South Dakota – Page 7 – The (Mostly) True Adventures of Lupe

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 339 – New Year’s Eve Peak & Peak 5917 (12-29-24)

12-29-24, 11:41 AM, 41ºF, junction of Hwy 385 & USFS Road No. 710 – A close call, but the American Dingo was here.

At the **start of USFS Road No. 710**. Photo looks WNW.

Looks familiar, SPHP. Already time for New Year’s Eve Peak (6,048 ft.)?

Not quite, Loop. We’re actually a couple of days early since it’s supposed to snow tomorrow.

Nothing wrong with that, SPHP. I like the snow! Besides, there’s supposed to be snow when we visit New Year’s Eve Peak. Tis the season, you know, and the snow makes everything so beautifully pristine and wintery white.

Oh, I agree! I like the snow, too, Loopster. Doesn’t seem right without any at all, but this is the last warm day. It’s supposed to turn quite a bit colder when the snow arrives, and stay that way well into January. Didn’t want you to suffer, so here we are, ready or not.

Lupe was always ready for adventure! Even if the timing was a bit off for New Year’s Eve Peak, that really wasn’t so unusual. The weather was often persnickety this time of year. In fact, in all the pilgrimages she’d made to New Year’s Eve Peak, she’d only managed to get there right on New Year’s Eve 4 times.

Even so, as the Carolina Dog set off along USFS Road No. 710, it did seem totally wrong that there wasn’t any snow at all. Hadn’t ever happened before. Felt more like fall than winter.

Heading up **USFS Road No. 710**. Photo looks W.

No. 710 was pretty flat at first, but soon began a gradual climb. After 0.5 mile, Lupe reached the overgrown junction with No. 710.1A.

At the junction with **USFS Road No. 710.1A**. Photo looks NW.

Gosh, Loop. Seems like forever since we’ve taken No. 710.1A. Want to go that way just to mix things up a bit?

I don’t remember ever going to New Year’s Eve Peak that way, SPHP. Will it work?

That’s because we’ve only been that way once before, more than 10 years ago, Loopster, and we didn’t go to New Year’s Eve Peak then. We went to Peak 6070 and Nugget Gulch Peak (5,991 ft.) instead. But, yeah, we can take No. 710.1A to New Year’s Eve Peak, if you’re willing to do a bit of exploring.

Very funny, SPHP! You know I love exploring!

Nearly level, No. 710.1A started out by wrapping around the E end of the big ridge to the N before turning back toward the NW.

A glimpse of the **Bald Hills** shortly after setting out on **No. 710.1A**. Photo looks E.

On the N side of the ridge, Lupe was delighted to find that there actually was a bit of snow. Not much, hardly any, in fact, but enough for her to take small bites of whenever she came to some.

A **skiff of snow**. **Scruton Mountain** (R of Center) between the trees. Photo looks NW.

At first, several homes and a road were in sight not too far off toward the N, but No. 710.1A eventually led to a gradual descent into a valley that felt much more remote.

Entering the **remote valley**. Photo looks WNW.

Although Lupe had been here once before, it had been so long ago that nothing seemed more than vaguely familiar as she followed No. 710.1A up the seldom-visited valley. Coming to grassy clearings, long lanes full of dead leaves bordered by aspens, and even part of a deer hide, it was almost like exploring an entirely new region.

Crossing a **small clearing**. Photo looks WNW.

A **lane of dead leaves**. Photo looks NW.

By the very interesting **piece of deer hide** (R of Center).

The road went on, gaining elevation more rapidly as Lupe continued WNW. When No. 710.1A suddenly curved SSW, it was decision time.

Following **USFS Road No. 710.1A** through **another clearing**. Photo looks WNW.

At the **point where USFS Road No. 710.1A turns SSW**. Photo looks SW.

Hold on, Loopster. We’ve got a couple of options here.

The road keeps going, SPHP. Aren’t we going to follow it?

That’s one option, Loop. If we stick with the road, it will end somewhere NW of Peak 5917. Continuing up that valley, we can swing around to the W, then climb New Year’s Eve Peak from the SSE.

Sounds easy enough, SPHP. What’s the other choice?

We can leave the road here, Looper, continuing NW to a powerline, then follow New Year’s Eve Peak’s N ridge.

We’ve never climbed New Year’s Eve Peak from the N before, have we, SPHP? Let’s do that!

Heading NW shortly after abandoning USFS Road No. 710.1A. Photo looks NW.

Exploring at will after leaving USFS Road No. 710.1A was definitely more interesting. Climbing steadily at a moderate pace, the American Dingo soon came to some sickly looking bushes. Beyond them she reached a forest of tall pines where there was quite a bit of deadfall. Once through the tall pines, Lupe entered a steeper part of the valley featuring some rock formations and so much deadfall that it was becoming a problem.

By the **sickly bushes**. **Tall pines** dead ahead. Photo looks WNW.

Among the **tall pines**. Photo looks WNW.

Amid the **troublesome deadfall**. Photo looks WNW.

The deadfall was such a mess that SPHP was eager to get out of it. A ridge where the situation might be different was visible just ahead, but angling W while crossing a shallow valley seemed like the quickest way to make an escape.

Crossing the valley worked great! Once on the other side, the Carolina Dog quickly left the worst of the deadfall behind. Climbing gradually through an open forest, Lupe came to an abandoned road not shown on the maps. Following it, glimpses of the powerline soon began appearing between the trees off to the NW.

In the **open forest** beyond the worst of the deadfall. Photo looks W.

On the unexpected **abandoned road**. Photo looks WSW.

Rather than going all the way to the powerline, Lupe turned S before reaching it, leaving the road and beginning a steeper climb in search of New Year’s Eve Peak’s N ridge. At the top of the first rise, she came to a region of kinnikinnick, still somewhat green among several boulders.

On the rise carpeted with **kinnikinnick**. Photo looks SW.

Turning SW, an easy flat stretch led to an even steeper climb. Exploring hidden paths and narrow lanes among the trees, the American Dingo’s ascent began in earnest. Early on, a view of the Seth Bullock Lookout Tower on Scruton Mountain (5,923 ft.) appeared back to the N.

The **Seth Bullock Lookout Tower** (R of Center) atop **Scruton Mountain**. Photo looks N.

The intent was to go right on up New Year’s Eve Peak’s N ridge, but with another 250 feet yet to go, Lupe ran into a road at the 5,800 foot level. Almost perfectly flat, and so long abandoned that trees were growing on it, both where this road came from and where it went were a mystery.

SPHP had been huffing and puffing during the steep climb.

Huh. Want to explore this road a bit, Looper? We’ve got time, and it’s flat enough to almost be like taking a break.

Sure, SPHP! But which way, L or R?

How about L, Loopster? Maybe it will take us over to the NE ridge? If it does, we can complete our ascent from there.

Turning L on the road, it immediately curved SSE. In all the times Lupe had been to New Year’s Eve Peak, she’d never explored this side of the mountain before. Seemed strange to think that this road had been here all these years, and she’d never even known of its existence.

Exploring the formerly unknown road on the N side of the mountain. Photo looks SSE.

The old road was an easy stroll. Sure enough, it eventually hooked around to the NE, crossing New Year’s Eve Peak’s NE ridge at a spacious flat region. Starting downhill, the road continued SE toward Peak 5917, which could be seen through the forest.

Near the curve at the end of the stretch going SSE. Photo looks SSE.

In the **flat region** where the road crossed the **NE ridge**. **Peak 5917** (R of Center) ahead. Photo looks SE.

Hmm. Wonder if this road is actually a continuation of USFS Road No. 710.1A, Loopster? Might head right down to it, if we keep going.

That may be, SPHP, but we’ve got a mountain to climb! If you want, we can check it out on the way back.

Leaving the road, Lupe headed SW up New Year’s Eve Peak’s NE ridge. Although plenty wide, it was narrower than the N ridge, which had been more like a broad slope than a ridge. Strewn with rocks, as the Carolina Dog climbed, big rock formations began to appear along the NE ridge. Fortunately, they were easily avoided or navigated. Some of the rocks provided nice views of Peak 5917.

Starting up the **NE ridge**. Photo looks SW.

Once above the most massive rock formations, Lupe came to another, more extensive region of pale yellow-green kinnikinnick. This area was just below a smaller rock formation at New Year’s Eve Peak’s E high point. Naturally, Lupe made the tiny scramble to the top.

On the **carpet of kinnikinnick** below the **E high point** (Center). Photo looks SW.

Have we ever been here before, SPHP?

I think so, Loop. Seems like we came down here from the summit once upon a time, but this was as far as we went before going back.

The true summit was now only a mere 50 feet higher and 0.15 mile W. It wouldn’t take long to get there.

At **New Year’s Eve Peak’s true summit**. Photo looks SSW.

1:59 PM, 38°F, New Year’s Eve Peak (6,048 ft.) – Beneath the overcast sky, snow granules created an oddly festive air as the American Dingo bounded onto the familiar true summit rock.

Oh, it’s good to be back on New Year’s Eve Peak, isn’t it, SPHP?

Always, Loopster. More than anywhere else, this has been our special place in the Black Hills.

It was good to be back. Wonderful, in fact, but sobering, too. This was where Lupe came either near the very end or very start of each year. New Year’s Eve Peak was a place to contemplate the cherished memories and events of a dying year, and whatever hopes and dreams existed for what was yet to come.

Facing the imminent demise of what has been is always hard. Yet time waits for no Dingo, however beloved.

SPHP shook Lupe’s proffered paw.

Congratulations on returning to New Year’s Eve Peak, Loopster! Hard to believe 2024 is nearly over isn’t it? When we were last here on January 1st, we had the entire year ahead of us, and now it’s gone.

2024 was a terrific year, SPHP! Don’t rush it, we still have 2 more days! By the way, what’s the chocolate coconut bar situation? Excellent, I hope!

For the first time, other than near the far horizon, the hills to the W had virtually no snow on them. Instead of facing that way as usual during a long break, today the panorama toward the SE seemed more attractive. Boulder Hill (5,336 ft.), Silver Mountain (5,418 ft.), and Calumet Ridge (5,615 ft.) were all in sight beyond Sheridan Lake.

SPHP split the expected and much coveted chocolate coconut bar with Lupe, then provided her with water, Taste of the Wild, and eventually a duck jerky, as well. Meanwhile, SPHP drank a vanilla Equate, then chomped on an apple.

**Boulder Hill** (L), **Silver Mountain** (Center), and **Calumet Ridge** beyond **Sheridan Lake** (R). Photo looks SE.

The **normally snowy hills** (R). Photo looks WSW.

Much like 2024 itself, Lupe’s traditional summit hour was soon rapidly slipping away. Done with the apple, SPHP paced between familiar views.

Guess we should take a few more photos, Looper.

Black Elk Peak (7,231 ft.) was the big attraction to the S, but SPHP also drove the American Dingo nuts with repeated requests to return to the summit rock and the region just W of it.

**Black Elk Peak** (Center), **Five Points** (R) between Lupe’s ears. Photo looks S.

Back at the **true summit**. Photo looks SSE.

On the rock above the **traditional break spot** (R). **True summit** (L). Photo looks SE.

3:01 PM, New Year’s Eve Peak (6,048 ft.) – Patiently waiting, Lupe was back on the summit rock for the umpteenth time.

Final moments on the **summit rock**. Photo looks W.

That’s good. Thank you, Loopster! Summit hour is over. Suppose we may as well head out.

Lupe leapt down off the boulder.

Are we going back down the NE ridge to finish checking out where that old road goes, SPHP?

No, maybe another time. Our usual route is more scenic, Loop. I’d rather see it again.

To Pistol Point then, SPHP?

Yup. Onward! Puppy, ho!

Bidding a fond farewell to New Year’s Eve Peak for another year, the Carolina Dog started down the mountain’s S slope. It led to a narrow, kind of rocky, S ridge that ultimately swept around to the E.

The late afternoon gloom seemed to bring out the wildlife. Swirling in the gray sky, a bald eagle made several passes, soon followed by a couple of turkey vultures. Several deer instantly vanished into the forest as Lupe approached Pistol Point.

3:33 PM – On the edge of a much more open region offering panoramic views, Pistol Point had long been a favorite spot. Looking S, Black Elk Peak (7,231 ft.), Sylvan Hill (6,998 ft.), Five Points (6,228 ft.), and False North Point (6,134 ft.) all stood out.

**Black Elk Peak** (L), **Sylvan Hill** (Center), **Five Points** (R of Center), **False North Point** (R). Photo looks SSW.

Peak 5800, which Lupe had climbed on a number of occasions during her annual jaunts to New Year’s Eve Peak, was ESE. An uncharacteristic drab brown this year, the rolling territory dotted with pines leading to Peak 5800 was always fun to explore.

**Peak 5800** (Center) from **Pistol Point**. Photo looks ESE.

Unfortunately, it was already so late that by the time the American Dingo could get to Peak 5800, it would already be dark.

If Peak 5800 is too far, why don’t we climb Peak 5917 instead, SPHP?

An excellent alternative, Looper! Let’s do it!

Peak 5917 was only 0.5 mile from Pistol Point. On the way over there, Lupe once again spotted wildlife, this time a herd of 5 whitetail deer. Already aware of the Carolina Dog’s approach, they disappeared over Peak 5917’s lower S ridge.

4:15 PM, 37°F, Peak 5917 – The clouds which had blanketed the entire sky all day were suddenly showing signs of breaking up, an unexpected development with snow in the forecast tomorrow.

On **Peak 5917**. **Scruton Mountain** (far L), a little slice of **Pactola Reservoir** (far R). Photo looks NNE.

**New Year’s Eve Peak** (Center) from **Peak 5917**. Photo looks WNW.

A prolonged stay wasn’t in the cards at this hour on a late December day, but Lupe hadn’t been on Peak 5917’s summit even 10 minutes when she noticed something.

Look, SPHP! There’s a colorful sunset going on.

Sure enough, on the far horizon beyond Pistol Point, a small section of sky was ablaze with orange and gold.

**Sunset** (Center) beyond **Pistol Point**. Photo looks WSW.

Awesome, Loopster! Never dreamed we would get to see one today.

The sunset was a rare, if fleeting, treat. In all the times Lupe had been to New Year’s Eve Peak, SPHP could remember only a couple of other times when the day ended with a beautiful sunset. In 2016, there had been a spectacular one, but most years had been a dud, the hoped for display of year end glory disappointing with little or nothing worth mentioning.

Hurry, SPHP! Let’s get the best picture we can before it’s gone!

A cluster of rocks 100 feet S of the summit provided the best view.

**Sunset** from **Peak 5917**. **Five Points** (L), **False North Point** (L of Center), and **Pistol Point** (far R). Photo looks SW.

4:30 PM, Peak 5917 – Another 2 minutes, and the show was already over and done with. Lupe now stood on another rock with Peak 5800 in sight, along with the familiar territory N of that mountain where she would soon rejoin USFS Road No. 710 on the way back to the RAV4.

**Bald Hills** (L), **Peak 5800** (R). Photo looks ESE.

2 minutes was all it had taken for the colorful sunset to fade away. 2 more days, and 2024 itself would vanish into history. It all suddenly seemed so shockingly fast. As Lupe led the way down Peak 5917’s E slope, a pervasive sense that the American Dingo was not only leading the way back to the RAV4, but into the future itself swept over SPHP.

The mood had something of premonition about it. You can return to a place, but never to a time. Each moment is a unique, irretrievable point on the short journey of life.

With the light beginning to fade, the scene ahead seemed more beautiful than ever. Suddenly, Lupe turned and looked back.

Are you still coming, SPHP?

Heading into the future, Black Hills of South Dakota 12-29-24

Always, Sweet Puppy! Right behind you! (End 5:11 PM, 37ºF)

Links:

Next Black Hills Expedition Prior Black Hills Expedition

Lupe’s Scrollable GPS Track

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 351 – Scruton Mountain, Peak 6072 & New Year’s Eve Peak (12-31-25)

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 322 – Peak 6070 & New Year’s Eve Peak (1-1-24)

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. 338 – Peak 6530 & Lupe’s 14th Birthday! (12-14-24)

11:14 AM, 41ºF, junction of Hwy 89 & USFS Road No. 794 –

I can’t believe you set me up to fail on my birthday, SPHP! Why?

I don’t know that Peak 6530 will be a fail, Loop, I’m just saying that this is a rugged part of the hills and failure is a possibility. We’ll just have to see how it all turns out – it’s an adventure! C’mon, we need to follow Hwy 89 a little S before heading W into the forest.

At the **start of USFS Road No. 794 along Hwy 89** on a beautiful December morning. Photo looks SW.

Following **Hwy 89** S. Photo looks SSW.

What’s so special about Peak 6530, anyway, SPHP?

Well, remember how we’ve been visiting as many local Lists of John peaks as possible with a minimum of 300 feet of prominence, Loop?

Yes, but I thought we’d completed what’s reasonably accessible back in April when we finally made it to Peak 5452, SPHP. So what does Lists of John have to do with Peak 6530? Is it some other type of Lists of John peak that you’ve dug up?

No, but it is a Lidar Data Set peak with 320 feet of prominence, Looper.

Lidar Data Set? What is that supposed to mean, SPHP?

I don’t really know, Loopster. From what I gather, it’s supposed to be some new, more accurate nationwide topographic elevation data. What matters is that Peakbagger.com is now using it, and has added a whole bunch of peaks with at least 300 feet of prominence according to Lidar to their database.

So, suddenly we’ve got a lot more mountains to climb, SPHP?

Yes, quite a few, even just here in the Black Hills. Kind of makes a mess of things, though, because all the old maps are now out of sync with the Lidar Data. Hang on a moment, Loop. Think we should have seen USFS Road No. 410 by now, but this fence just keeps going.

The **birthday Dingo** waiting for SPHP to check the map. **Hwy 89** (L). Photo looks SSE.

So, what’s the verdict, SPHP?

According to our GPS track, Loopster, we’re not only past USFS Road No. 410, which there’s been no sign of, but already at the S end of the strip of USFS land we were going to explore W from here. Something must have changed. Everything W of the highway has been fenced off and posted.

What a shame, SPHP! Guess that means no Peak 6530. What’s plan B?

Plan B is still Peak 6530, Looper, but from another direction. Supposed to be USFS land N of all this private property, too.

N! We’ve been going S, SPHP.

Yeah, we have to go back, Loop. This didn’t pan out.

Peak 6733 was in sight as Lupe began the trek back N along Hwy 89. According to Lidar, it was only 6,725 feet high.

**Peak 6733** (L of Center) from **Hwy 89**. Photo looks N.

Anyway, as I was about to say, Loop, I chose Peak 6530 today for several reasons. First of all, according to Lidar, it’s not only a newly discovered 300 foot prominence peak, but had one of the greatest upward elevation revisions I’ve seen. According to the old topo maps, its elevation was only 6,419 feet.

An overnight gain of 111 feet. Simply volcanic, SPHP! Sounds like this will be quite a memorable birthday adventure, after all. We’ve never run into lava in the Black Hills before.

Or anywhere else for that matter, Looper. Furthermore, Peak 6530 is now on the Black Hills 6,500 Foot Peaks list.

A list we’ll never complete due to our lack of rock climbing skills, SPHP.

True enough, Loop. Peak 6530 also had the virtue of being a mostly easy road hike on abandoned USFS Road No. 410.

Which apparently no longer exists, SPHP.

I also figured Peak 6530 was a fairly short trek, so we’ll be back in time for your big 14th birthday bash this evening.

Oh, it’s all making sense to me now, SPHP! Peak 6530, here we come!

Shortly after passing the RAV4 back at USFS Road No. 794, the American Dingo paused for a look at a buffalo striking a dramatic pose.

By the **Busskohl Ranch Game Refuge buffalo**. Photo looks W.

Hmm. Appears we’ll be exploring USFS land near the Busskohl Ranch Game Refuge, Loopster. Never knew it was here before.

Maybe we’ll see lots of wildlife, SPHP? I always like that!

Continuing N along Hwy 89, Peak 6733 came into sight again before reaching a curve.

**Peak 6733** (L of Center). Photo looks NNE.

Believe we’re far enough N to leave the highway, Looper.

Heading NW off Hwy 89, Lupe crossed a tiny frozen tributary of Willow Creek, then promptly came to a fence along the edge of the Busskohl Game Refuge.

Along the E border of the **Busskohl Ranch Game Refuge**. Photo looks NNE.

What now, SPHP?

Follow the fence N, Loopster. When it turns W, we can angle NW toward Peak 6530.

The open forest was an easy romp. Lupe gradually gained elevation as she headed N. Glimpses of enormous rock formations way up on a high ridge served as reminders of the type of terrain she might encounter at Peak 6530. None of it looked too daunting, though.

A glimpse of the **high ridge to the N** (R). Photo looks NNE.

Once the fence turned W, the Carolina Dog roamed NW through gently rolling territory. An unusual peak soon appeared ahead. A massive curved granite formation comprised a winding vertical E face soaring above heavily forested slopes.

The **unusual peak** (Center). Photo looks NW.

A strange looking peak, even for this area, isn’t it, Looper?

Hope that’s not Peak 6530, SPHP! We’d never get to the top.

Agreed, Loop. Simply impossible!

Another fence eventually appeared not too far ahead.

Map shows more game refuge land W of us, Looper. We’re going to have to climb a little to get around it.

Turning N, then NE, Lupe passed several clusters of big rocks before climbing a moderately steep slope. Near a really big rock, she came to what appeared to be a long abandoned road. Covered with tall, dry grass and young pines, it headed NW.

Passing some big rocks. Photo looks NNW.

On the **abandoned road** (R). **Really big rock** (L). Photo looks NW.

Might as well follow it, Loop. It’s going the right direction.

Before long, the old road curved W, and there was that unusual peak again, somewhat closer now.

Another glimpse of the **unusual peak** (Center). Photo looks WNW.

Oh, brother!

What’s wrong, SPHP?

It’s in the right area. That’s got to be Peak 6530, Loopster.

We’re doomed, SPHP! And on my birthday! You’re going to owe me for this one.

Hope springs eternal, or, at least in this case, temporarily.

Maybe there’s a way up on the other side, Looper?

Fat chance, SPHP, but we’ve come this far, we might as well find out.

The ancient road continued winding N and W. A nice view of Peak 6430 and Buckhorn Mountain soon appeared beyond game refuge land.

**Buckhorn Mountain** (L) and **Peak 6430** (R of Center). Photo looks SSW.

We should have revisited Buckhorn Mountain today, SPHP. It’s got a cool summit with some great views, and we can actually get to it. Remember the weird fins of rock on the way up?

Of course I do, but we’ve been there. On the other paw, you haven’t visited Peak 6430 yet.

Time to get your eyes checked, SPHP! Don’t you see those huge rocks on top? Another no go! Although, admittedly at least within the realm of possibility compared to Peak 6530.

It was quickly becoming apparent to SPHP that this road Lupe was on was actually going to lead straight into USFS Road No. 410 where the maps showed it ending along the N boundary of the Busskohl Ranch Game Refuge. Sure enough, after topping out, the road began a steady decline, soon reaching and following the fence W to No. 410.

Every step got the American Dingo closer to that scenic and forbidding Peak 6530.

Before long, USFS Road No. 410 turned S. Lupe left it here, heading NW up what started out as a shallow valley.

Heading up a grassy valley after leaving USFS Road No. 410. Photo looks NNW.

The terrain soon steepened. Lupe ventured among minor ridges and ravines as she headed toward a much higher ridge NW of Peak 6530. Climbing along the E side of a deeper valley, the slope became much steeper. A maze of deadfall and rocks made travel difficult and slow.

Making progress toward **Peak 6530** (Center). Photo looks W.

On the **steep, deadfall-strewn slope**. Photo looks NNW.

Once above the steepest terrain and worst of the deadfall, big granite formations were visible along the crest of Peak 6530’s N ridge. Instead of heading directly toward them, Lupe went N up the valley, soon coming to a narrow lane running through a thick forest of dog hair pines.

**Granite formations along Peak 6530’s N ridge** (Center & R). Photo looks NW.

Following the narrow lane. Photo looks N.

Partially shown on the topo map, this shady lane was actually a remnant of USFS Road No. 352.2E. Slowly gaining elevation while trotting easily along this seldom visited path, Lupe reached a clearing where shadows of the pines still hid an inch of snow from the sun.

Where to now, SPHP?

This clearing is the low point between Peak 6530 and Peak 6733, Loopster. We’ll need to work our way S along Peak 6530’s N ridge from here.

Leaving the clearing, the dog hair pines were super thick. Lupe could sneak along easily enough, but SPHP had to search for routes permitting passage. Heading SW, the thick stand of dog hair pines soon opened up. A 30 foot high wall of rock was directly ahead.

At the base of the wall of rock. Photo looks WSW.

The NE end of this wall wasn’t far from where Lupe reached it. Circling around to the E, a wide ramp led up to the region on top of the wall. Narrow glimpses of Crazy Horse less than a mile NW appeared between the trees, as Lupe continued her explorations SW along this upper ridge.

On the **upper back side of the rock wall**. Photo looks W.

**Crazy Horse** (Center). Photo looks NW with help from the telephoto lens.

A second wall of rock appeared ahead. Once again, going around its NE end revealed a route higher. This one, however, began at a narrow cleft that was a bit of a scramble. A single mighty leap, and the Carolina Dog managed to clear it without any assistance from SPHP. This route led to a broader region of rock formations with views of both Peak 6530 and Crazy Horse.

By the **second wall of rock**. Photo looks WNW.

**Peak 6530** (Center) from the top of the second wall. Photo looks SSW.

**Crazy Horse** (Center) again. Photo looks NW.

The view of Peak 6530’s summit, a massive vertical fin of granite from this angle, still wasn’t the least bit encouraging. The fin was only 0.2 mile away now, so hope for much of an improvement was fading fast. After a descent back into the forest, Lupe reached a third wall.

Near the **third rock wall**. Photo looks S.

This time, Lupe went around the W end before turning S. A trek through the forest took her past more rock formations, some of which she went over, and others that she avoided. At last, after going up a snowy slope, a mighty rock formation again blocked the way forward. Climbing SE amid some deadfall led to another glimpse of Peak 6530’s summit fin.

Approaching the **snowy slope** (R). Photo looks SSW.

Climbing SE around the **enormous rock formations** (R). Photo looks SE.

Closing in on **Peak 6530’s summit block** (R). Photo looks S.

Deadfall and thorny bushes littered the final stroll to the N end of Peak 6530’s summit fin. Lupe climbed as high as she could easily go, but there was no sense in pushing her Dingo luck. A near vertical wall soared above the big rock she reached. Without serious rock climbing skills, this appeared to be about it.

Below the **N end of the summit block**. Photo looks SSW.

2:47 PM, 38ºF, Peak 6530 –

Well, shucks, Loopster! Unless the W side of the mountain is a whole lot easier, which I seriously doubt, looks like we’re about as high as we can go. Want to try to get over there?

May as well while we’re here, SPHP, but it doesn’t look promising at all.

Circling around to the NW, a steep little climb nearly got Lupe to where it might be possible to see what the W face looked like, but getting past a blocking ridge of stone just wasn’t in the cards without a big downclimb.

Beside the **blocking ridge**. Photo looks NW.

Eh, don’t think it’s worth the effort to go down and around, Looper. We could if we had more time and wanted to be 100% certain, but it appears extremely unlikely that the W face will get us to the top.

A fail on my birthday! You owe me big time, SPHP!

True enough. Circling back around to the NE side of the summit block, a small area that wasn’t too steep provided a decent spot to take a break.

As good as it got at **Peak 6530**. Photo looks SSW.

3:01 PM, Peak 6530 – No summit, no chocolate coconut bar. Lupe had water and munched on a little Taste of the Wild, while SPHP drank a vanilla Equate.

You knew all along, didn’t you, SPHP? You probably didn’t even bring a chocolate coconut bar!

Yeah, I entirely spaced out bringing a chocolate coconut bar, Loopster, but that was just an oversight, not intentional. We had a good time, didn’t we? It’s actually been pretty interesting, hasn’t it?

Oh, I always have fun in the hills, SPHP, you know that.

Good! That’s the spirit, Sweet Puppy! Guess we better get going, if we want to be back in time for your big 14th birthday bash.

Onward then, SPHP! One fail is more than enough!

On the way back to the RAV4, Lupe varied her route a bit as SPHP hoped to shave some time off the return.

**Crazy Horse** (Center) from the snowy slope. Photo looks NNW.

Approaching the **N end of USFS Road No. 410.1C**. **Peak 6430** (R). Photo looks SSE.

To some degree, it worked. Even so, before reaching Hwy 89, the sky turned black. The flashlight had to come out as a nearly full moon rose in the E. (End 5:50 PM, 41ºF)

7:05 PM – The American Dingo was 5 minutes late to her own birthday party when she trotted in the front door, SPHP following her carrying a big bag of tacos. Tremendously excited upon realizing that Mush, Steve, Felix, and Asher were already here, Lupe could scarcely contain herself, greeting them all with frantic, ear-splitting enthusiasm. Lanis arrived a few minutes later, and Yvonne appeared within half an hour.

SPHP got the party underway, serving tacos to all who wanted them, and champagne to the adults. Time for the traditionally dreaded birthday event, the trial by fire! Nervously facing the 14 alarm conflagration atop her cake, Lupe successfully endured an entire rousing round of “Happy Birthday to You” sung by all her guests, before making her escape.

Cake and ice cream were served. Felix and Asher were first in line. More tacos and champagne for anyone that wanted them. Although hungry after her Peak 6530 adventure, Lupe had none of it, holding out for the grand prize.

Everyone had brought wonderful presents for the birthday Dingo! Laying on the old couch, the Carolina Dog was practically buried in birthday loot, while all of her guests gathered around.

L to R: **Steve**, **Mush**, **Lanis**, **Lupe**, **Yvonne** & **Felix**. **Asher** on the floor.

Some of the **presents from Lanis** **& Yvonne**.

**Darford Mega Pumpkin Bone** from **Lanis & Yvonne**. This was a big hit during the next few days!

**Weruva Grandma’s Chicken Soup**, also from **Lanis & Yvonne**.

**Presents** from **Steve**, **Felix & Asher**.

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula, also from **Steve**, **Felix & Asher**.

At 14, Lupe was rich, thanks to the generosity of all who loved her! SPHP wouldn’t have to buy the Carolina Dog another treat or toy for months on end.

That may be, SPHP, but I know you’re holding out on me! Where is it?

Felix did the honors, helping Lupe unwrap the final present.

While Lupe waited not-so-patiently, SPHP slow-broiled one of Lupe’s two T-bone steaks for her. When it was ready, SPHP cut most of the steak into bite-sized chunks. The American Dingo made short work of them. Felix then got to present her with the actual T-bone itself, with plenty of delicious meat still clinging to it.

Oh, it was fun! The party went on with everyone in good cheer, while a fire in the fireplace flickered merrily, and Lupe munched and gnawed happily away on her prize, a whole new year of adventures yet to come.