Big Sid – The (Mostly) True Adventures of Lupe

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 67 – Big Sid Joins the Pack! (10-26-13)

Blizzards used to hit the Black Hills in late winter or early spring with some degree of regularity. Whether due to global warming, long term cycles, pure chance, or other factors, blizzards have become increasingly rare here. Yet this one hit October 4th, easily the earliest in the season SPHP could ever remember.

Leaves were still on the trees and caught the heavy snow, making the storm far more destructive. Huge branches, even entire trees collapsed. SPHP narrowly avoided losing power to the house by trimming branches off a tree in the back yard using an electric pole saw before they broke and fell on the main power line.

The whole town was a mess. Intense cleanup efforts took days. It was weeks before things were back to normal.

The October 4th blizzard dropped a couple feet of heavy, wet snow at a time of year normally before the first frost, never mind all this!

Leaves still on the trees caught the heavy, wet snow and made the storm far more destructive. Lots of branches broke. Even large trees snapped.

A couple big branches had broken over at Lupe’s friend Sidney’s house.

SPHP cleared a Dingo path on the front walk.

All the clean white snow was destructive, but beautiful, too.

At first, Lupe wasn’t sure what to make of this radical overnight transformation of the neighborhood, but she did enjoy being outdoors while all the cleanup activity going on.

Lupe enjoyed all the outdoor cleanup activity after the storm, but weeks went by and she hadn’t gone on a single Black Hills expedition yet in October, normally a great month to be out in the hills.

Finally, the great day arrived! At home, all the snow had melted long ago. The debris was gone or cut up for firewood. It was time to get out in the hills, and see what things looked like out there. As a special treat, Lupe got to invite her friend and next door neighbor, Sidney, to come along with. Nina said it was OK. This would be the first time Big Sid ever got to come with Lupe on one of her expeditions!

Sidney zoomed out the front door of his house, full of enthusiasm, but without the faintest idea what was about to happen. SPHP had trouble persuading him to get into the G6. He kept wanting to run back home to get JB. Finally, SPHP got Sidney in the car. Lupe and Sidney were off on an adventure together!

SPHP drove far enough into the central hills to get to where there was still some snow around, parking at the junction of USFS Road No. 256 and Rocky Johnston Road (10:56 AM, 50°F). Everyone piled out of the G6 and started following Rocky Johnston Road going gradually up a valley.

Everyone didn’t keep doing that, though. By now, Sidney was alarmed at this turn of events. Where was JB? Where was Nina? Where was Cassie? No one in his family was here. He’d been dog-napped!

Every time SPHP relaxed and stopped paying attention, Sidney snuck back to the G6. Big Sid wanted to go home. It was scary being way out here with Lupe. What terrible fate might be in store? What evil lurked in that scrawny Dingo’s heart? Mommy! Daddy! Help! Save me!

Knock it off, Sid, you big chicken-dog! You’re going to be fine. You’re not going home now, we just got here. Stick with Loopster, and have some fun exploring. You’ll love it. Stay close! Come on, now!

Big Sid finally realized SPHP wasn’t going to let him back in the G6. Ever so reluctantly, fearful of being totally abandoned and alone outside, he decided he had no choice but to follow wherever the Carolina Dog went and hope for the best.

Rocky Johnston Road went W at first, then turned N. The road hike was easy, but kind of boring. SPHP thought Sidney might become more interested and involved sniffing around in the forest E of the road. At first, Big Sid thought leaving the road was nuts, but seeing Lupe busy exploring the forest soon made him forget some of his fears. He began to get into the swing of things, too.

Sidney was in no shape to keep up with Lupe, but did his best. What he lacked in physical conditioning, he started gaining in spirit. He often arrived to take his turn sniffing at points of canine interest about the time Lupe completed her own investigations. Through the snowy forest, Lupe led and Sidney followed. Big Sid forgot all about the G6. He actually was having a good time!

The trek through the forest paralleled Rocky Johnston Road for more than a mile, but eventually big white fields, a home, and outbuildings could be seen ahead at the end of the valley. To avoid this private property, Lupe, Sidney and SPHP crossed over to the W side of Rocky Johnston Road and climbed NW up a snowy slope.

The terrain up above was nearly level. Lupe and Sidney continued NW through a thinly forested area. More snow was up here than down below, but it wasn’t too deep. Before long, Lupe reached a small clearing where a couple of unmarked USFS roads met. The roads went W or NW. Both directions looked interesting.

However, something even more interesting was in sight to the N beyond a much larger clearing – a high ridge topped by small limestone cliffs. That ridge was likely the highest ground Lupe and Sidney would come to today, so taking a look at the sights from up there seemed like a good idea.

When you join Lupe’s pack, the American Dingo doesn’t cut you much slack. An hour after leaving the G6, Sidney found himself climbing a mountain. It wasn’t all that big a mountain, but it was steep enough near the top. The limestone at the S end of the ridge was discontinuous. Even Lupe and SPHP couldn’t find a way up onto a couple of limestone islands in the sky.

Nevertheless, a route was found to the top of the ridge slightly farther N. Sidney followed Lupe up. A 180° panoramic view existed to the W. Lupe was used to seeing this sort of thing, but maybe it was a new experience for Sidney. Big Sid seemed a little shocked at the size of the world. He wasn’t afraid of being up here, though. He stood calmly surveying the vast territory in view before him.

Lupe and Sidney arrive up on top of the high ridge. A couple of limestone islands in the sky that weren’t easily accessible are seen beyond them. Photo looks S.

Never been on a mountain before, Sid? Yeah, I do this all the time. The views aren’t bad here, but I’ve seen lots better than this. Stick with me, play your cards right, and maybe I’ll take you to some of the really good stuff! Photo looks S.

OK, Sid, pay attention. You need to start learning your way around. That big field down there is at the upper end of Gudak Gulch. I’ve been by it before on Expedition No. 56, so I know. Off in the distance is **Terry Peak (7,064 ft.)**, lots of towers and a ski resort on it. Biggest peak in the northern Black Hills. If you want to learn downhill skiing around here, either Terry Peak or nearby Deer Mountain are your choices. Photo looks NNW.

On the ridge, Big Sid was visibly encouraged and an eager participant when break time was announced and he got to share in the Taste of the Wild with Lupe. SPHP sat munching an apple while the chow hounds made great progress lightening the backpack.

A few minutes after break time was complete, it was time to head back down. Lupe and Sidney returned to the little clearing S of the ridge. Big Sid wouldn’t have to climb any more high points, but his inaugural expedition with Lupe was far from over. Lupe and Sidney began exploring the USFS road going W.

This road leading W from the small clearing eventually proved to be USFS Road No. 219. Photo looks W.

The road turned SW, but remained level for a while before eventually starting to lose elevation. Lower down there was less snow.

After losing some elevation, there was less snow on USFS Road No. 219. Photo looks WSW.

When the USFS road turned S, SPHP figured Hwy 17 coming N out of Rochford couldn’t be too far away to the W. Leaving the road to climb a minor ridge to the W soon proved the point. Yes, there was Hwy 17 on the other side. Lupe and Sidney followed the ridge S a little, then left it to cross Hwy 17 and get on the Mickelson Trail near the confluence of the North Fork of Rapid Creek and Buskala Creek.

Traveling S on the flat, wide Mickelson Trail was easy, but a little dull. Lupe and Sidney did get to see an interesting old red building. The sides and roof were made of something round. A fascinating and highly informative plaque told all about this historical building and exactly what it was made of, but SPHP can’t recall a single detail. Must be the A.D.D.

Lupe and Sidney passed by this historical red building made of some circular things while traveling a short stretch of the Mickelson Trail about a mile N of Nahant. Photo looks NNW.

S of the historical red building, everyone left the Mickelson Trail to cross Hwy 17 again. A gravel road, which might have been a driveway, led E up into the hills. There was no sign of any recent traffic on this road, but sure enough, a little way up the hill a house could be seen tucked back against the trees at the edge of a field to the NW.

The driveway started curving N, so Lupe and Sidney left it to cross the dam of a small stock pond. They headed SE over a low pass back onto USFS land, and soon after arrived at USFS Road No. 256.

When it turned out Lupe and Sidney had entered private property, they crossed the dam of this small stock pond and headed back onto USFS land continuing over the low pass seen at Center. Photo looks SE.

Hours had gone by. Sidney wasn’t used to anywhere near this much exercise. He was tired! The easiest and most merciful thing to do would have been to follow No. 256 a few miles E to reach the G6 at the junction with Rocky Johnston Road. Lupe, however, wasn’t done exploring. She crossed No. 256 going SSE, eventually climbing up a ridge. Sidney did his best to keep up, but his enthusiasm was clearly waning.

The ridge Lupe led Sidney to was hideous. Either fire, pine bark beetles, or a combination of both had wiped out the pine trees. Loggers had subsequently come through and clear cut a large area. All the devastation did have one benefit. It opened up views of higher country to the SW.

S of USFS Road No. 256, Lupe and Sidney wound up on this ugly ridge where fire or pine bark beetles had wiped out the forest. Loggers had clear cut the dead trees. At least the logging opened up the views. Photo looks S.

From the hideous ridge, SPHP looked for an easy route to the E or NE. The sun was starting to get low, and Sidney was fading. The terrain stubbornly remained easiest going SSE. Finally, the time came to forget about the terrain and just do it. Lupe turned NE entering a thick, healthy forest and descended into a valley.

Lupe came across these unusual slender plants in the woods during her explorations S of USFS Road No. 256. She always finds interesting things to sniff, but by now long shadows meant it was time to be getting back to the G6. Photo looks N.

The valley was in shadow and noticeably darker, but Lupe and Sidney made good progress going NE through the forest. They found a dirt road, which led to USFS Road No. 203 up on Minnesota Ridge. No. 203 eventually led N to No. 256 again.

Sunset was imminent. The G6 was still nearly 2 miles E. Big Sid was a trooper, but desperately wanted to stay on the road now. He couldn’t understand why the crazy American Dingo insisted upon remaining in the forest. She was still racing back and forth while wandering up and down various slopes. Sidney tried to follow Lupe, but headed straight for the road every time she got close to it.

The sun set. Lupe stayed in the forest N of the road. She went down a steep, snowy slope. She jumped over a small stream at the bottom. The G6 was in view! To Sidney’s relief, the Carolina Dog finally returned to the road and led him to the G6. At 5:41 PM (40°F), Lupe’s fun and Big Sid’s ordeal were over.

Expedition No. 67 had been the biggest outing of Sidney’s life! JB and Nina later reported that poor Sid couldn’t even move the next day. He was exhausted and sore for days on end.

Dingo initiation rites are brutal, but Big Sid had made it! Sidney would be invited along again on more expeditions for more adventures. Over the next few months, he was a regular member of Lupe’s pack. Long-suffering Sid willingly braved whatever she put him through.

Big Sid must love a challenge, he was always eager to go!Links:

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Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 70 – East of Gillette Prairie (11-24-13)

Start (9:39 AM, 40°F), intersection of Slate Creek Road (County Road No. 309) & USFS Road No. 424, about 5 miles SE of Deerfield Reservoir

Oh no, not again! Ugh, seriously? What a chow hound! What was that icky red thing over there anyway? Some disgusting carcass no doubt. SPHP called a couple times before Big Sid came running.

No wonder you’re Big Sid, you’ll eat anything no matter how dreadful it is!

Sidney didn’t feel the least bit ashamed of himself. If anything, he took pride in his new found wilderness survival skills. On Expedition No. 69, he’d done the same thing. He’d suddenly disappeared, and after a short search SPHP had found him chomping away on an absolutely vile, sickly green, huge mucous-covered sac or organ he’d found in the woods.

What had it been that time? Maybe a deer liver or stomach. Whatever it was, Lupe had the good sense to show no interest. To SPHP the mere sight of it had been revolting. Yet there was Sidney, gulping it down with evident delight. An hour later, he puked it all up again. Charming. At least he hadn’t waited until he’d been returned home. The neighbors would have loved that.

Lupe wasn’t even 0.5 mile from the G6 yet when Sidney discovered this latest delicacy. Big Sid was only on his 4th expedition with Lupe. If he was going to be a regular, he was going to have to give up this nauseous-treat-in-the-woods routine. Other than that, Sidney had been doing fine on these expeditions and getting lots of needed exercise.

Onward! Lupe, Sidney and SPHP continued NW up USFS Road No. 424. The road turned N and climbed up to a minor pass. Staying on the road any further meant losing elevation, so everyone left it heading WNW. Snow was on the ground, but didn’t amount to much. Lupe was still gaining elevation. Before long, she was out of the trees and cresting a big, barren ridge. She had reached the E edge of Gillette Prairie.

Lupe reaches the E edge of Gillette Prairie, several square miles of rolling grasslands within the Black Hills. Photo looks W.

Looking NW toward high country of the limestone plateau from the E edge of Gillette Prairie.

This was Sidney’s 4th expedition with Lupe. He was supposed to be getting exercise so he could slim down, not finding disgusting things to eat in the forest, which he seemed to have a talent for. Photo looks W across Gillette Prairie.

Loop on the barren ridge E of Gillette Prairie Photo looks E.

No definite plan existed for Expedition No. 70, though SPHP thought it might be fun for Lupe to go clear around Gillette Prairie. W of Gillette Prairie were high ridges, part of the limestone plateau country. The ridges were some of the highest ground in the Black Hills. From Green Mountain (7,167 ft.) Lupe ought to have some fabulous views.

Going directly across Gillette Prairie wasn’t an option. Nearly all the open ground was privately owned ranchland, but it was all surrounded by Black Hills National Forest.

The highest part of the ridge Lupe was on was off to the NW. That might be the best way to go. Lupe and Sidney kept climbing along the ridge. The high point was back in the forest, but Lupe had enough of a view to see South Slate Creek valley ahead. Lupe would have to lose elevation crossing it.

Losing some elevation wasn’t a big deal. Lupe and Sidney proceeded on down toward the valley. Lupe was half way down or more when she came to a fence. The fence ran N/S. A house could now be seen on the NW side of the valley. That meant the land beyond the fence was likely private property. Continuing NW apparently wasn’t an option, at least not here. Lupe would have to follow the fence N for a while.

No problem, except where was Sidney? He was missing again! Lupe never wanders off for more than a few minutes. She was here, but Sidney was nowhere in sight. Where had he disappeared to this time? What had he gotten into now? SPHP quickly scanned the forest for movement. Nothing. Oh, brother – not good!

Shortly before reaching the fence, Lupe had crossed a dirt road. Loop and SPHP went back to it. No Sidney in either direction. No Sidney in any direction. SPHP started calling for Sidney. Several minutes went by. Big Sid did not appear. Worrisome, very worrisome.

Suddenly finding Sidney was top priority. The neighbors would be unhappy if SPHP delivered a queasy Sidney home to puke on their carpets, but absolutely and justifiably outraged if SPHP managed to completely lose their precious pooch!

The snow on the ground was insufficient to track him, and his Carolina Dog buddy wasn’t any help. Lupe didn’t seem the least bit concerned where her friend Sidney was. Maybe she reasoned that Big Sid had enough reserves to easily last him a month in the wilderness, and he would be fine. That might be true enough, but “We’ll go back to Gillette Prairie in a month or two to find Sid when he’s all nice and slim and trim.” sure wasn’t going to fly back home.

Gah! What to do? Where had he gone? Back to the red carcass? Back to the G6? Following some new wretched scent off into the forest? SPHP stood on a stump looking for movement, calling and calling for Big Sid.

Finally Big Sid reappeared, trotting happily back along the road from the S without a care in the world. Sheesh! He hadn’t been gone all that long, but SPHP was very glad to see him. At least Sidney finally responded when called, but better keep a closer eye on him from now on. SPHP was used to letting Lupe roam at will without having to worry she would disappear like that. Lupe always kept close tabs on SPHP, not the other way around.

OK, back to business. Lupe, Sidney and SPHP went down to the fence again and began following it N. Ten minutes later, the fence turned NE. Following it NE way down South Slate Creek valley meant losing a lot more elevation. Sigh. Maybe it was best to simply go S instead? Perhaps Sidney had the right idea after all?

Fine, let’s try that. Everyone went S. It was a fiasco. The fence went S for a while, a little W of the barren ridge Lupe and Sid had been on before, but eventually turned SE instead of SW. SPHP finally checked the USFS map and found that Lupe would have to go clear back to the G6, and then even farther S to get around Gillette Prairie this way. Everything to the W was private property.

No way! The northern route was better, shorter.

Following the fence S along the E side of the private ranchlands in Gillette Prairie backfired. There was no way W across the private land, and the fence eventually turned SE instead of SW. When SPHP finally checked the map, it was clear that going N was the best way around. All this time, Lupe and Big Sid had the same slightly closer view of Green Mountain (L) on the far side of Gillette Prairie that they’d had before. Photo looks W.

Lupe and Big Sid wound up back on USFS Road No. 424 heading N up to the same minor pass again. This time they stayed on the road beyond the pass, losing elevation for a while before leaving the road to venture NNW. They climbed up to a different rocky high point overlooking South Slate Creek valley where they stopped for a Taste of the Wild and water break.

The big useless loop back to the S and E had consumed 1.5 hours of daylight. Completely circumnavigating Gillette Prairie wasn’t going to be possible now. Maybe Lupe could still get over to the high country on the NW side, though, before turning back?

Lupe and Sidney continued on. They went clear down to South Slate Creek, crossed it, and found USFS Road No. 424.1B, a muddy road which led N up a hill on the other side of the valley. At the top of the hill, another road came in from the W. Since they had to be N of Gillette Prairie by now, Lupe and Sid turned W and followed it.

When the new road turned SW, Lupe and Sidney left it wandering W on level ground through the forest for a while. Exploring was fun, but the terrain eventually forced them S back to the road. Soon afterward, the road intersected USFS Road No. 297, the main N/S gravel road through Gillette Prairie. A marker said the side road they had been following was No. 297.4D.

Lupe and Sidney were finally getting somewhere! Another, better road (unmarked, but likely USFS Road No. 656) was on the W side of No. 297. No fences were over here, so it appeared to be USFS land. Lupe liked exploring the forest, so everyone left No. 656, but continued paralleling it a little to the N.

After a lot of circling around, Lupe and Sidney finally started making progress toward Green Mountain.

For a little while, Lupe and Sidney were making great progress toward Green Mountain. It was too good to last. No. 656 turned S and led into private property. A fence, a house and horses were up ahead. To get around them, Lupe would have to continue W down a thickly forested slope. How far she would have to go and how much elevation she would have to lose, was unclear.

Once USFS Road No. 656 turned S and entered private property, the jig was up. To continue W off the road down into this thick forest before starting a big climb up Green Mountain was not an option. It was too late in the day for such an adventure. Photo looks NW. **Hat Mountain (6,779 ft.)** which Lupe and Sidney had climbed on Expedition No. 69 is in view in the distance.

Too much time had been lost earlier. It was too late in the day for a long off-road, off-trail adventure through thick forest leading to a long climb. Green Mountain wasn’t happening. Ahh, well. So it goes. No big views today. Better turn back.

Lupe and Sidney didn’t care. Going to Green Mountain or back to the G6 was all the same to them. They were still having a blast exploring. At least Big Sid hadn’t disappeared again.

Although this was only Big Sid’s 4th expedition with Lupe, he was getting the hang of how things worked. He really enjoyed the long days in the hills, although his owners reported back after each trek that he was totally exhausted and could barely move for days on end afterwards.

For a while, the route back was a retracement of Lupe and Big Sid’s earlier travels. The dogs paralleled No. 656 through the forest back to No. 297, crossed it, and followed No. 297.4D to the junction with No. 424.1B. They then went S on muddy No. 424.1B down to South Slate Creek.

Going S down muddy USFS Road No. 424.1B into the South Slate Creek valley. Lupe and Sidney had taken their Taste of the Wild and water break earlier in the day up on top of the hill seen ahead. Photo looks S.

Loop checking for squirrels on the way down to South Slate Creek.

Upon reaching South Slate Creek, Loop and Sid made a change in the route back, exploring a road leading E downstream. The sun was getting low now. It seemed best to stick to the roads, at least until they were closer to the G6.

Bare aspen trees in South Slate Creek valley.

Down in South Slate Creek valley, the sun was already getting low.

Sidney in the snow in South Slate Creek valley.

Lupe and Sidney didn’t have to go too far down South Slate Creek valley before reaching a junction with USFS Road No. 424 again. They were farther N on it than they’d been before and took it heading S.

No. 424 would have led all the way back to the G6, but upon reaching the minor pass for the 3rd time today, this time from the N, SPHP decided to climb High Point 6624, the hill to the E. The last rays of sunlight were still glowing faintly on the highest distant peaks when Lupe and Big Sid arrived on top 15 minutes later. Everything else was in shadow.

The views were beautiful – peaceful, serene. The Black Hills stretched N to the horizon. To the E, the prairies of western South Dakota were dimly perceived beyond the hills.

The remaining light faded quickly from even the highest hills. A slow, steep trek down an ugly S slope covered with deadfall timber and thistles ensued. Reaching No. 424 again far down in the valley took a while, but the G6 was now close by. It was nearly dark when Lupe and Sidney jumped in (4:53 PM, 30°F).

A warning light came on when SPHP started the G6. Yikes! Not one, but two tires had low air pressure! Fortunately, enough pressure remained in each to make it home. Sidney was returned to his owners. Somehow he managed not to puke up any noxious materials overnight.

Even though Lupe’s adventures East of Gillette Prairie hadn’t led to any great accomplishments, it had still been a lovely day spent exploring the hills. Both dogs had fun, and various tragedies had been avoided. Some adventures that’s as good as it gets. Best to have enough sense to appreciate it!

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Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 71 – Coulsen Hughes Draw (11-30-13)

Start (9:30 AM, 29°F), 5 miles WSW of Deerfield Reservoir at the junction of USFS Roads No. 294 & 591 at the S end of Coulsen Hughes Draw.

Gray skies and a sub-freezing temperature. Patches of snow covered the dry, dead grass making the dark green of the forest appear even darker. A quiet scene, forlorn and remote. At the S end of Coulsen Hughes Draw, it felt like the start of winter.

Lupe wasn’t concerned. She was ready to go exploring! For her, it was the start of good times on Expedition No. 71. Her friend, Sidney, was along, too. This would be his 5th expedition with Lupe. Big Sid was also enthusiastic about the prospect of a day spent roaming the hills, now that he understood he wasn’t being dog-napped.

Lupe along USFS Road No. 294 at the start of Expedition No. 71. Despite the chill air and gloomy gray sky, Lupe was looking forward to a romp up Coulsen Hughes Draw with her friend Sidney. Photo looks W.

Abandoning the G6, Lupe, Big Sid, and SPHP started N up Coulsen Hughes Draw on USFS Road No. 591. Coulsen Hughes Draw is a moderately wide, shallow, grassy valley between two pine forested ridges. Snow covered much of the ground near the trees on the W side of the valley, but the road was close to the E side and largely snow-free.

On Expedition No. 68, Lupe and Sidney had reached the N end of Coulsen Hughes Draw from a different direction. It was about as far as they had gotten that time. SPHP’s old Black Hills USFS map showed that Crows Nest Peak (7,048 ft.) was only 2 or 3 miles farther NW from there. Lupe had never been to Crow’s Nest Peak. Maybe Lupe and Big Sid could find and climb it today, after exploring the length of Coulsen Hughes Draw?

Loop and Big Sid had only been running around sniffing for 15 or 20 minutes, when suddenly a vehicle could be heard coming down the draw. A pickup truck appeared with 3 guys in it dressed in camouflage and bright orange (the one defeating the other). SPHP chatted with them for a few minutes. They were elk hunters, but had seen nothing. Had SPHP? Nope.

Truth was, even if SPHP had, the hunters wouldn’t have gotten much help. Lupe and SPHP are more on the side of the elk.

The trek up Coulsen Hughes Draw was an easy, scenic, gentle climb. Lupe and Big Sid had a great time roaming at will.

Looking SSE back down Coulsen Hughes Draw.

Lupe on USFS Road No. 591 as it rounds a small hillside. Photo looks W.

Sidney near the forest at the edge of the valley. Looks like he’s spotted something!

A typical scene looking NW up Coulsen Hughes Draw. It was a pretty place for the dogs to run around. After the hunters went by early on, Lupe and Big Sid saw no one other than SPHP the rest of the day.

Lupe comes running back after an exploratory foray up into the forest.

As Lupe and Sidney traveled up the draw, they passed by several stock ponds. The valley was gradually becoming snowier. The ponds were all frozen. By the time they’d gone 2.5 miles, Loop and Big Sid were getting close to the N end of Coulsen Hughes Draw. One more stock pond was up ahead. Beyond it, Coulsen Hughes Draw split in two.

The valley was wider and snowier by the time Lupe and Sidney reached the upper end of Coulsen Hughes Draw. The last stock pond is up ahead hidden behind the earthen dam seen a little R of Center. Here the draw split in two. Beyond the stock pond, Lupe and Sidney took the branch seen on the L. Photo looks NW.

Even before Lupe and Sidney reached this final stock pond, SPHP recognized the larger branch of the draw going N (R) as being the place Lupe and Big Sid had made it to on Expedition No. 68 before starting back for the G6. The smaller branch of the draw going NNW (L) looked more intriguing. This branch was totally new to Lupe, and led more directly toward Crows Nest Peak.

USFS Road No. 591 went up the larger N branch. Lupe and company left the road to explore the smaller NNW branch of the draw. An easy 0.5 mile trek brought Lupe to another dirt road. This had to be USFS Road No. 157, although the only sign present was an old wooden one that didn’t mention No. 157. It said only “Coulsen Hughes Draw” and pointed back the way Lupe had just come.

At this point, Lupe and Sidney were at least halfway to Crows Nest Peak, which was still another 2.5 or 3 miles to the NNW. However, SPHP’s USFS map showed no roads at all leading any farther in that direction. Going NE on No. 157 would only take Lupe away from Crows Nest Peak. Going W, the road disappeared into a dense forest. It would eventually lead to Miller and Procunier Springs, which were at least a little closer to Crows Nest Peak.

The last day of November is short. Time would be an issue. SPHP decided on a more direct route. Lupe and Big Sid crossed No. 157, covered the last of the open ground at the end of Coulsen Hughes Draw, and plunged into the forest traveling NNW straight for still unseen Crows Nest Peak.

There was considerably more snow in the forest than on the open ground in Coulsen Hughes Draw, but it wasn’t too bad. Before long, the terrain leveled off and looked like it was about to start descending. SPHP thought it best for Lupe to stay high. Off to the W was a higher ridge, so Lupe, Big Sid, and SPHP turned that way to gain as much elevation as possible.

The top of the ridge was all forested with no views in any direction. Lupe and Sidney turned N again and continued onward, picking a way forward through the snow, low juniper bushes, and scattered deadfall timber. Although the terrain went up and down a little, SPHP thought Lupe was still gaining net elevation, and hoped to get a glimpse of even higher ground toward Crows Nest Peak at some point.

Lupe started coming to little-used logging roads. Since travel was easier on the roads, Loop and Big Sid followed them for short stretches when they seemed to be going the right direction. Along one of these roads, suddenly Sidney was staring straight ahead. Movement in the trees! Sidney had spotted 3 of Lupe’s “giant deers”! Lupe hadn’t seen them yet, but the elk had seen Sidney. They were already disappearing into the forest.

The giant deers made another appearance 10 or 15 minutes later. This time both Sidney and Lupe saw them and took off after them. The elk had a huge lead, however. Within a couple minutes, both Loop and Sid gave up and returned, the elk long gone.

The logging road Lupe was on ended in the forest. Although it seemed like Lupe was quite high, no views existed in any direction. SPHP led on through the forest trying to head NNW while staying on the highest ground possible. Presently, open ground could be see ahead between the trees. Before reaching it, Lupe came to another logging road. The logging road took her to the edge of a long, wide field.

After leaving Coulsen Hughes Draw and USFS Road No. 157 behind, SPHP tried to lead Lupe and Sidney through the forest NNW toward Crow’s Nest Peak. Lupe ultimately arrived at this long, wide field. Photo looks S(?)

Intrepid American Dingo explorer Lupe on her Expedition No. 71 search for Crow’s Nest Peak.

The new road divided almost immediately upon entering the field. Lupe had her choice of going S while gradually losing elevation, or going NW gradually gaining elevation.

Lupe and Sidney followed the road going NW up a hill. Soon the land leveled out on top. A few inches of snow were on the ground. Another group of 4 or 5 giant deers disappeared NE into the forest, but this time only SPHP saw them.

Near a stand of aspens, the road divided again. Lupe had her choice of going W or N. A marker was at the intersection. SPHP eagerly anticipated this possible clue to how close Lupe was now to Crows Nest Peak.

At the top of the hill, the road leveled out and passed by this stand of aspens. Beyond the aspens, the road divided again. Approaching the intersection SPHP could see a marker ahead, and looked forward to this possible clue as to how close Lupe and Big Sid were to Crows Nest Peak. Photo looks NW.

What the marker said came as a complete shock. No. 157! The same road Lupe and Sidney had left at the N end of Coulsen Hughes Draw! How was that possible? Lupe and Sidney scarfed up Taste of the Wild, taking a lunch break while SPHP sat on a log staring dumbfounded at the USFS map while pondering the implication of this news.

The map didn’t show No. 157 coming anywhere near Crow’s Nest Peak. Of course, the USFS map wasn’t very detailed. It was possible unshown minor side roads branching off No. 157 did. However, side roads would normally have an additional designation after the “157”, and this marker didn’t. Hmmm. SPHP shared a cheese stick with Looper and Sidney. The cheese was much appreciated.

The most likely conclusion SPHP could come up with was that Lupe and company had not been going N, but W. SPHP must have become disoriented somewhere along the way. With no landmarks or views, and the sun hidden all day by clouds, it could have easily happened. Oh, well. Now what? SPHP was no longer certain where Lupe was, or which direction was which.

Snack time was over! Lupe was still going to find Crow’s Nest Peak! SPHP led Loop and Big Sid along the road that supposedly went W. That lasted only a couple of minutes. Peering through the forest N of the road, it looked like the terrain was about to start losing elevation in that direction. Maybe there would be a view from the hillside? Lupe, Sidney and SPHP abandoned the road. Back into the forest! Onward!

Soon a view did appear. A noticeably higher ridge could be seen farther N. Crow’s Nest Peak? It looked like it was still 2 miles away, about right if Lupe had been going W earlier instead of N. Even though it meant losing elevation, SPHP decided to head straight for that ridge.

Lupe and Sidney were still having a great time! They enjoyed the march down the forested hillside. Lupe came to two large water tanks. Water was pouring into one of them from a pipe. A small overflow stream trickled down the hillside below the water tanks forming an ice flow.

Lupe followed the ice flow as far as it went, proceeding down into a valley. As soon as she got to the bottom, she regained lost elevation climbing up the other side. At the top she made a turn to the W, and once again emerged from the forest at the edge of another long, wide field.

About this time, the cloud cover started breaking up. It became possible to discern the position of the sun. SPHP thought Lupe had been going NW. The sun said she had been going SW, or maybe even straight S. Crazy! Simply crazy! One thing was certain, though. There’s no arguing with the sun.

A period of wandering through big fields and pastures began. Lupe started off heading first NW then N according to the sun, though it all felt wrong to SPHP. As near as SPHP could figure out, Loop was somewhere N of Miller and Procunier Springs. If true, Crow’s Nest Peak (7,048 ft.) was still as much as 2 miles N. However, from none of this territory could Lupe see the high ridge she had seen earlier.

The Carolina Dog came to a number of roads (all unmarked) and fences. After traveling N and circumnavigating a wooded area in the middle of an enormous field, Lupe made a foray into a forest even farther N. Traveling E near the forest’s edge, she came to another long stretch of open land extending NE from the enormous field. This area looked promising, but the sun was now clearly past its zenith. Lupe retreated S across the enormous field again.

Near the S edge of the field, Lupe and Big Sid found another road. This road was marked No. 157.2C. A short journey E on it led to a fallen log, suitable as a rest area. Lupe and Sidney finished off the Taste of the Wild. SPHP shared another cheese stick with them, while consulting the map.

Looking N back across the enormous field. SPHP remains convinced that Lupe and Sidney had come within almost a mile of Crow’s Nest Peak while on the far side.

Sidney on USFS Road No. 157.2C. Photo looks ESE.

Lupe relaxes in the sun on dry ground next to the rest spot log.

Big Sid relaxes, too, wondering what’s next?

*Say, SPHP, I realize this is just crazy talk, but have you ever considered investing in a GPS device, or even just a decent compass? Maybe then we could actually get to where we’re going!*

*I second that motion! Also, how about putting some more supplies in that pack? A bite of cheese stick every 3 hours just ain’t cutting it for me!*

The map still didn’t show USFS Road No. 157.2C. It wasn’t any more enlightening than it had been earlier. Sigh.

Turning S and crossing the enormous field again had been an admission of defeat as far as reaching Crow’s Nest Peak was concerned. It wasn’t going to happen. Not today, anyway. Way out in the western high country of the Black Hills on the last day of November with the sun starting to slide toward the horizon, the only thing that made sense was to figure out where Lupe was, and begin the journey back to the G6.

SPHP decided Lupe should head W on No. 157.2C staying near the big fields. Sooner or later, the road would lead back to No. 157, probably right to that intersection near the grove of aspens where Loop and Sidney had taken their first rest break.

Even if one measly bite of cheese stick was inadequate, the second rest break was over. Onward! Big Sid seemed a little tired, but Lupe was still full of energy as they headed W on No. 157.2C.

A last look NNW across the enormous field. Somewhere out there, not too far away, was Crow’s Nest Peak. Lupe and Sidney weren’t going to reach it today.

Time to start for home! Big Sid heads W on USFS Road No. 157.2C, seemingly a bit tired. Lupe still had energy to bound around. Here she’s standing at the edge of the forest. Photo looks WSW.

No. 157.2C went W only far enough to sweep around the W end of the forested hill to the S. Upon reaching the other side, it wound E and SE all the way back to the intersection with No. 157 near the grove of aspens. At least that had worked!

It would have been easy to simply follow No. 157 all the way back to Coulsen Hughes Draw, but now that SPHP was certain where Lupe was again, there wasn’t as much urgency as before. Lupe and company took a snowy road heading S from the aspen grove. Lupe could explore a different valley W of Coulsen Hughes Draw this way.

This route was beautiful and a pleasant trek. Lupe found a squirrel to bark at. Her excitement revived Sidney’s spirits as he got into the act, too. Another adventure was ahead. Lupe and Sidney saw 6 or 7 giant deers, the biggest herd yet! Oddly, they had been congregated near a large skeleton. As the live elk ran off, Lupe and Big Sid carefully investigated this most interesting find.

Lupe and Big Sid cautiously sniff an old skeleton. For some odd reason, 6 or 7 live elk had been congregated near it.

Lupe reached USFS Road No. 294 again a couple miles WNW of where the G6 was parked. SPHP was pretty certain she had come down the Dowell Spring drainage after passing E of Dowell Spring itself.

Instead of staying on No. 294 the rest of the way, Lupe and Sidney traveled through the grassy valley just to the S of it. More to sniff! More to explore! Although the sun was still shining on the ridges, all was in shadow down here.

After going a mile E, another road left No. 294 going first SW, but curving SE as it went up a side valley. SPHP was seized with a desire to see the sunset. Lupe and Sidney started up this side valley, eventually climbing the W side of it. Everyone reached the top of the ridge to the W, but there was no view due to the thick forest. All that could be seen was a final, filtered, glimmering between the trees.

With the last of the sunlight gone, a feeling of solitude descended. The sky was clear. No colorful sunset could develop. Still, quiet, remote. That was this place, this moment.

Still, quiet, remote, cold and dark was coming. Better get going!

Sidney was done. Filled with joy when he finally saw the G6, he trotted ahead of Lupe and SPHP as fast as tired paws would take him. He stood waiting for SPHP to arrive to open the door. Big Sid jumped in without the slightest hesitation the instant the door opened. Home, James!

It was nearly dark, but Lupe wasn’t in such a hurry. She was used to long days exploring. The Carolina Dog paused for several minutes, still sniffing the light breeze. Maybe she knew winter really was coming, and she wouldn’t be back in the high western hills again for a long time.

Lupe hadn’t made it to Crow’s Nest Peak, but Coulsen Hughes Draw had still been an adventure. Together with Big Sid, the Carolina Dog had out-hunted the hunters, and seen the giant deers. No one was shot dead or wounded as a result. Everyone, including the giant deers, would live to see more adventures in the days to come. End (4:44 PM, 27°F)

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