British Columbia – Page 9 – The (Mostly) True Adventures of Lupe

Mount Hyland, Babine Mountains, British Columbia, Canada – Part 1: The McCabe Trail from Driftwood Canyon to Summit Pass (8-4-22)

Day 6 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2022 Dingo Vacation to Canada & Alaska!

Morning, Driftwood Canyon Provincial Park – The hopeful promise of clearing skies yesterday evening had been dashed by raindrops during the wee hours. Lupe woke to a soft gray fog in the treetops.

Picnic ground at **Driftwood Canyon Provincial Park** near Smithers.

Not looking good for mountain climbing today, is it, SPHP?

Certainly isn’t, Loop, but maybe we should give it a chance? We could kill some time taking the bridge over Driftwood Creek. Supposed to be some famous fossil beds at the end of a short trail over there. Want to do that?

The Carolina Dog wasn’t so sure that she did, hesitating at the metal grate bridge before following SPHP across.

Several plaques were along the trail, which led through a dark forest. At the end, a small clearing provided a view of a steep hillside. Turned out the fossil beds were way up near the top. Signs warned against climbing the hillside to see them, although the scarred slope made it clear that lots of people did.

No fossils to look at, not even any squirrels in this forest, SPHP. I’m not overly impressed.

Nice enough stroll, but kind of a bust, isn’t it, Loop? Back to the RAV4?

Fine with me, SPHP, but then what?

Let’s head into Smithers and find out what the forecast is, Looper. If it’s going to stay all cloudy and drippy like this, we might as well keep driving. Still a long way to Alaska, you know.

Can’t you check the forecast on your fancy new iPhone, SPHP? I thought that was supposed to be one of the grand new capabilities it offered us?

I could, but we don’t seem to have service in Canada, Loop.

Magnificent! No service in Canada, where we always like to go! How did you manage that, SPHP?

Chalk it up to my usual brilliance, Loopster. C’mon, let’s get out of here!

The Smithers Visitor Center had free wi-fi. Took SPHP a while to figure out how to even use wi-fi, but a weather forecast eventually did pop up on the iPhone’s screen.

Better than I thought, Loopster! Cloudy, high of 55ºF, with a 30% chance of showers today, then sunny with highs in the 70’s ºF for the next 4 days.

Sounds beautiful starting tomorrow then. We should stick around, SPHP! What can we do in Smithers today?

Play tourist, I suppose. Or you know what, Loop? We could go on our first ever backpacking trip in Canada! Take the McCabe Trail, and set up base camp near Mount Hyland (7,477 ft.) in the Babine Mountains. Should have a sunny day for climbing Mount Hyland tomorrow!

That sounds awesome, SPHP! Let’s do it!

1:14 PM, 52ºF – Mount Hyland meant a drive back to Driftwood Road again, this time all the way to the trailhead at the very end. Quite a few vehicles were present, but no one was around. SPHP had the pack ready, and the American Dingo was about to set off on the Silver King Trail, a wide, smooth path.

About to set out on the **Silver King Trail**. Photo looks N.

Hmm. Sign says 1.3 km to where the McCabe Trail branches off, Looper.

This looks super easy, SPHP! Like a stroll through the park.

Indeed it was! Climbing gradually, the Silver King Trail was apparently an abandoned road, at least here at the start. Driftwood Creek could be heard somewhere off to the W (L) in the forest, and soon flowed close to the trail, although still seldom seen due to trees and tall vegetation. The big, clear-running stream was very scenic when Lupe could manage to get a glimpse of it, flowing swiftly among mossy boulders.

After a short stretch flowing near the trail, Driftwood Creek veered back off into the forest. The stream did not appear again, although it could still be heard not too far away. Before long, Lupe reached the junction where the McCabe Trail took off to the NE (R).

Silver King Trail (L), **McCabe trail** (R).

Signage at the start of the McCabe Trail.

What does this sign say, SPHP?

8.5 km to Summit Pass, Looper. Not bad at all! A mere 9.8 km total from the trailhead.

The McCabe Trail began as a smaller road, but quickly climbing 60 feet, it then leveled out as an excellent single track traversing the steep lower N slopes of Harvey Mountain (6,083 ft.). Progress was rapid as the trail ran E through an impressively dense forest.

For quite a long way, there were no views other than the dim forest. The air was cool, moist, and heavy. Other than the sound of Driftwood Creek somewhere far below, silence reigned. Sudden movement among the thick moss and abundant undergrowth next to the trail revealed a toad.

At a small opening along the **McCabe Trail**. Photo looks E.

On and on! The McCabe Trail climbed gradually, still interspersed with flat sections. Although Lupe passed damp spots, no creeks ran down the steep N slopes of Mount Harvey. The dank, quiet atmosphere produced a sensation of extreme remoteness.

This is awesome, SPHP! Can’t wait to see where this leads to!

The trail eventually crossed a rock slide that created an opening where first views of the heavily forested Driftwood Creek Canyon appeared. All the mountaintops were in the clouds, but as Loopster continued on, she came to more openings. The cloud cover was slowly lifting, a mountain strip-tease revealing what was out there.

Looking out over the **Driftwood Creek Canyon**.

The McCabe Trail was now climbing steadily. Lupe came to some fairly long stretches where a lack of trees granted what would have been great views of the canyon on a sunnier day, but only SPHP could see them. An explosion of thick plant growth 4 or 5 feet high in these areas had the Carolina Dog traveling through an endless green tunnel.

Lupe was glad when small streams finally did begin to appear, getting a drink from each one. Two were large enough to have eroded out several feet of the trail, but were no real hindrance. A bigger stream had a nice wooden pawbridge.

On the pawbridge over the largest stream.

After crossing the pawbridge, the McCabe Trail angled away from the steep slopes overlooking the Driftwood Creek Canyon. A long, two-plank boardwalk appeared leading through a wet region. Near the upper end of the boardwalk, Lupe passed a sign for the undeveloped Blix Route, which went S to the Lyon Creek Trail.

On the narrow boardwalk through the wet region.

Upon reaching drier terrain, the boardwalk ended. The McCabe Trail continued climbing at a moderate pace through the forest. Now beyond the N slopes of Harvey Mountain, Lupe started getting glimpses of the N end of Pyramid Mountain (6,273 ft.) ahead.

Approaching the **N end of Pyramid Mountain**. Photo looks SE.

Soon the forest was thinning rapidly. Lupe began coming to lush glades full of brilliant wildflowers.

Entering the wildflower zone near the **N end of Pyramid Mountain**. Photo looks SE.

Among orange and crimson Indian Paintbrush.

The trail flattened out as it turned N away from **Pyramid Mountain** (L). Photo looks SW.

The wildflower zone didn’t last long. Turning E, after climbing only a bit higher, the McCabe Trail flattened out once again in a region of scattered conifers and low tundra vegetation. For the first time, a pass was visible off to the E beneath thick clouds.

That’s got to be it, SPHP! Summit Pass! That’s where we’re going, right?

**Summit Pass** (R of Center) from the flat region N of Pyramid Mountain. Photo looks E.

Yes, I do believe you’re right, Loopster. Really isn’t that much higher than where we are already. What, 2 miles away? No more than that.

After crossing the flat region, the trail turned NE, descending rapidly back into the forest. Switchbacking SE, the trail had leveled out after turning E again, when signs indicated the presence of a campground down a spur to the N.

We’ve got time, let’s check out the campground, Loop!

Back in the forest at the junction with the N spur to the campground. Photo looks ESE.

The campground was a simple affair. The spur trail led down to a large, relatively flat clearing. Crossing it, Lupe discovered two stone fire rings with a log to sit on near each one. Off to the E, a stream wound mostly unseen through a bushy wetland. No one was here at the moment.

At the campground clearing. Photo looks NW.

Near one of the 2 stone fire rings. Photo looks SE.

Nice enough place to camp, SPHP. Certainly a wilderness experience, but it feels like we’re down in a hole. Let’s keep going!

Intend to, Loop. Just wanted to see what was here while we were nearby.

Returning to the McCabe Trail, the American Dingo continued E. The trail skirted the S side of the bushy wetlands, and led to a bridge over the stream flowing into them. Back to the NNW, the sky was brightening. Mount Elmsted (7,244 ft.), and even part of The Galleon (7,844 ft.), was now in view.

**Mount Elmsted** (Center) from the SE end of the wetlands. Photo looks NW.

**Mount Elmsted** (L), snowy upper regions of **The Galleon** (Center). The campground is beyond the first stand of trees on the L. Photo looks NNW.

Passing through another stretch of forest, the McCabe trail climbed again. The trees were soon thinning rapidly. As Lupe broke out of the forest, a small lake was visible to the S, and blue skies were overhead. The day had been on the cool side, but now began to heat up. This next section of trail was the steepest of the entire journey.

Heading higher! About as steep as it got. Photo looks E.

Eh! Still only a moderately paced climb, although SPHP did pause to gasp for breath fairly often, because the pack was starting to feel heavy by now. The trail leveled out again for a little way, before resuming its ascent. Suddenly Lupe was passing the last stunted trees, the McCabe Trail still heading E toward open tundra.

To the NE, two great arms of a mountain cradled a vast bowl between them. A waterfall roared in the distance, cascading from the lower end.

The **McCabe Trail** nearly levels out for a little way again. Photo looks SE.

Loop, look! That’s Mount Hyland (7,477 ft.)! Tomorrow we’ll explore that huge valley between those massive ridges!

Lupe stuck with the McCabe Trail a little farther, but the Carolina Dog was so excited she soon took off streaking across the tundra. This was exactly the sort of alpine territory she loved most! Marmots whistled warnings in all directions as Looper sniffed and ran over hill and dale.

5:40 PM, base camp S of Mount Hyland – SPHP had the tiny house set up on a ridge a few hundred feet NW of the McCabe Trail. Lupe rested on the tundra nearby, watching a huge gray cloud envelop Mount Hyland.

Relaxing by the tiny house. Photo looks N.

What a spectacular setting, aye, Looper? Hope these clouds are actually gone by tomorrow morning, though!

This is fabulous, SPHP! Another Dingo Paradise! Loving it!

Cooling off again as these clouds roll in, but there’s still some blue sky to the E. We’ve got a few hours of daylight left, Loop. Want to visit Summit Pass, just to say we’ve been there?

How much farther is it, SPHP?

Oh, 0.5 km or so, maybe a little more. Won’t take long. Not much of a climb from here, and lots of wonderful tundra along the way!

Energized by the mountain air and vast open terrain, Lupe had a blast! SPHP stuck to the McCabe Trail, while the American Dingo roamed at will. The trail passed several small tarns. At intervals, wooden posts marked the route, although there was never any doubt.

About to set out for **Summit Pass** (Center). Photo looks ESE.

Glancing back at Lupe’s tiny house (Center). Photo looks WNW.

Closing in on **Summit Pass** (Center). Photo looks ESE.

5:55 PM – At Summit Pass, a post marked a 3-way junction. This was the end and high point of the McCabe Trail. From here, the Little Joe Creek Trail continued E, and the Lyon Creek Trail headed SW.

Congratulations, Loopster! You’ve explored the entire McCabe Trail today!

It’s a great trail, SPHP! Love where it got us to. Wasn’t all that hard to get here, either.

Mount Hyland will be more of a challenge, I’m sure! Well, I suppose we ought to head back to the tiny house, sweet puppy. Have a bite to eat, then hit the hay. Big day tomorrow! Glad we got to enjoy this nice evening romp to Summit Pass, though.

Lupe was glad, too.

**Summit Pass**, end of the McCabe Trail, Babine Mountains, British Columbia, 8-4-22

Links:

Next Adventure Prior Adventure

Babine Mountains Provincial Park Map

Babine Mountains Provincial Park Brochure

Mount Hyland, Babine Mountains, British Columbia, Canada – Part 2: Summit Pass to the Summit! (8-5-22)

Harvey Mountain, Babine Mountains Provincial Park, British Columbia, Canada (9-9-17)

The Little Onion, Astlais Mountain, & The Big Onion, Babine Mountains, British Columbia, Canada (8-8-18)

Want more Lupe adventures? Choose from Lupe’s Summer of 2022 Dingo Vacations to Wyoming, Canada & Alaska Adventure Index, Dingo Vacations Adventure Index or Master Adventure Index. Or subscribe free to new Lupe adventures.

Along the Racing River & the Long Road Home, Canada (9-12-19 thru 9-15-19)

Days 39 – 42 of Lupe’s Summer of 2019 Dingo Vacation to the Yukon & Alaska!

9-12-19, 7:34 AM, 35ºF, S Klondike Hwy just S of Carcross – Pavement at last! It had taken the G6 nearly an hour to creep a little over 4 miles down stony, steep Montana Mountain Road. No worries now! Smooth sailing for the next 2,200+ miles. Lupe was on her way home.

Yes, there was still some thought of climbing Mount White (5,016 ft.), but Montana Mountain had been a big day. SPHP really didn’t feel up to it, and a glance over at the American Dingo said she wouldn’t have any objections if it didn’t happen. So SPHP skipped the turn S off Tagish Road onto Hwy 7, waiting instead to head E on the Alaska Highway at Jake’s Corner a few miles later.

So it was over as far as mountain climbing on this Dingo Vacation. That didn’t mean Loopster couldn’t do a little sightseeing along the way. By mid-morning she felt up to her traditional stop at Teslin Lake for a look at the Dawson Peaks.

**Dawson Peaks** (Center) from **Teslin Lake**. Photo looks SSE.

It wasn’t until mid-afternoon E of Watson Lake that things started to get more interesting. First up was a pleasant 30 minute walk on a dirt road leading into a forest that a sign said was part of the Kaska Nation. Lupe found a squirrel to bark at. That excitement was followed by a short stop at rapids along the Liard River.

**Liard River** from the Alaska Highway.

The squirrel had been just a warm-up. Far more exciting things were ahead. Bears and bison!

Lupe barked herself into a complete frazzle! So she didn’t mind relaxing in the G6 when SPHP stopped in at Liard River Hot Springs for an hour long pleasant soak. By evening the Carolina Dog had made it all the way to Muncho Lake Provincial Park.

**Muncho Lake** with **Peterson Mountain** (L) in the distance. Photo looks SSW.

Approaching **Peterson Mountain** (Center). Photo looks SSW.

9-13-19, 6:15 AM – It was barely light out when Lupe hit the road again. On the way out of Muncho Lake Provincial Park, 2 moose got the day off to a rousing start. The sun was just coming up when the American Dingo reached the Racing River. Time to keep a promise!

Just before the bridge, a dirt road left the Alaska Highway on the R. SPHP pulled in and parked.

The great day has finally arrived, Looper! Wha’dya say we have that romp we’ve always been meaning to take up the Racing River? See what we can find?

Loopster was all in! Bursting with energy after a day of rest, she could hardly wait. For years now, the Racing River had been a favorite quick stop between Muncho Lake and Stone Mountain Provincial Park. She’d always spent a little while looking for squirrels in the forest, but had never really gotten to do much exploring. This was her big chance!

9-13-19, 7:35 AM, 38ºF, Racing River – Chilly, but a gorgeous morning! A short trot through the forest on the dirt road took Loop past some superb dispersed camping sites, then on to the Racing River itself. The river was a fabulous glacial blue! Downstream, the first rays of sunlight were just hitting Peak 4388.

*Someday we ought to climb **Peak 4388** (L), SPHP!* Photo looks NE.

Lupe was heading upstream. For a little while yet, the river valley in that direction was still in shadow. Open ground up on the river bank made progress easy as Loop followed the Racing River S. She soon veered off into a big field, which was as far as she’d ever made it on a quick initial reconnaissance last year.

A quick glance downstream at the spreading sunshine. **Peak 4388** (R). Photo looks NNE.

Loop already about as far as she got in 2018. Photo looks SW.

Lupe continued upstream, sometimes exploring away from the river, but often returning to it, since the Racing River was so stunningly beautiful. As soon as the sun peeped over the mountains, the day started warming up nicely. Peak 7203, the high point of a long light-colored ridge, was in sight farther up the valley.

**Peak 7203** (Center). Photo looks SSW.

A glorious morning! **Peak 7203** (R). Photo looks SSW.

Checking out the downstream view again. **Peak 4388** (L). Photo looks NE.

*The **Racing River** is so beautiful!* Photo looks S.

*Of course, the forest is mighty nice, too, fellow squirrel fans!*

45 minutes into her journey, the Carolina Dog came to a side channel that had enough flow in it to keep her from continuing along the Racing River’s main course. Lupe followed the side channel upstream hoping either to find a way across, or that it would rejoin the main channel at some point.

Along the stony, mucky side channel. Photo looks SW.

She wound up sniffing in the forest quite a bit, returning only now and then to the side channel.

At least the main course of the **Racing River** wasn’t too far away. Photo looks S.

No luck! The side channel did not rejoin the main course. The farther Lupe followed it, the muckier and less appealing prospects for crossing it became. The American Dingo was forced to spent more and more time in the forest, which was becoming taller and thicker as she pressed on. This wasn’t too much of a problem, since there were plenty of animal trails to follow.

*Muckier than ever, SPHP!* Photo looks S.

Just when it looked like the situation was about to improve, a swampy region forced Lupe even farther from the main river. She soon came to an ancient beaver pond blocking the way forward.

Blocked by a long abandoned beaver pond. Photo looks SW.

The dam was old and decrepit, clearly no beaver had been here in ages.

*No beaver in ages? You sure about that, SPHP? This looks mighty fresh to me!*

OK, so maybe there was a live beaver around here somewhere, but it couldn’t have been a terribly ambitious one, or its dam and pond would have been in better shape. At any rate, it looked like Lupe’s Racing River adventure had come to an end.

*Follow me, SPHP! Let’s just cross this beaver dam! Looks like its going the right way.*

An attempt to cross the beaver dam lead only to what was either the last remains of the side channel, or a swampy pool. Hardly mattered which. Lupe had given it her best shot. She had enjoyed a marvelous, fun trek along the Racing River, but with no way to get back to the main channel, it was time to turn back.

*The dam keeps going, SPHP! You left it too soon!*

The retreat was about to begin, when SPHP suddenly had a brilliant idea. Maybe Looper had left the beaver dam too soon? Perhaps it kept going across the rest of this swamp, too? Returning to the beaver dam, it turned out it did go farther! The Carolina Dog continued across it.

Hey! Hey! The manuever worked! Lupe got past the swamp in nothing flat. Back in business! A short trek through the forest brought Loop to the lovely Racing River again.

*Good job, SPHP! Told ya it would work!* Photo looks NE.

As Lupe continued upstream, the forest grew denser and extended all the way to the riverbank. Still animal trails to follow, but with fewer and fewer opportunities to actually see the river, how much farther did it make sense go?

Looper had no concerns at all about that. She pressed on, having a grand time in the forest.

Two hours after leaving the G6, it didn’t look like the situation was about to change anytime soon. Maybe this was far enough? As wonderful as the Racing River was, the long road was calling Lupe home. Happy as she could be, the American Dingo enjoyed a few minutes relaxing by the incredibly blue Racing River. This was her point of furthest advance.

*Let’s keep going forever, SPHP! ….. I’d like nothing better, Loop!*

Of course, the fun wasn’t over. Lupe had the whole return trip to enjoy, too. The American Dingo retraced her forest wanderings back to where she’d reached the river after crossing the beaver dam.

**Peak 4388** with help from the telephoto lens.

*Hey, SPHP! When we get back to the G6, look in the trunk and see if we have a raft! Who knows where this might go?*

After crossing the beaver dam again, Lupe wanted to explore more of the territory away from the river. Sure. Why not?

Toward the end, where the forest was thinner and the ground more open, it was back to the Racing River for the final, easy downstream stroll. What a perfect day!

Back to the **Racing River**. Photo looks NE.

Similar view with help from the telephoto lens.

All too soon, the Alaska Highway bridge was in sight again. Lupe went all the way to it. Still 2.5 long days of driving left to get home. Oh, there would still be stops along the way, but this marvelous trek along the Racing River way up in northern British Columbia was the last really “big” adventure of Lupe’s Summer of 2019 Dingo Vacation. Once Lupe crossed this bridge, it would all pass into history.

What a grand time it had been! So many adventures that hadn’t panned out, but plenty of unexpected twists and turns, and great successes, too!

9-13-19, 11:08 AM, 68ºF, at the G6 near the Racing River –

Terribly sorry, Loop, but I’ve looked everywhere. We don’t seem to have a raft with us.

That’s a pity, SPHP! Such a perfect day for rafting the Racing River, too!

It sure is, Looper! We’ll have to come back another time, I guess.

Well, next time make sure to bring the raft. And a map of Peak 4388, too, so we can climb it before we sail away.

I’ll do it Loop! Some day we’ll stand together on the top of Peak 4388.

Promise, SPHP?

I promise.

By noon, Lupe was at Summit Lake in Stone Mountain Provincial Park with another unfinished project in view. Beyond the lake stood Mount Saint George (7,402 ft.). In 2017, Lupe had succeeded in climbing Mount Saint Paul (6,985 ft.) here. She had nearly made it to the top of Mount Saint George, too, but fog rolled in and a storm had chased her off the mountain.

Great times! Fun to be here and think about them again.

At **Summit Lake**. **Mount Saint George** (L). Photo looks SW.

An hour later, the Carolina Dog was out of the mountains. Although she could still see the northern Rockies, she wouldn’t be back in them again. For hundreds of miles S of Fort Nelson, the G6 rolled through a region of big flat-topped ridges separated by deep river valleys.

Looking back at the northern Rockies. Photo looks W.

Unknown peaks with help from the telephoto lens.

Getting farther from the mountains. Photo looks SW.

Same view with help from the telephoto lens.

Definitely autumn. The drive was gorgeous! So many yellow leaves! Now and then even more brilliant colors, too.

S of Fort Nelson in the land of big ridges.

Last bear of Lupe’s Summer of 2019 Dingo Vacation.

It was nearly dark by the time Lupe crossed the Peace River at Taylor.

9-14-19, 5:44 AM, 50ºF – No more messing around! Lupe hit the road at first light. Hundreds of miles to go, so not going to be many stops today. One did come fairly early on, though, shortly after reaching Alberta. The Carolina Dog wanted to pay a visit to Valhalla Centre, which turns out to be located on Hwy 59, a fact even SPHP had been unaware of before. Since Valhalla has a fabulous reputation, and was basically along the way, SPHP had no objections to dropping in for a few minutes.

Maybe it was the off-season? After all, it was already after Labor Day. A Saturday, too, so maybe Valhalla was simply closed for the weekend? Whatever the reason, the sky was gloomy and gray when Lupe arrived. The only thing happening was a bit of dreary drizzle. Instead of being Epic, Triumphant, & Glorious, Valhalla Centre was distinctly ho-hum.

Not at all what I thought it would be, SPHP.

Me either, Loop.

Not even a lone gleaming ray of sunlight breaking through towering clouds, or a single trumpet blast! Where are the cheering crowds, rose petal-strewn streets of gold, the shining city and mighty fortress? I was hoping to partake of the victory feast.

Doesn’t look like they were expecting us Looper. Maybe we haven’t done enough epic stuff yet?

What are you talking about, SPHP? We’re just finishing up our Grand Summer of 2019 Dingo Vacation to the Yukon & Alaska! We made it to the Arctic Circle, climbed countless mighty mountains, braved smoke, wind, rain, and snow. Isn’t that epic enough?

Oh, you know how it is, Loop. No matter what one does, someone else has done it faster, stronger, higher, longer. We might not be anywhere close to having earned a spot in Valhalla. Maybe we’re just on some waiting list, way down near the bottom?

Oh, pooh! The least they could have done is have a few Dingo treats around. Not even a cat is here to welcome us.

Well, maybe we were supposed to fill out an application before showing up. You know how it is, times change. The bureaucracy wants all its i’s dotted and t’s crossed these days.

Bureaucracy! It isn’t Valhalla, if there’s bureaucracy!

Loopster had a point, but she was here now, so she might as well get out and have a quick look around. The most impressive building in Valhalla Centre was an old-time style white church.

The white church. Most impressive building in Valhalla Centre, Alberta.

SPHP had scarcely let the American Dingo out of the G6 when she pooped on the lawn.

Lupe! Really? Did you have to do that? Here in Valhalla, no less!

As a matter of fact, I did. When you gotta go, you gotta go!

I suppose. And here I was thinking that someday we might be moving to Valhalla permanently, but it’s never going to happen, if you’re busy racking up demerits every time we drop by.

Move here? Now that I’ve actually seen Valhalla, I think I’d rather stay at home in the Black Hills. Or if you want to move, remember that cute Dingo bunkhouse in Keno City up in the Yukon Territory? Maybe it’s still for sale?

Maybe. We’ll worry about that later. Let’s clean this mess up and get outta here before anyone notices.

A nice break at a little park in Marshall, Saskatchewan was the only other significant stop of the day.

Long after sunset, the G6 finally rested S of Chamberlain beneath a full harvest moon. An 831 mile day. Ugh!

9-15-19, 4:33 AM, 50ºF – The harvest moon was pioneering in the W. Still dark. Breezy and comfortably cool. A few minutes to stretch outside, and Lupe was on the road again. Within minutes, the American Dingo was all riled up! Oh, it was going to be a glorious day! Lupe knew that scent anywhere. This was cattle country!

Loopster couldn’t see the cows she was barking at, but sniffing them was good enough; her enormous enthusiasm for the project was undeterred. SPHP finally pulled into a rest area along Hwy 6. This was the same rest area Lupe had first been to exactly a year ago.

Morning in Saskatchewan! As long as the Carolina Dog was still in Canada, it didn’t feel like her Dingo Vacation was over quite yet. A tour of the premises, breakfast, then a little while spent picking up trash. Not nearly as much of it this time around. Maybe last year’s efforts really had made a difference?

9-15-19, 7:45 AM, Saskatchewan, at the rest area along Hwy 6 –

Come on, Looper! No more prolonging the inevitable. Time to say good-bye to Canada!

Lupe hopped into the G6, and settled comfortably on her pink blanket as always. Still almost an hour’s drive to the Montana border at Regway. The border wouldn’t be a problem. Plenty of cows to bark at both before and after.

70ºF, clear and calm in Sidney, Montana, but it was 93ºF by the time Loop made it to Baker. A quick stop at Reynold’s market for a box of mint chip Eskimo pies to share on the road. They were gone in a jiffy.

Middle of September! Why does it have to be so beastly out? Always seems like we’re coming back to Mordor!

Don’t look at me, SPHP! You’re the one who was in such a rush to get back!

Eastern Montana was beautiful in an Old West high plains sort of way, but it sure looked and felt parched. Clouds of grasshoppers and yellow butterflies blew across the highway, swept along on a blazing hot SW breeze.

9-15-19, 4:40 PM, Black Hills of South Dakota – Home again. 94ºF! The house was even more of an oven than that. All closed up and sweltering hot! Must have had a bunch of rain sometime, though. Instead of dead and brown, the lawn was exceptionally green and long.

A few more weeks, and we’d need a machete to get to the front door! Guess we’re going to have to get back to chores before they condemn this joint, Looper.

It’s over, isn’t it, SPHP?

Your 2019 Dingo Vacation? Yeah, I’m afraid so. Feels like we left Alaska way too soon, doesn’t it?

Lupe didn’t say anything, just sighed and laid down on the carpet staring out the living room window. Oh, to be back again in the chill mountain air among the pom-poms and wild forests along the banks of the glacial blue Racing River!

Along the **Racing River**, British Columbia, Canada 9-13-19

Links:

Prior Adventure

Next Dingo Vacation This Dingo Vacation Prior Dingo Vacation

Want more Lupe adventures? Choose from Lupe’s 2019 Dingo Vacation to the Yukon & Alaska Adventure Index, Dingo Vacations Adventure Index or Master Adventure Index. Or subscribe free to new Lupe adventures.