Josh Hilpert – The (Mostly) True Adventures of Lupe

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 230 – Ward Draw & 2K Peak with Rizzo, Buddy & Josh Hilpert (5-19-18)

Start – 7:00 AM, 35°F, at a pond along Long Draw Road (USFS Road No. 209) 0.25 mile SW of the junction with USFS Road No. 196 S of Hanna

Heh, so much for a bright, cheerful morning in May! Yesterday evening thunderstorms severe enough to prompt temporary flash flood warnings had swept through the Black Hills region. A chilly fog now hung in the mountain air at the appointed meeting place.

Lupe’s spirits weren’t dampened at all. She was looking forward to a romp in the hills with Rizzo, Buddy and Josh Hilpert again. Perhaps this weather was only par for the course? The only other time Lupe had gone on an expedition with the Hilperts was on an unseasonably cold early November morning more than six months ago. Not only had there been snow on the ground, but a confusing dense fog to contend with then, too.

By the pond near the start of USFS Road No. 209 (Long Draw Road). Photo looks SW.

Fog hung in the mountain air on this chilly May morning. Photo looks N.

Lupe and SPHP had arrived first, but scarcely a minute went by before the roar of an engine could be heard. Rizzo, Buddy & Josh pulled up in their red Nissan pickup. Lupe barked an excited greeting. Rizzo and Buddy piled out and ran around sniffing eagerly. They were excited, too!

Josh said it had been raining hard earlier in Sturgis. He had almost called SPHP to confer about the situation. Wasn’t raining here, though. Everyone agreed this should be a good day. The fog would just lend an air of mystery to today’s explorations. Chilly as it was, this was nothing compared to how cold it had been back in November.

Josh and his two dogs Rizzo and Buddy arrived within only a minute or two.

After brief preparations, Expedition No. 230 was underway! Everyone headed SSW on Long Draw Road. Buddy and Rizzo led the way, running and sniffing as they pleased. Lupe stuck closer to Josh and SPHP, apparently listening in on the conversation.

The plan was to explore SW up Ward Draw. A branch of the canyon would eventually turn SE, ultimately leading to a line of ridges and hills that could be followed to the day’s ultimate goal, Peak 6701, or as Lupe knew it, 2K Peak.

Lupe had been to 2K Peak once before, more than 5 years ago. That time she had approached it from the Custer Peak (6,804 ft.) area, an entirely different direction. Orange “2K” markers along a nearby USFS road had caused SPHP to nickname the mountain 2K Peak. Hearing this story, Josh thought the orange markers likely designate a snowmobile route, which might well be the case. Didn’t matter, though. As far as Lupe and SPHP were concerned, Peak 6701 was still 2K Peak.

Long Draw Road is a good gravel road. A mile went by quickly, and led to a fork. The expedition left Long Draw Road here, taking much more primitive USFS Road No. 209.1A instead.

At the start of USFS Road No. 209.1A leading farther into **Ward Draw**. Photo looks S.

A short trek on USFS Road No. 209.1A led to a couple of ponds. Perhaps they were old beaver ponds? No beavers seemed to be around now.

Old beaver ponds near the start of USFS Road No. 209.1A. Photo looks NE.

Farther on, a large gash appeared on a mountainside to the E. A huge, ugly jumble of deadfall timber covered the area below this gash. Josh speculated that the gash may have been the result of old mining or quarry work?

A tributary of East Spearfish Creek flowing down Ward Draw was more scenic. No. 209.1A was sometimes quite close to it. Lupe stopped briefly at some of the nicer spots along the stream. An 8 foot waterfall was found at one spot, but was rather inaccessible due to the forest.

Lupe and Rizzo in **Ward Draw** along a tributary of East Spearfish Creek.

An 8 foot waterfall immediately downstream of this spot wasn’t easily accessible.

Buddy strolls past Lupe while Josh contemplates something near the stream.

Josh told several interesting tales. One was about seeing a rare snowy owl near Green Mountain (7,164 ft.). Another was about a girl he knew who had recently been snake bit after stepping on a rattlesnake while descending Bear Butte (4,422 ft.). Only a week before, Rizzo and Buddy had each had their own close encounters with a different rattler.

Going up Ward Draw the expedition was gradually gaining elevation. Lingering in dark recesses of the forest, patches of hail from last night’s storm were becoming increasingly common. The hailstones were all marble-sized or less.

Lupe by patches of hail remaining from last night’s storm.

After a little while, a dilapidated shack appeared L (SE) of the road. A mostly downed barbed wire fence surrounded the general area. Josh, Rizzo and Buddy went over to check out the shack, but Lupe and SPHP were leery of the barbed wire. Josh reported back that the shack’s floor was rotted out. The stream could be seen flowing right beneath it.

Meanwhile Lupe and SPHP had spotted a horizontal red wheel about 50 feet downstream. The red wheel appeared to control flow from a culvert below it. Water gushed from the culvert, but no surface stream was seen between the shack and the culvert. The stream was being diverted from beneath the shack to the culvert. The reason for such an arrangement was a mystery.

Buddy (L) and Rizzo (R) explore the mystery of the dilapidated shack.

Buddy (L) and Rizzo (R) didn’t volunteer any conclusions from their investigation.

As the expedition continued up Ward Draw, the canyon floor gradually narrowed. A barbed wire fence in poor condition appeared between the road and the creek.

The canyon narrows on the way up **Ward Draw**. USFS Road No. 209.1A is still present on the R. Fence posts for a barbed wire fence in poor condition are seen beyond Josh. Photo looks SW.

The barbed wire fence went on and on. USFS Road No. 209.1A began to deteriorate rapidly. Eventually there were two barbed wire fences, one on each side of the stream. By then the road had vanished.

Eventually the road vanished. Here there were two barbed wire fences, one on each side of the stream. Photo looks SW.

The double fenced area didn’t extend any great distance. The fences met and ended near a pile of debris. Springs immediately beyond the fences were the source of the stream. Past this area Ward Draw was dry.

Rizzo (R) and Buddy (Center) where the stream begins. Farther up the rest of the canyon was dry. Photo looks SW.

Ward Draw remained quite narrow for some distance. Fortunately, the canyon did not end abruptly, nor was it choked with deadfall. A game trail provided a convenient path forward. Less fortunately, forest hid details of the canyon’s structure. An expected “T” where Ward Draw splits did not materialize. Had it been missed? Between the forest and the fog, it was hard to tell.

Josh consulted a couple of compasses without learning much. The NW side of the canyon wasn’t nearly as high as before. It would have been easy enough to climb up and out of Ward Draw, but it seemed best to stay in the canyon as long as a route through was open.

The expected “T” in the canyon finally did appear. A second one was reached shortly thereafter. Lupe chose the L branch both times. Ward Draw was taking the expedition SE now, and beginning to widen out again. However, the very bottom of the canyon had become a narrow notch full of deadfall timber. Another path discovered on the L side of the valley stayed higher and avoided most obstacles.

Ward Draw faded away as a canyon, becoming more of a shallow, broad valley. Meadows appeared.

At a meadow in the upper reaches of **Ward Draw**. Photo looks SE.

The maps showed a big power line ahead. It couldn’t be much farther. Sure enough, Lupe did come to it. Just before reaching the power line, a dirt road cut across the upper end of Ward Draw. A map check revealed that this had to be USFS Road No. 206.1A.

Some discussion ensued over whether it would be better to follow No. 206.1A and the power line L (NE) to the top of a nearby ridge now, or to keep going straight SE up the rest of Ward Draw before making the turn. It was decided to keep going SE. After making some progress, a barbed wire fence blocked further advance. Instead of going through the fence, the expedition turned NE.

Another game trail was discovered. 0.25 mile on the faint trail brought everyone up to the top of a broad flat ridge at 6,600 feet elevation. While it seemed like Lupe was on the right track to get to 2K Peak, the fog was denser than ever up here. Visual confirmation was impossible.

Josh and Lupe up on the foggy 6,600 foot elevation ridge. Lupe is right on the faint game trail. Photo looks SE.

The game trail turned SE, which was the right direction. Few obstacles were encountered in the open forest, so progress was rapid. Before long, though, the trail disappeared. So did the ridge. The expedition arrived an edge. The edge wasn’t particularly sharp, but the terrain dropped away steeply enough.

Which way? Hard to tell. There should have been a view here, but nope – nada. The fog was pea soup. This gloomy, confusing spot was quickly dubbed Perplextion Point.

Expedition No. 230 arrives at **Perplextion Point**. Photo looks S?

The air seemed colder than ever. Lupe, Rizzo and Buddy were all wet from roaming in the tall grass. Happily none of them seemed to mind. Both of Buddy’s rear legs were quaking as though he was shivering, but Josh said that was a normal peculiarity for him. Buddy’s rear legs quake even in July.

The faint ghostly outline of a few trees appeared a little to the R (SSW). Those trees appeared to be on slightly higher ground. If Lupe was on the correct ridge, that must be the way to go.

Deadfall timber was abundant as the party progressed along the rim of the high ground. Juniper bushes covered the forest floor. A woven wire fence in poor condition was encountered and crossed. Progress was slow, but there wasn’t much reason to hurry. What good would it do to reach 2K Peak in this fog anyway?

After a 10 or 15 minute march, a halt was called at a large log. May as well stop for lunch! Lupe had been to Grandma’s house yesterday, and Grandma had provided her with a supply of fried chicken and chocolate chip cookies from Safeway. Loop had enough to share with Rizzo, Buddy and Josh. Everyone agreed that fried chicken and chocolate chip cookies hit the spot. The large log was dubbed “the cafeteria”.

Josh, Rizzo and Loop at “the cafeteria” log. Photo looks S.

The trek SE through the forest resumed. Maybe stopping for lunch had been a good idea. After going down one slope and up another, suddenly the day seemed brighter. The fog wasn’t as dense as a little while ago.

*Oh, don’t worry! We’ll find 2K Peak. Doesn’t seem as foggy out now. Maybe we’ll be able to see something soon?*

Suddenly it became clear the fog really was dissipating. It all happened very quickly. Although the sky remained overcast, a ridge could be seen back to the N. Within minutes, Custer Peak (6,804 ft.) was in sight!

A little after lunch, the fog suddenly dissipated. Within minutes, Custer Peak (L) was in sight! Photo looks NE.

Two hills could now be seen ahead. One of them was probably 2K Peak. The whole expedition hurried on toward the closest hill. When rock outcroppings began appearing in the forest, SPHP took it as an encouraging sign. However, the rocks soon played out. The hill flattened. No, this wasn’t 2K Peak.

Toward the SE end of the first hill, Lupe started losing elevation. The shattered remains of a forest were seen on even lower ground ahead.

At the SE end of the first hill. Photo looks S.

Two nearby hills could be seen from here. One was to the ENE, the other to the ESE. The ESE hill was highest and a bit farther away. This was the same more distant hill everyone had seen not too long ago. Lupe and SPHP were virtually certain it had to be 2K Peak.

A valley had to be crossed to get there. Heading straight toward the mountain proved to be a mistake. The deadfall was terrible! Josh had purchased new hiking poles recently, and found them to be extremely useful. SPHP was glad to have the hiking poles gifted by Jobe Wymore last summer. Lupe and Buddy navigated the deadfall fairly easily, but an old leg injury made getting over all the dead trees difficult for Rizzo.

Once past the deadfall, only an easy climb to the summit remained.

Beyond the deadfall, Josh and Buddy pause on the way up the next hill to examine a rock for fossils. Lupe had followed the forested ridge seen on the L on the way here. Photo looks NW.

Yes! This was it! 2K Peak! Even though Lupe hadn’t been here in more than 5 years, there was no doubt about it.

The whole party arrived at the top of 2K Peak at the brightest part of the afternoon. While many Black Hills peaks, even some of the highest ones, have little to offer in the way of views due to dense forests, Lupe knew all along that 2K Peak wouldn’t disappoint. Josh was impressed with the sweeping panoramas in most directions.

Rizzo take a break while Josh & Lupe pose at the summit. Photo looks S.

2K Peak’s gently rounded summit ridge was about 150 feet long. The top was mostly open ground covered with small rocks interspersed with short vegetation. A depression in the limestone existed near the NE end. The NW side of the ridge was forested, but the views were great in every other direction.

Buddy explores the depression in the limestone at the NE end of the summit ridge while Loop looks on. Josh and Rizzo are in the background close to the true summit. Photo looks SW.

**Custer Peak** (L) from the NE end of **2K Peak**‘s summit ridge. Photo looks NE.

**Terry Peak (7,064 ft.)** (Center) from **2K Peak**. Photo looks N.

Josh joins Lupe for a look at **Custer Peak** (R). Photo looks NE.

Rizzo relaxing on **2K Peak**. Getting through all that deadfall timber had been tough!

Five years ago Lupe had climbed 2K Peak from the S. The Carolina Dog had come upon some interesting limestone formations at the upper SW end of the mountain. These formations were somewhat lower than the summit ridge, but Rizzo, Buddy and Josh ought to get to see them. Loop led the way over there.

Lupe and Rizzo at the highest of the limestone outcroppings SW of 2K Peak’s summit. **White Tail Peak (6,962 ft.)** is the distant ridge R of Center. Photo looks SSW.

Josh, Buddy and Rizzo at the SW high point. **White Tail Peak** is now on the L. Photo looks SW with a little help from the telephoto lens.

Josh and **White Tail Peak** (L). Photo looks SW.

Looper and Josh strike dramatic poses. Photo looks E.

Buddy (Center) and Rizzo (L) were feeling more sleepy than dramatic. Photo looks NE.

The Carolina Dog was actually ready for a break, too. The forested ridge on the horizon beyond her is **Peak 6820**. Photo looks SW.

A separate limestone platform stood alone below the highest limestone formations. It was only 8 or 10 feet high, but was another great vantage point. Lupe and SPHP went down to the lower platform. Josh looked even more dramatic now up at the crest of the upper formations.

Josh still at the crest of the upper formation. Photo looks N.

Josh might make quite a mountaineering name for himself among those who confuse **2K (6,701 ft.)** with **K2 (28,261 ft.)**, the world’s 2nd highest mountain!

Loopster on the lower limestone platform. **Black Elk Peak (7,231 ft.)** (Center) is on the horizon.

Another look with help from the telephoto lens. **Black Elk Peak** is now on the R. Photo looks SE.

Josh, Buddy and Rizzo decided to try out the lower limestone platform, too. Buddy got partway up, and Josh made it to the top. Rizzo couldn’t climb it at all. Poor dejected Rizzo stood at the base of the formation whimpering for Josh to come back down.

Josh, Buddy & Rizzo try climbing the lower limestone platform with varying degrees of success. Photo looks SE.

Buddy might have been able to get to the top, but maybe didn’t feel as comfortable as Josh way up there? Rizzo wasn’t thrilled with the experience at all, though Josh seemed to enjoy it.

Two hours had gone by since leaving the cafeteria log. A second rest break was in order. This time Josh doled out genuine beef jerky and Cliff Bars. Everyone enjoyed relaxing on the hillside.

Eventually the time arrived to bid farewell to 2K Peak. The entire party returned to the summit for a final appreciative look around.

*Yes, we all made it to the top of 2K Peak! Good thing the fog vanished permitting us to enjoy these splendid views!* Lupe by what passed for a summit cairn. Photo looks SSE.

Rizzo, Buddy & Josh back at the summit. Photo looks SW.

The return trip was one of discoveries! First, Josh promptly discovered an ant metropolis high up on 2K Peak’s N slope.

A tiny portion of the vast ant metropolis Josh discovered on 2K Peak’s upper N slope.

Next, a much easier route was discovered back to the ridge leading to the power line and Ward Draw. The terrible deadfall timber could be avoided by staying higher up and farther E on the way N, before finally turning W and crossing a saddle.

Rizzo and Josh on the easier deadfall free route. Photo looks SE back at **2K Peak**.

Josh made the third discovery, too – a Morel mushroom! SPHP doesn’t know a thing about mushrooms, but Josh said Morel mushrooms were a delicacy. He only found the one, though, and its stem had been broken before he found it, so this one was no longer fresh.

Josh discovered this Morel mushroom on the return trip. He recognized it as a delicacy, though unfortunately this one wasn’t fresh.

The fourth and most significant discovery was made a little later while traveling the ridge NW. Rizzo was tired and lagging behind. Buddy and Lupe were out front leading the way through the junipers on the forest floor. They made the discovery. SPHP started yelling at them to come back as soon as SPHP saw what it was. Josh began yelling, too.

Lupe returned, but Buddy didn’t at first. Unfortunately, Rizzo charged forward to see what the commotion was all about. What Buddy and Loop had discovered was a skunk. All 3 dogs got sprayed, but Buddy’s situation was by far the worst. For a few minutes, a thick drool dripped from both Buddy’s and Lupe’s mouths. Lupe felt sick. She hid beneath a juniper bush looking perplexed and miserable. Buddy couldn’t have felt any better.

Lupe hides in a juniper bush feeling sick after being sprayed by a skunk.

The fragrant dogs all recovered from the initial shock amazingly fast. Soon everyone was underway again, but the skunk episode had put a real damper on the mood. Josh, especially, was depressed by the notion that he was going to have to spend Saturday night dealing with 2 stinky dogs. No way around it, though. Buddy was just too bad.

All former thoughts of possibly making a loop back exploring the ridge SE of Ward Draw were now rejected. Best to just return to the vehicles as soon as possible along the known route down Ward Draw.

Rizzo again stuck close to Josh, but Buddy and Lupe resumed their joint explorations leading the way. The whole world must have stunk for them now, but surprisingly these partners in putrid both seemed to be having fun again. Maybe they figured the best time to go skunk hunting was when the worst that could happen already had? Thankfully, they didn’t find another one.

6:52 PM, 40°F – Well, it was over. The Expedition No. 230 adventures up Ward Draw to 2K Peak and back would be remembered for some time to come. Certainly wouldn’t be possible to forget them before that odor subsides. After exchanging good-byes with Rizzo, Buddy and Josh, Loop and SPHP headed for home.

At home, SPHP was busy unloading the G6 and turned around to see a sly, innocent-looking Carolina Dog begging for a treat from the neighbors at Dog Heaven. SPHP yelled not to let her in, but it was too late. The stinky Dingo had already dashed inside to claim a prize. She was promptly ejected, but got to keep the treat.

Loop really hadn’t gotten skunked too badly. Buddy had shielded her from the worst of it. SPHP did nothing about it. Loop didn’t even get a bath. For a day, the Carolina Dog slunk around, ears drooping, looking guilty and depressed. She knew her new perfume wasn’t fashionable. By the second day, though, the odor had greatly diminished. By the third day, it was virtually undetectable.

As for how things turned out at the Hilpert household, SPHP hasn’t yet had the courage to inquire. There had been talk of a joint expedition to the Cave Hills in NW South Dakota sometime in the fall. Maybe by then the whole ordeal will all be hilarious? Or maybe not. Interested in how Buddy, Rizzo and Josh fared? A certain American Dingo invites you to tune in again in 6 months!

*As a result of my fabulous adventures in Ward Draw to 2K Peak and back, SPHP says I get to join Skunk Hunters Anonymous now!* *We Dingoes get to do all the fun stuff!* Lupe and Rizzo in Ward Draw on the return.

Lupe treasures collected – 6 aluminum cans, 1 plastic bottle, and several miscellaneous items.

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 214 – The Search for Elk Mountain with Rizzo, Buddy & Josh Hilpert (11-4-17)

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Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 214 – The Search for Elk Mountain with Rizzo, Buddy & Josh Hilpert (11-4-17)

October 21st dawned bright and breezy, the air exceptionally crisp and clear. Puffy white clouds sailed the blue sky. SPHP knew instantly that cancelling had been a mistake, but nothing could be done about it. Yes, this was a breezy day, but nothing approaching the forecast 40+ mph wind gusts would ever materialize.

Lupe’s opportunity to meet new friends had been rescheduled. November 4th arrived, and she was finally on her way! What a day this was, though! Heavily overcast, dark and cold. Only a couple of days ago, the forecast had looked fine. Now this! Again too late to do anything about it. Expedition No. 214 was on, come what may!

At 7:59 AM, with exactly one minute to spare, Lupe arrived at the Latchstring Inn at Savoy in Spearfish Canyon. No sign of Rizzo, Buddy & Josh, yet. No worries, they’d be here soon enough. In the meantime, Lupe went over to take a look at the Spearfish Canyon Lodge.

The Spearfish Canyon Lodge at Savoy normally has wonderful views of some of Spearfish Canyon’s most impressive limestone cliffs. Today it was socked in with fog.

Looper also had time to check out Little Spearfish Creek.

At Little Spearfish Creek. Two of the best waterfalls in the Black Hills are on Little Spearfish Creek. Spearfish Falls is only 20 or 30 feet downstream of where Lupe stands here. Roughlock Falls is less than a mile upstream. Lupe wouldn’t get to see them today.

Rizzo, Buddy & Josh soon arrived. Rizzo and Buddy were so excited about going on an expedition, they weren’t about to hold still for a group photo. Lupe and her new friend, Josh, posed together, though.

Lupe and new friend Josh Hilpert at Savoy in Spearfish Canyon.

The date wasn’t the only thing that had changed for this first outing together. Only a couple of days ago, Plan A’s chosen destination had fallen through. A major disappointment at the time, but now clearly a good thing given the weather.

Josh had expressed interest in any routes Lupe knew of up into the country E of Spearfish Canyon. On prior expeditions Lupe had explored two such routes. Plan B was that Loop would take Rizzo, Buddy and Josh on one of them. Two specific destinations became Expedition No. 214’s objectives – Elk Mountain (6,422 ft.) and the cliffs overlooking Savoy.

Lupe’s route to Elk Mountain started at Annie Creek Road near Elmore, 4 miles up Spearfish Canyon from Savoy. The weather remained cold and heavily overcast, even a bit foggy, but everyone was in good spirits as the trek began. (8:36 AM, 32°F)

Lupe and her new friend Buddy near the start of Annie Creek Road. Photo looks N.

Annie Creek Road went N for 0.75 mile. Upon reaching the side canyon Annie Creek flows down, it turned NE for another 0.75 mile. The snowy road was an easy romp, being nearly level this whole way. It was a good place for everyone to become acquainted.

Lupe wasn’t used to having so much company, but the dogs all got along just fine. Buddy and Rizzo were adventure dogs, too! In fact, Rizzo and Josh have been enjoying their own weekly adventures in the Black Hills even longer than Lupe and SPHP. Buddy wasn’t as experienced in the adventuring business, having only recently joined the Hilpert family. However, it was clear he was relishing his good fortune.

The first big decision came at an intersection 1.5 miles from the start. The only time Lupe had been to Elk Mountain before was nearly 1.5 years ago. Back then, she had taken the road to the L, which went W back to Spearfish Canyon before turning NW. The road stayed level, but ultimately came to two places where old bridges had collapsed. Lupe had made it past the first resulting gap, but not the second. In the end, she’d had to climb a very steep slope, though once on top, this had ultimately proven to be a good direct route to Elk Mountain.

The other option was take the road to the R, which went NE up the Annie Creek valley. Last time, looking for a shortcut back to the G6 late in the day, Lupe had gone down a different steep slope that had brought her into this valley. SPHP remembered it had looked like Lupe could have followed roads all the way down, if she had been willing to take a somewhat longer route.

Nearing the first intersection. A decision would have to be made soon – go L or R? Josh crouches to stay in the photo (which he didn’t have to do). Buddy on the L while Rizzo circles around behind Josh. A familiar furry face out front and center. Photo looks N.

Same spot, but showing better how foggy it was. Josh pats Buddy while Rizzo helps himself to some snow.

It was cold and damp. Ice and snow might make hillsides treacherous. It seemed best to avoid the steep climb up from the road to the L. The decision was made to turn R, following the road up Annie Creek valley.

Another intersection was reached only 0.25 mile farther on. Rizzo and Buddy crossed Annie Creek for a brief exploratory foray on a side road going SE up Lost Camp Gulch. That wasn’t the way to Elk Mountain, though, so they quickly returned.

Buddy (L) & Rizzo (R) return from a brief foray up Lost Camp Gulch. The small stream is Annie Creek. Photo looks SE.

Lupe and SPHP had never been this far up Annie Creek before, but it seemed reasonable to continue on the road following the creek a little farther before looking for a way up onto higher ground to the N. Rizzo, Buddy and Josh had never been here before either, so they simply tagged along.

The road following Annie Creek headed NE, beginning to gain significant elevation above the stream on the way. Eventually a minor side road appeared on the L. It went N up a steep, forested slope. N was the right direction, so the side road seemed like a good way to reach higher ground quickly.

After a steep climb, the side road leveled out as expected. The forest was pretty foggy up here.

Buddy and Lupe on the minor side road once it leveled out. The forest was cold and quite foggy up here. Photo looks NNW?

Elk Mountain couldn’t have been much more than 1.5 miles to the NW as the crow flies from here. Due to the fog, though, the mountain wasn’t in sight. No other landmarks more than a couple hundred feet away could be seen, either. As long as Lupe kept heading N or NW, though, SPHP was confident she would eventually find the mountain.

The minor road eventually faded and curved off in the wrong direction. Lupe and SPHP led everyone N or NW, traversing snowy slopes. The terrain was more convoluted here than where Lupe had been on her first visit to Elk Mountain. Lupe tried to keep gaining elevation, but often she had to lose some. She finally came to a big fence.

Reaching the fence was encouraging! Beyond it were extensive gold mining operations. Lupe had seen them before. She had followed this fence N on her first trip to Elk Mountain. She hadn’t had to follow it more than 0.25 mile before she’d seen a big pond inside the fence. If the American Dingo could find that pond again today, SPHP was certain of the rest of the route to Elk Mountain.

Everyone trudged NW along the fence. The terrain went up and down, but eventually seemed to be going more down than up. On and on, much farther than Lupe had followed the fence the first time. SPHP had expected it to be farther coming this way, but quite a bit of time went by. The pond didn’t materialize. By now it was so foggy Lupe might not even be able to see it.

Why hadn’t the pond appeared? Had the Carolina Dog passed it in the fog? Could it really be this far? Josh and SPHP stopped to consult the topo map and discuss things. The problem was, the topo map SPHP had was old. The mining operations, which had altered a great deal of terrain, were newer and not shown on the map. SPHP knew the mine was SE of Elk Mountain, but only had a general idea of how far SE.

Consulting the map without being able to see some landmark shown on it, was no help. Even more disturbing, it turned out that Josh and SPHP had completely different ideas on what direction Lupe had been going! Knowing the truth about that was sort of important. Critical, one might say.

15 or 20 feet beyond the fence, a mine worker was standing on a knoll. He was busy watching or directing someone else operating a truck or other equipment that could be heard, but wasn’t in sight from outside the fence. Josh suggested asking him where this spot was on the map. Sure, why not?

The miner was friendly, and glad to be of service. He said this was the Wharf Mine. No doubt that was true. Other than that, he was a wealth of misinformation. Before even looking at the topo map, he volunteered that Lupe and company were somewhere between Foley Mountain (6,640 ft.) and Terry Peak (7,064 ft.).

What!? Impossible! If true, Lupe had been going in completely the wrong direction for a long time. Another glance at the map convinced SPHP that couldn’t possibly be right. Lupe would have had to take the road up Lost Camp Gulch to be anywhere close to the area between Foley Mountain and Terry Peak. Rizzo and Buddy had started up that road, but that hadn’t been where everyone had ultimately headed.

Josh and SPHP showed the miner the topo map. He ultimately pointed out a different area ESE of Elk Mountain, and said that was where this place was. That didn’t seem right either, but it wasn’t outlandish. Lupe might not be too far S of there. If so, that was good news.

Nearby, a road headed away from the fence. The miner said to follow it to get to Elk Mountain. Worth a shot, maybe. After thanking the miner for his assistance, everyone took the unmarked road.

The snowy road was fairly level. The forest was foggier than ever. Away from the fence, all sense of direction, accurate or not, was lost. Rizzo, Buddy, Lupe, Josh & SPHP arrived at a fork in the road. Which way? The road to the L led to a hill. The road to the R was level or losing elevation gradually as it disappeared into the fog.

Rizzo in the fog that was threatening to confound Expedition No. 214.

After leaving the fence at the edge of the gold mine behind, Rizzo, Buddy, Lupe and Josh arrive at a fork in the road suggested by the miner. Which way now?

Buddy on the L, Rizzo again behind Josh. In the fog, Lupe was having a hard time even finding Elk Mountain. Photo looks ?

On the vast majority of mountains, the summit is kept at the top. SPHP suggested taking the L fork going up the hill. If Lupe was anywhere on the slopes of Elk Mountain, going up would eventually get everyone to the summit.

The hill proved to be a small one. The road soon leveled out. It began curving to the L, then disappeared beneath a pile of deadfall. In every direction, the terrain sloped down. Gah! SPHP thought higher ground was visible in a small opening between trees off to the R, then became convinced it might only have been fog.

Josh had a compass! He’d mentioned it before. SPHP was completely turned around, so when Josh mentioned the compass again, suddenly it seemed to be the crucial missing link. Was the compass accurate? Josh was convinced it was. According to the compass, this road up the hill had been going W before turning SW.

No one was going to get to Elk Mountain going SW! SPHP still believed the mountain was NW from here, but NW was down a slope. Lupe and SPHP led everyone N off the road, into the forest. The terrain to the N lost elevation, too, but more slowly than going NW would have. It wasn’t long before Lupe was gaining elevation again. SPHP found a road! Yes!

No! Josh had the temerity to point out this was the very same road that had just been left behind. Really? Yeah, really. There were the fresh foot and paw prints. Proof positive. Good grief! Better go back to the fork and try the road to the R. Josh headed off in the wrong direction. Everyone arrived again at the place where the road turned SW and disappeared under the deadfall. Company halt! About face, and march!

Back once again at the fork, the road to the R was the next subject of exploration. After 5 or 10 minutes, a long straight section was reached that stretched ahead as far as could be seen into the foggy forest. What direction was that? Josh checked the compass. The road went W.

This wasn’t going to work either. SPHP was convinced Lupe was still too far S. Going a long way W would only bring everyone to cliffs at Spearfish Canyon. A lot of time was being chewed up wandering all these roads. Best to go back to the fence at the mine, and keep following it as before. If that didn’t work, Expedition No. 214 was doomed to failure. Sad, but true.

The terrain went down at first, as Lupe followed the fence. This didn’t seem right, but she hadn’t gone far when suddenly, there was the pond! It was faintly visible in the fog beyond the fence. Confusion vanished. Lupe was going to get Rizzo, Buddy and Josh to the top of Elk Mountain after all! Puppies, ho! Onward!

After crossing shallow McKinley Gulch, a rough road was reached. This road went NE to an intersection near the upper end of the gulch. A much better road ran E/W here. W was now the way to go! Still unseen, Elk Mountain was only 0.5 mile away.

On the road to success! Looking W on the road near the upper end of McKinley Gulch. Rizzo at Josh’s feet.

The road W soon arrived at another fork. Lupe took the L branch going SW. She followed it looking for one more turn, a driveway on the R. Found it! Gaining elevation all the way, the driveway headed W to the S side of Elk Mountain, then curled all the way around to the mountain’s E and then N slopes.

Rizzo and Buddy charge on ahead. The summit of Elk Mountain wasn’t much farther now! Photo looks NW.

It was only early November, but the top of Elk Mountain was a winter wonderland! Snow, frost, cold and fog. It could have been January, the way things looked and felt.

Lupe, Buddy & Rizzo on the final stretch to the summit. It was only early November, but Elk Mountain was a winter wonderland! Photo looks S.

Due to the fog, the success of the whole expedition had been in doubt for hours, but everyone made it to the top of Elk Mountain (6,422 ft.).

Rizzo next to the playhouse at the summit of Elk Mountain. Rizzo once fell out of a truck at 60 mph, and is lucky to still be able to go exploring the Black Hills. Rizzo is a very experienced Black Hills explorer, and has been many places Lupe’s gone to, plus more besides!

Buddy at the summit. Buddy is a recent addition to the Hilpert clan. Lucky guy! He loves his weekly outings in the Black Hills with Josh and Rizzo. Buddy had one oddity about him. When he stood, one of his back legs would often start quivering and shaking as though he was very cold. Josh says this is normal for Buddy. It happens even when it’s warm out.

Of course, all views from Elk Mountain on this glorious day were hidden in the fog. Right on the summit, though, was a sight that brought cheer to the whole group. Lupe and SPHP had known it was here, but it was a complete and welcome surprise to Rizzo, Buddy & Josh.

At the top of the mountain is a small octagonal structure with 7 windows and a little door. It appears to be a child’s playhouse. Nothing of significance was inside. Hundreds, maybe thousands of dead flies covered the carpeted floor. On this cold, snowy day, that didn’t matter.

The playhouse was unlocked, a little warmer, and much drier than being outdoors. It was just large enough so Rizzo, Buddy, Lupe, Josh & SPHP could all get inside. Everyone got in to rest and warm up a bit. Lupe had water and her usual Taste of the Wild. Rizzo and Buddy tried some Taste of the Wild, too, and found it to their liking.

Josh and Buddy near the octagonal child’s playhouse on Elk Mountain. This structure came as a complete surprise to Rizzo, Buddy & Josh, but they were glad to see it on this cold day.

Of course, Lupe and SPHP had seen the playhouse before. In good weather, it has a fantastic view of the Wharf gold mine. Today, it was just large enough to serve as a shelter for the entire expedition.

Josh and SPHP discussed options for the rest of the day. Unfortunately, it had taken so long to find Elk Mountain, there wasn’t going to be much time for extras. The other original objective for the day, going to the cliffs overlooking Savoy, was out. It would take too long to get there, and nothing would be gained from going to a fabulous viewpoint in the fog, anyway.

Ragged Top Mountain (6,200 ft.) was only 1.25 miles NW, but other than peakbagging for peakbagging’s sake, again there didn’t seem to be any point in the fog. The old townsite of Preston was closer, but consists mainly of a single decaying old building. Not too scintillating. It wasn’t enough of an enticement on such a wintery day.

In the end, no other easily attainable objectives nearby came to mind. Days are short in November, and it was already early afternoon. In this weather it would get dark even earlier than normal. Just getting back to the vehicles was going to take hours.

So once everyone had taken a break and warmed up a little in the charming, dead-fly decorated playhouse, it was time for another look around Elk Mountain’s summit before beginning the journey back.

Josh and Rizzo on Elk Mountain. The weather hadn’t improved any during break time in the playhouse. Photo looks SW.

Josh grasps a post to which a small metal crucifix (not pictured) is attached while Buddy looks on. A certain Black Hills dingo is still in the vicinity, too. Photo looks NNE from near the playhouse.

Rizzo near the crucifix post. Photo looks NNW.

Despite the weather, Lupe’s Elk Mountain guide service had ultimately been fruitful.

With no views to linger for, final inspection of Elk Mountain’s relatively small summit ridge didn’t take much time. Soon the descent through the mountain’s winter wonderland began.

Josh and either Rizzo or Buddy on the upper N slope of Elk Mountain. Photo looks N.

Loopster blends in with the winter wonderland, not too far below the summit yet. Photo looks SSW.

The first part of the journey back was a simple retracement of the ascent. By the time everyone was S of McKinley Gulch, back at the fence on the W side of the Wharf gold mine again, the fog had lifted to a degree. The pond Lupe had been looking for on the way to Elk Mountain was now in clear sight.

On the journey back, the fog lifted to a degree. The pond at the Wharf gold mine was now in view from the fence around the mine. This pond is less than a mile SE of Elk Mountain. Photo looks N.

While heading S from the pond not far from the fence, SPHP saw terrain to the SW that looked familiar. Hadn’t Lupe been over there the first time she went to Elk Mountain? Yes! A quick foray in that direction brought the expedition to a road Lupe had been on before.

From here, it was possible to follow a series of unmarked roads S or SE that ultimately led back down to Annie Creek. The clouds had lifted enough to reveal partial views from a few points along the way.

Josh, Buddy & Lupe on the way down to Annie Creek. The W end of **Foley Mountain (6,640 ft.)** is in view. Photo looks SE.

Fellow Black Hills explorer and adventurer Josh Hilpert with Lupe.

Light was beginning to fade by the time the last intersection 1.5 miles from the vehicles was reached. The rest of the way back was a snap from here. Maybe enough time remained for a little more exploring? SPHP talked Josh into checking out the road Lupe had taken to Elk Mountain the first time.

It was farther along this road to where the first bridge had collapsed than SPHP remembered. After 0.5 mile or more, it was time to forget it and turn around.

In increasing darkness, the march back along Annie Creek Road seemed longer than it had early in the day. The adventure dogs all had a fine time, though, while Josh and SPHP chatted.

There had been plenty of opportunities to visit during the day. It had been fun to compare notes and have wide ranging discussions on peaks, places, and a variety of other topics. Rizzo, Buddy and Lupe had gotten along well together. The weather hadn’t been conducive to enjoying scenery, but had made Expedition No. 214 seem far more mysterious and challenging than it otherwise would have been.

It had been a good day, a fun time for all. Rizzo, Buddy & Josh Hilpert live in Sturgis, SD, so perhaps more adventures are in store with Lupe’s new friends from time to time. It’s something to look forward to!