pressed on, going up a series of grassy benches until they were about to end, and give way to rockier terrain.
8-12-22, 8:20 PM, Birch Mountain, 2.2 miles NNE of the summit – What a day! 1.5 hours before sunset, SPHP pitched Lupe’s tiny house in a grassy nook sheltered by a 6 foot high escarpment topped by low bushes. The air was calm and comfortably cool. Clouds of gnats and a few pesky mosquitoes danced in the evening sun.
Look at that magnificent view, Loop! Still hard to believe we’re actually here on Teresa Island after dreaming of this for years, but proof is all around us! Not a cloud in the sky, either, and we’re in great position. If this weather will hold overnight, we’ll make it to the summit!
How high do you think we are here, SPHP?
Around 5,300 feet, Loop, maybe a little more.
The views are splendid, SPHP, but I’m tired and hungry. Can we rest now?
Absolutely, sweet puppy! Super big day tomorrow! We better be ready!
Links & Contact Information:
Next Adventure Prior Adventure
Bobby Smallwood (water taxi) – Phone: (250) 651-2488
Glacier View Cabins (Peter & Edith Sidler owners)
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