Arctic Sisterhood – The (Mostly) True Adventures of Lupe

Return of the Most High Exalted Dingo of the Arctic Sisterhood – Along the Road to Skagway, Alaska (7-28-23 & 7-29-23)

7-28-23, 8:04 AM, 53ºF, Telkwa River, British Columbia – SPHP turned the key and the RAV4 sprang to life.

Finally get our trip journal caught up, SPHP?

I did, Loopster! Say good-bye to the beautiful Telkwa River, it’s time to make some tracks. You’ve got a couple of rest days ahead while I drive to recover from the long trek to Telkwa Microwave Mountain.

So what’s our next destination, SPHP?

Atlin Lake! Remember when we chartered a boat last summer to take us over to Teresa Island so you could climb Birch Mountain?

How could I ever forget that, SPHP? Birch Mountain was totally awesome!

Well, we’re going to do that again. Atlin Mountain (6,722 ft.) will be your objective this time around.

Wow! I can hardly wait, SPHP. Onward! SPHP, ho!

The drive back to Yellowhead Hwy No. 16 at Telkwa was mostly sunny, but SPHP drove into fog before getting to Smithers. After a quick stop at Safeway for supplies, skies were blue again with big cumulus clouds hanging over the mountains on the way to New Hazelton, but the air seemed oddly hazy. The mountains weren’t very clear at all.

At New Hazelton, SPHP fueled up the RAV4 in preparation for the 450 mile drive N on Cassiar Highway No. 37, and after that nothing notable happened. For hours, the Carolina Dog was happy snoozing on her pink blanket while SPHP drove.

Stops were few and far between. At the Bell I rest area after crossing the Bell-Irving River bridge, Lupe finally got a chance to get out and stretch her legs. She got a second chance to stretch and bark at squirrels after crossing the Stikine River. By early evening the American Dingo had reached the Cottonwood River, and SPHP was sick of driving.

At the **Bell I rest area**. Cassiar Hwy No. 37 km 188.3.

Along the **Stikine River**, Cassiar Hwy No. 37 km 436.

We’re staying here tonight, Loopster.

The Cottonwood River was a gorgeous spot. However, the haziness first noticed after leaving Smithers had gradually grown worse all day. Well before getting this far, there had been no denying it – the air was full of smoke.

Evening at the **Cottonwood River**, Cassiar Hwy No. 37 km 582.2.

7-29-23, 7:50 AM, 54ºF, Cassiar Hwy No. 37, km 697 – Barking at 2 foxes and a bunny had gotten the Carolina Dog’s morning off to a great start during the smoky drive to the Blue Lakes. The lake next to the highway that Lupe trotted along the edge of was partially surrounded by burnt boreal forest, but this area had already burned before 2016 when Lupe had been here for the first time. Where the fires were now wasn’t clear.

**Blue Lakes**, Cassiar Hwy No. 37, km 697.

Gah! Can you believe this smoke, Loop? It’s worse than ever, and we’re practically to the Yukon border! Big fires in Alberta had been in the news since early May long before we ever left home, but I never dreamed that it would be so smoky way up here at the N end of British Columbia!

Me either, SPHP. The part of Alberta we saw wasn’t smoky at all, except for a little bit in Banff when we first got there. Maybe we’ll drive out of it once we turn W on the Alaska Highway?

Hope so. In fact, I’m counting on it, Looper.

7-29-23, 8:32 AM, 59ºF, Cassiar Hwy No. 37, km 720.1 – No farther than the Yukon Territory border was, conditions were just as smoky here as they had been at Blue Lakes. Lupe always got her picture taken here in front of the big Yukon Larger Than Life “Plus Grand Que Nature” sign. This time, SPHP first had to clear out a bunch of trash some numbskull had left beneath it.

At the **British Columbia/Yukon Territory border**, Cassiar Hwy No. 37, km 720.1.

**Cassiar Highway No. 37 map** posted at the British Columbia/Yukon Territory border.

Good grief! Who does this?

Does what, SPHP?

This plastic bag has two glass jars full of gray dust in them, Loopster. One of the jars is broken, and there’s a note here indicating that all this dust is somebody’s ashes. No doubt the poor deceased individual wanted their ashes spread in the Yukon, and this is as far as their dearly beloved friend or relative was willing to take them. Instead of actually spreading the ashes around and taking their plastic and jars with them, this genius left it all sitting here below the Yukon sign.

So are we going to spread the ashes around, SPHP?

No! I’m taking all this trash and stuffing it into the rest area trash bin across the road, ashes and all!

You wouldn’t, SPHP!

Oh, no? Watch me!

The Alaska Highway was only a couple of miles farther N, and in the few minutes it took to get there, SPHP had already gotten over any flicker of remorse due to not spreading the poor deceased soul’s ashes.

That’s just cold, SPHP!

We’re in the Yukon, Loop. Better get used to it!

7-29-23, 12:03 PM, 71ºF, Teslin, Yukon Territory – Even after a long drive W on the Alaska Highway, the air was still smoky when SPHP pulled into the gas station at the Yukon Motel.

Did you find out why the pumps aren’t working, SPHP?

Yup. Power is out all over town. Been out for 3 hours now, Looper. Next fuel is 30 miles away at Johnsons Crossing. Pretty sure we’ve got enough left to get there.

Chancing it wasn’t necessary. Moments later someone came running out of the Yukon Motel. Great news! The power was back on. Lupe was soon on her way to Johnsons Crossing, but with an already full tank.

7-29-23, 2:21 PM, 81ºF, Tagish Road No. 8 – Lupe waded around the boat ramp cooling her paws off in the Tagish River, occasionally lapping up some of the algae-filled water. The river was very wide here as it flowed N into Marsh Lake. Exiting the opposite NW end of the lake this river would have a different, much more famous name, for Marsh Lake was the source of the fabled Yukon River.

Near the **Tagish Road No. 8 bridge** over the Tagish River.

**S end of Marsh Lake** from the boat ramp.

The sky wasn’t as smoky here, but that wasn’t as comforting as it might have been following the recent shock. After leaving the Alaska Highway at Jake’s Corner and going another mile to the turn-off onto Atlin Road No. 7, the news had been terrible. Miles S, Mount Minto (6,913 ft.) near the N end of Atlin Lake had been barely visible in thick smoke.

Very disappointing! Right then and there, Atlin Mountain was out. It was even farther S, lost somewhere in that thick blanket of smoke. SPHP wasn’t about to charter a boat to climb a peak in that much particulate and severely marred views. Not worth it. A new plan was in order.

Have you decided what we’re going to do yet, SPHP?

Think so. At least I’ve got something in mind, since the smoke isn’t all that bad over this way. There’s a peak that’s been on your list of possibilities for years that would have awesome views, if we can manage to climb it. We can scout out the trailhead on the way to Skagway, then give it a whirl tomorrow, if the smoke doesn’t get any worse.

Skagway! We’re going to Skagway, SPHP? Maybe we’ll see Bingc?

Heh. I’m pretty sure Bingc’s still back in China, Loopster. Even so, it’s about time for the Most High Exalted Dingo of the Arctic Sisterhood to make another appearance in Skagway, though, isn’t it?

Lupe was perfectly happy with the new plan, but then Carolina Dogs aren’t terribly picky about whatever the plan might be as long as they can be part of it. Before heading S to Skagway, Lupe had fun visiting Carcross at the junction with S Klondike Hwy No. 2.

Hordes of tourists were milling around the artsy Carcross shops, but SPHP was more intrigued by the sight of nearby Nares Mountain and Montana Mountain where Lupe had great adventures a few years ago.

Among the native art decorated shops in **Carcross**.

**Nares Mountain** (R) visible between shops.

By the cool **Killer Whale totem pole**.

7-29-23, 4:21 PM – 4 or 5 miles S of Canadian customs, SPHP parked the RAV4 at a pullout teeming with tourists on the E side of S Klondike Hwy No. 2. Lupe leapt out to join the throng. Down a boulder and bedrock-infested slope full of stunted evergreens, the turquoise blue waters of long, skinny Summit Lake beckoned.

Let’s go down there for a better look, SPHP!

Scrambling closer to the lake over the rough terrain, Lupe perched on a boulder with a view. The air was still hazy with smoke, but not too bad. Certainly better than the scene Mount Minto had presented back at Atlin Lake. Summit Lake was one of many in the Tormented Valley, a region once buried deep beneath and scoured by enormous glaciers.

**Summit Lake** in the **Tormented Valley**. Photo looks NE.

**White Pass** (Center) at the **S end of Summit Lake**. Photo looks SSW.

As much fun as it was scrambling among the boulders and seeing lovely Summit Lake, unlike the other tourists doing the same thing, that wasn’t why Lupe was here. Glancing NW back across S Klondike Hwy No. 2, an impressive mountain loomed 3 miles away.

**Taiya Peak** (Center). Photo looks NW.

Taiya Peak (6,844 ft.)! Think that’s it, Loopster!

Awesome! Looks big, SPHP. Is that where we’re going tomorrow?

Yes. If the smoke doesn’t get any worse, we’ll give it a go, Looper. Before we head on to Skagway, though, we need to check out one more thing. If we’re at the right pullout to use as a trailhead, there’s supposed to be a bridge over a big creek just S of it. Let’s go see if there is one.

Sure enough, returning to the pullout, a highway bridge went over signed Summit Creek at the S end.

**Taiya Peak** (L of Center) from **Summit Creek**. Photo looks NW.

Satisfied, Lupe and SPHP piled back into the RAV4. The drive continued S over White Pass, then steeply down a giant valley through US Customs and on to major tourist and cruise ship destination Skagway, Alaska.

Going through **US Customs S of White Pass**, S Klondike Hwy No. 2.

7-29-23, 4:29 PM, ADT – Lupe had originally joined the Arctic Sisterhood way back in 2017 when she’d climbed AB Mountain starting from a little pullout along the road to Dyea where the famous Chilkoot Trail of gold rush days began. Naturally, the first thing the Most High Exalted Dingo of the Arctic Sisterhood wanted to do in Skagway was to visit the historic headquarters of the Arctic Brotherhood.

Back in Skagway again, the **Most High Exalted Dingo of the Arctic Sisterhood** returns to the **Arctic Brotherhood Hall**.

After announcing her presence at the Arctic Brotherhood Hall, the Most High Exalted Dingo wandered all around Skagway, hoping to run into friend Bingc Gu again, whom she had met here in 2018 up at the Devils Punchbowl at the end of the Dewey Lakes trail.

Keeping an eye and a nose out for Bingc while exploring **Skagway**.

Lupe searched for Bingc at all the most likely places she could think of – the Red Onion Saloon, the magnificent cruise ships berthed at the Taiya Inlet harbor, and the White Pass & Yukon Railroad train station.

**AB Mountain** (Center) from the **Taiya Inlet harbor**. Photo looks N.

At the **welcome sign** first seen by cruise ship passengers.

Near the **White Pass & Yukon Route train station**.

By the fellow explorers centennial statue.

Under a tent near the train station, a band was playing live music. They weren’t bad. The sly Carolina Dog mingled in, still hoping to see Bingc somewhere among the crowd. A sudden, ear-splitting blast from the horn of one of the locomotives put an end to her search.

The Most High Exalted Dingo of the Arctic Sisterhood fled.

Run, SPHP! Let’s get out of here! You were right, Bingc is in China.

7-29-23, 10:53 PM, PDT, S Klondike Hwy No. 2 – Parked at another pullout just N of White Pass, SPHP closed the trip journal and put down the pen. Still light out, but the highway was quiet now.

All caught up again, SPHP?

Yup. Better get some sleep, Loopster. Really big day ahead tomorrow.

Evening’s end, **South Klondike Hwy No. 2**, British Columbia, Canada 7-29-23

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North to Alaska – Return of the Most High Exalted Dingo of the Arctic Sisterhood! (8-17-22)

Days 19, 20, and Part 1 of Day 21 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2022 Dingo Vacation to Canada & Alaska!

8-17-22, 7:19 AM, 55ºF, grassy bluff overlooking Kusawa Lake – Rained all night, and was still raining as Loopster got underway again. The 20 km gravel road back to the Alaska Highway was a sea of mud, the poor RAV4 a filthy mess by the time SPHP turned W onto the pavement. When the American Dingo reached Haines Junction, though, the RAV4 was looking shiny and new again, except for the rear end, which the rain hadn’t been able to wash off.

How far are we going today, SPHP?

Dunno, Loop. Depends on how long this rain continues. All the way to Alaska, easy, if it keeps up like this.

Alaska! Today? Are we really that close to Alaska, SPHP?

Yup! Remember when we climbed AB Mountain near Skagway, and you became the Most High Exalted Dingo of the Arctic Sisterhood, Loop? We already passed the turn to Skagway before we even got to Whitehorse.

We skipped Skagway? Why? What part of Alaska are we going to, SPHP?

As far N as we can, Looper!

The Brooks Range, SPHP?

And beyond! Deadhorse, sweet puppy! I want to see the North Slope. The Most High Exalted Dingo of the Arctic Sisterhood is returning to the true Arctic! Of course, we won’t get that far in a day, but what’s the rush? We’ll be traveling through some fabulous territory. If things dry out, we’ll be making stops at some great spots you’ll recognize along the way.

N of Haines Junction, it was only 48ºF as SPHP drove past Decoeli. Lost in rain and fog, there was no recognizing that fabulous peak.

8-17-22, 10:02 AM – Only a short time later, the pavement was dry as SPHP made the turn off the highway onto the big pullout at the S end of Kluane Lake. Clouds hung gloomily over Sheep Mountain, but at least it wasn’t raining. A SW wind kicked up dust over in the Slims River valley. A lot of memories here as Lupe took a stroll along the lakeshore.

**Kluane Lake**. **Sheep Mountain** (L). Photo looks NNW.

**Slims River valley** (Center) from **Kluane Lake**. **Sheep Mountain** (R). Photo looks WSW.

So long since the last time Lupe had been here that SPHP decided to stay a while. With a view of the mountains marching away to the N beyond Kluane Lake, SPHP spent a couple of hours working on the trip journal, glancing up now and then to watch the waves roll in. Loop slept on her pink blanket, enjoying the rest after her windy ascent of Kusawa Ridge (5,085 ft.) yesterday.

Taking a second leisurely stroll along the lake before moving on, Lupe went farther this time. The weather was even more unsettled now, the wind picking up, and the waves larger than they’d been earlier. SPHP enjoyed the walk right along the shoreline best, but the Carolina Dog preferred sniffing among the young aspens beyond the beach on the way back to the RAV4.

8-17-22, 1:13 PM, 59ºF – Light rain set in again as the drive N resumed along the W shore of Kluane Lake. This shower was soon left behind, though, and blue sky appeared. Hit 65ºF! For the first time today, a clear view of the mountains to the W was possible. SPHP daydreamed about climbing them, a mountain NW of Burwash Creek looked particularly interesting.

8-17-22, 2:34 PM – Didn’t seem to take hardly any time at all to get here. The weather was kind of crazy. Blue skies were nearly gone again. Cool and breezy, big clouds, dust, and fog filled the sky. Distant views of the St. Elias Mountains to the W vanished almost as soon as Lupe arrived.

However, she could still see one awesome mountain just beyond the Alaska Highway bridge over the Donjek River.

**Donjek Crossing Mountain** from the **Donjek River**. Photo looks E.

Donjek Crossing Mountain, SPHP! Remember when we climbed it? Oh, what a fabulous day that was!

Heh! It was nearly your last day ever, too, Looper, if you recall!

Lunch time! The Donjek River was another favorite spot. Might as well eat here. Loop took strolls down along the river both before and after lunch. The weather continued acting up. Dust, wind, fog, patches of blue sky, intermittent rain drops, and peels of thunder! A bizarro day, but it was fun being here.

Near the mighty **Donjek River**. Photo looks SSW.

Enjoying all natural mineral water from the silt-laden **Donjek**. Photo looks SSW.

SPHP completely caught up the trip journal. Tempting to stay right here, but it wasn’t that late in the day yet, and Alaska was calling!

Onward! Puppy, ho!

8-17-22, 5:46 PM – Another magnificent river wasn’t that much farther N, one Lupe had never really spent much time at, since it wasn’t as easily accessible as the Donjek. Skies were only partly cloudy when she got to the White River, so taking this opportunity to scout it out a little better seemed in order.

Horsecamp Hill (4,600 ft.) had been on Lupe’s list of possibilities for years, and SPHP wanted to get a better look at it, too. Might be some awesome views from up there, if it wasn’t too heavily forested.

**White River** upstream view. Photo looks S.

Downstream view of the **White River**. **Horsecamp Hill** (L). Photo looks N.

N of the White River, SPHP was surprised at the number of potholes and stretches of gravel. The Alaska Highway had deteriorated in the past few years. All still perfectly passable, though, at somewhat reduced speeds.

8-17-22, 7:03 PM – Well, actually 6:03 PM Alaska time! Lupe was here!

Entering **Alaska** for the first time in 3 years!

This is a terrific sign, SPHP! Why haven’t we ever stopped here before?

Because I never thought to look for a Welcome to Alaska sign until after we went through US Customs, Loop, and this sign comes just before it.

8-17-22, 6:13 PM – After 2 questions, the customs agent returned SPHP’s passport, wishing Lupe a good day.

Congratulations Miss Most High Exalted Dingo of the Arctic Sisterhood! You’re in!

Thank you, SPHP! That was easy!

As always! Helps that you’ve got an innocent, trustworthy face, Loop!

92 miles to Tok! A peaceful evening drive through a region of low hills ensued. Tall, thin, Dr. Suess-like trees of the boreal forest extended far and away on both sides of the Alaska Highway.

8-17-22, 8:00 PM – Missed it! Turning around, SPHP drove back to a big, paved pullout less than 25 miles from Tok. Not a soul here other than an annoying number of mosquitoes. Not much of a view, either, but this would do for the night.

8-18-22, 7:12 AM, 58ºF – Clear and sunny in Tok! Compared to what it had been in Canada, cheap gas, too. At a mere $4.769 per gallon, SPHP filled the RAV4 completely.

Lupe had only been on the last stretch of the Alaska Highway from Tok to Delta Junction once before, and SPHP had little recollection of it. This was not mountainous territory, most of the drive merely hilly to pancake flat. Highlights included bridges over 3 rivers, the Robertson, Johnson, and Gerstle. Large, braided streams, they were somewhat reminiscent of the Donjek and White.

8-18-22, 9:53 AM – N of Delta Junction, SPHP stopped at a pullout along the Tanana River. Time to get out, have a look, and sniff the air for a few minutes. No sooner had Lupe ventured over to the river’s edge than a couple of boys came running over. They asked a million questions about Lupe, wanted to pet her, and were anxious to show SPHP a couple of sticks they had been whittling with jack knives.

New found friends by the **Tanana River**.

Gray with silt, the Tanana was like all the other big rivers Lupe had been seeing. Snow-capped peaks beyond it were an inspiring sight, but a long way off. A few miles later, another pullout on a bluff provided a better overall view of the Tanana River itself.

Magnificent, unidentified peaks beyond the **Tanana River**.

The American Dingo went into a barking frenzy prompted by low-flying jets near Eielson AFB. North Pole wasn’t much farther, and Fairbanks was just beyond that.

Beneath sunny skies with puffy white clouds, Lupe reached Fairbanks for the first time in 5 years before noon. Last chance to to resupply and fuel up with cheap gas! Free potable water at Pioneer Park, too. Once those tasks were taken care of, the Carolina Dog was free to move on. Everything was going according to plan. Only one problem.

Decision time, Loop.

About what, SPHP?

About where to go, Looper.

I thought we already knew? We’re heading N, right, SPHP?

That was the plan, but now I’m not so sure. Checked the weather forecast for Coldfoot when we got into town. It’s completely flipped from the last forecast the iPhone gave me back in Whitehorse 3 days ago. Coldfoot was supposed to be sunny and clear for a whole week. Now that we’ve come all this way, it’s saying 90% chance of rain today, 70% tomorrow, and cloudy for days after that.

Well, what are our options, SPHP?

We could delay our jaunt N by a couple of days, Loop. The forecast looks a little better down here. Pinnell Mountain (4,934 ft.) is NE out the Steese Highway. Might be fun?

You decide, SPHP! I’m happy either way.

After dithering for half an hour, SPHP made a questionable decision, continuing due N at Fox.

The drive to Livengood was beautiful! Elliot Highway No. 2 wound up and down heavily forested ridges separated by deep valleys. Not much traffic, except some big trucks. Knew where those were coming from!

8-18-22, 5:21 PM – Blinking in the late afternoon sunshine, Lupe stood in front of a sign she hadn’t seen in nearly 5 years. Must have rained not too long ago, because the pullout in front of it was muddy.

At the **start of the 414 mile long Dalton Highway**.

Naturally, the Dalton Highway was damp and muddy in spots, too. The rear end of the RAV4 was soon on its way back to being a filthy mess, but that was to be expected sooner or later on the Dalton even in the best of times. The drive was awesome! Occasional sprinkles from silver-lined clouds, the pale blue sky of the far N over dark green forests, and from some of the highest ridges, views of distant hills and mountains of the trackless wilderness.

After not having been here for so many years, it was like returning to a world once glimpsed in a long forgotten dream.

Near MP40. Out for a short stroll along the scenic **Dalton Highway**.

8-18-22, 7:00 PM – MP56! Lupe stood at the upper end of the bridge over the Yukon River, first big scenic landmark along the Dalton Highway. Although traffic was only intermittent, it wasn’t a good idea to stand there too long. A quick photo, and SPHP called her back.

On the **Dalton Highway bridge over the Yukon River**. Photo looks NNE.

Much safer to check out the mighty Yukon River from the N bank. After driving over the bridge, SPHP parked the RAV4 near an old friend, the Alaska oil pipeline. Lupe was happy to see it again before wandering over to the river for a look.

By the **Alaska oil pipeline**. Photo looks N.

**Dalton Highway bridge** from the N bank. Photo looks SW.

Down by the **N bank**. Photo looks SSE.

Evening along the **Yukon River**. Photo looks WNW.

Lemon pepper chicken! Now that was tasty, SPHP!

Guess I should have bought 2 of them in Fairbanks, Loop. We ate the whole thing!

Full of chicken, the lovely evening drive N continued.

8-18-22, 8:53 PM, MP98 – Must have rained hard here within the last hour. The last few miles of the Dalton Highway before SPHP made the turn into the Finger Mountain Wayside were a sloppy mess full of big mud puddles. Somewhere the sun was still up, but Lupe couldn’t see it due to all the dark clouds toward the N.

Finger Mountain (2,202 ft.), SPHP! We’ve got to climb it!

Absolutely, sweet puppy! Let’s go!

Finger Mountain’s summit was practically right there, only a short stroll N of the rest area. A nature trail wound up a small hill to the dramatic rock formation at the very top. The air was cool and moist, on the chilly side, actually, as SPHP took the long way around reading various plaques about the flora along the way.

Two ravens flew off as Lupe began the tiny scramble to the summit. SPHP had no intention of getting up there, but was more than willing to provide the American Dingo with the required, slightly nerve-wracking, final boost.

On **Finger Mountain** again for the first time in nearly 5 years. Photo looks NW.

Oh, my gosh, SPHP! Can’t believe I’m here on Finger Mountain again!

I know! Seems so strange, and yet so familiar, doesn’t it? You’ve almost done it, too. Only 17 miles to the Arctic Circle from here. The return of the Most High Exalted Dingo of the Arctic Sisterhood is nearly complete!

I’ve been neglecting my Arctic Sisterhood duties for a long time, SPHP, but it wasn’t my fault. All Covid-19’s fault!

Tell me about it, Loop! None of that matters now, though, we’re back! This is as far as we’re going tonight, though. Your all new adventures in the true Arctic start tomorrow, weather permitting, of course.

As the evening sky demonstrated, that last part was somewhat in doubt. After helping Lupe down off Finger Mountain’s summit, a stroll was taken across the Dalton Highway to another, smaller rock outcropping with a view of Caribou Mountain (3,179 ft.) off to the WNW.

Remember our long journey to Caribou Mountain, Loop? Nobody goes there.

How can I ever forget, SPHP? It was all grand, until the very end.

Oh, yeah! We got soaked, didn’t we?

I sure did, SPHP. At least you had your old blue Cookie Monster outfit!

8-19-22, early – SPHP opened an eye. Lupe was peering out the window of the RAV4 into a thick, gray fog.

You’re awake, SPHP? Good! Can you let me out for a few minutes?

Sure thing, Loop. Need to sniff the air?

The Carolina Dog needed to do more than that. Once out of the RAV4, Lupe puked along the perimeter of the wayside parking lot. Not a lot, just a little.

Queasy, aye, Looper? Too much lemon pepper chicken? Don’t worry about it. Unless this fog dissipates, we won’t be going anywhere for a while.

Returning to the RAV4, Lupe got back up onto her pink blanket. Clearly, a morning snooze was in order. By the time Loop woke up again, the fog had a blue tinge to it, and a bright spot revealed the position of the sun.

How ya feeling, Loopster?

Much better, SPHP, thank you!

Good! Looks like this fog is about to break up. Feel up to climbing Finger Mountain again?

It’s so easy, I might as well log another ascent while we’re still here, SPHP. After all, not very often that I get the chance. We ought to visit Finger Rock, too!

That’s the spirit! You must be feeling better, Loop. Glad to see it!

8-19-22, 8:24 AM – In weak sunshine, Lupe stood atop Finger Mountain once again. She stayed there only long enough for SPHP to get photos from a couple of different angles before helping her back down again.

Back atop **Finger Mountain**. Photo looks W.

The most dramatic angle. Photo looks SSW.

The greater **Finger Mountain summit region**. Photo looks NNE.

How was it up there, Loop? Still feeling good enough to visit Finger Rock?

I’m fine now, SPHP. Let’s do it!

Finger Rock, which Finger Mountain is named for, was 0.5 mile SSE of the true summit Lupe had already visited. Bushes along an intermittent use path leading to it were soaking wet, and noticeably taller than the only other time Lupe had visited Finger Rock years ago. By the time she got to it again, the Carolina Dog mighty soggy, too.

Plaque about Finger Mountain and Finger Rock.

Approaching **Finger Rock** (L). Photo looks SSE.

Since Finger Rock wasn’t the summit of anything other than itself, Lupe contented herself with a little light scrambling around on the big rocks near its base. Finger Rock looked quite different, tall and skinny, or kind of fat and stout, depending on the angle of view.

Content with her morning inspection of famous Finger Rock, Lupe headed back to the Finger Mountain Wayside.

8-19-22, 9:46 AM – From a boulder near the summit of Finger Mountain, Lupe scanned the Kanuti River basin. Still quite cloudy that way.

**Kanuti River Basin** (R) from **Finger Mountain**. Photo looks N.

Just think! We can see more than 2/3 of the remaining distance to the Arctic Circle from here, Loop. Is the Most High Exalted Dingo of the Arctic Sisterhood ready to resume her adventures in the true Arctic?

I can hardly wait, SPHP! Been waiting for this day for a long, long time!

Me, too, Loopster! Me, too!