Anchorage – The (Mostly) True Adventures of Lupe

Flattop Mountain, Chugach Mountains, Alaska & Meeting Steve Gruhn, Editor of The Scree (8-27-23)

Part 2 of Day 33 & Days 34-36 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2023 Dingo Vacation to Canada & Alaska!

8-24-23, 10:15 AM – The sodden 700 foot tramp NE beneath a leaden sky along Denali Highway No. 8 back to the shelter of the RAV4 was a happy one. Lupe was thrilled to hop back up onto her pink blanket when SPHP opened the door. SPHP fired the engine up right away, drove 1.5 miles back to the rest area with a partial view of Sevenmile Lake, and parked.

Lupe busily licked herself dry while SPHP exchanged sopping wet boots and socks for dry ones.

What’s for breakfast, SPHP? I’m totally famished.

I’ll rustle up something in a moment, Loopster. Hang on.

Ritz crackers and cheese served the purpose. When the cheese ran out, SPHP fetched a summer sausage to augment the feast. Lupe munched away, clearly cheered by both food and shelter, a vast improvement over the desperate, wet battle through bogs and bushes back to the highway.

After eating, weariness took over. Lupe and SPHP both slept.

8-24-23, 12:30 PM, Denali Highway rest area near Sevenmile Lake – It was raining again and windy when the Carolina Dog woke from her nap.

Any more Ritz crackers and summer sausage, SPHP? I’m hungry again.

SPHP put down the trip journal.

Does sound good, Looper. Yeah, we’ve got more.

The feast resumed. Lupe crunched happily away, diligently licking up any cracker crumbs that fell on her pink blanket.

So, what’s the plan, SPHP?

Today? In this weather? Nada! We’re just going to hang out right here in the RAV4, Loop. My sore paws need time to recover, anyway. I’ll catch up the trip journal, and we can snooze and feast as much as we like. As far as doing anything else goes, we’ll see what things look like tomorrow.

And so it went. SPHP spent the afternoon and evening working on the trip journal. Between meals and naps, the American Dingo got a Dingo stick and a Busy Rib Hide to relieve her boredom. Every now and then the rain quit briefly before setting in again, the overall situation getting progressively worse. The sky got darker and darker. The clouds were so low that wisps of fog sailed by. Gusts of wind shook the RAV4, helping the rain wash the mud off the RAV4.

Through it all, quite a few other vehicles came and went. Some stayed a while before moving on. SPHP talked to a woman who said the storm was supposed to go on for 2 more days. The way things looked, SPHP wouldn’t have been surprised if she’d said weeks or months.

8-24-23, 11:55 PM, 50ºF – SPHP turned off the headlamp and yawned. Lupe had been zonked for hours. At least the trip journal was caught up. Outside, the night was pitch black, the weather, atrocious.

8-25-23, 7:08 AM, 47ºF, Denali Highway rest area near Sevenmile Lake – The Carolina Dog was looking out the window when SPHP came to. No longer raining, and the SW wind had abated quite a bit, too. Although the mountains remained hidden in the gray gloom hovering over all, Sevenmile Lake and the lowlands near it were in view.

About time we get out to sniff the air, Loopster. C’mon!

Not that bad out, especially compared to yesterday. On the other paw, the scene didn’t inspire much confidence in outdoor activities, either.

Part of **Sevenmile Lake** (R) from the Denali Highway rest area. Photo looks NE.

Far to the SE, near the distant horizon, the sky looked brighter.

What are you thinking, SPHP?

Same as you, Loopster. Another raw, wet day with everything above us lost in fog. Not exactly made for climbing mountains, is it?

So, are we going to wait around here hoping for improvement, SPHP, or do something else?

No, not going to stick around when my paws are feeling better, and the trip journal’s all caught up, Loop. Especially knowing that it’s supposed to stay this way at least through tomorrow. We shouldn’t waste these days.

Where to then, SPHP?

Maybe things are better out on the Kenai Peninsula, Loopster? Let’s head for Anchorage, and see what the situation is there.

Lupe was soon on her way. After a scenic drive beneath the gloomy sky back to Richardson Highway No. 4, conditions improved considerably on the way S to Glenallen. Still quite cloudy, but the clouds were much higher, and patches of blue were occasionally seen, too. Encouraging!

Heading W on Glenn Highway No. 1, the Carolina Dog got to do a little sight-seeing as she passed the sites of several former grand adventures. Syncline Mountain came first, quickly followed by Gunsight Mountain, Lion Head, and the Matanuska Glacier.

**Gunsight Mountain** (Center) from **Glenn Highway No. 1**. Photo looks SW.

**Talkeetna Mountains** from a rest area SE of Gunsight Mountain. Photo looks SW.

Approaching **Lion Head** (Center). Photo looks WSW.

Arriving in Palmer early in the afternoon, SPHP bought a whole roasted chicken, orange juice, and a few other supplies, then shared the roasted chicken with an enthusiastic American Dingo while parked with a view of mighty Matanuska Peak wearing a wreath of fog.

By 4:00 PM, the RAV4 was at a Jiffy Lube in Anchorage getting an oil change. However, the weather took a turn for the worse during the evening, raining intermittently. Checking the forecast, the news was not good. High probability of rain every day for the next week, except for a 30% chance on Sunday, 2 days from now. Worse yet, that dismal forecast was about the same everywhere – Anchorage, Palmer, Wasilla, the Kenai Peninsula, the Denali Highway, and even the Brooks Range. Ugh!

8-26-23, 3:12 PM, Anchorage – It had rained off and on this morning, but was merely cloudy as Lupe spent an hour wandering the leafy trails in Kincaid Park for a bit of exercise.

At **Kincaid Park** in western Anchorage.

If it’s just going to rain everywhere in Alaska for the next week, SPHP, what are we going to do? Hate to leave Alaska so soon after we got here, but didn’t you say that it’s going to be sunnier in the Yukon? Maybe we should go back there?

I don’t want to leave Alaska yet, either, Loopster. We’ve barely scraped the surface of all the mountains on your list of possibilities here on this Dingo Vacation, but we will if the weather won’t cooperate. However, we’re going to stick around at least until Monday. Last night, I emailed Steve Gruhn. He’s got a little time to meet with us tomorrow evening.

Steve Gruhn? You mean Steve Gruhn, the editor of the Mountaineering Club of Alaska’s monthly newsletter, The Scree, SPHP? That Steve Gruhn?

Gee, I think so. How many Steve Gruhns can there be in Anchorage, Alaska, Loop?

Wow! So were going to get to meet a real Alaskan mountaineering celebrity tomorrow evening? What time, SPHP? And where at?

Don’t know yet, Loopster. Steve will email us when he knows exactly when he’ll be available. And what this means, you’re going to like this part, is that we’re going to stay in a motel tonight, since I’m currently completely unpresentable without a thorough scrubbing.

Steve and I can just leave you in the RAV4, like you sometimes do to me, SPHP.

Oh, no! I’m coming with. I’m not missing out on meeting Steve Gruhn!

8-26-23, Late Afternoon – Motels weren’t cheap in Anchorage, perhaps because the Alaska State Fair was going on near Palmer. Even Motel 6 wanted nearly $250 a night, despite some of the online reviews not being all that wonderful. By Dingo standards, though, Motel 6 merited way more stars than others were apparently willing to concede it. Curled up on a soft, queen size bed, chomping on another Busy Rib Hide, Lupe was in 7th heaven.

Is this what India’s like, SPHP? We ought to go there sometime. Feels like we’re at the Taj Mahal! Do they have Lassie or Rin Tin Tin here? Please turn one of them on, if they do.

Don’t seem to have either one, Loop. You’ll have to settle for Seinfeld.

What! No Lassie or Rin Tin Tin? Guess I’ll have to dock Motel 6 a star for that oversight. Wait! What about Scooby Doo?

Good thinking, Looper. You may be in luck!

After getting cleaned up, SPHP had dinner at the Texas Roadhouse, bringing back a nice big chunk of sirloin steak for Lupe.

I could get used to this, SPHP! If it turns out that Steve Gruhn can’t make it to our meeting tomorrow, I’m willing to let it slide a few more days.

8-27-23, 2:27 PM, 58ºF – No word yet from Steve, and Lupe’s life of luxury at Motel 6 had already ended hours ago at the 11:00 AM checkout time. It hadn’t rained at all so far today, although the sky sure looked like it could when SPHP parked the RAV4 at the Glen Alps trailhead.

Back at the **Glen Alps trailhead** for the first time in years. Photo looks SE.

We’ve been here before, SPHP.

That’s right! Remember The Wedge & The Ramp, or Flattop Mountain, Loop? We set out for all of them from right here years ago.

Those were great adventures, SPHP! Especially The Wedge & The Ramp.

Have to agree, Looper, but we don’t have time for The Wedge (4,660 ft.) & The Ramp (5,240 ft.) today. They’re both up in the clouds now, anyway. However, we should have time to revisit Flattop Mountain (3,510 ft.) while we wait to hear from Steve.

Oh, that will be fun, SPHP. Let’s do it!

On the E outskirts of Anchorage, the Flattop Mountain trail is one of the most popular hikes in Alaska, and even a cloudy day like this one was no exception. The big parking lot was 75% full, with plenty of people, dogs, and even small children around as Lupe set out on a broad, well-beaten path through the trees.

Setting out for **Flattop Mountain**. Photo looks ESE.

A short, gentle stroll higher quickly led to open area with an initial view of both Blueberry Knoll (2,625 ft.) and Flattop Mountain (3,510 ft.).

**Flattop Mountain** (L), **Blueberry Knoll** (R). Photo looks SSE.

Another short stretch of forest soon led up to another open area where there was a trail junction.

Both trails will get us to the same spot, Loop. R takes us around the W side of Blueberry Knoll, L will take us along the E side. Any preference?

Why not do both, SPHP? How about we go around the E side on the way to Flattop Mountain, and around the W side on the way back?

You’re the brains in this outfit, Loopster! Sounds good to me!

During a very gradual ascent along the E flank of Blueberry Hill, Lupe could see the valley she’d once explored on the way to The Wedge and The Ramp. They were both still in the clouds, but False Peak (4,250 ft.) was in view near the start of the long ridge leading to O’Malley Peak (5,150 ft.), the same ridge that ultimately went on to The Ramp.

Along the **E side of Blueberry Knoll**. **Flattop Mountain** (R). Photo looks SSE.

**Valley to The Wedge & The Ramp** (Center). **False Peak** (L). Photo looks ESE.

The trail began to steepen as the Carolina Dog got close to the SE end of Blueberry Knoll. A much steeper use trail was visible along the E side of the next big hump on the way up Flattop Mountain, but after rounding Blueberry Knoll, Lupe followed what appeared to be the official route, which headed over to the W side of the big hump before curving S again.

**Near the SE end of Blueberry Knoll**. The use trail going up the E side of the **next big hump** (R) is visible as it climbs toward **Flattop Mountain** (L). Photo looks SSE.

Going around the W side of this next hump, Lupe followed long flights of steps built with timbers. In some places, the timbers were rotting, and in others, the dirt they’d once held in place had eroded away. This side of the hump already offered some great views of Anchorage and Cook Inlet, but the American Dingo didn’t pay much attention to them as she had fun climbing the steps.

A rocky stretch. **Flattop Mountain** (Center). Photo looks SE.

The steps ultimately led to a fairly large saddle between this last hump and the upper N slopes of Flattop Mountain. The summit was still nearly 500 feet higher.

On some of the last steps prior to reaching the saddle. Photo looks ESE.

**Flattop Mountain** (Center) from the saddle. Photo looks SE.

The final climb to the top of the mountain was a stark contrast from the super easy, almost flat trail back at the start. An obvious trail heading up from the saddle soon got very steep and rocky.

**False Peak** (far L) as the trail starts getting interesting. Photo looks ESE.

Along the rocky route higher. Photo looks SE.

The trail became braided. Lupe had a choice of any number of routes she could follow. Judging from the appearance of the rocks, all had been tried by others countless times before. Before long, an official trail could no longer be discerned, as the ascent deteriorated into a steep scramble by whatever route looked best. Even so, lots of little kids were managing it, often with minimal assistance from their parents.

If they could do it, so could an American Dingo! Lupe led the way, as SPHP tried to follow.

Partway up the big scramble. Photo looks S.

8-27-23, 3:55 PM, 58ºF, Flattop Mountain (3,510 ft.) – Although it had been breezy on the way up, upon reaching an enormous, rolling summit plateau, Lupe was suddenly fully exposed to a 25-30 mph gale out of the SE. Due to some odd quirk of fate, no one else was up here at the time the Carolina Dog arrived.

SPHP shook Lupe’s paw.

Congratulations on your 2nd ascent of Flattop Mountain, Loopster! Let’s get out of this wind!

Finding a spot offering partial protection from the gale a bit down the NW edge of the mountain, Lupe relaxed among the rocks. Before her was a tremendous view of Anchorage and the sea, with both Blueberry Knoll and the last big hump she’d gone around immediately below.

The **final big hump** (Center) with **Blueberry Knoll** beyond it. **Anchorage** and the **Knik Arm** in the distance. Photo looks NW.

**Turnagain Arm** (L) with **Cook Inlet** beyond **Fire Island** (L of Center), **Knik Arm** (R) with **Anchorage** spread out below. Photo looks NW.

Chocolate coconut bar time, Looper!

You remembered, SPHP! I’ve been wondering if you brought one, or not.

I did. Brought you some Taste of the Wild and water, too.

The chocolate coconut bar was delicious, as always. The wind snatched the wrapper, which nearly sailed over the edge before SPHP managed to latch onto it again.

Nicely done, SPHP!

Thanks, Loop! That was close to getting away from us. Can’t have that!

Lupe enjoyed her Taste of the Wild while SPHP munched on trail mix. Many people, kids, and dogs were arriving now. Some headed back down after staying only a few minutes.

Unfortunately we can’t stay up here all that long, either, Loopster.

No traditional summit hour, SPHP?

Nope. We should get back to Anchorage to check on whether Steve Gruhn has tried to contact us yet, Looper.

Why don’t you just check your iPhone right here, SPHP?

Because we don’t seem to have any service in Alaska, Loop. Wifi works, but that’s it. C’mon! Let’s have a look around before we head down. We’ll start over by the giant cairn, then visit the flagpole.

At the **giant cairn**, a mini-mountain itself! **False Peak** (L). Photo looks ESE.

Near the **flagpole** (L). **Knik Arm** in the distance. Photo looks N.

What happened to the beautiful red, white, and blue American flag that used to be here, SPHP? It would sure be snapping in the breeze today!

I have no idea, Looper. That flag did look awesome when you stood next to it the first time you climbed Flattop Mountain.

Looking SE across the summit plain, Peak Two (3,609 ft.) was in view not too far away. No others were in sight along the ridge beyond it.

**Peak 4160** (L) and **Peak Two** (R). Photo looks SE.

The true summit of Flattop Mountain was farther SW. Lupe had yet to tag it, so that was the final, totally necessary step on the agenda. On this late August afternoon, the true summit was a very breezy spot.

In the wind atop **Flattop Mountain**. **Turnagain Arm** (R). Photo looks SW.

At the **true summit**. **Turnagain Arm** (L), **Fire Island** (Center), **Anchorage** and Knik Arm (R). Photo looks NW.

8-27-23, 4:32 PM, Flattop Mountain – A last look at the silvery sea from the NW edge, and it was sadly already time to head down.

Back along the **NW edge**. **Turnagain Arm** in the distance. Photo looks WSW.

Of course, the grand views of Anchorage were evident not only during the steep scramble back down to the saddle, but also all along the W side of the both the big hump and Blueberry Knob. Now sheltered from the fierce SE wind, it was easier to fully appreciate them.

**Anchorage** from a **platform on the W side of the big hump**. Photo looks NW.

8-27-23, 5:54 PM, Glen Alps trailhead – The parking lot was 90% empty when Lupe hopped into the RAV4 prior to the steep winding drive back down into Anchorage. Turned out that Steve Gruhn had left a message 1.5 hours ago. He was free to get together now, if Lupe still wanted to.

Of course, it happened! After meeting Steve in the Texas Roadhouse parking lot, he suggested a stroll along the beach at Kinkaid Park.

Lupe with **Steve Gruhn**, **editor of The Scree**, on the beach at **Kincaid Park**.

Steve was super nice, and it was so awesome that he had made time for Lupe! The tide was out, and during a long walk near mud flats of the Turnagain Arm, the sun slid toward the horizon beyond Fire Island.

**Fire Island** near sunset from **Point Campbell**. Photo looks WNW.

Steve was a recently retired Civil Engineer, and an Alaskan native. He was editor of The Scree for the Mountaineering Club of Alaska, and had once served as treasurer. His parents were both school teachers, and Steve actually had old family ties to South Dakota. Steve and his wife have a 10 year old daughter. He’d recently received good news from an MRI on his R knee, which had been giving him some problems. No surgery would be required.

Meeting Steve Gruhn live and in person was an interesting, thoroughly enjoyable experience. If it weren’t for a certain Carolina Dog, SPHP would never have met him. Out of the blue, Steve had contacted Lupe way back in April, 2018 requesting trip reports on her ascents of Lake Benchmark Mountain in the Brooks Range, and Slope Mountain out on Alaska’s North Slope in August, 2017 for publication in The Scree. SPHP had been shocked, but thrilled to submit them on Lupe’s behalf.

What an honor for the American Dingo to appear in the Mountaineering Club of Alaska’s newsletter, her stories tucked in among those of real mountaineers who climbed some of the most fearsome peaks in Alaska! Lupe had appeared in The Scree for some of her other exploits during the years since then, too. Steve Gruhn had never turned down any of her submissions.

The time flew. Meeting Steve Gruhn was a dream come true! However, the light began fading, and the moment came to head back to the RAV4.

During the drive back to Steve’s car, he did have discouraging news on the prospects for Lupe’s adventures in Alaska on this Dingo Vacation. 2023 had been cool and wet in Anchorage. Alaska hadn’t had much of a summer. Furthermore, a week of rain, as indicated by the most recent forecast, wouldn’t be anything unusual at all.

Lucky Dingo! Do you realize what an honor Steve Gruhn bestowed upon you tonight, and all the times he’s accepted your submissions to The Scree?

Why shouldn’t he, SPHP? I’m the next Henry Pinkham!

Oh, so you remember that tale Steve related to us in an email years ago?

Of course, SPHP. It was a good one, and reminded me of me!

Ahh, yes! Our unassuming humility, the trait we’re proudest of!

With **Steve Gruhn**, editor of The Scree, Anchorage, Alaska 8-27-23

Links:

Next Adventure Prior Adventure

Lupe’s Scrollable GPS Track & Ascent Statistics

Chugach State Park Map & Brochure

Lupe in The SCREE! – The Mountaineering Club of Alaska’s monthly newsletter & the Story of Henry Pinkham

Syncline Mountain, Talkeetna Range, Alaska (8-22-19)

Gunsight Mountain, Talkeetna Range, Alaska (8-23-16)

Lion Head & The Matanuska Glacier, Chugach Range, Alaska (8-24-16)

Matanuska Peak, Chugach Chugach Range, Alaska (9-5-19)

Want more Lupe adventures? Choose from Lupe’s Summer of 2023 Dingo Vacations to Colorado, New Mexico, Canada & Alaska Adventure Index, Dingo Vacations Adventure Index or Master Adventure Index. Or subscribe free to new Lupe adventures.

Wolverine Peak, Chugach State Park, Alaska (9-1-19)

Days 26 – 28 of Lupe’s 2019 Dingo Vacation to the Yukon & Alaska!

8-30-19, first light at the dirt parking area across the Denali Highway from the Swede Mountain trailhead – A low menacing growl! SPHP glanced up from the trip journal.

What is it, Looper?

Hackles up, the American Dingo’s growling was growing more agitated by the second. It was too much to bear! Lupe exploded into a savage frenzy. She wanted out!

Foggy and dim, but there was movement! Barely perceptible in the faint light of approaching dawn, a ghost wolf trotted long the edge of the lot. A moment later it vanished into the fog.

Oh, no you’re not, Miss Ithinkim Invincible! You’re not tangling with a wolf!

It is a wolf! A real wolf! You saw it, didn’t you, SPHP?

Yes, I did, but calm down. I’m not letting you go sniffing with a wild wolf. You’d be Dingo Nuggets for breakfast in nothing flat!

The two second wolf glimpse was the highlight of the whole day. When morning came, the air was smokey again, even worse than yesterday. Issues with the G6, too. Better head back to civilization.

Still thinking about that ghost wolf, Lupe remained on the alert for hours as the G6 bumped and jolted W on the Denali Highway. However, by the time pavement was reached coming into Cantwell, 4 straight days of peakbagging had taken their toll. The tuckered out Carolina Dog spent the afternoon snoozing as the miles rolled by.8-31-19, 7:46 AM, 54ºF, Wasilla – Wasilla had been full of smoke when Lupe arrived yesterday evening, but a little rain had fallen overnight. Clearer now, the mountains were in view. Unfortunately, a very gray day. Not a ray of sunshine anywhere.

SPHP drove to Anchorage. Stops for supplies. Turned out the G6 was fine. Still not much of a day for climbing mountains. Lupe wound up at Kinkaid Park. The Carolina Dog enjoyed more than 2 hours exploring the Middle Earth, Old School and Candy Mountain trails. Easy, peaceful, relaxing. Moments of joy, too! Squirrels!

Part of the Kincaid Park trail system in Anchorage.

On the **Old School trail** in Kincaid Park.

*This was a good idea, SPHP! Kinkaid Park is beautiful!*

Later in the afternoon blue sky appeared. Sort of sunny and warm. Quite encouraging, but by that time ambition had waned. Tomorrow would be soon enough to take on a mountain again. Might be an even better day for it, and the American Dingo could get an early start. Lupe spent the evening relaxing and resting up in Eagle River.

9-1-19, 10:22 AM, 55ºF at the Prospect Heights trailhead in Anchorage – Hah! So much for a better day! Occasionally spitting light rain, sullen clouds blanketed the sky. September, now! Autumn was just around the corner here in Alaska. Driven by a lively breeze, leaves were already falling in large numbers.

Far from a perfect day, but if the rain held off, Loopster ought to be fine.

At the entrance to the Prospect Heights trailhead in E Anchorage.

Wolverine Peak (4,491 ft.) was the American Dingo’s objective today. After paying the $5.00 parking fee, SPHP checked a map posted at the trailhead. Lots of trails in this region, but getting to Wolverine Peak didn’t look too complex. Just head over to the Powerline trail, take a L and it would become the Wolverine Bowl trail. Wolverine Bowl wound around some, but would get Lupe to the Wolverine Peak trail, which went clear to the summit.

So, we just find any trail that says “Wolverine” and follow it all the way to the top, right SPHP?

Yeah, that’s about it, Looper.

Relevant portion of the trail map posted at the Prospect Heights trailhead.

Lupe left the far end of the trailhead on a flat, straight stretch of trail that headed NE. 5 minutes got her to the junction with the Powerline trail, where she turned L (NNW).

Leaving the Prospect Heights trailhead. Photo looks NE.

On the **Powerline trail**. Photo looks NNW.

The Powerline trail soon curved to the R (NE), abandoning the actual power line it had been following. No sign, but presumably that meant Lupe was now on the Wolverine Bowl trail. Before long, Near Point (3,051 ft.) came into view.

Early going on the **Wolverine Bowl trail**. **Near Point** (L). Photo looks ENE.

The trail curved E, then SE. So far, climbing Wolverine Peak had been really easy. In fact, Lupe was gradually losing elevation. The trail finally reached a low point at a bridge over the South Fork of Campbell Creek.

Crossing the **South Fork of Campbell Creek.** Photo looks SE.

After crossing the bridge, the Wolverine Bowl trail regained elevation at a gradual pace. Featureless clouds sprinkled rain. A sharp bend got the trail trending NE again. 15 minutes from the bridge, Lupe came to a well-signed junction with the Middle Fork Loop trail.

At the junction with the Middle Fork Loop trail. Photo looks NNE.

With no mention of wolverines in “Middle Fork Loop”, Lupe ignored that option, sticking with the Wolverine Bowl trail instead. As the Carolina Dog continued on, sporadic rain increased in intensity. No great deluge, but with the breeze periodically shaking more raindrops out of the trees, too, Loop was getting wet.

15 minutes after passing Middle Fork Loop, Lupe came to a smaller bridge across a smaller creek. A few minutes beyond this second bridge she reached the start of the Wolverine Peak trail.

At the smaller bridge, which SPHP made more use of than Lupe did.

Intersection of the **Wolverine Bowl**, **Near Point**, and **Wolverine Peak** trails.

It was raining harder now. This junction was what, 1.5 miles from the trailhead? Maybe a little more than that, but not much. Still miles go, and Lupe had only netted a couple hundred feet of elevation gain thus far. Wolverine Peak was another 3,200 feet higher.

I don’t know, Looper. Seems like the weather is deteriorating. Not looking too good. Want to go back to the G6?

The joyous response was immediate. Lupe was ecstatic! Finally, a good idea out of SPHP! Barking enthusiastically, the soggy American Dingo was clearly ready to forget all about Wolverine Peak.

Alrighty then! Too bad, but it was over.

For 10 minutes. As Lupe and SPHP headed back down the Wolverine Bowl trail, more people were coming up, all apparently in high spirits. None seemed even slightly concerned. And why should they? The rain stopped. The sky brightened. Everything was going to be just fine.

Perhaps Lupe was dismayed when SPHP turned around and started back up. If so, she had the courtesy not to mention it. Soon she was climbing higher on the Wolverine Peak trail.

Climbing at a good clip, too. The Wolverine Peak trail was much steeper than the Wolverine Bowl trail. Finally getting somewhere! The rain was holding off. Maybe it was over and done with? Confidence grew.

On the **Wolverine Peak trail**. Photo looks ENE.

Ahead a big ridge divided the terrain into two separate valleys to the E. The trail gradually curved SE (R) into the valley farthest S. Entering this valley, Lupe reached a field where the trail flattened. She had already gained enough elevation so that she wasn’t far from treeline.

No rain, but it was just plain windy now. Looking ESE up the valley, the big ridge on the L was the one that would eventually lead to Wolverine Peak. The trail, however, headed for a lower ridge on the R.

The farther Lupe went, the windier it was becoming. However, it wasn’t long before Wolverine Peak (4,491 ft.) came into view at the far end of the valley.

*Getting mighty windy, but that’s **Wolverine Peak** straight up from me!* Photo looks ESE.

The trail sliced up the side of the ridge on the S side of the valley. Lupe passed through a forested section, which provided some protection, but once she was beyond the last of the trees, the wind was worse than ever.

The trees were gone, the bushes were giving out, the trail kept climbing along the S ridge. Lupe could now see where the Wolverine Peak trail crossed high ground at the upper end of the valley that led over to the ridge on the L. Wolverine Peak itself was now clearly in sight. Didn’t look that hard to get there.

Approaching the upper end of the valley. **Wolverine Peak** (Center). Photo looks ESE.

But it was. In the valley, the wind was roaring! Tall grass and bushes swayed in the tempest as each blast swept down from the ridgeline Loop was approaching. Seconds later, a tremendous gust would hit the trail, forcing SPHP to stop and lean on the trekking poles for support. Swirling dust devils sandblasted Lupe.

Yet the ridge the American Dingo was climbing was partially protecting her from the full force of the ferocious wind. If the gale was this bad here, what was it going to be like when she got to the ridgeline?

Progress was now made only between gusts. The rest of the time, SPHP leaned on poles while Lupe gritted it out.

Downtown Anchorage and **Mount Susitna (4,396 ft.)** (Center). Photo looks NW with help from the telephoto lens.

Ahead a few final bushes clung to the hillside along the trail. 5 people were taking shelter next to them. As Lupe approached, a young man came over with a warning. Another member of their group had already tried going up to the ridgeline. The wind was much worse up there. He had literally been blown off his feet.

Reaching the group, it was immediately evident this was no joke. Face all scraped up and bloody, the dazed victim sat huddled with his friends. The poor guy had suffered 2 broken front teeth. This tragedy had befallen him only minutes ago.

The whole group had had enough of Wolverine Peak. As soon as their friend recovered a bit, they were all planning to help him get back to the trailhead. Did they need assistance? No, except they wanted to borrow one of SPHP’s poles to help steady their friend. SPHP offered both, but they only wanted one. They were soon on their way.

Neither advancing nor retreating, Lupe and SPHP crouched together for several minutes. The gale was deceptive. At times the wind died almost completely away, but these moments of calm only served to herald the imminent onslaught of yet another fierce blast.

A mile and a half to go. Wolverine Peak (4,491 ft.) was right there! The whole route to the top was in sight. None of it looked difficult, merely a long ridge walk higher.

Shall we wait here, and give the wind a chance to die down a bit?

What makes you think that’s going to happen, SPHP? The wind has been getting worse and worse, not better. What’s the summit of Wolverine Peak going to be like, way up there? You saw that poor, battered hiker! Dying down “a bit” isn’t going to do it.

I know, Loop, but wouldn’t hurt to wait a little while, would it? You never know.

It’s just a waste of time, SPHP! Nothing will change for hours! What if it starts to rain again? Not fun!

Another furious gust ripped a favorite red stocking cap right off SPHP’s head. In enormous bounds, the cap sailed away, disappearing over the ridgeline seconds later. Gone forever! Lupe looked up at SPHP.

Alright, that’s it! Let’s get out of here!

As far as Lupe made it up **Wolverine Peak** (Center). Photo looks ESE.

Care had to be taken not to get blown over during the descent, but only for a little way. By the time Lupe was back down on the Wolverine Bowl trail, it was just another breezy day.

Sporadic rain and lower clouds had swept in during the descent. Already forgotten, Wolverine Peak was lost in the fog. The Wolverine Bowl trail was now packed with hikers. Nearly all of them had dogs. Lupe had a grand time sniffing with each and every one willing to pause for a moment on the trail. Back at the trailhead, the pole SPHP had lent out was propped up against the G6. (3:02 PM, 61ºF)

In Anchorage, Lupe visited Taku Lake at a little park. Evening found her enjoying a stroll along the ocean at Point Woronzof. Still breezy, but the sky over the Knik Arm of Cook Inlet was only partly cloudy.

On the beach at **Point Woronzof**. Photo looks NE.

**Knik Arm of Cook Inlet**. Photo looks W.

*Hey! There’s **Mount Susitna** (Center) again!* Photo looks NW.

Oh, the ocean was lovely! This was only the second time Lupe had been to the ocean in all of 2019, so the evening stroll along the beach was a real treat. Later on, she got another treat, too! SPHP shared a giant chocolate milkshake with the lucky Dingo.

Her consolation prizes were sweet, but it still would have been nice to have seen the world from the summit of wild, windy Wolverine Peak!