Mather Peaks – The (Mostly) True Adventures of Lupe

Mather Peaks, Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming – Part 2: Base Camp to the Summit & Beyond! (9-27-21)

Day 3 of Lupe’s 4th Summer of 2021 Dingo Vacation to the Bighorns!

9:02 AM, 50ºF, base camp 1.75 miles SE of Mather Peaks –

Why take down the tiny house, SPHP? We aren’t giving up, are we?

Nope. Feeling better now, Loop. Decided we might want to gamble after all, and won’t be able to do that if we don’t bring everything with us.

Gamble on what, SPHP?

A loop route, Loopster! After Mathers today, Peak 12328 tomorrow, then down to Florence Pass, and back past Gunboat and Mistymoon Lakes.

Oh, the long route! That would be wonderful! I’d love to see Florence Pass and all the lakes again.

Me too, Loop, but I don’t know if it will work. Think it will be OK, but we’ll be in a bit of a pickle, if we can’t make it down to Florence Pass. Anyway, none of that matters until we tag Mathers. So, onward! Puppy ho!

Conditions were perfect last night, yet it had been a restless one. SPHP’s turn had come to wake up queasy in the wee hours, prompting questions about this entire operation. Fortunately, the 3 hour bug had faded away uneventfully. No ill effects, other than causing SPHP to sleep in a bit.

Finally ready, SPHP now hoisted the pack and strapped in. Lupe set off heading NE. Sort of the wrong direction, Mather Peaks (12,400 ft.) was NW, but the plan was to get up to where Lupe could take a peek E down at the Frozen Lakes, then follow Mather’s nearly 1.75 mile long SE ridge over HP11904 and HP11813 to the summit.

Ready to leave base camp. Photo looks NE.

Looked easy from afar, but it only took the Carolina Dog a few minutes to exit base camp’s grassy region and get into the rocks. Progress slowed tremendously, although she still seemed to be getting somewhere. An hour later, SPHP wasn’t so sure. The view wasn’t changing much, the ridge ahead magically remaining always about the same distance away.

Holy moly, Looper! How much farther can it be? Maybe base camp wasn’t as high as I thought it was? This was supposed to be quick and easy!

Quick and easy! Who told you that, SPHP?

No one. I just assumed it would be. Doesn’t look far or steep at all on the topo map.

Well, we’ll get there, SPHP!

Not sure this side excursion is worth it, Loop. We’ve got miles of this stuff to go through today! How badly do you want to see the Frozen Lakes?

Would be sweet, of course, SPHP, but Mather Peaks is highest priority. Want to cut and run on Frozen Lakes?

Run? If only we could! But, yeah, I think we better skip the lakes. Let’s head straight for HP11904.

Turning toward **HP11904** (Center). Photo looks NW.

HP11904? Hah! Fat chance! Even that wasn’t happening. After a long, slow trek, Lupe managed to reach the upper S slopes, but the endless scramble among the talus was dreadful work, and the situation didn’t look one bit better higher up. Was there really any benefit to be gained from the effort required to get to the top? Didn’t seem like it.

On the **S slopes of HP11904**. Photo looks NW.

Gah! This is ridiculous, Loop! New plan!

I’m all ear’s, SPHP!

Not entirely, Looper, but you do have big ones.

Plan C, SPHP! What is it?

Plan C? This is Plan C: No preconceived ideas or routes. Forget HP11904, forget HP11813, forget the SE ridge! Just take whatever seems to be the path of least resistance in the general direction of Mather Peaks.

Pure genius, SPHP! No one else could ever conceive such a brilliant plan!

Mocked by a Dingo! Well, it ain’t the first time. Onward! Puppy ho!

Hardly was such a thing as a path of least resistance, but to the extent that there was one, it was well below Mather Peaks’ SE ridge. Gradually losing elevation, the American Dingo worked her way WNW trying to make maximum use of rare patches of vegetation where momentary bursts of speed were possible.

Plan C did help some. Definitely better than Plans A or B! The going was generally at least somewhat easier. Every now and then, Lupe reached flat spots where it was possible to get comfortable for a few minutes.

During these rest breaks, the Carolina Dog enjoyed fabulous views of Peak 12080, Darton Peak (12,275 ft.), Bighorn Peak (12,324 ft.) and Lost Twin Lakes Peak (12,015 ft.) back to the S.

Making slow, but significant progress on the haphazard Plan C route. Photo looks W.

**Peak 12080** (L), **Darton Peak** (L of Center), **Bighorn Peak** (R of Center), and **Lost Twin Lakes Peak** (R). Photo looks SSE.

Progress remained slow, but better than it had been higher up. Short bursts of speed were occasionally possible whenever Lupe came to stretches of tundra that linked, or nearly did. However, the next big batch of talus to contend with was always near.

Persistence paid off, though. It eventually became clear that Loopster was finally closing in on Mather Peaks’ E summit.

Getting closer! **Mather Peaks W summit** (L), **E summit** (R). Photo looks NW.

Time to start climbing again! Angling more toward the NW, Lupe got close to the SE ridgeline, but didn’t actually reach it until arriving at a flat area at the base of the E summit.

A vertical rock here was suspiciously reminiscent of the vampire Lupe had seen yesterday evening. Passing a nearby outcropping of black rock, Loop entered a talus-filled valley that ran WNW up toward the summit.

**Near the top of the SE ridge**. **Darton Peak** (far R). Photo looks SE.

At the base of **Mather Peaks’ E (true) summit**. Suspicious boulder (L), obviously cursed black rock outcropping (R). Photo looks NW.

Same spot, looking SE. **HP11904** (far L), **Darton Peak** (far R).

Starting up the talus valley. Photo looks NW.

The talus valley was longer than it appeared from below. Fortunately, it wasn’t actually all talus. Partway up, relatively open lanes extended the rest of the way up to the base of a short, steep scramble toward what had to be the top of the mountain.

On easier terrain partway up the talus valley. **E summit** (Center). Photo looks WNW.

At the base of the final scramble. **Mather Peaks W summit** (far L), **E summit** (R). Photo looks WNW.

Scrambling toward the top. Photo looks NW.

2:59 PM, 60ºF, Mather Peaks (12,400 ft.) E (true) summit – Lupe came up at the ESE end of a roomy plain of talus that rose after a dip toward the true summit at the far NW end. Would only take a couple of minutes to get there, but first she turned to gaze back down Mather Peaks’ SE ridge. HP11904 was easily identifiable nearly 1.75 mile away.

The view was fantastic! To the SSE, Loaf Mountain (11,722 ft.) was in sight between Darton Peak (12,275 ft.) and Bighorn Peak (12,324 ft.). More toward the S, part of the lower Lost Twin Lake was visible nearly 1,700 feet below Lost Twin Lakes Peak (12,015 ft.).

**Mather Peaks E summit region**. **True summit** (R). **W summit** (far L). Photo looks WNW.

**HP11904** (L), **Peak 12080** (R of Center), **Darton Peak** (R), **Bighorn Peak** (far R), with **Loaf Mountain** between them. Photo looks SE.

More mountain splendors were ahead! Crossing the summit plateau, Lupe reached the cairn over by the true summit. She now had a grand view of Mather Peaks’ lower (12,348 ft.) W summit only 0.5 mile WSW. 6 miles WNW, Elk Mountain (11,321 ft.) caught the eye.

Peak 12,328, 1.25 miles NW, was of special interest. Might well be the American Dingo’s next destination, if the Florence Pass gamble was a go!

By the **Mather Peaks E (true) summit** cairn. **W summit** (L), **Elk Mountain** (R of Center). Photo looks W.

**Mather Peaks W summit** (L), **Elk Mountain** (far R). Photo looks W with help from the telephoto lens.

**Elk Mountain** (far L), **Peak 12328** (R of Center). Photo looks NW.

As tremendous as all these sights were, none of them were the actual, grand scenic prize from Mather Peaks. That title was held by the view to the N, where Cloud Peak (13,167 ft.), mightiest of the Bighorn Range, Bomber Mountain (12,840 ft.), and a series of intervening sheer cliffs was on display.

Loop at **Mather Peaks true summit** with **Cloud Peak** (Center) and **Bomber Mountain** (R) beyond. Photo looks N.

**Peak 12328** (L), **Cloud Peak** (Center), **Bomber Mountain** (R). Photo looks N.

**Cloud Peak** (L). The entire ridge in the foreground is all part of **Bomber Mountain**. **Bomber’s true summit** is the **distant flat knob** R of Center. Photo looks N with help from the telephoto lens.

Mather Peaks true summit! Congratulations, Loopster! Kind of a tough slog for no farther or higher than we had to go today, wasn’t it?

Mather Peaks matter, SPHP, and here we are! Hope you’ve got a chocolate coconut bar in that pack! Think I’ve earned one.

Most definitely time for a rest break. Although smoke was visible to the W and S, it wasn’t close enough to mar the 360º views. Conditions were otherwise near perfect.

Perfect? Nothing but rock up here! Can’t even relax in comfort, SPHP!

Yeah, that was more or less true. SPHP helped Lupe get as comfortable as possible, then fished an army green box out from the rocks below the boulder where the cairn sat. As expected, a registry was inside. It was damp, but SPHP made certain Lupe’s visit was recorded.

The green registry box (Center) in its hiding spot below the SE side of the cairn boulder. Photo looks down.

Any other entries in the registry, SPHP?

Yes, some, but not very many. Couple miles of talus does tend to keep the riff-raff away, Loop.

For a while, Lupe curled up on SPHP’s lap, trying to snooze, or gazing out at the glorious views in all directions. Once sufficiently rested up, the Carolina Dog joined SPHP in wandering about the summit region.

**Mather Peaks E summit region** from close to the true summit. **Peak 12080** (far R). Photo looks SE.

**Peak 12080** (L), **Darton Peak** (L of Center), **Loaf Mountain** (in the distance), **Bighorn Peak** (Center), **Lost Twin Lakes Peak** (R) with part of **lower Lost Twin Lake** below it. Photo looks SSE.

**HP10841** (L), **Ant Hill (10,980 ft.)** (Center), **Lake De Smet** (R) on the horizon, **Deer Lake** (lower R). Photo looks NE.

Loop next to a tiny patch of snow she found to chomp. **Mather Peaks E (true) summit** (Center). **Cairn** (L). Photo looks NW.

4:11 PM, Mather Peaks E summit – More than an hour after arriving, Lupe stood again at the true summit with that fabulous view of Cloud Peak and Bomber Mountain beyond her.

**Cloud Peak** (L of Center) and **Bomber Mountain** (R). Photo looks N.

Always sad to leave a place anywhere close to as grand as Mather Peaks, but it was time. Sadder yet that, although it wasn’t all that far away, Lupe wasn’t going to have time to visit Mather Peaks’ W summit.

A combination of SPHP’s queasiness causing a late start, the unsuccessful and unnecessary quest to see the Frozen Lakes, SPHP’s usual torpid pace, and shorter days this late in the season were all contributing factors.

Oh, the Carolina Dog could have made it to the W summit, alright, but doing so would have meant having to negotiate a long descent through a sea of talus in the dark. Nope, not worth it! Lupe had spent a delightful full hour plus up at Mather Peaks’ true summit, and that was going to have to be good enough.

Yada, yada! It’s been splendid, but we don’t have forever up here, SPHP! What’s plan D? Are we going back? Did you drag that fully loaded pack all the way up here for nothing? Or are we gambling?

Gambling on Florence Pass, Loop! That’s the good news! Looks like we ought to be able to find a decent spot to camp S of Peak 12328.

SPHP started down first, scrambling SW off the summit before angling NW. The American Dingo soon came bounding after. Another mostly talus march W ensued down to the saddle leading to Mather Peaks’ W summit. Instead of heading for that tempting, forbidden destination, Lupe turned N as soon as possible.

**Middle Tensleep Creek valley** (L). SPHP started down here, ultimately heading off to the R. Photo looks SW.

Final moments on **Mather Peaks**! Cairn (R of Lupe). Photo looks ENE.

**Elk Mountain** (L), **Peak 12328** (R). Ultimate destination, the **big saddle** (Center). Photo looks NW.

Past the worst of the rock on the way down to the grassy area (L). **Peak 12328** (Center), **Cloud Peak** (far R). Photo looks NW.

6:23 PM, saddle between Mather Peaks & Peak 12328 – The descent had been a mostly slow, but gorgeous evening trek. Incredible surroundings, profound solitude! Thus far, Plan D had gone just fine. The tiny house was all set up, and Lupe had what remained of the day to chow down and relax in superb isolation.

**Mather Peaks E (true) summit** (far L). **Ridge to the W summit** (R). Photo looks SE.

Can’t be too many Dingos that have ever been here, Loopster!

They’re missing out, SPHP!

That’s a good thing, Loop. Wouldn’t be the same if there was a crowd.

Resting by the tiny house, sunlight streaming over her, tomorrow’s next adventure was just N. Peak 12328 looked like a snap. The real question was whether getting down to Florence Pass afterwards would actually be feasible?

**Peak 12328** (Center), start of tomorrow’s adventure! Photo looks N.

The Carolina Dog wasn’t worried. She stayed out until the sun was gone before entering the tiny house. Paws twitching as dusk deepened, Lupe set off on more adventures in Dingo Dreamland. Perhaps bounding over the endless talus to visit the lonely W summit of Mather Peaks?

**Mather Peaks**, Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming 9-27-21

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Mather Peaks, Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming – Part 1: On & Off the Lost Twin Lakes Trail to Base Camp (9-26-21)

Days 1 & 2 of Lupe’s 4th Summer of 2021 Dingo Vacation to the Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming!

9-25-21, morning – Emerging from the store, SPHP was suddenly struck by a change. For the first time in 2.5 months, a crystal blue sky was over the Black Hills. No smoke! The forecast was for highs in the low 90’s ºF the next few days, and, as usual, not a drop of rain. Returning to the RAV4 where Lupe was waiting, a spur of the moment decision.

Loopster, it’s on!

Oh, that’s fabulous, SPHP! Great news! Mind telling me what on earth you’re babbling about? What’s on?

Mather Peaks (12,400 ft.), SE of Florence Pass, way up along the spine of the Bighorns, was what was suddenly on. Summer of 2021’s unexpected last gasp! The rest of the morning and better part of the afternoon were spent furiously packing. The sun was down, but it was still light out, by the time Lupe hopped out of the RAV4 for a look at the mountains.

Approaching the **Bighorns**. Photo looks W from I-90 near Buffalo.

9-26-21, 6:22 AM, at a big paved pullout N of Hwy 16 –

You’re awake, Loopster? Good! I’ve been looking at the map. Would sure love to camp at Gunboat Lake tonight, and come at Mather Peaks from the NW tomorrow, or the next day. Think that’s doable based on what we saw up at Florence Pass back when we went to Bomber Mountain in 2018. Not entirely sure that route will go, though, and it’s definitely the long way around. Quite a bit shorter, and probably wiser, to come up from the S off Lost Twin Lakes Trail No. 065. Anyway, how are you feeling? Ready for some glorious Bighorn Mountains action?

Ears drooping, sad hazel eyes stared back at SPHP. A moment later, Lupe puked all over the RAV4’s dash.

Feeling that marvelous, aye? Don’t worry about it, Loop. I’ll clean it up!

9-26-21, 8:12 AM, 37ºF, West Tensleep Lake trailhead – Nothing quite like puking your guts out for a good holistic cleansing to get your day off on the right paw! By the time SPHP was ready, the American Dingo was feeling much better as she set off on Lost Twin Lakes Trail No. 065.

About to leave the West Tensleep trailhead.

Loop searched for squirrels as the trail headed NNE through the forest for 0.75 mile before turning E, and descending to a clearing along Middle Tensleep Creek. The creek was very low this time of year, but cold, clear, and invigorating.

Lost Twin Lakes Trail No. 065. Photo looks NNE.

The first small clearing after the trail turns E. Photo looks ESE.

Entering the **Middle Tensleep Creek valley**. Photo looks ESE.

Checking out **Middle Tensleep Creek**. Photo looks SW.

After crossing a tiny tributary, Lost Twin Lakes Trail No. 065 followed Middle Tensleep Creek upstream only a short distance. Almost as soon as the trail reached the forest again, there was a nice waterfall off to the R. Would have been a great place for a picnic, but it was still way too early for that.

Following **Middle Tensleep Creek**. Photo looks E.

After visiting the waterfall, Loopster returned to the trail, which now left Middle Tensleep Creek behind as it turned NE, climbing steadily through the forest. 0.75 mile got the American Dingo up to a clearing on the side of a hilltop. A high stony mountain was visible roughly 4 miles away.

Is that Mather Peaks, SPHP?

Not sure, Loop. Hard to tell from here, but that’s the right vicinity. Might be Mather’s W summit, which isn’t quite as high as the E one.

**Mather Peaks W summit** (Center)? Photo looks NE.

From this initial viewpoint, the trail jogged SE before turning NE again. Near this turn there was a view of Lost Twin Lakes Peak (12,015 ft.). Other mountains were in sight, too, as the trail descended toward a big open section of the Middle Tensleep Creek valley.

**Lost Twin Lakes Peak** (Center). Photo looks ESE.

Near **Middle Tensleep Creek** (Center) again. **Lost Twin Lakes Peak** (L). Photo looks SE.

The trail flattened out. Remaining well N of Middle Tensleep Creek, it went no farther into the valley. Lupe was soon climbing back up into the forest again. After a relatively short stint N, the trail curved SE, crossing a larger tributary of Middle Tensleep Creek. Happily, an easy rock hop this time of year!

Along a flat stretch paralleling **Middle Tensleep Creek** (R). Photo looks E.

Crossing the large, low-running **tributary of** **Middle Tensleep Creek**. Photo looks SE.

Immediately after crossing the tributary, a short climb led to a minor high point featuring another clearing, and yet another view NE. Mirror Lake wasn’t far from here. Leaving the trail, Lupe soon caught glimpses of it beyond the trees.

Off-trail near **Mirror Lake** (R). Photo looks NE.

Continuing on down to the lake, Lupe explored much of its SW shore. The pristine lake lived up to its name. A fried chicken break was taken more to justify prolonging Lupe’s stay than out of hunger.

Even a big chunk of fried chicken didn’t last long. Loop was soon back on Lost Twin Lakes Trail No. 065, which passed close to Mirror Lake’s S cove, but never actually went to it. Instead, the trail by-passed the lake, continuing NE up the Middle Tensleep Creek valley.

Returning to Lost Twin Lakes Trail No. 065. **Middle Tensleep Creek** **valley** (Center) ahead. Photo looks E.

In a flat area not far from Mirror Lake, the trail again got quite close to Middle Tensleep Creek. Naturally, Lupe sauntered over for a look.

**Middle Tensleep Creek**. Photo looks S.

By scenic **Middle Tensleep Creek**, Photo looks W.

The easy flat stretch only went so far before the valley narrowed. Lupe was soon climbing fairly steeply up the side of a V-shaped section where she got nearly 100 feet above the stream.

Well above the creek now. Photo looks ENE.

Lugging a heavy pack, SPHP was glad when the trail flattened out as the valley widened again.

Hey, SPHP! Look off to the R. Isn’t that Darton Peak? We were there less than a year ago, remember?

Yup, you’re right, Loop! How could I forget Darton? So many humongous boulders near the summit, I wasn’t sure we would find a way up.

We made it, though, SPHP!

We did, Loop, but still worries me a bit. Wouldn’t be surprised if we run into a similar situation at Mathers. Might get a little dicey! The rocks we see don’t look all that impressive from way down here, but there’s so much talus along the spine of the Bighorns.

The trail flattens out again. **Darton Peak** (far R). Photo looks E.

By the time the trail got close to Middle Tensleep Creek again, Miss Hot Paws was ready for a drink.

Near **Middle Tensleep Creek** again. **Peak 12080** (L), **Darton Peak** (R). Photo looks ESE.

By beautiful **Middle Tensleep Creek**. **Peak 12080** (L), **Darton Peak** (R).

Beyond this next flat stretch along the stream, the trail climbed again. However, it soon topped out, as it turned SE. The headwall toward the region where the Lost Twin Lakes are hidden away at the upper end of the valley was now in sight.

Hey, Loop! Let’s take a break. I need to check the map.

Leaving the trail, Lupe was quite happy to relax in the shade of nearby pines for a few minutes. Her appetite recovering now after her early morning queasiness, the Carolina Dog even enjoyed some of the fried chicken that SPHP had taken to munching on again.

At the minor high point where Lupe left the trail. The Lost Twin Lakes lie hidden beyond the forested headwall seen R of Center. Photo looks SE.

Alrighty! Think we need to abandon Lost Twin Lakes Trail No. 065 here, Loop, to head N. In fact, we could have turned N a little earlier. If we wait any longer, we’ll go up the wrong valley.

Sounds great, SPHP! Exploring new territory – my favorite thing! Other than squirrels, of course.

Abandoning Lost Twin Lakes Trail No. 065 for good, the American Dingo started N through a rumpled region that was mostly forested. She was climbing most of the time, but not at any great pace, since the idea was just to intercept the floor of a side valley that went N to two small lakes.

Although there were some rocky spots, this was all easy terrain. For quite a long way, Lupe enjoyed roaming in and out of the forest, and all seemed to be going according to plan.

Ready to abandon Lost Twin Lakes Trail No. 065 to head N. Photo looks N.

Heading up a rocky shelf. Photo looks N.

Looking good! About to cross a flat region. Photo looks N.

Angling higher over exposed bedrock. Photo looks NE.

A beautiful, easy slope ahead. Photo looks NNE.

The forest began thinning out, and the terrain was getting rockier, when Lupe first caught sight of the valley she was supposed to be going up.

A little above the intended valley route seen below. Photo looks WNW.

Rather than having intercepted the valley, Lupe was already somewhat above it. Would have been easy to simply head down to it, and actually looked like the thing to do. The broad valley floor appeared to be gently sloping terrain. Going up it ought to be cake!

Yet, as usual, SPHP was reluctant to surrender elevation already gained. Urging Lupe onward, progress continued as the terrain kept steepening. She soon had a splendid view of Lost Twin Lakes Peak (12,015 ft.) back to the S.

**Lost Twin Lakes Peak** (L of Center). Photo looks S.

For a while, staying high seemed to be working. However, inevitably, the American Dingo encountered more and more rock. Lupe was now so high above the valley floor that going down to it would have been much trickier, and involved lots more elevation loss.

Way above the valley now. Photo looks WNW.

Mather Peaks (12,400 ft.) was visible above and beyond the upper end of the valley, although it wasn’t clear if the true summit was in sight yet. An awful lot of rock was between here and there!

**Mather Peaks** (Center). **True summit region** (R of Center). Photo looks N.

Checking the topo map again, a steep, but feasible slope to the E must have led up to the region near HP10827. Unfortunately, that meant it was too soon to turn E.

Guess we’re committed now, Loop. Gotta keep going N!

Never learn, do you, SPHP?

Nope, but so what? C’mon! Puppy ho!

The route up to **HP10827**, which SPHP vetoed. Photo looks E.

Scrambling past a bit of a bulge W, Lupe got a better look at the territory ahead. The branch of the valley following a creek NE that she should have been taking was now in sight, tantalizingly sweeping obstacle-free toward her destination farther N. Meanwhile, up where the American Dingo was, the slope ahead was nothing but a giant jumble of rock.

Should have been down by the trees at lower L following the valley up to the R. Photo looks N.

A slow, deliberate, rock-hopping slog N through the talus ensued. At least the rocks weren’t so huge that progress was impossible, forcing a retreat, and the scenery was magnificent! Looper had plenty of time to enjoy it, while SPHP stumbled onward.

Looking up the bulge that Lupe had to skirt. Photo looks E.

Encountering a minor ledge. Photo looks N.

The incredible view! **Mather Peaks W summit** (R). Photo looks NNW.

Losing considerable elevation was unavoidable, or the rock hop would have gone on much longer. SPHP finally got past the worst of the talus. A tawny grassy area was now not too far ahead, where the lovely valley route and SPHP’s ludicrous rock tour route would converge.

Relief ahead! Bound for the upper grassy area (R of Center). Photo looks NNE.

Looking back. SPHP’s rock tour route (Center), versus the pleasant valley route (far R). Photo looks SSW.

The situation improved steadily. Oh, yeah! This was what the route was supposed to be like, grassy and smooth, with scattered boulders merely for scenic enhancement rather than an endless obstacle course.

More like it! **Mather Peaks** (L). Photo looks NNE.

Upon reaching the main grassy region, it encompassed a large area that sloped gradually up to the NE. With virtually no snow remaining on the peaks at this time of year, given the dry appearance of the vegetation, Lupe was delighted to find a spring bubbling out of a hillside.

With cold, clear water, soft grass, and splendid surroundings at paw, plus a growing weariness to contend with, a rest break was in order. Easily conning SPHP out of a chocolate coconut bar, the Carolina Dog took advantage of the opportunity.

By the wonderful water fountain. Photo looks NNE.

*Oh, yeah! We’re in Dingo territory now!* Photo looks SW.

*Doesn’t get much better than this, does it?* Photo looks W.

Enjoying a Dingo nap near the spring. Photo looks NNW.

What a great spot, SPHP! Why not camp right here?

Tempting indeed, Loopster! But I think we should gain as much elevation as we can today. Expecting an awful lot of rock to contend with tomorrow, so even though we aren’t that far from Mather Peaks, let’s keep going.

Nearly an hour slipped away before the Carolina Dog bid the cheerful spring a fond farewell. Avoiding rivers of rock as much as possible, Lupe continued NE up a broad slope.

The broad slope went on and on, the rate of climb gradually decreasing as Loop roamed higher. At long last, SPHP was weary enough to call it good in a grassy region that didn’t extend as luxuriously much farther anyway. Lupe relaxed, while SPHP assembled the tiny house.

Taking it easy while SPHP sets up the tiny house. Photo looks SW.

**Mirror Lake** (Center) from **Mather Peaks base camp**. Photo looks SW.

**Mather Peaks W summit** (R of Center). Photo looks NW.

Loopster inside, checking out the tiny house. Photo looks NNE.

9-26-21, 6:33 PM, Mather Peaks base camp – Nearly 2 hours after arriving at base camp, Lupe emerged from the tiny house. After a bite to eat and that nice long break, even SPHP felt somewhat revived. Late September now, though, so the long days of summer were no more. The sun would remain above the horizon only another half an hour, if that.

Emerging from the tiny house. **Mather Peaks W summit** (L of Center), **E (true) summit** (R of Center). Photo looks NW.

How high are we here, SPHP?

Hmm. Not sure, Looper. I’d guess around 11,300 or 11,400. Still a good 1,000+ feet to go tomorrow.

1,000 isn’t that much, SPHP! We did way more than that already today.

Oh, yeah! Close to 3 times as much, counting all the ups and downs.

Weren’t that many downs, SPHP, but you’re probably right. Sure looks like we’re high in the Bighorns now. Look at how tiny Mirror Lake is!

Yes, a splendid view isn’t it? Want to see another one, Loop? Bet we can see Darton Peak (12,275 ft.), if we go another 0.25 to 0.50 mile E.

Sure, if you think you’ve got it in you, SPHP!

I do. Not all that steep up here, and not having to lug the pack will make a huge difference.

A pleasant romp E up a gentle alpenglow lit slope ensued. Before long, a tall dark figure, wide at the shoulders, could be seen ahead.

What is that, SPHP? A vampire?

Sort of looks like one, doesn’t it, Loop? Must be a shadow, though. What would a vampire be doing way up here?

What vampires do everywhere, SPHP! Sucking blood!

Oh, poo! No blood up here, Loopster! Haven’t seen any wildlife at all.

There’s our blood, SPHP! Tonight, while we snoozing in the tiny house!

Well then, let’s go beat the crap out of that vampire right now while the sun is still up, Loop! No sense waiting until it’s pitch dark to take it on. Vampires are stronger at night!

The ferocious American Dingo charged ahead, intent upon tearing into the vampire! Meanwhile, SPHP’s distance estimate proved accurate. Darton Peak, and even the top of Bighorn Peak (12,324 ft.), soon came into view off to the S.

**Darton Peak** (Center), **Bighorn Peak** (R) in the distance. Photo looks S.

As Lupe approached, the vampire changed, glimmering at first, then starting to glow!

Hah! Did you see that, SPHP? This wimpy vampire is terrified of Carolina Dogs! Transformed itself into just another rock before I could get at him.

Might say he’s petrified, Loop! Hope he stays that way.

By **Vampire Rock**. **Peak 12080** (far L), **Darton Peak** (L), **Bighorn Peak** (Center), and **Lost Twin Lakes Peak** (far R). Photo looks S.

Another 0.25 mile E might have gotten Lupe to a view of Angeline Lake, but Vampire Rock was as far as she went. Darton Peak, Bighorn Peak, and Lost Twin Lakes Peak were all splendid from right here. Besides, the sun was already almost on the horizon. By the time Loop made it back to base camp, it was gone.

Big day tomorrow! At least the American Dingo could snooze peacefully without having to worry about any wayward vampires!

Sunset **near Mathers Peak base camp**, Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming 9-26-21

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Mather Peaks, Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming – Part 2: Base Camp to the Summit & Beyond!