Canada – The (Mostly) True Adventures of Lupe

North Wright Pass Mountain, Richardson Mountains, Yukon & Northwest Territories Border, Canada (8-11-23)

Day 20 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2023 Dingo Vacation to Canada & Alaska!

8:45 AM, Dempster Highway, 2.5 miles from Wright Pass in the Northwest Territories –

Are you OK?

Dead to the world, the American Dingo was still snoozing, and SPHP was barely conscious. Someone in a white pickup truck was talking. Better say something.

Yeah, we’re fine.

You’re sure? Saw your vehicle sitting empty here the last couple of days, and wondered what the deal was?

Oh, I was just out hiking in the mountains with my dog. Everything’s fine! No problems. Thanks for asking.

The man in the white truck drove off. Lupe yawned.

What’s going on, SPHP?

Someone checking on us to make sure we weren’t in trouble, Loopster. Need to sniff the air for a few minutes?

Don’t mind if I do, SPHP.

Getting out of the RAV4, as usual, the air was thick with smoke, or so it seemed. Yet there was a little dew on the RAV4, and during a stroll with virtually no visibility at all to the top of a nearby rise, SPHP felt a barely detectable mist.

Loop, are we in smoke or fog? How does it sniff?

The ground is damp, SPHP. Doesn’t smell much like smoke, either.

Huh. After all these weeks of smoke-filled air, was the Arctic apocalypse finally ending? That would be big news. Returning to the RAV4, Lupe resumed her beauty rest, while SPHP worked on the trip journal.

1:30 PM, Dempster Highway, same spot – All morning long, the fog had gradually lifted. As SPHP heated up a can of chili for lunch, the air really began to clear, revealing a gorgeous blue sky with a few clouds and only a hint of smoke. Unspoiled Arctic wilderness stretched toward distant ridges and mountains.

**Northwest Territories** from a pullout along the Dempster Highway **2.5 miles NE of Wright Pass**. Photo looks S.

Wow! Clearest day in ages, Looper! How are you feeling?

Like we ought to do something after lunch, SPHP. No sense in letting a day like this slip away!

I know, but it’s already too late to set out for Peak 1402M, Loop.

Peak 1402M! We were just there a couple of days ago, SPHP. Went right by it again only yesterday.

Oh, not that Peak 1402M, Loopster. I’m talking about another one farther NE that’s on your list of possibilities.

What about that mountain right across the highway, SPHP? The one N of Wright Pass.

Don’t even have it on your list of possibilities, Loopster, but it sure looks doable. Let’s have lunch, then I’ll get the pack ready. We’ll see what the situation is then.

3:15 PM, same spot – At the very same pullout from which the Carolina Dog had departed on her epic backpacking trip to Mount Sittichinli and back only 2 days ago, Lupe stood grinning with a lovely clear view of North Wright Pass Mountain (4,500 ft.) beyond her.

**North Wright Pass Mountain** (Center). Photo looks NW.

I say it’s a go, SPHP. What do you think? Say, yes! I want to try it!

Time’s flying, Looper. I’ve been puttering around here long enough. We better get cracking! Hop into the RAV4. We’ll drive up to Wright Pass and start from there.

3:31 PM, 55ºF, Wright Pass, Yukon/Northwest Territories border – Lupe leapt out of the RAV4. The air was still smoky W of the pass, especially toward the NW, but the pass itself and everything E was clear. Directly S, the American Dingo had a great view of Peak 3850, which she had climbed on a smoky evening only 3 days ago.

**Peak 3850** (L of Center) from **Wright Pass**. Photo looks S.

Zoomed in on **Peak 3850**. Photo looks S.

Woo-hoo! Too bad it wasn’t this clear when we climbed Peak 3850, SPHP.

Or better yet, at Mount Sittichinli yesterday morning, Looper. The smoke off to the W is a bit worrisome, but we’re still all in on North Wright Pass Mountain, aren’t we?

Of course! Grab your pack, SPHP, and let’s go!

After a quick look at North Wright Pass Mountain from over by the now displayless Northwest Territories display, and totally exotic road signs mentioning Inuvik, Tuktoyaktuk, and the Arctic Ocean, Lupe headed SW along the Dempster Highway to the Yukon sign near a side road.

**North Wright Pass Mountain** (Center) from the **Northwest Territories display** (R). Photo looks N.

And from the **awesome road signs**. Photo looks N.

The side road led to a microwave tower at the S end of the mountain.

Can we take the road, SPHP?

No sense in making this any harder than it has to be, Loopster. Onward! Puppy, ho!

On the way to the **microwave tower** (Center). **North Wright Pass Mountain** (R). Photo looks N.

The side road was short. Within minutes, Lupe was already closing in on the tower.

Approaching the **microwave tower**. Photo looks NE.

From back at the highway, the SE end of the mountain had appeared to offer the best initial approach.

We need to be on the other side of the tower, Loop. Just go around it.

Once E of the tower, the territory ahead sloped gradually down to the E. Angling NE closer to the base of the mountain, Lupe maintained, or even gained some elevation. In scarcely any time at all, the view of Peak 3850 on the opposite side of Wright Pass was already pretty impressive.

Skirting the **S end of the mountain**. Photo looks NE.

**Peak 3850** (L) beyond **Wright Pass**. Photo looks S.

SPHP had seen a gap at the lower SE end of North Wright Pass Mountain that looked like it granted access to a valley leading to terrain higher up that wasn’t as rocky as the rest of the mountain. However, that gap was proving to be farther E than SPHP thought.

Even the modest amount of elevation the Carolina Dog had gained so far was putting her into more and more talus. Soon she was amid so much rock that simply scrambling directly N up the steep talus slope seemed the best solution.

As often happens, this initial scramble was bigger than it first looked. Nevertheless, Lupe was full of enthusiasm as she scrambled up. When she managed to reach the top of the steepest part, the valley SPHP had originally hoped to lead her to was now an obstacle. A significant drop would now be involved to get past it over to the wide bench of tundra farther N that the valley connected with.

Moderately steep slopes farther W comprised mostly of talus, but with some tundra mixed in, were the only other option.

**Above the steepest initial scramble** with plenty of relatively steep talus still ahead. Photo looks N.

Guess we’ve got to keep climbing, Loop. Let me catch my breath, first.

Great views already, SPHP! What’s the name of that big mountain off to the NE? Looks like another fun one we can climb someday.

Yeah, that’s a spiffy peak, alright, Looper. Believe that’s Peak 4437.

Another glance back at **Peak 3850** (R). Photo looks S.

**Peak 4437** (Center) beyond the **Dempster Highway** (below). Photo looks NE.

Since SPHP’s navigation error had already blown what had appeared to be the easiest route, climbing NW along the ridge Lupe was already on seemed to be the next best option.

About to head up the **next slope** (Center). Photo looks NW.

There was an awful lot of rock, but patches and lanes of tundra helped. In some places, quite a bit of tundra was present, making progress easy. Other stretches were pure rock hop. Although not as steep as the initial scramble, Lupe was still gaining elevation at a good clip. Yet, despite gaining hundreds of feet of elevation, the American Dingo kept coming to false summits.

In a **flatter region with more tundra**, but with **another rocky climb ahead**. **Summit** (R). Photo looks NNW.

Making progress, but with a long way to go. **Summit region** (R). Photo looks NNW.

This first long climb finally ended when Lupe reached the rocky E edge of a vast, almost level plain of tundra. The huge tundra bench that she could have been following had SPHP not messed up the route was now visible below her to the NNE. However, the mistake no longer seemed like a big deal. Lupe could easily follow the even larger bench she was already on toward an enormous dark mound of talus that was ahead.

Facing the **next enormous mound of talus** (L & Center). Photo looks NW.

**Summit region** (L). The **tundra bench** Lupe could have been on (R). Photo looks N.

As Lupe got closer to this next mound of talus, it looked like the easiest way up would be toward the W. Attempting to head straight across the vast tundra plain quickly revealed that much of it was surprisingly wet. Not a problem for the Carolina Dog, but SPHP didn’t want to get wet feet.

Heading N along the edge of the rocks where the tundra was drier was a better choice. Lupe didn’t angle WNW until she got close to the base of the talus mound where she could continue using the same technique.

On the rocks along the E edge of the tundra. Photo looks NW.

Once Lupe got far enough W, she turned N again, starting up the mound. Still lots of rock, but some tundra, too, and this route wasn’t nearly as steep as a frontal assault would have been.

Pausing partway up for one of SPHP’s breathers, the view back to the S was incredible. Much of the vast tundra plain Lupe had just skirted the E and N edges of was in sight, with Peak 3850 beyond it, which didn’t look any higher than where Lupe was now.

Even more amazing, the N/S running chain of mountains that both Peak 3850 and North Wright Pass Mountain were part of was clearly seen to be the dividing line between a smoke-filled Yukon to the W, and nearly smoke-free Northwest Territories to the E.

Starting up the **SW end of the enormous mound**. Photo looks NW.

**Peak 3850** (Center) beyond the **huge tundra plain** (Center & R). Smoke-free **Northwest Territories** (L), smoky **Yukon** (R). Photo looks S.

Approaching the top of the enormous talus mound, a long lane of tundra ended at another unavoidable stretch of talus. When the inevitable rock hop started leveling out, another vast, flat region was ahead. Beyond it, what appeared to be the last significant climb to the summit region was in sight.

Facing the rock hop at the **upper end of the long lane of tundra**. Photo looks N.

**Summit region** (R) from the **start of the next plain**. Photo looks N.

Another peek back at **Peak 3850** (Center). Photo looks S.

Exactly where the best route across this next bench might be was hard to say. Continuing N, the rock hop went on for a while before leading to another plain of tundra. Although very large, this one wasn’t quite as big as the first one had been. While there were still wet spots and damp regions, it soon became apparent that most of the tundra was drier here.

I guess we can just stick with the tundra as much as possible, Loopster.

Whatever you prefer, SPHP. Makes no difference to me.

Entering the **second tundra plain**. Photo looks N.

Crossing this second plain, Lupe accidentally scared up 6 ptarmigans. A nice waterhole provided her with a drink.

Hitting the sauce at the **best waterhole**. Photo looks WNW.

This second plain led to another steep talus rise at its N end. It wasn’t as big as the mound separating the first two benches, but still a significant climb. Above it, Lupe encountered a third large bench, most of which was rockier and even drier.

Yet another steep talus slope was in sight at the end of this third bench. It was clearly much steeper toward the E, and easier to the W, where two trails, presumably made by caribou, were visible. The trail farthest W looked the most distinct and longest, so Lupe headed for it.

On the **third bench**. **Two caribou trails** visible toward the L. Photo looks N.

Taking a break before heading up the **best caribou trail** (Center). Photo looks N.

A rocky start got the American Dingo to the caribou trail, which wasn’t really all that steep. Lupe followed this trail a long way on relatively gentle slopes, eventually reaching a continuous lane of tundra that she kept following higher.

Upon reaching a region of more tundra and less rock, the trail faded completely away. Glancing back to the S, Lupe now had a spectacular view of the 3 benches she’d already crossed far below.

**Above the caribou trail**, looking back at the **3 lower tundra benches** (far L to Center). Photo looks SW.

The slope eventually leveled out again. Across another plain, a smaller talus rise was ahead. Lupe climbed it, too, heading NNE as she entered a world of talus almost completely devoid of vegetation.

Crossing the **fourth plain**. Photo looks NNE.

The **world of talus**. Photo looks NNE.

Can’t be too much farther now, Looper. We’re entering the summit region.

It’s enormous too, SPHP! Look at how much farther it keeps going!

I know, but we’ll get there, Loop. Might be world champion rock hoppers by then, but we’ll get there.

Whatever you do, don’t twist your ankle, SPHP, or we’ll never get out of here.

The talus was of moderate size, and since most of the territory ahead was otherwise nearly flat, SPHP managed to maintain a semi-decent rock hopping pace as Lupe explored at will. Even up here, some tundra existed, with routes toward the W often offering the easiest terrain.

Already high on the mountain, SPHP kept expecting to see the top ahead as Lupe continued N climbing a series of small, steep rises separated by flat regions. At last, the American Dingo reached a talus plain that was not only almost perfectly flat, but seemed to have an end to it.

Meanwhile, back to the S, Peak 3850 appeared different from this great height, and smoke in the upper atmosphere was now visibly drifting E from the Yukon into the Northwest Territories.

The Artic apocalypse is renewing its attack, SPHP!

Yeah, looks that way, Looper. We better keep an eye on it.

Going a bit farther N, it suddenly became clear that this talus plain wasn’t entirely flat. A slightly elevated region with a little bump on it was visible at the far end.

A cairn, SPHP!

**North Wright Pass Mountain summit**. Photo looks ENE.

7:07 PM, 57ºF, North Wright Pass Mountain (4,500 ft.) – There were actually 2 cairns, the one the Carolina Dog stood proudly on now, and another one 60 feet away along the precipitous E edge. Either cairn, or any of a jillion other rocks at about the same elevation, might have been the site of the true summit, but this was good enough for Dingo work.

SPHP shook Lupe’s paw.

North Wright Pass Mountain! Congratulations, Loopster! We made it, and under such fine conditions, too!

Couldn’t let a day like this go to waste, now could we, SPHP?

Although the cairn along the E edge would have had the best views, the cairn Lupe was at had one great advantage entirely lacking elsewhere – a patch of tundra right beside it where Lupe could lie down in comfort.

**Peak 4700** (L of Center) from **North Wright Pass Mountain**. Photo looks NNE.

**Peak 4437** (R of Center). Photo looks NE with help from the telephoto lens.

Impossible to miss, a bright red cloth box or pouch with a zippered top was lying upside down near the cairn. SPHP had a look at it, while Lupe relaxed on her tundra cushion.

A testament to how hot and dry this Summer of 2023 Artic apocalypse had been, despite being out in the open, the red box was completely dry. White lettering on the exterior said “Emergency First Aid”. The zipper didn’t work very well, but upon getting the pouch open, SPHP found that it actually was full of potentially useful items in a pinch.

**Sealed first aid kit**, presumably containing bandages and the like.

**Prestige emergency thermal reflective polypropylene blanket**.

Several packages of **Lemon-Lime Gatorade** were in the pouch. Just add water!

Tube of **Nunn grape-flavored effervescent electrolyte supplement tablets**.

A closer look at the **Nunn tablets label**.

All of the first aid supplies were in perfect condition. Returning them to the red pouch, SPHP zippered it shut again, then placed it in a nook at the base of the cairn for the next visitor in need. Lupe was now looking mighty comfortable, dozing in the sunshine nearby.

Basking in the sunshine. Photo looks NNE.

Sorry to disturb you, Loopster, but I happen to have chocolate coconut bar in the pack. Don’t suppose you would be interested in splitting it with me, would you?

Suddenly the American Dingo was wide awake. She’d had only a few pieces of beef jerky, passed out during short breaks on the way up the mountain.

If I must, I must! Bring it on, SPHP!

Like all chocolate coconut bars, this one met with instant annihilation.

We need to keep going, Loop. There’s something we ought to see.

Go where, SPHP?

To the N end of the summit plain, Looper, or at least as far as we need to go to get the best view.

Beyond the cairn, the rocky plain extended another 500 feet farther N. Toward the far end, Lupe began losing a little elevation before reaching a sharp edge. Beyond a region of green lowlands among hills and ridges of dark-colored rock, 2 mountains of nearly equal height stood out, blue amid a smoky haze.

**Peak 1220M** (L foreground), **Peak 1520M** (Center), **Mount Sittichinli** (R of Center), **Peak 1402M** (R). Photo looks N.

Mount Sittichinli (5,165 ft.) and Peak 1520M, SPHP!

That’s right, Loop. Thought we would never see them again, but there they are, one more time, on the horizon! I started catching glimpses of them on the way up, and knew we just had to come here. Such a fabulous view of so much of the territory we traveled through the last couple of days!

It was an epic journey, SPHP! I’ll never forget it. Look! There’s Peak 1220M. We’re way above it. And off to the R (E) there’s Peak 1402M, where we first saw Mount Sittichinli.

Yup, we can see many of the passes we went over, too, Loopster. Recognize that tan gash beyond the first range of hills?

Of course! That’s where the stream was that we followed on the way back.

**Peak 1520M** (L), **Mount Sittichinli** (R). Photo looks N with help from the telephoto lens.

Zoomed in on **Mount Sittichinli** (L) and **Peak 1402M** (near hill on R). Photo looks N.

Having visited Mount Sittichinli only yesterday morning, and spent two whole days getting there and back again, the view from this height was enlightening, mesmerizing, sublime. For a while, Lupe and SPHP both stood staring N, scarcely able to turn away.

Yet there was more to be seen up here. Looking NE into the Northwest Territories, remote peaks beckoned from beautiful, unspoiled territories the Carolina Dog still hadn’t explored.

**Peak 4700** (R) on the horizon. Photo looks NE.

**Peak 4437** (R of Center). **Dempster Highway** (below) leading to Inuvik. Photo looks NE.

No doubt North Wright Pass Mountain would have offered spectacular views of an enormous expanse of territory off to the W, too. Not today, though. The Yukon remained a land of mystery hidden by the wildfire smoke of the Arctic apocalypse.

6:41 PM, N end of North Wright Pass Mountain (4500 ft.) – SPHP checked the iPhone.

Battery is down to 11% charge, Loop. I’m going to turn the GPS track off so we don’t run it completely out.

Why is it so low already, SPHP?

Because I didn’t get it fully charged this morning, Looper. The battery was at only 56% when we set out, and I haven’t been using our point to point system. Just left the GPS track on all this time. We can still take a few photos on the way back. Want to know something funny? We’ve actually got one bar of service up here. Need to call anyone? Here’s your chance!

I never call anybody, SPHP. You know that. The only reason you’ve got any service is because of that microwave tower back at Wright Pass.

Oh, yeah. You must be right, Loopster. Anyway, I suppose we should start heading back pretty soon.

After a long final look N back at Mount Sittichinli and all the amazing territory she’d so recently explored, the Carolina Dog was on her way.

**Peak 1520M** (L of Center) & **Mount Sittichinli** (Center) from **North Wright Pass Mountain**. Photo looks N.

On the way back to the summit cairns, Lupe stayed near the E edge, where she could enjoy the fabulous views of the Northwest Territories.

**Dempster Highway** and **Peak 4437** (L). Photo looks E.

Same spot with help from the telephoto lens. **Peak 4437** (L). Photo looks E.

Returning to the cairns. **E edge cairn** (L), **emergency first aid cairn** (R). Photo looks S.

8:19 PM – More than 70 minutes after the American Dingo first reached the cairn with the red box containing emergency first aid, Lupe stood near the E edge cairn looking down on the Dempster Highway. A region of small lakes in front of a range of low hills was beyond it.

North Wright Pass Mountain has been a huge success, Sweet Puppy! So glad we did this, but you know how it is.

Onward! Puppy, ho time, SPHP?

Precisely!

Across the countless rocks of the talus fields, and along many lanes of tundra, Lupe led the way on a fantastic, fun return. As she journeyed S, the smoke in the Yukon began moving away from the Northwest Territories border, retreating SW.

Maybe this was the Arctic apocalypse’s last gasp, SPHP?

Oh, I hope so, Loopster. Wouldn’t it be nice to have beautiful, clear skies from now on?

Once back down to the big tundra benches, Lupe began making forays out to the E edge, searching for a way down to the elusive route SPHP originally intended to take up the mountain. After several attempts, she eventually found one.

**North Wright Pass Mountain** (R) during the return. Photo looks N.

It all went well. Lupe had a marvelous time. On the road leading back to the Dempster Highway from the microwave tower, exhibiting a huge burst of energy, the Carolina Dog raced back and forth along the road multiple times, showing off how fast she could run.

Holy giant deers, Loopster! Wish I felt like that. How do you do it? Think I’m going to need a day or two off. My paws are feeling a bit sore, yet after 3 consecutive days roaming the mountains, you’re like we’re just setting out!

Life in the mountains is good for you, SPHP! You’ll see, once your paws toughen up.

SPHP’s paws weren’t ever going to be as tough as Lupe’s, but no doubt she was right about the benefits of a wonderful life in the mountains.

9:51 PM, Dempster Highway pullout at Wright Pass – Back in the nick of time! The mountaintops were in the clouds as Lupe reached the RAV4, and fog soon hid absolutely everything from view. No matter! Safe in the RAV4, Lupe and SPHP feasted on California Girl spicy sardines and Ritz crackers. The ravenous Carolina Dog loved it, and after having her fill, was soon snoozing comfortably on her pink blanket.

North Wright Pass Mountain really had been awesome, and what a thrill it had been to see Mount Sittichinli again! Yet this was supposed to have been a rest day, and as SPHP tried to join Lupe in Dingo Dreamland, SPHP’s right paw insisted that tomorrow had better be one.

**Peak 1520M** & **Mount Sittichinli** from **North Wright Pass Mountain**, Richardson Mountains, Yukon & Northwest Territories Border, Canada 8-11-23

Links:

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Lupe’s Scrollable GPS Track

Dempster Highway Travelogue

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Mount Sittichinli, Richardson Mountains, Yukon Territory, Canada – Part 3: Base Camp to the Summit (8-10-23)

The wee hours, Yukon Territory/Northwest Territories border – The wind blew most of the night. In Lupe’s tiny house, SPHP shivered despite the mild temperatures of the ongoing Arctic apocalypse.

The Carolina Dog was unfazed. A couple of times she wanted out into the wind on a night that never got completely dark. SPHP watched her dim form sniffing and wandering nearby. Each time Lupe returned, SPHP wrapped her red sleeping bag over her, then tried to sleep.

5:13 AM – The wind had abated somewhat, blowing with less vigor now from out of the E. Even though the sun was nowhere to be seen, it was already quite light out.

Rise and shine, Looper! Summit day is here!

Bleary-eyed after her dead-of-night adventures, the American Dingo was now reluctant to leave the comfort of her red sleeping bag.

The smoke is even worse than it was yesterday, SPHP.

I know. It’s a shame. We aren’t going to get to see much at all. However, if it weren’t for the Arctic apocalypse, we probably wouldn’t even be here. Just think, with any of your usual Dingo good luck, Loopster, we’ll stand atop Mount Sittichinli (5,165 ft.) this very morning!

We’re that close, SPHP?

Oh, yeah! We’re only 1 km SE of the summit, Loop, although our route to it will inevitably be somewhat longer.

SPHP regretted drinking both strawberry Equates yesterday. Breakfast was quick and skimpy – water, trail mix, and a bit of beef jerky shared with Lupe, who also had Taste of the Wild.

In the cool morning breeze, Lupe watched as SPHP packed everything up, then stashed the tiny house and both sleeping bags beneath a nearby overhanging rock.

Alrighty, let’s see if we can actually manage to do this, Loopster. Onward! Puppy, ho!

Leaving the spot where her tiny house had stood only moments ago, Lupe began climbing NE along a broad ramp of tundra below the nearby talus ridge.

Lupe left base camp traveling along the **wide tundra ramp** at R. Photo looks NNE.

Steadily gaining elevation along the ramp, the talus ridge looming above it kept pace. Strewn with rocks, the tundra ramp kept going. Exactly where Lupe ought to turn NW to attack the talus ridge wasn’t clear, but after gaining roughly 200 feet of elevation, the American Dingo began turning toward it, abandoning the ramp for a steeper slope.

A glance back toward the **base camp region** during a breather and map check after gaining a fair amount of elevation. **1360M+ ridge** (Center) Lupe traveled the prior day. Photo looks S.

Amid increasing amounts of talus, Lupe got high enough to see hills along the ridge running NE to Peak 1480M, the most distant mountain visible in the smoky haze in that direction. From up here, it was clear that the ramp Lupe had just left would have ultimately taken her over that way.

**Peak 1480M** (Center) on the edge of vision. Photo looks NE.

Turning NW as the last of the tundra gave way to large slabs of talus at various angles, Lupe scrambled up a very steep slope.

Scrambling up the **talus ridge**. Photo looks WNW.

7:16 AM – Finally reaching the top of the steepest wall above her, Lupe emerged upon a huge flat region hundreds of feet across. Completely covered with rocks, the entire plain rose slightly toward the E. Off to the WNW, a significantly higher, very steep-sided ridge drew SPHP’s eye.

Congratulations, Loopster! Welcome to Hill 1520M.

Thank you, SPHP! Are we looking at what I think we’re looking at?

Yes, indeed, Sweet Puppy! That’s Mount Sittichinli (5,165 ft.)!

**Mount Sittichinli** (L) from **Hill 1520M**. Photo looks NW.

The sight of Mount Sittichinli so near was both thrilling, and somewhat concerning due to how steep it looked.

Before we go over there and learn our expedition’s fate, let’s have a look around from Hill 1520M, Loop. Won’t take long.

Fine with me, SPHP.

Strolling SW along Hill 1520M‘s sharp edge, the 1360M+ ridge Lupe had followed to base camp yesterday evening was due S. A higher point was visible much farther SSE.

What mountain is that, SPHP?

We were there yesterday, Loopster.

Oh, of course! Peak 1402M!

**Peak 1402M** (L of Center), and the **1360M+ ridge** (R) from **Hill 1520M**. Photo looks S.

Wandering clear over to Hill 1520M‘s E end, Lupe had another look at the hills along the broad ridge leading to Peak 1480M.

**Peak 1480M** (Center) in the distance. Photo looks NE.

Wow! If we had just stuck with our tundra ramp, we could have come up Hill 1520M this way, SPHP. Farther, but looks a lot easier.

Believe you’re right, Loop. Quite a view, isn’t it? Makes me want to just keep going, exploring it all.

First things first, SPHP. It’s Mount Sittichinli time!

Absolutely, Loopster! Let’s head that way.

The topo maps all showed a nearly flat plain with only a modest dip along it leading to Mount Sittichinli from Hill 1520M. As Lupe headed that way, the lowest area wasn’t visible at first. When it did come into view, all doubts were dispelled – the American Dingo faced nothing but gently sloping terrain the rest of the way to Mount Sittichinli’s base.

However, another view was bugging SPHP.

See that mountain W of Mount Sittichinli, Loop?

Yes, of course. What about it, SPHP?

Heading for **Mount Sittichinli** (Center), **Peak 1520M** (L). Photo looks WNW.

According to the map, that’s Peak 1520M, Loopster, the same peak that I originally thought was Mount Sittichinli when we first saw them from Peak 1402M.

Easy to see why, SPHP. It’s nearly as high as Mount Sittichinli. Maybe even higher!

Precisely my point, Looper. We’re just leaving Hill 1520M, which means that according to the map we’re already as high as that mountain W of Sittichinli.

Ridiculous, SPHP! We’re nowhere near as high here as that mountain is. Your maps are just plain wrong.

Exactly, so when we get to Mount Sittichinli’s summit, we’re going to have to take a serious look at “Peak 1520M“, Loopster. If it looks any higher than Sittichinli, we really ought to try to climb it, too.

Oh, so we’re back to that now, SPHP? Climbing both peaks?

Yes. And if we can, why not? I’m not at all sure it’s even possible, Looper. Remember that cliffy region we saw from Peak 1402M on Peak 1520M‘s E slope? We may not stand a chance of getting past it.

**Peak 1520M** (L) and **Mount Sittichinli** (Center) from **Peak 1402M** yesterday. Photo looks NNW.

Always something! The thought that Lupe might climb Mount Sittichinli, the only named peak, and clearly the highest point shown on the maps anywhere in this region, only to later have some expert declare, with justification, that Peak 1520M was actually higher, was annoying. Best to climb both peaks, to be sure the Carolina Dog would get full credit.

Progress was otherwise swift and joyful across the rocky plain. As Lupe approached Mount Sittichinli, SPHP abandoned these negative thoughts to confront the problem at paw.

Approaching **Mount Sittichinli** (Center). Photo looks WNW.

Cliffs along the entire upper S face instantly ruled out any attempt to climb it from that direction. Portions of the surprisingly narrow E ridge also featured minor cliff bands separated by impossibly steep sections.

Another look with help from the telephoto lens. Photo looks WNW.

Let’s swing around to NE, Looper. That shoulder doesn’t look as bad. Maybe we can get a look at the N face?

Aiming for the NE shoulder of the mountain, SPHP was encouraged as Lupe climbed to a minor high point. A region of moderately sloping scree connected it to Mount Sittichinli’s NE flank. However, what could be seen of Sittichinli’s N face was not at all encouraging.

Approaching the **minor high point along the NE shoulder**. Photo looks NNW.

This might be our only shot right here, Loop. Maybe we can scramble up? Might as well give it a go.

What came next was a bolt out of the blue, the last thing on earth SPHP expected.

There’s a trail, SPHP.

What? Impossible! The American Dingo hadn’t seen the slightest sign of human activity at all since shortly after leaving the Dempster Highway yesterday morning. Not a single foot print, not the tiniest bit of trash. Lupe had traveled mile after mile through unspoiled wilderness. And now in one of the remotest places she’d ever been, well N of the Arctic Circle in the Richardson Mountains near the Yukon Territory/Northwest Territories border, suddenly there was a trail up Mount Sittichinli?

So, are you coming, or not, SPHP?

On the **steep trail** leading up the **NE side of the mountain**. Photo looks WNW.

Of course! I’ll be right there. Lead on, Sweet Puppy!

The trail was plenty steep in spots, not so bad in others, but so distinct and continuous that it was clear this was no game trail. Humans had been here. The trail wound up Mount Sittichinli’s E ridge, staying N of the cliff bands. Lupe climbed and climbed, but more rock formations kept appearing above. SPHP sometimes had to use hands, but none of the route was at all scary.

The trail eventually played out amid talus. Lupe had already gained a lot of elevation. 200 feet? The top couldn’t be much higher.

Heading for another **higher knob amid the talus**. Photo looks W.

After reaching yet another knob of rock, suddenly the way forward wasn’t nearly as steep. Bounding over the talus, Lupe headed W.

Near the top, **heading W in search of the summit**. Photo looks W.

On the way up, the sky had generally been tinged with blue. The smoke wasn’t as bad as it had been early on. However, as Lupe passed S of an 8 to 10 foot high wall of rock along the N edge, suddenly smoke poured in from the NE, driven like a thick fog by the wind.

Ahead, somewhat beyond the rock wall, a large cairn was visible.

**Summit cairn** (R of Center) beyond the **wall of rock** (R). Photo looks W.

**Mount Sittichinli summit**. Photo looks E.

8:10 AM, Mount Sittichinli (5,165 ft.) – Amid the Arctic apocalypse, smoke streaming by her on a 15-20 mph NE wind, Lupe stood next to the summit cairn, the sun a mere bright spot in the gray sky. With visibility at only 100-150 feet, there were no views at all beyond the immediate summit region. Even so, SPHP was ecstatic.

Loopster! We’re here. I can’t believe it! Congratulations, Sweet Puppy! Mount Sittichinli!

Despite the smoke, it seemed the most wonderful thing ever. SPHP heaped praise on the American Dingo.

Mount Sittichinli’s summit region consisted almost entirely of a jumble of talus. After a congratulatory pawshake, a retreat was made to the only refuge in sight. 20 feet S of the summit cairn and 15 feet below it, a lone level spot covered with tiny rocks was at the bottom of a depression surrounded by talus. This spot was just big enough for the Carolina Dog to curl up on in relative comfort.

During a long rest break, the air was filled with the strong acrid scent of the wildfire smoke constantly sweeping by. It was impossible to tell if there were any clouds in the sky. Even the sun had vanished completely, reappearing only briefly now and then as a powerless, pale white ghost.

If Mount Sittichinli is such a fabulous achievement, it must be chocolate coconut bar time, SPHP!

No doubt about it, Loopster. Hang on just a moment.

Lupe watched in disbelief as SPHP emptied the entire pack. Nothing.

You didn’t bring one, did you, SPHP? Our most daring and ambitious Arctic adventure ever, and you didn’t bring a single chocolate coconut bar.

Loopster, I swear! I was sure I brought one. We didn’t eat it already somewhere along the way, did we?

Nice try, SPHP.

Whatever the truth of the matter, SPHP was no magician. Lupe had to settle for beef jerky, an eagerly accepted Dingo-approved substitute. Other than that, it was Taste of the Wild and water for her, water and more boring trail mix for SPHP.

The unexpected trail up the steep NE face of the mountain was not the only sign of human activity. Human junk littered the talus around the depression – miscellaneous pieces of metal, plus an assortment of cables, wires, bolts, screws, and nuts. SPHP loaded a fraction of this debris into the pack for disposal later, latching onto a 1.25″ long bolt with attached rusty nut for a different purpose.

How about we keep this bolt as a Mount Sittichinli souvenir, Looper?

Good idea, SPHP! You can add it to my collection of rocks, and odds and ends from special places.

Guess I should have realized that people had been up here before, Loop. Some of the topo maps show a survey benchmark.

We should try to find it, SPHP! A photo of the marker with a “Sittichinli” stamp would be an awesome souvenir, too.

Returning to the summit cairn, no survey benchmark was evident on any of the nearby rocks.

Back at the **summit cairn**. Photo looks ESE.

Heading E to check out other high points in competition for the title of true summit didn’t turn up any benchmark, either. Disappointing!

10,000 different rocks the survey benchmark might be on up here, Loop. Since it doesn’t seem to have been placed in an obvious spot, our chances of finding it aren’t very good, even if it’s still actually here somewhere.

Let’s check out the region W of the cairn, SPHP.

That area wasn’t quite as high, but why not? Intending to go no farther than about 100 feet W of the cairn, SPHP joined the Carolina Dog in a cursory inspection of rocks in a field of countless possibilities as the summit ridge widened out. After going 100 feet, still no benchmark.

But there was something else.

Someone built a deck up here, SPHP!

Dimly seen through the never-ending smoke, roughly another 100 feet W down a gradually descending talus slope, a square wooden platform was in sight.

Not exactly a deck, Looper, but similar. That’s a helicopter pad!

On the **Mount Sittichinli helicopter pad**. Photo looks SW.

20 feet long on each side, the Mount Sittichinli helicopter port was sturdy, stable, and perfectly level.

Wow! You sly dog, SPHP! How did you manage to keep this a secret from me for so long? This is going to be the most exciting end to an adventure ever! When does the next chopper arrive?

Sadly, never, silly Dingo! If I’d arranged transportation for us, do you think I would have left your tiny house and both of our sleeping bags stashed beneath the overhanging rock when we left base camp? The only reason this helicopter pad is here is because there must have been a fire lookout tower on Mount Sittichinli once upon a time.

A stroll around the perimeter of the helicopter pad revealed nothing of note nearby other than a discarded aluminum can that SPHP threw into the pack, and some other junk that’s still on the mountain. Not only no survey benchmark, but far more disappointing to the American Dingo, no helicopter boarding passes with today’s date on them.

9:09 AM, 53ºF – As Lupe stood at a corner of the helicopter pad, smoke still sailing by, SPHP noted a faint path discernable beyond her over the talus. It led back in the direction of Mount Sittichinli’s summit.

The **faint path** (Center) from the **helicopter pad** leading back toward the summit. Photo looks ENE.

Summit hour’s about up, SPHP. Decision time! Earlier you were saying that we needed to climb Peak 1520M, too, in case it was actually higher than Mount Sittichinli. Now or never, isn’t it?

I know, Loop, but it seems fate has decreed that we aren’t going to make the attempt. I’d hoped to better gauge the true situation from here, but with all this smoke, we can’t see a thing. Under these conditions, I don’t think pressing on to Peak 1520M makes much sense.

A change in wind direction might have made a huge difference. Sadly, when hanging around Mount Sittichinli’s summit region for another half an hour still produced no improvement, SPHP’s decision was final.

Last moments near the **summit cairn**. Photo looks N.

9:40 AM, Mount Sittichinli (5,165 ft.) – If anything, the smoke was worse than ever when Lupe started down the mountain the same way she’d come up, abandoning all hopes of ever visiting Peak 1520M.

A final glance back at the **cairn** (L) before departure. Photo looks W.

Descending the **E ridge** on the way back to the trail. Photo looks E.

It was a long way back to the RAV4 at the Dempster Highway, but the route was no longer a mystery, and most of the return was both fun and relatively easy. Stopping by base camp again, SPHP retrieved Lupe’s tiny house and the sleeping bags from beneath the overhanging rock. The American Dingo then headed S along the 1360M+ ridge.

By the time Lupe reached the far end, the smoke situation was greatly improved. Hazy, but Mount Sittichinli was easily discernable again.

**Mount Sittichinli** (L), **Hill 1520M** (Center) from the **1360M+ ridge**. Photo looks N.

Dang. Figures. Guess we should have made an attempt of Peak 1520M, after all, Loop.

Who knew? The world can be a fickle, persnickety place, SPHP.

When Lupe reached Pass 1350M W of Peak 1402M, SPHP paused.

Last chance for a look at Mount Sittichinli, Loopster. Don’t suppose we will ever see it again.

A sad thought, SPHP. Mount Sittichinli was an incredible adventure!

Lupe had a grand time during the return. Leading the way and never tiring, she didn’t climb Peak 1402M again, but did explore the tan gash from Pass 1350M down into the huge valley to the SW, drinking freely from the stream that created the gash. Approaching Pass 1125M, she went right by the tall white stone, which actually was a pretty decent landmark.

The Carolina Dog crossed Pass 990M again, but avoided the unnecessary talus climb to Pass 1110M, staying lower and farther E. This was a much better route than the talus, yet still somewhat rougher terrain than SPHP expected, full of hills and ravines of various sizes that had to be crossed.

10:40 PM, 52ºF, Dempster Highway – The iPhone battery was still 13% charged when SPHP turned off Lupe’s point to point GPS track upon reaching the RAV4.

That system actually worked, Looper. Still have 0.5 bottle of water left, too! It’s almost like we knew what we were doing.

Nice, quite the fluke, but what’s for dinner, SPHP? I’m starving!

A salmon and Ritz crackers celebration ensued, followed promptly by much needed midnight adventures in Dingo Dreamland.