South Dakota – Page 59 – The (Mostly) True Adventures of Lupe

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 234 – Centennial Trail No. 89: Rapid Creek to Deer Creek (9-22-18)

Start – 10:42 AM, 69 °F, Rapid Creek trailhead of Centennial Trail No. 89

Sad to say it, but Lupe’s many adventures on 3 separate Dingo Vacations during the grand summer of 2018 were over. It was officially fall now, and the American Dingo had been back at home for a whole week. That was more than enough time to get all rested up and start missing those long summer days spent exploring magnificent far away places.

When SPHP suggested it might be time to check out another section of Centennial Trail No. 89 in the Black Hills, Loopster was excited at the prospect of getting back into action. Oh, yeah! She could hardly wait!

Loop had explored some of the 111 mile long Centennial Trail No. 89 back in the spring. It seemed only natural to pick up from where she’d left off at the Rapid Creek trailhead below the Pactola Reservoir dam. The plan was to follow the next section of the trail N all the way to the Deer Creek trailhead, a distance of 5.0 miles.

Lupe happy to be back at the Rapid Creek trailhead of Centennial Trail No. 89 for the first time since spring.

Leaving the trailhead, Centennial Trail No. 89 goes a short distance W before crossing Rapid Creek on Pactola Basin Road. Instead of crossing the creek right away, though, Lupe continued upstream for a look at the pond at the base of the Pactola Reservoir dam.

Lupe drops by for a look at the scenic pond below the dam. Photo looks WSW.

A couple of ducks flew away as the Carolina Dog approached. At the pond’s outlet, a footbridge provided a way over Rapid Creek. Lupe and SPHP lingered a few minutes admiring the scenic pond before following the creek downstream back to Pactola Basin Road. Along the way, Loop cooled her paws off and helped herself to a drink.

Cooling off in Rapid Creek. The footbridge Lupe had crossed by the pond is in view. Photo looks SW.

Once back at Pactola Basin Road, Lupe followed it NW. The road soon curved to the L (W) to start winding steeply up to the top of the dam. Centennial Trail No. 89, however, took a side road NW up a small valley. Sticking with the trail, Lupe passed by several cabins.

Sticking with Centennial Trail No. 89 after leaving Pactola Basin Road, Lupe passes by the last cabin along a side road. Photo looks W.

Beyond the last cabin, Centennial Trail No. 89 continued NW. The trail was well marked and easy to follow.

Heading up the valley. Part of Pactola Reservoir dam is seen on the L (W).

The trail was clearly marked and easy to follow even though the road soon began to fade. Photo looks N.

The road faded away. Centennial Trail No. 89 was now a single track trail, which began to climb more steeply. Lupe quickly reached the top of a small ridge. The Carolina Dog was now high enough to see Highway 385 and part of Pactola Reservoir off to the W & SW.

The steepest part of Centennial Trail No. 89 the American Dingo would encounter today was just ahead. Even so, the rate of climb remained moderate. The trail snaked up a long slope, passing near a utility line. Higher up, a view began to open up back to the S.

Continuing higher. This next section was the steepest part of Centennial Trail No. 89 that Lupe would encounter today. Photo looks NW.

As Lupe gained elevation, a view to the S began to open up.

After passing through a meadow, Loopster reached a high point where Centennial Trail No. 89 leveled out. The Carolina Dog had gained 500 feet of elevation, and was now 0.75 mile from the Rapid Creek trailhead. This was the end of the first big climb. Directly ahead the trail entered the forest.

Although Lupe had gotten a late morning start, SPHP figured she had plenty of time to get to the Deer Creek trailhead and back before dark. In fact, Lupe probably had enough time to leave the trail and do a little peakbagging. Perrin Mountain (5,212 ft.) was less than a mile E.

Centennial Trail No. 89 levels out and enters the forest 0.75 mile NW of the Rapid Creek trailhead. This is the end of the steepest climb on this section of the trail. Photo looks N.

Lupe left the trail setting out for Perrin Mountain. She gained another 100 feet of elevation climbing a forested slope to the NE. This brought her up onto Perrin Mountain’s WNW ridge. The Carolina Dog traveled NE across a broad thinly forested saddle to a big rock formation.

Off trail now, Lupe approaches a big rock formation on her way to Perrin Mountain. Photo looks NE.

From the big rock formation, Lupe followed the ridge SE. She passed over several high and low points on the way to Perrin Mountain, but the elevation changes weren’t dramatic. She soon came to a large power line. The clear cut area along the power line provided the best view of Pactola Reservoir thus far.

Looking S toward Pactola Reservoir from the power line that crosses Perrin Mountain’s WNW ridge.

The rest of the way to Perrin Mountain, Lupe caught only tree-broken glimpses of the lake. Closing in on the summit, Lupe came to a short stretch of dirt road beyond which a single track trail led to the odd “Hurt Locker” sign at the top of the mountain. The true summit was a small rock outcropping 30 feet to the N.

Lupe arrives at the odd “Hurt Locker” sign on **Perrin Mountain**. Photo looks E.

At Perrin Mountain’s true summit. Photo looks NE.

Perrin Mountain was too heavily forested to see much of anything. Lupe took a short break near the summit before returning to Centennial Trail No. 89 via the same route. The Perrin Mountain (5,212 ft.) side trip was Lupe’s only peakbagging success of the day. From now on she would stick to the trail.

Heading back to Centennial Trail No. 89 along Perrin Mountain’s WNW ridge. Photo looks WNW.

Lupe made it back to Centennial Trail No. 89 at the same point she’d left it. She now followed the trail N into the forest. It remained level for a little while, before curving W and beginning to lose elevation steadily. Going down a fairly steep forested ravine, Lupe soon reached Highway 385. SPHP helped Lupe cross the busy highway safely.

Starting down toward Highway 385 after reaching Centennial Trail No. 89 again. Photo looks W.

Approaching Highway 385 after losing nearly 300 feet of elevation. Photo looks W.

W of Highway 385 the trail lost a bit more elevation. Lupe could soon see the inlet where the N boat launch on Pactola Reservoir is located. The trail got quite close the lake, but stayed 30 feet above the water.

Lupe enjoys some fall colors along Centennial Trail No. 89 after crossing Hwy 385. Photo looks W.

Looking toward the N boat launch on Pactola Reservoir. Photo looks S.

Beyond the N end of the inlet, Centennial Trail No. 89 headed NW up a shallow valley. This was the start of the second notable climb along the trail. This climb was much longer than the first one, but quite gradual the whole way. Occasionally it was interrupted by level or short downhill sections.

After crossing the paved road leading down to the N boat launch, the trail turned back toward the SW. Eventually the boat launch could be glimpsed below to the E. Although Lupe wasn’t far from the main body of Pactola Reservoir here, she couldn’t see it due to the forest. The trail now curved toward the W on high ground SE of Boarding House Gulch.

Where the trail turned N again, Lupe came to a bit of open ground from which she could see part of Pactola Reservoir. This was a good spot to take another break.

Lupe on a bit of grassy high ground SE of Boarding House Gulch with a partial view of Pactola Reservoir. This was a good spot to take a second break. Photo looks SW.

Lupe wasn’t quite halfway to the Deer Creek trailhead yet, so this second rest break was also fairly brief. Upon resuming her trek, Centennial Trail No. 89 wound around high up on a mostly forested slope on the NE side of Boarding House Gulch.

The trail was fairly level along in here. SPHP liked this area since higher ground to the NE screened most of the traffic noise from Hwy 385. Lupe liked it because she was having success finding squirrels to bark at.

Lupe liked racing along level sections of the trail near Boarding House Gulch like this one looking for squirrels.

After winding around quite a bit, Centennial Trail No. 89 crossed over to the other side of Boarding House Gulch. Here the trail was no longer single track. For about a mile it followed a much straighter dirt road climbing slowly, but steadily NW.

Lupe approaching the end of the single track trail in **Boarding House Gulch**. Just ahead Centennial Trail No. 89 crosses to the other side of the valley and starts following a dirt road. Photo looks NW.

Going up **Boarding House Gulch**. Photo looks NW.

Nearing a minor pass at the upper end of **Boarding House Gulch**. Photo looks NNW.

Lupe reached a minor pass at the upper end of Boarding House Gulch. A few buildings could be seen off to the NE. Centennial Trail No. 89 left the dirt road here, heading WNW into Smoker Gulch. The trail reverted to single track once again. Lupe passed through beautiful secluded stands of aspens that were just beginning to show fall colors.

Lupe on the single track trail leading into **Smoker Gulch**. The aspens were just beginning to show some fall colors. Photo looks NW.

Heading W into **Smoker Gulch**. This relatively short section of single track trail was one of the prettiest and most secluded areas Lupe came to.

Leaving most of the aspens behind, the trail soon curved NNW again as it entered the upper portion of Smoker Gulch. For a while the trail closely paralleled yet another dirt road.

Beyond most of the aspens heading farther up **Smoker Gulch**. Photo looks NNW.

Smoker Gulch was only a third as long as Boarding House Gulch had been. Lupe was soon approaching another minor pass at its upper N end. At about 5150 feet, this pass was the high point of the entire section of Centennial Trail No. 89 the Carolina Dog was traveling today. She had gained about 550 feet of elevation from where she’d left the inlet of Pactola Reservoir near the N boat launch.

At this pass, Lupe discovered a clearly marked junction with Deerfield Trail No. 40, which heads W for 23 miles to Deerfield Reservoir. Looper wasn’t going that way today. Instead, she continued N over the pass on a section of trail shared by both Centennial Trail No. 89 and Deerfield Trail No. 40. It wasn’t much farther to Silver City Road.

Lupe reaches a junction with **Deerfield Trail No. 40** at the N end of Smoker Gulch. Photo looks WNW.

Lupe continus N on a section of single track trail shared by both Centennial Trail No. 89 & Deerfield Trail No. 40. She passed by the house seen on the R on the way to Silver City Road. Photo looks N.

Loop arrives at **Silver City Road**. Centennial Trail No. 89 & Deerfield Trail No. 40 both cross the road here. Photo looks NW.

100 yards after crossing Silver City Road, Lupe reached another junction, this time with the spur trail leading to the Deer Creek trailhead. SPHP didn’t immediately recognize the junction for what it was. Lupe stayed to the L continuing N on Deerfield Trail No. 89. She didn’t get far before SPHP realized the mistake.

Lupe reaches the junction with the relatively short spur trail to the Deer Creek trailhead. SPHP didn’t immediately recognize this junction for what it was, mistakenly leading Lupe to the L continuing N on Centennial Trail No. 89.

Going the wrong way! Lupe continuing N on Centennial Trail No. 89 when she should have been on the spur trail going E down to the Deer Creek trailhead. She didn’t get much farther than this before turning around. Photo looks NW.

It only took a minute or two to get back to the spur trail. The spur trail itself was only a 5 minute trek down a slope to the E. At the bottom Lupe finally reached the Deer Creek trailhead, her objective for the day.

Lupe reaches the Deer Creek trailhead, her objective for the day. This is the official E end of Deerfield Trail No. 40, as well as an access point for Centennial Trail No. 89.

Except for the empty parking lot, there wasn’t much to see at the Deer Creek trailhead. Lupe didn’t stick around for long. She now had to head S retracing her entire 5.0 mile long trek on Centennial Trail No. 89 back to the Rapid Creek trailhead where the G6 was parked.

Ready to head back! Lupe sits at the start of the spur trail at the Deer Creek trailhead. Photo looks SW.

Back at the junction of the spur trail and Centennial Trail No. 89. Photo looks S.

The return trip was pleasant and easy. Except for the big climb after crossing Highway 385, it was mostly downhill. Lupe sniffed and ran. She barked at squirrels. She saw several deer and even a couple of elk. She did not revisit Perrin Mountain, staying on Centennial Trail No. 89 the whole way.

The sun was about to disappear by the time the American Dingo reached the Rapid Creek trailhead again. (End – 6:51 PM, 63 °F) It had been a fun day on Centennial Trail No. 89, but Lupe was ready to head home. She hopped into the G6. SPHP drove up Pactola Basin Road to the junction with Highway 385 near the N end of the dam.

Lupe’s return home had to be delayed! From the dam, a gorgeous sunset could be seen over Pactola Reservoir. SPHP drove across the highway to a viewpoint overlooking the lake. Together Lupe and SPHP watched until the blazing display faded to gray.

*Oh, I guess we better hang around for this!*

*That was quite a show! You don’t see many sunsets like this one. SPHP and I are going to hang around a while longer. Thanks for joining us on Centennial Trail No. 89! Bye for now!*

Links:

Next Black Hills Expedition Prior Black Hills Expedition

Next Trail Section S:

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 229 – Centennial Trail No. 89 – Brush Creek to Rapid Creek & Perrin Mountain (5-14-18)

Next Trail Section N:

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 235 – Centennial Trail No. 89: Deer Creek to Pilot Knob (9-29-18)

Centennial Trail No. 89 brochure & map

Want more Lupe adventures? Check out Lupe’s Black Hills, SD & WY Expeditions Adventure Index, Master Adventure Index, or subscribe free to new Lupe adventures!

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 233 – Meeting Dave Covill, Lead Director of the Highpointers Foundation & the Mighty Dingo Missile Launch (6-21-18)

Lupe’s June, 2018 Dingo Vacation to the Bighorn & Pryor Mountains in Wyoming & Montana had been cut short due to the fiasco at Big Pryor Mountain. Perhaps the fiasco was actually fortuitous? Shortly after the American Dingo arrived back home on the evening of 6-18-18, SPHP made a discovery.

Loopster, you’ve got mail!

I do?! Who from? What does it say?

It’s from Dave Covill. He’s coming to the Black Hills! Wants to know if you are around and have time available to spend with him?

You mean Dave Covill, the prolific peakbagger and Lead Director of the Highpointers Foundation? He’s coming here?!

Yes, that’s the one! Remember he sent you those Zuke’s Shiny Coat treats after Christmas and New Year’s? And yes, he says he’s going to be here next week!

Oh, those Zuke’s Shiny Coat treats were scrumptious! Do you think he’ll bring more? A Dingo’s coat can never be too shiny, you know.

Lupe in January 2018 with all the loot Dave Covill sent her back then: a Highpointers Foundation magnet & sticker, plus those scrumptious Zuke’s Shiny Coat treats.

It’s not Christmas now, silly Dingo! So probably not, but it says here Dave would like to visit a couple of 7,000 foot Black Hills peaks he hasn’t been to before. You can go with him!

Oh, an expedition with Dave Covill, that will be fun! Tell him I want to go!

But, of course, sweet Dingo! Right away …. oh my gosh, Dave sent this email on the 15th. It says he will be here on Tuesday. That’s tomorrow!

With trepidation due to the late hour, fearing to awaken Mr. Covill from his pre-trip slumber, SPHP tried the phone number provided in Dave’s email. No answer. SPHP left a message, then also emailed a response.

Lupe didn’t even really know Mr. Covill. She had never met him before. Neither had SPHP. But Dave had very kindly sent Lupe those Zuke’s Shiny Coat treats in January. For the past 2 years he had been saying he thought he might get up to the Black Hills on Highpointers Foundation business in the spring. It hadn’t happened in 2017, and it was already the 2nd half of June, 2018. Lupe hadn’t heard a thing from Mr. Covill since receiving those Zuke’s Shiny Coat treats in January. Weeks ago SPHP had just assumed Covill’s trip hadn’t worked out again this year. Not true! Suddenly, unexpectedly, there was Dave’s email in Lupe’s in-box spelling it all out in black and white.

The Highpointers Foundation, is devoted to supporting both public and private efforts to maintain the integrity and safe access to all 50 US state high points. As lead director, Mr. Covill is a busy guy. The trip he was making up to the Dakotas from his home in Colorado was going to be a 3 day whirlwind tour.

Not only was Mr. Covill going to drive up and back in those 3 days, but he needed to meet with a stonemason who had been tasked with creating a bench funded by donations to the Highpointers Foundation. The bench will eventually be installed along Little Devils Tower trail No. 4 in the Black Elk Wilderness on the way to Black Elk Peak (7,242 ft.), the highest mountain in South Dakota.

Taking a break on 9-26-17 on a lovely bench provided by the Highpointers Foundation. This bench is along Trail No. 9 at the first good viewpoint toward Black Elk Peak on the way up from Sylvan Lake. Dave Covill was coming to the Black Hills in June, 2018 in part to meet with the stonemason tasked with creating a 2nd bench funded by donations to the Highpointers Foundation to be installed along Little Devils Tower trail No. 4, another popular route to Black Elk Peak (formerly Harney Peak).

Furthermore, Dave was actually going to go way beyond the Black Hills all the way up to White Butte, the highest point in North Dakota, to meet with the rancher owning the land. With the rancher’s permission, Mr. Covill was going to install an Iron Ranger fee collection device provided by the Highpointers Foundation, plus several signs to communicate with visitors. The North Dakota excursion alone would take one whole day.

Would Mr. Covill get the messages SPHP left in time to reserve part of his journey for an outing with Lupe? One thing for certain, if it hadn’t been for that fiasco at Big Pryor Mountain, Dave would have come and gone before Lupe would ever have known about it.

Bright and early the next morning, Lupe had another email from Mr. Covill. He had gotten her messages and was just getting in his car. He was going to be staying in Custer, SD, and expected to arrive around 3:00 PM. Mr. Covill would call later. Perfect!

No call. At nearly 11:00 PM, another email. After arriving in the Black Hills, Dave had gotten tied up meeting with park rangers at the proposed Highpointers Foundation bench site. He had just returned to his motel in Custer after a long dinner meeting with a former superintendent of Theodore Roosevelt National Park in Hill City. Tomorrow was the big excursion to North Dakota to meet with the rancher at White Butte. The former park superintendent was going with him.

That wasn’t all. Thursday morning Dave was having breakfast with the bench stonemason. Early that evening he needed to be back in Colorado for another event. In short, he had only a few hours on Thursday between breakfast and when he would have to depart for Colorado around noon. That might be enough for quick visits to Terry Peak (7,064 ft.) and Crows Nest Peak (7,048 ft.), the only 7,000+ foot Black Hills peaks he had never been to before. Did Lupe want to come?

Yes, yes! Of course!

Messages back and forth on Wednesday settled it. Thursday morning, Lupe arrived at the designated rendezvous spot near Deadwood, SD at 9:32 AM. Dave was already there. Time was of the essence. Introductions were friendly, quick, and to the point. And what a guy that Dave was! He instantly produced a new bag of treats – Zuke’s Pure NZ Jerky Steaks, a wonderful gift for the lucky Carolina Dog. It was Christmas in June, after all!

Imagine poor Dave’s chagrin when after opening the bag and generously offering Loopster a treat then and there, she turned her nose up at it! Ungrateful, spoiled rotten American Dingo! What came next was even more unexpected.

Though Lupe wasn’t immediately interested in the superb treats Dave had brought her, she did have her eye on something else Mr. Covill had with him. Something even bigger and better than Zuke’s Pure NZ Jerky Steaks. To Dave’s astonishment and SPHP’s embarrassment, Lupe suddenly leapt uninvited up into Dave’s beautiful Toyota 4Runner!

Oh, yeah! Without the least hesitation, the presumptuous Carolina Dog was ready to ditch SPHP and the lowly G6 to go exploring the Black Hills in style hobnobbing with Dave Covill in the magnificent Toyota 4Runner. Carolina Dogs like luxury and prestige, and this was it! This was going to be a Black Hills expedition like no other!

That was a bit much for Dave. The 4Runner was brand new! He had just bought it! Covill certainly wasn’t ready to let it go to the Dingoes quite yet. Lupe had to be chased out of there. It was a bit of a comedown for Looper, but she got over it quickly. Soon she was back in her usual spot in the G6 next to SPHP leading the way to Terry Peak. Covill followed in that shiny, coveted 4Runner.

By Lupe’s standards, this wasn’t even a true Black Hills expedition. No long day of sniffing, roaming, and exploring the hills. Only a few hours at most, nearly all of it spent riding in the G6. Dave just needed to quickly tag the high points. He could spare a few brief minutes to look around, but then it would be time to move on again.

Terry Peak (7,064 ft.) was essentially a drive up. A short stroll from the parking area, and Dave and Lupe were poising for photos next to the old lookout tower.

**Dave Covill**, lead director of the **Highpointers Foundation**, and Lupe arrive at the lookout “tower” on **Terry Peak**.

New peakbagging buddies **Dave Covill & Lupe** on **Terry Peak**, their first joint summit on the first day of summer in 2018.

Dave and Lupe did make it up onto the observation deck for a photo op with a view.

Lupe congratulates Dave on reaching the top of Terry Peak.

After visiting Terry Peak, only one mountain remained on the list of 7,000+ foot Black Hills peaks Dave hadn’t been to yet. Crows Nest Peak (7,048 ft.) is in the remote west central part of the Black Hills a mere 5 miles from the Wyoming border. Once again, Dave followed in his 4Runner as Lupe & SPHP led the way along scenic back roads in the G6.

The roads were sloppy with mud in some places, but all was going well when Lupe spotted cattle in a field ahead. The cows provoked the usual excited Dingo barkfest as Looper bounded frantically around inside the G6. Nothing new there, but suddenly it was quiet. Outside on the left, SPHP barely glimpsed a flash of brown tumbling uncontrollably in the field next to the road. Lupe!

Fear and horror seized SPHP. During Lupe’s frenzied leaping about she had accidentally stepped on the control for the rear window, opening it completely. A spare tire on the back seat not yet returned to the trunk following the Big Pryor Mountain fiasco had served as a platform for Lupe to hurtle herself out the window in a mighty Dingo missile launch with no thought other than to chase after those cows.

The G6 was going something like 25 or 30 mph at the time. Of course, Loop lost all control and got rolled the moment she hit the ground. She might be seriously injured or even dead! Stopping the G6, SPHP was immensely relieved to see Lupe trot over like nothing had happened. She looked a bit dazed and surprised by the results of her tremendous flying leap maybe, but otherwise appeared fine.

Of course, following along behind Dave had seen the whole spectacular mighty Dingo missile launch. He was alarmed, too. Had Lupe ever done this before? No, not really. Looper had leapt out the window of the G6 a couple of other times years ago, but never while the G6 was moving. SPHP had never really fully trusted her not to, though. Ordinarily SPHP didn’t allow the windows open far enough so she could leap out. However, SPHP hadn’t noticed the rear window opening while the crazed Carolina Dog was creating such a ruckus.

Was she really fine? Lupe didn’t look injured, yet it seemed impossible she had escaped such a stunt completely unscathed. There she was, though, standing and smiling as if totally unfazed by it all – one apparently mighty lucky Dingo! After a couple of minutes, it was decided to continue on to Crows Nest Peak, which wasn’t much farther.

Crows Nest Peak was more of a hike from the main road than the quick stroll Terry Peak had been. Not too far, though – not even half an hour to the dramatically, but poorly named summit. Dave and SPHP chatted amiably, while Lupe amazingly sniffed and explored as always.

Dave and the recently launched Dingo Missile setting off for Crows Nest Peak.

Reaching the top of Crows Nest Peak was a cinch. Minor elevation gain along a gentle rise was all that was involved. The summit was simply a big forested flat area offering no views of anything except surrounding trees. Some “crows nest”! No truth in advertising here.

As part of the high remote limestone plateau country of the western Black Hills, Lupe and SPHP love Crows Nest Peak (7048 ft.) despite the misleading name. SPHP did feel sort of bad that Crows Nest Peak wasn’t a more memorable spot for Dave, since it was the last one he’d needed to complete the entire list of 7,000+ foot Black Hills peaks. Oh, well. There wasn’t anything in the Black Hills capable of impressing a mountaineer from Colorado anyway.

Dave and Lupe by the murky little pond, a glorified mud puddle really, a short distance from the barely detectable “true” summit of Crows Nest Peak.

Crows Nest Peak is so flat that if it weren’t for a survey stake and a benchmark present in a small clearing, it wouldn’t have been possible to identify any particular spot as the “true summit”. If the surveyor thought this was it, that was good enough for all present.

Lupe reaches the summit of **Crows Nest Peak**, a favorite high point in the Black Hills despite its misleading name. This was Lupe’s 5th ascent.

*Yes, Dave! This is it! The top of lovely **Crows Nest Peak** complete with survey stake and benchmark.*

If Mr. Covill was disappointed by his last 7,000+ ft. Black Hills “peak”, he was kind enough not to show it. Dave seemed satisfied as he accepted congratulations from Lupe and SPHP. At least the pleasant easy hike fit into what his schedule allowed. If Crows Nest Peak had been any sort of long or difficult climb, no way would he have had time to complete it with Lupe on this fine first day of summer 2018.

**Dave Covill and Lupe** share a happy moment together at the top of **Crows Nest Peak**. Lupe felt privileged to be here to see Dave complete the Black Hills 7,000+ footer list.

On the way back to the G6, SPHP made a rather bold request. Would Mr. Covill feel comfortable relating the story of another prolific peakbagger and mountaineer whose detailed trip reports Lupe has often followed to success? Dave was a friend of Edward Earl, who had perished in 2015 while attempting to cross the Jago River after two unsuccessful attempts to climb Mount Isto (8,976 ft.), the highest point of the Brooks Range in northern Alaska.

No doubt it was hard for Dave to do so. Not only was Mr. Covill a friend of Edward Earl, but he had been there in the party with Edward on that tragic day. Despite heroic efforts to rescue and revive Edward to save his life, all had been futile. Dave’s was a terribly sad, but fascinating firsthand account.

By the time it was over, everyone was back at the vehicles. Dave needed to get on the road to Colorado. SPHP knew a quicker route than the one he intended to take back to the highway. Upon reaching the highway near Four Corners, WY, it was time for Lupe and SPHP to bid farewell to Mr. Covill. Thank yous and well wishes were exchanged, and the Toyota 4Runner disappeared down the road taking Dave S on his separate way.

So, Lupe had finally gotten to meet Dave Covill! The day was a success! Or was it? Almost immediately after Dave departed, the licking began. As SPHP drove homeward, Lupe licked and licked her front paws and legs. There was no doubt what that meant. Now that the adrenaline of fun times in the hills with Dave was receding, Lupe was in pain. SPHP began to worry again.

Upon reaching home, the American Dingo was so stiff she could barely move. Her left front elbow and shoulder seemed the worst. A couple of small abrasions could be seen near her elbow, but no other outward sign of injury.

That didn’t mean anything, though. Car accident victims can seem fine at first, too, only to end up crippled for life by whiplash injuries. Was Lupe going to wind up like that? Unable to ever do anything active ever again? Were her mountain exploits so suddenly and finally over, ruined forever by one fateful Dingo Missile Launch on this beautiful first day of summer? Did a life of never ending pain await her? It was a terrible, terrifying thought, but a real possibility.

Lupe looked profoundly sad. She didn’t move at all except for the endless, useless licking. SPHP felt powerless to help her. The only thing that visibly cheered Lupe that evening was when SPHP gave her some of the Zuke’s Pure NZ Jerky Steaks that Dave Covill had brought for her. She accepted them eagerly now.

The next day was no better. Lupe could barely walk. She didn’t even want to try. Lick, lick, lick. On and on, yet it couldn’t go on and on like this. It was too awful. Early the following morning, SPHP took Lupe to the puppy doctor.

During a careful, gentle examination, Lupe winced a couple of times. Even so, the news was good. No broken bones or significant internal injuries. The puppy doctor prescribed two different pain killers and a muscle relaxant. Just keep that Carolina Dog quiet and don’t let her run around aggravating whatever injuries she does have. The puppy doctor expected Lupe to be fine in a week or so. That was a huge relief!

Lupe hates all medicines. At first SPHP hid pills in chunks of cheese. When Looper caught on to that trick, SPHP resorted to ice cream. Zuke’s Pure NZ Jerky Steaks became Lupe’s favorite part of the treatment regime. She got them as rewards for taking her medicine whether she wanted to or not.

For a couple more days, little improvement was seen. Lupe licked her front left leg so much she licked a wound into it. SPHP applied antibiotic ointment and wrapped the wound daily. Efforts to dissuade the Carolina Dog from licking that leg were unsuccessful. She knew she wasn’t supposed to, but she couldn’t help herself. Lupe licked whenever SPHP wasn’t looking.

Then suddenly Lupe was better! The happy day arrived when she not only walked, but wanted to run. Keeping her quiet and resting became the problem, a delightful problem to have! Near the end of the week, when Dave inquired again on how Loop was faring, SPHP could report that his newest peakbagging buddy was practically her old self, apparently on the way to a full recovery.

All’s well that ends well, as they say. Who knows, maybe Lupe will have a chance at another adventure with Dave Covill someday? Maybe she will get to climb a more challenging mountain with him somewhere? Fortunately, despite the memorable, but ill-advised mighty Dingo Missile launch she can still do it.