Midnight Dome – The (Mostly) True Adventures of Lupe

Ditching the Dempster & Doing Domes, Yukon Territory & Alaska (8-18-19)

Day 14 of Lupe’s 2019 Dingo Vacation to the Yukon & Alaska!

8-17-19, 10:05 PM, 32 ºF snowing hard, Arctic Circle, Yukon Territory –

So since when does a 60% chance of precipitation mean hours and hours of rain followed by a blizzard?

This is the Arctic Circle, SPHP, you have to be ready for anything!

Evidently. You realize, Looper, that if it keeps snowing like this tonight, we are going to be stuck here for who knows how long?

It snowed here for a little while in the evening last year, too, SPHP. Remember? It all turned to rain, though, and by noon the next day we were able to keep going.

Yeah, we lucked out, but this time we know that the forecast is for more of the same for the next 3 days. Any significant accumulation tonight means the G6 isn’t getting over Wright Pass tomorrow. If we can’t do that, there goes the plan to blow a few days going to the Arctic Ocean at Tuktoyaktuk again while waiting for conditions to improve in the Richardson Mountains.

Well, let’s see how things look in the morning.

Loop, I’d love to, but we can’t wait. The snow is forcing our paw. Have to decide now. Might already be too late to escape, if it keeps snowing like this. Want to stay and risk getting stuck here in a snowbank for days, or at least try to flee S?

That’s what you want to do, SPHP? Flee S?

Hate to, but our gamble hasn’t paid off. Not looking like the Arctic Ocean or any peaks in the Richardsons are in the cards. If we’d just gotten some rain, that would be one thing – we could hang in here a while yet, but the weather’s been getting worse and worse. Even if it stops snowing down here, the mountains are already blanketed with snow. Won’t even start to melt for at least 4 days.

A mere two hours after arriving at the Arctic Circle, the Most High Exalted Dingo of the Arctic Sisterhood faced the humiliation of having to retreat. None of her 2019 arctic adventures so long in the works were going to happen. At least the American Dingo had made it to the true arctic for a 4th year in a row, which was some minor consolation.

The G6 sprang to life, crept back onto the Dempster Highway, and began jolting and sloshing S. Lupe had ended up fleeing the true arctic in 2018, too. She’d actually made it to the Arctic Ocean, but a blizzard with high winds had threatened on the return trip S. A repeat performance was now underway.

Pitch dark out! The snow was flying when Lupe went past the Eagle Plains hotel again. Foolishly, SPHP didn’t stop. Already knew there was no room at the inn for Dingoes tonight, but should have at least topped off the gas tank. Only down a couple of gallons, but they might postpone a true emergency for a little while.

Virtually no traffic. Snow started accumulating on the road. Like last year, another tense hours-long drive, but the G6 kept crawling forward. Relief every time the top of a hill was reached. Visibility was horrid, but at least it wasn’t snowing as hard as back at the Arctic Circle.

In blinding snow, SPHP completely missed the huge Ogilvie Ridge turnout, but was suddenly aware that the G6 must already be headed down Seven Mile Hill. 35 ºF! Like last year, the Ogilvie River valley was a little warmer. The snow turned to rain, the road merely wet. Saved! Another harrowing escape! Weary, SPHP found a spot to park for the night. 8-18-19, 2:09 AM.

8-18-19, 7:42 AM – Saved? Morning’s first glance was alarming! Close to the G6, the Ogilvie River was tremendously swollen, coming within only a few feet of overflowing onto the Dempster Highway. Could have been swept away in the night! The thought was horrifying.

Lupe at road level next to the swollen **Ogilvie River**, which had risen tremendously overnight. About km 221 of the Dempster Highway.

Perhaps Lupe’s great escape was only partially successful? Snowing hard down here now, too. Fortunately not quite cold enough to stick. The Carolina Dog still had to get over Windy Pass. Might not be possible.

Less than a mile farther S, the Dempster Highway was reassuringly higher versus the river compared to where Lupe had spent the night.

8-18-19, 8:48 AM, 33 ºF, Engineer Creek, km 179 – The news was better than expected. The sky was lighter. Barely snowing now, and only a good dusting on the Ogilvie Mountains. A couple of vehicles had been by heading N, one a mere sedan like the G6. Apparently it was possible to get over Windy Pass.

By **Engineer Creek**, km 179. Photo looks S.

Did we do the right thing, Loopster?

What kind of a question is that, SPHP? You were the one in such a panic to retreat.

I know, but I wonder what really happened at the Arctic Circle last night? How much snow actually fell? Not that much down here.

Who knows? Seemed to be plenty of snow accumulating when we left. We’re a long way from the Arctic Circle now, SPHP. Don’t tell me you’re thinking of going back after all this! Are you crazy?

No, we’re still heading S. The prognosis wasn’t good, even if we didn’t get snowed in. Want to know something strange, though?

Do I have a choice?

Nope. Now that we are safely away, I sort of miss the intensity of facing the unknown.

That’s the adventurer in you, SPHP!

You really think so, Loop? Thank you!

Yes. And last night we saw the big chicken in you.

Hey! It was a logical decision.

Maybe. We’ll never know now how it would have turned out. So what’s the new plan, anyway, SPHP?

New plan? We’re going to complete our long joy ride, then ditch the Dempster Highway. Not going to hang around for days waiting for sunshine and warmer temps. Once we’re back to the N. Klondike Highway, we’ll turn W to Dawson City, take the free ferry across the Yukon River, and head for Alaska! Maybe you’ll get a chance to hit a couple of domes we missed out on last year?

Oh, I hope so! The scenery here has been magnificent, but I’m ready to get out and do something!

The road trip S resumed, with short stops here and there. Windy Pass looked and felt wintery, but the few snowflakes still flying were tiny. A little slush on the road presented no problem. By the time Lupe was back at the Blackstone River, the precipitation was all over and done with. Just a chilly, gray day.

Winter in mid-August at **Windy Pass**, km 152. Photo looks S.

Just enough snow had fallen along in here to beautify and highlight the rugged features of the mountains. Yes, yes, very lovely, but what really got Lupe excited was a moose dashing across the Dempster Highway!

The resulting barkfest was sweet, but disappointingly short. However, hopes for more action were soon raised. Lupe had seen only one moose, and when Two Moose Lake proved to be only a little farther down the road, she insisted on stopping.

That other moose ought to be around here somewhere! All senses on alert, Lupe patrolled the highway near Two Moose Lake, but stealth moose No. 2 was craftier than moose No. 1, remaining undetectable.

*Alright! Come on, SPHP! Moose No. 2 must be somewhere around here.* Photo looks NNE.

A brisk patrol of the Dempster Highway near **Two Moose Lake**. Photo looks S.

**Two Moose Lake** and the **Ogilvie Mountains**. Photo looks S with help from the telephoto lens.

Two white swans took off from Two Moose Lake and flew away. No other movement. Disappointing and inexplicable. Oh, well. Back to the G6!

Another stop at the bubbly pond was a must! After that, shorter breaks to enjoy the snow-clad mountains on the way to North Fork Pass.

Back at the bubbly pond (km 95), a favorite Lupe hideout. Photo looks E.

An enticing unnamed peak. Photo looks SE.

Another look with help from the telephoto lens.

On the way to North Fork Pass, Tombstone Territorial Park. Photo looks SE.

8-18-19, 11:32 AM, 32 ºF, Tombstone Territorial Park – 24 hours after leaving the N Klondike River overlook, Lupe was back. Still overcast, and the temperature hadn’t budged a single degree off freezing, but visibility was a little better. This time Loop thought she could make out Tombstone Mountain (7,192 ft.) at the far end of the valley.

**N Klondike River valley** (km 74). Photo looks SW.

**Tombstone Mountain** was faintly visible at the far end of the valley. Photo looks SW with help from the telephoto lens.

8-18-19, 1:13 PM, 48 ºF, parking area at km 26 – Before ditching the Dempster entirely, SPHP stopped once more at the parking area where Lupe had woken up yesterday morning. Such a difference now that she was down out of the Ogilvie Mountains! Sunny and comfortably warm. While SPHP made lunch, the Carolina Dog even sought shade among the bushes.

*If the Arctic Circle had been like this, I would already be on top of **Peak 3850** in the Richardson Mountains!*

The whole jaunt up the Dempster Highway to the Arctic Circle had been more or less a fiasco, but had taken only 1.5 days. The American Dingo hadn’t gotten to climb a single peak, or even make an attempt on one, yet it had still been a ton of fun seeing all the gorgeous scenery again while clinging to a doomed hope for peakbagging success.

On the bright side, success was practically guaranteed now! The next peak on Lupe’s list of possible objectives was one she’d been to before. An easy drive-up, with a grand view of the fabled Yukon River! Half an hour after lunch, SPHP turned W on the N Klondike Highway. Loopster’s unproductive adventures along the Dempster Highway were over.

8-18-19, 3:55 PM, 50 ºF, Midnight Dome by Dawson City – So what if Midnight Dome (2,887 ft.) was a drive-up? Being on top of a mountain again felt great! No weather worries here! Lupe basked in sunshine. Throngs of people were coming and going, at least by Yukon Territory standards. And why not? A beautiful summer day, super easy access, and a splendid view overlooking Dawson City of Klondike Gold Rush fame along the mighty Yukon River.

*There’s **Dawson City** and the **Yukon River**! A shame we’re 123 years too late for the start of the Klondike Gold Rush!* Photo looks SW.

*I only climbed 20 feet to get to this rock, but it’s still the top of a mountain, and look at that view of the **Yukon River**!* Photo looks NNW.

**Yukon River**. Photo looks NNW with help from the telephoto lens.

Let it snow up at the Arctic Circle! Conditions were so much better down here. Midnight Dome only served to inspire the desire for more action. Still time enough left for it today, too! After leaving Midnight Dome, the American Dingo didn’t dawdle in Dawson City. Instead, she went straight to the free ferry, took it across the Yukon River, and set off on the Top of the World Highway.

Heading for Alaska on the Top of the World Highway.

104 km (64 miles) to Alaska! Lupe saw Cassiar Dome (4,450 ft.) and went right by Swede Dome (4,150 ft.) on the way, both of which she had climbed on a rainy day only a year ago. Would have been fun to climb them again, but the Carolina Dog had unfinished dome business to take care of in Alaska, and today was the day to do it!

2 km from the border, the Top of the World Highway curved over a ridge where a large parking area was on the S side of the road. Last chance to get out and enjoy the Yukon before crossing into Alaska!

2 km from the Alaska border about to leave the fabulous Yukon Territory. Photo looks S.

US and Canadian customs were already in sight. Lupe crossed over to the N side of the Top of the World Highway, where a small hill with a huge cairn provided a great view of the border.

Still in the Yukon, but with Alaska in sight! Photo looks NW.

**US/Canadian customs** from the Yukon side of the border. Photo looks NW with help from the telephoto lens.

Crossing the border, Loop gained an hour. On Alaska time now!

8-18-19, 5:41 PM, 41 ºF, 1.5 miles into Alaska – Shortly after breezing through US customs, SPHP parked the G6 at a pullout on the N side of the Top of the World Highway. Out leapt the wily and ferocious were-puppy, totally excited about finally getting a chance to burn off excess energy! After the usual dastardly assault on SPHP, the were-puppy charged up Davis Dome (4,124 ft.).

The were-puppy threatens SPHP shortly after entering Alaska. **Davis Dome** in the background. Photo looks SW.

From the pullout, Davis Dome was just a big rounded hill. Only 275 feet of elevation gain, so no sweat. Yet when Lupe had been here last year, persistent cold rain and dense fog had prevented even an attempt. Not going to be denied this time! Before long the were-puppy reached the top of a spacious plateau. Near the the marginally higher N edge, a loosely constructed cairn marked what passed for the true summit.

At the top of **Davis Dome**. Note the survey benchmark near the base of the cairn straight below Lupe’s rear leg. Photo looks N.

Off to the N, an enormous expanse of lower hills and long ridges extended toward higher peaks visible near the horizon. On the S side of the cairn, a survey marker was attached to a flat rock. Disappointingly, it was not stamped “Walker” as shown on the topo map. However, a short distance to the E another marker with an arrow pointing toward the cairn was.

Survey benchmark at the base of the cairn.

The bronze mushroom near Looper’s front paws is actually the survey marker with the arrow. Photo looks WNW.

The summit plateau was elongated toward the SW. Close to the S edge stood a green thingamajig. Since a 20 mph N wind was making hanging out by the cairn near the N edge a chilly proposition, Lupe headed S to check out the thingamajig.

**Davis Dome summit plateau**. Photo looks SSW.

The thingamajig had a door partway up the E side, and was fastened to Davis Dome by guy wires. It didn’t look very aerodynamic, but maybe if Loop got inside and SPHP released the guy wires, the thingamajig would launch into space and take her to the Land of Oz?

Checking out the Davis Dome thingamajig. Photo looks SW.

The Carolina Dog wasn’t convinced. At any rate, she preferred Alaska to adventures in Oz, especially if SPHP wasn’t coming with. Instead of launching into space, she continued her exploration of the Davis Dome summit plateau, going clear to the SW end before exploring the W edge.

Near the **SW end of the summit plateau**. The cairn is just visible on the L. US and Canadian customs (R) are seen just L of the thingamajig (far R). Photo looks NE.

The views were similar. Unspoiled hills and ridges as far as the Dingo could see, but no dramatic peaks. Lupe returned briefly to the summit cairn before heading back to the G6. (6:22 PM)

The G6 waits down at the pullout next to the Top of the World Highway. US and Canadian Customs at the Alaska/Yukon border (Center). Photo looks NE.

US and Canadian Customs from Davis Dome with help from the telephoto lens.

Getting on toward evening, but Lupe still had time for one more dome! The Top of the World Highway was beautifully paved for 14 miles from the Canadian border to a junction with the Taylor Highway (Hwy No. 5) at Jack Wade where SPHP turned N (R).

Following the Taylor Highway 65 miles all the way to its end would have brought the Carolina Dog to the Yukon River again at Eagle, but after only 3 miles SPHP parked on a saddle at a large dirt lot on the SW (L) side of the road.

8-18-19, 6:58 PM, 38 ºF, Taylor Highway 3 miles N of Jack Wade – From here, the topo map showed some sort of a route going 0.5 mile NNE up Steele Creek Dome (4,015 ft.). Crossing the highway, Lupe searched for signs of a path up a slope thick with bushes and stunted trees. She soon discovered an old, deeply rutted jeep or ATV trail. No markings, but this had to be it.

**Steele Creek Dome** from the parking area along the Taylor Highway. Photo looks NE.

Starting up the badly eroded ATV trail. Photo looks NE.

Like Davis Dome, Steele Creek Dome was just another big rounded hill. However, with 500 feet of elevation gain required, climbing Steele Creek Dome would take nearly twice as much effort. The ATV trail made the trek an easy one, except for one spot where it headed straight into a bog. Following a side trail, Lupe circled around the L side of the boggy area, and was soon able to rejoin the main route higher.

About halfway up, the trees and even the bushes began to thin out. The top of the dome didn’t look an awful lot farther.

Getting close to the top. Photo looks NE.

Steele Creek Dome’s summit was a much smaller region than the big plateau at Davis Dome. Lupe arrived at the W end of a rounded ridge. She was close to a loose cairn of white rocks. At the opposite end of the short ridge, a much larger cairn sat on a little high point.

At the top of **Steele Creek Dome**. Photo looks ENE.

Midway between the two cairns was another high spot unadorned by anything except a cluster of small rocks. The cluster seemed about as high as where the big cairn was, so Lupe paused here, before continuing on to the big cairn.

At the cluster high point between the 2 cairns. Photo looks E.

**Steele Creek Dome**. Photo looks NE with help from the telephoto lens.

Seemed like Davis Dome ought to be visible off to the SE, but which hill was it? Hard to say. Maybe it really wasn’t in sight? SPHP was unable to make positive identification.

Big hills and ridges in all directions. 35 ºF. The N wind was only 15 mph now, but the chill breeze combined with the 360 degree panorama and sinking sun heightened a sense of loneliness and extreme remoteness. The Taylor Highway stretching off into the distance was the only sign of civilization. Even it appeared to be completely abandoned.

The Taylor Highway winds off toward Jack Wade junction. The G6 is parked down where the road appears to end toward the R. Photo looks SSW.

Another 62 miles from here to the end of the Taylor Highway at Eagle on the Yukon River. Lupe never went this way. Photo looks WNW.

Staring far to the SW, SPHP suddenly realized that Lupe had been to the highest peak faintly visible on the horizon. Mount Fairplay (5,541 ft.), a favorite spot! The American Dingo had climbed it twice. Tomorrow Lupe would be going right by Mount Fairplay again. If the weather held, maybe she could make a 3rd ascent?

Something to look forward to. Mount Fairplay was awesome! Still just another big hill, but a really big one. Over 2,000 feet of elevation gain from the highway, and 3,000 feet of prominence.

**Mount Fairplay** (Center) from **Steele Creek Dome**. Photo looks SW with lots of help from the telephoto lens.

Seemed like a long time since way back at the swollen Ogilvie River this morning. Getting late enough so that Lupe didn’t linger long on remote Steele Creek Dome (4,015 ft.).

Final moments on Steele Creek Dome. Photo looks NE.

*3 domes in one day! That’s pretty good, isn’t it?*

On the way down, SPHP became engaged in scarfing up luscious, ripe wild blueberries. The exasperated were-puppy reappeared. Twice! The were-puppy’s insistent threats finally persuaded SPHP to move along at a more lively pace. (End 8:02 PM)

8-18-19, 9:02 PM, 37 ºF, Taylor Highway SSW of Steele Creek Dome – The G6 was pointed NW. After a dinner of pink salmon and Alpo, a sleepy Carolina Dog munched happily on a rawhide stick. Outside, the sky was almost totally clear. Might be a cold night! So quiet here. Sunset in 20 or 30 minutes.

Perfectly positioned for it, but the sunset never really developed. A golden orb hovered briefly on the horizon, then slipped and was gone.

*So that’s it from Steele Creek Dome! We’re just getting started in Alaska, though. Hope you join me again for more Dingo Adventures real soon!*

Links:

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Doing Domes – The Top of the World Highway from Dawson City to the Alaska border, Yukon Territory, Canada (8-24-18)

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Doing Domes – the Top of the World Highway from Dawson City to the Alaska Border, Yukon Territory, Canada (8-24-18)

Day 21 of Lupe’s 2018 Dingo Vacation to the Yukon, Northwest Territories & Alaska!

7:20 AM, 50°F, Midnight Dome near Dawson City – A warm night! Kind of nice. Rained the whole time. Outside the G6, it was still coming down. Mist and fog. So no big rush to do anything. SPHP caught up the trip journal while Lupe dozed or watched raindrops on their sudden dashes down the windshield. Not too scintillating.

9:21 AM, 45°F – No change in the weather, but the American Dingo was about to get underway! A day of peakbagging Domes along the Top of the World Highway was in store. Lupe kicked things off with a super easy one. Since she had spent the night on Midnight Dome (2,887 ft.) not far from the summit, a second quick ascent was in order.

Lupe had already seen the lovely views of the Yukon River and Dawson City from Midnight Dome yesterday evening. No special reason to make another ascent except for its own sake. She certainly wasn’t going to see anything this morning. On the other paw, the summit was only a trivial 20 feet higher than the viewpoint along the loop road, and the Carolina Dog was already here, so why not?

Two minutes after escaping the G6, Lupe was again standing on the huge, rustic wooden bench at the top of Midnight Dome.

*The views were better yesterday when there were some! Can we go now? I’m getting wet!*

Heading back down Dome Road to the North Klondike Highway and Dawson City, the thrill of not having seen a thing wore off pretty quickly. Not to worry, more excitement was only minutes away! SPHP let Lupe stand in the rain near the fabled Yukon River, which actually was in view, while waiting for the George Black ferry.

The **Yukon River** ferry landing at the N end of Dawson City.

10:19 AM, 48°F – The ride across the Yukon River aboard the George Black ferry is free, and the ferry operates around the clock. Vehicles had been disembarking on the far shore when Lupe arrived, but soon the George Black was on its way back.

The George Black ferry (L) is the only way across the **Yukon River** at Dawson City.

10:36 AM, 48°F – Once across the Yukon River, Lupe and SPHP set out on the Top of the World Highway (Hwy 9) to look for the road to Clinton and Cassiar Dome (4,450 ft.). Hwy 9 climbed steadily out of the river valley. For several miles, the road was paved. Even before it turned to gravel, Lupe was back in fog again. Rain continued without let up.

A discouraging start, but after 40 km, occasional breaks appeared in the clouds. Lupe could sometimes see nearby ridges, and even enjoyed brief moments of sunshine. This more hopeful weather held for the next 15 km, before conditions deteriorated again. Only a few km farther, about 59 km from Dawson City, the road to Clinton appeared as a R (N) turn.

SPHP hadn’t noticed any signs for Clinton along the Top of the World Highway, but a white sign 200 feet N of the junction mentioned Clinton Creek, so this had to be the right road. The topo map showed that 6 km (4 miles) N of this intersection, Clinton Road goes over a saddle that might make a decent starting point for an ascent of Cassiar Dome.

However, the weather was lousy. No point in leaving the Top of the World Highway just yet. The American Dingo was going to have to wait for improvement. SPHP parked the G6 at large level area W of Clinton Road close to the intersection. Might as well wait here.

11:47 AM, 43°F, km 59 of the Top of the World Highway – After a quick romp in the rain and fog, it was time for lunch. Canned salmon and Ritz crackers! Lupe feasted on both. Nothing changed outside, so after lunch the Carolina Dog took a long nap. Not to be outdone, SPHP joined her.

2:20 PM – Still raining, but the sky is a bit brighter, and the fog isn’t as dense. To the N, some of Clinton Road is visible. The whole area it goes through looks heavily forested. If that is what the route to Cassiar Dome is going to be like, Lupe will get absolutely soaked before she’s 20 feet from the G6.

However, off to the SW, a barren ridge is in sight. The map shows that Swede Dome (4,150 ft.) isn’t too far beyond that ridge. Maybe Lupe ought to forget Cassiar Dome, and go check out Swede Dome instead? With only a little over 300 feet of elevation gain required, Swede Dome isn’t much of a climb, but considering the circumstances, that’s a good thing! The Top of the World Highway passes right along the N and W slopes, so it won’t be a long trek, either.

Maybe Lupe can climb Swede Dome even in this weather?

On the Top of the World Highway en route to check out **Swede Dome** (Center). Photo looks SSW.

2:38 PM, 44°F – SPHP parked the G6 W of Swede Dome close to the km 64 marker. Only light rain at the moment, probably about as good as things are going to get today. Swede Dome is not forested, and the top isn’t that far away. Might as well give it a go!

Leaving the G6, Lupe crossed the highway, went up an embankment, and started up a long, broad slope.

Starting up **Swede Dome**. Photo looks ESE.

Swede Dome was an easy climb. Not too far from the top, Lupe reached a region of low bushes, and thick, spongy tundra which made things a bit more difficult, but abundant blueberries slowed SPHP down more than anything else. The steepest part of the climb was just above this zone, but didn’t take long. Soon the slope was leveling out.

The top of the mountain was a large, nearly flat area of tundra dotted with sporadic low bushes and a few scattered conifers. Several cairns were along the N rim. Lupe came up from the W, and still had a bit of a march ahead of her to get to the actual high point.

Relaxing on the soft, wet tundra on top of **Swede Dome**. Photo looks NE.

Approaching the cairn (L of Center) at the true summit.

The true summit of Swede Dome was somewhat E of the center of the spacious flat region, nowhere near any edge. A big cairn sat at or very close to the actual high point. Nearby, an ancient battered washtub was attached to a post. Lupe got up onto the cairn to claim her Swede Dome peakbagging success!

At what appeared to be the true summit of **Swede Dome**.

*At least I got one dome done along the Top of the World Highway today!*

*Oh, yeah, this is magnificent! Without being able to see very far, we’re kind of hard up for Swede Dome highlights, aren’t we?*

Fog occasionally swept over the mountain. The cloud ceiling was too low to permit any distant views. Looper couldn’t see much from Swede Dome, except along the N edge where she could look down on the Top of the World Highway.

The Top of the World Highway from along the **N edge of Swede Dome**. Photo looks NE.

Toward the W end. The slope Lupe had come up is on the R. The G6 is in sight. Photo looks WSW.

3:26 PM, 44°F – Lupe didn’t stay up on Swede Dome for long. Less than an hour after leaving the G6, she was back. She had scarcely returned, when the sky brightened. For several minutes, sunshine filtered through the clouds. Coming on the heels of Loopster’s Swede Dome success, the sunlight was enough to revive hopes for Cassiar Dome. Clinton Road was only 5 km back. Maybe Lupe ought to at least go take a closer look?

Approaching Clinton Road, a high hill could now be seen off to the N. That had to be Cassiar Dome, didn’t it? In front of the hill was a faint rainbow.

A faint rainbow comes down to Clinton Road in front of **Cassiar Dome**. Photo looks N.

3:52 PM, 45°F – Coming from the W, a green street sign for Clinton Road did appear along the Top of the World Highway prior to the turn. SPHP drove N on Clinton Road almost to the saddle SW of Cassiar Dome. Two side roads split off from the same point on the R (NE) side of Clinton Road shortly before reaching the pass.

Most interesting! SPHP parked the G6. The map didn’t show these side roads. If either one could get Lupe closer to Cassiar Dome (4,450 ft.), that would be a huge help! The sunshine had disappeared, and it was raining again, but Lupe and SPHP got out for a look.

The side road on the L went NW toward a big ridge. Whether the road was destined to go up onto the ridge, or around to the other side couldn’t be seen from here. The top of this ridge was actually the route that SPHP intended Lupe to take over to Cassiar Dome, provided it wasn’t forested. Didn’t look like it was, either, so that was great news!

The side road to the R went NNE, more directly toward Cassiar Dome, but gradually losing elevation as it disappeared from view among tall bushes. Apparently it wasn’t headed for the top of anything. Between these two roads was a sign. Unfortunately, the sign gave no indication where either road went.

These side roads off Clinton Road are about 4 miles N of the Top of the World Highway. **Cassiar Dome** on the R. Photo looks NNE.

Sticking with the original plan by taking the side road to the L as far up onto the big ridge as possible seemed like the thing to do, except for one thing. Looking over at Cassiar Dome, a thin, but distinct line could be seen in the vegetation running horizontally along the SW slope. That line wasn’t an awful lot higher than where the G6 was now. 200 feet?

A road? Had to be, didn’t it? Maybe this side road to the R didn’t keep sinking into the valley between here and Cassiar Dome, but instead went around the N end of the valley to link up with the road over there? That would be awesome! A fabulous shortcut, a road directly to Cassiar Dome! What a gift! Lupe had to check out that possibility.

A short foray was made down the road to the R. Loop didn’t have to go far before the side road leveled out. More horizontal line could be seen on the side of the slopes ahead. Yes, it did look like this road might well be the same one visible on the side of Cassiar Dome!

So taking the side road to the R became the new plan, but the plan couldn’t be implemented yet. Raining too hard! The way things were looking, Lupe would almost certainly get drenched if she took on Cassiar Dome today, probably multiple times, but that didn’t mean she had to start out when it was raining this hard. Lupe and SPHP retreated to the G6, as more rain and fog swept through the region.

4:39 PM – Still rather foggy, but not raining. Now or never! Abandoning the G6, Lupe and SPHP headed out taking the side road to the R. Other than one empty beer can, Loop saw no sign that anyone ever comes this way anymore. Not a speck of trash. In a few spots, the wilderness was starting to close back in, but the road was never completely blocked. The little road served as a great path, fine nearly the entire way. The Carolina Dog made rapid progress.

Shortly after starting out on the minor side road that went to the R. Photo looks N.

Looper leading the way exploring ahead. The SW slope of **Cassiar Dome** is in the fog on the R. Photo looks NNE.

Lupe had a blast running and sniffing, but wisely did not venture into the wilderness on either side of the road.

After going perhaps a couple of miles, the road reached the lower SW slopes of Cassiar Dome (4,450 ft.). The most direct route to the summit would have been to leave the road right away and start climbing. However, the mountainside was steep here, and thickly covered with wet bushes taller than SPHP.

Lupe wouldn’t have to climb terribly far to get up above the bushes, but such a feat looked like a struggle. The Carolina Dog was already sopping wet from vegetation on the road. SPHP was only wet to mid-thigh, and wasn’t anxious to get totally soaked head to foot.

Maybe the road would climb above the bushes, if Looper followed it far enough around the S end of Cassiar Dome? That might add quite a bit of distance, but following the road was fast. Wouldn’t take that long to at least give it a shot.

So Lupe stuck with the road quite a bit farther as it curved SE around the N end of the Cassiar Creek valley. Loop got all the way to the S end of Cassiar Dome where the road turned E. She’d gained a little elevation, but not much. However, it was enough. The slope leading higher to the N wasn’t as steep as before, and only a narrow band of tall bushes had to be negotiated before Lupe would reach open ground.

Leaving the road, the American Dingo charged N up the slope. Lupe was beyond the stand of tall bushes in practically no time. Only relatively low bushes, rocks, tundra, and scattered stunted conifers up here. Off to the SE, Clinton Road was in sight. SPHP could tell where the junction with the side roads was back where the G6 was parked. Lupe still hadn’t gained much elevation. 200 feet max, maybe less.

Looking back to the SE shortly after leaving the side road. Clinton Road is easily seen on the L on the far ridge. The side road Lupe had taken to get here is faint, but detectable on the R. The roads meet at the distant gentle saddle at Center.

Beginning her search for the summit of Cassiar Dome, Lupe headed N. She had gone so far S on the road that it was going to be a bit of a trek. Loop came to a series of big benches on the way. None were difficult climbs.

Looking N at one of the first big benches Lupe climbed on the way up **Cassiar Dome**.

A colorful slope leading to another bench. Photo looks NW.

As Lupe climbed, stunted trees and even low bushes vanished. The last couple of benches were just rocks and tundra. By the time Lupe reached the top of the last bench, she was on a wide tundra plain in dense fog. The terrain sloped barely higher as Looper continued N. Couldn’t be too much farther to the summit, could it?

On the last bench, wondering how much farther to the summit? Would the true summit even be a recognizable point? Photo looks N.

In the Yukon fog, what was probably only a 5 to 10 minute march N on the uppermost bench seemed endless. At last, a dimly perceived dark form could be seen ahead. A few more steps, and the looming presence transformed into a hill of dark rock. This hill was maybe 100 feet high. That had to be it! The summit of Cassiar Dome was up there!

Lupe approaches the hill of dark rock at the N end of the last bench. Photo looks N.

Up until now, Lupe had been exceptionally lucky. So far, she had only been sprinkled on a few times. Suddenly, though, the fog was getting darker and denser. Rain! Going to get it this time! Before taking on the dark rocky hill, SPHP stopped to put on the rain poncho.

The intrepid American Dingo started climbing. Lupe arrived at the top of Cassiar Dome (4,450 ft.) in the worst weather of the day. Raining hard with a cold W wind. Miserable!

The summit area was roundish, at least an acre in size. Big patches of dark-colored rocks were scattered over tundra-covered terrain. Lupe came up near the S end. Not too far to the NE sat what appeared to be a large cairn of dark rocks. This cairn was higher than anything else on the mountain, but may not have been at the true summit. The highest natural terrain seemed to be closer to the NW edge.

Lupe visited both the cairn and the natural high ground, but under these inhospitable conditions, only briefly. Couldn’t see a thing in this fog, anyway, and the cold wind and rain weren’t any fun at all.

On the big cairn of dark rock on top of **Cassiar Dome**.

*Better get your photo fast, SPHP! I’m not staying up here forever!*

Exploring (briefly) the summit of **Cassiar Dome**. The cairn is L of Center.

*This doing domes business isn’t as much fun as I’d hoped it would be.*

The weather improved markedly shortly after Lupe began her descent. She went down the SW slope to begin with, but then had a mysteriously long march curling back around to the E looking for the long upper bench where she had finally seen the summit hill. Perhaps SPHP had gotten turned around in the fog to some extent?

Whatever the reason for the unexpectedly long march, Lupe did make it back to the upper bench.

Back on the long upper bench during the descent. Photo looks S.

On the way down the various benches, Lupe emerged from the fog. She now enjoyed her best views from Cassiar Dome. The weather was still unsettled, but Loop could see farther than before. Wispy banks of fog sailed with dramatic effect among rounded hills and ridges beneath a still overcast sky.

View to the WNW while still fairly high on **Cassiar Dome**.

The side road Lupe followed from Clinton Road is easily seen on the far slope beyond her. Clinton Road is on the L. Photo looks SW.

Looking over the Cassiar Creek valley toward Clinton Road. The junction with the Top of the World Highway is on the L. Photo looks S with help from the telephoto lens.

For Lupe, the highlight of the whole trek back down the benches to the side road was seeing two deer, or maybe they were caribou? Lupe didn’t care which they were. Even though they were a long way off, she was excited and keenly interested.

*Oh, Lupe, it’s you! You scared the piss outta me!*

The descent down the benches was pretty easy. Once Loop made it back to the side road, she still had close to 3 miles to go to get back to the G6 the way the road went. It was all fun, though.

Well, almost. During the return, Lupe had only been lightly sprinkled on a few times. Ten minutes before the Carolina Dog made it back to the G6, though, the sky darkened again. Hurrying didn’t help. Only five minutes short of the G6, Loop and SPHP endured a second drenching.

8:10 PM, 45°F – Immediately upon reaching the G6, SPHP drove back to the Top of the World Highway and turned W. It wasn’t raining over by Swede Dome, in fact Lupe had a much better view of Swede Dome now than she’d had earlier.

**Swede Dome** from the Top of the World Highway. Photo looks SSW.

**Swede Dome** with help from the telephoto lens. Lupe had climbed it earlier from the R.

SPHP stopped briefly at km 64 again, where Lupe had started her trek up Swede Dome. The weather had improved so much that Loop could now see from the highway the views to the W that had been hidden when she’d been way up on Swede Dome.

Lupe returns to km 64 of the Top of the World Highway. Photo looks WSW.

9:23 PM, km 106 – Too late! Lupe arrived at Alaska/Yukon border to find the customs station and gates closed. Only open 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Loop was going to have to wait until morning to enter Alaska for the first time on this Dingo Vacation.

No problem! SPHP drove back E a couple of km to a high ridge where a big pullout was on the S side of the Top of the World Highway. The American Dingo could spend the night right here! The customs station at the border was in view, so Lupe could even monitor any activity.

Heh! Maybe not. Minutes later, the fog rolled in once more.

The customs station on the Alaska/Yukon border is in view past Lupe’s head on the side of the far ridge. Photo looks NW.

*Let’s see, two domes done today. Three, if I get to count Midnight Dome again.*

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Angelcomb Peak, Tombstone Territorial Park & the Midnight Dome, Dawson City, Yukon Territory, Canada 8-23-18

Day 20 of Lupe’s 2018 Dingo Vacation to the Yukon, Northwest Territories & Alaska!

5:45 AM, km 107.6 at the East Blackstone River rest area – Cold! Small wonder. Ice on the windshield, and new snow on the G6. A quick step outside was discouraging. Even chillier out here, and as always, the skies were overcast. May as well hit the snooze button again. Lupe and SPHP retreated back inside, and ducked under the blankets.

A chilly start to the new day at km 107.6 of the Dempster Highway. Too cold to bother with details like focusing the camera!

9:18 AM, 31°F, km 94 at the two-tier bubbly pond pullout – Still overcast, but the clouds are tinged blue. If the sun could just warm things up a bit, maybe some of this stuff would burn off? SPHP made short work of the last Ensure, and heated up some soup. Meanwhile, Lupe wandered the edges of the big pullout sniffing among the tall bushes.

11:46 AM, 42°F, km 81 at the Angelcomb trailhead – Good news and bad news! The good news was that the day had warmed up. Even better, the sun had broken through! Blue skies here and there. As SPHP had driven S on the Dempster Highway, the Ogilvie Mountains were gorgeous, and looking so enticing!

By the time breakfast was over, the **Ogilvie Mountains** looked like they might be about to escape the cloud cover.

On the drive S, encouraging amounts of blue sky were appearing.

The bad news was that the weather wasn’t consistent. Still plenty of clouds hanging around. The mood kept changing depending on which way they went. Lupe had two peakbagging options nearby to select from. A longer, more difficult route to Mount Chester Henderson via Charcoal Creek Ridge, or a shorter trail up Angelcomb Peak (6,300 ft.).

Then again, still plenty of clouds hanging around.

With the weather as variable as it was, maybe sticking with the shorter trail up Angelcomb made the most sense? On the road S, the Carolina Dog decided the question once and for all, by suddenly puking up on her blankets. The other bad news! Yeah, better stick with the shorter trail.

Lupe waits near the Dempster Highway during a quick stop to clean up her blankets. She seemed to feel much better immediately after throwing up, but maybe it was best to go for the easiest peak today, in case she got worse again.

On the E side of the Dempster Highway at about km 81, a closed yellow gate across a wide side road blocked access to a highway maintenance area used for gravel storage. This side road effectively serves as a trailhead for an unofficial trail up Angelcomb Peak (6,300 ft.). Even though several other vehicles were already here when Lupe arrived, SPHP had plenty of room to park the G6.

The American Dingo was in sunshine, but Angelcomb Peak was still in the clouds as Lupe set out.

Setting out for **Angelcomb Peak**. Photo looks NE.

Beyond the yellow gate, Lupe quickly came to a big flat area with a huge mound of gravel stacked on one side. Information SPHP had seen online indicated that Lupe ought to go toward the R (SE) side of the gravel yard to look for a trail. However, a stack of big boulders sat over that way.

Straight ahead toward Angelcomb Peak, a gentle slope covered with bushes overlooked the gravel yard. A couple of people up there were working their way R (SE) toward the area the trail was supposed to be in. Maybe they were already on the trail? The route they were taking certainly looked easier than dealing with the boulders.

Loop went straight on past the mound of gravel, and got up onto the same slope. The bushes were chest high on SPHP, and a complete jungle for Lupe. The trail was nowhere to be seen, but there were lanes among the bushes that were relatively easy to follow. The people had vanished. Lupe and SPHP headed off to the R, in the same general direction they had taken. Sure enough, within minutes, Loopster did come to a trail.

The trail was in decent shape, and gained elevation at a moderate pace. It headed E up the S side of a little draw toward a high point not too far away. As Lupe got higher, the bushes began to thin out. By the time she was close to the high point, they were already becoming scarce. Back to the W, Looper could see the gravel yard, the Dempster Highway, and the wide upper East Blackstone River valley.

On the S side of the little draw near the start of the unofficial trail to Angelcomb Peak. Photo looks ENE.

The gravel yard Lupe started from is beyond her. The wide valley the **East Blackstone River** originates from (Center) is across the Dempster Highway. Photo looks W.

The trail didn’t go all the way to the first high point it had been heading toward. However, only a short side trip was required to go visit it, so Lupe did. The view of Angelcomb Peak to the N was encouraging. The clouds had lifted enough so that even the summit was sort of in sight.

The trail heads toward **Angelcomb Peak’s S ridge** (R). The summit (Center) looked like it might soon be cloud-free. Photo looks N.

Checking out the first little high point. Photo looks NNE.

Lupe returned to the trail, which now headed up Angelcomb Peak’s S ridge. The next phase of the journey was to get up to a big, relatively flat, rocky shelf that was quite a bit higher. The trail headed right for it.

Heading up the S ridge. The flat rocky area (R) is an intermediate goal en route to the summit (Center). Photo looks N.

*We’re almost to the flatter rocky part of the ridge now!* Photo looks NNE.

Even before Loopster reached the first high point, someone had been standing way up on the rocky shelf. As Lupe got close, a woman was coming down. SPHP talked to her briefly. Her husband was still up there watching Dahl sheep through his field glasses. Pressing onward, Lupe and SPHP soon met Michael Kawerninski.

Michael was friendly, and encouraged SPHP to take a look through his binoculars at 3 Dahl sheep grazing on the slopes of Trapper Mountain (6,628 ft.) to the E. The sheep were mere tiny white specks, so far away they were difficult to spot without the glasses. Lupe gave no indication that she was even aware of their existence.

Just like Lupe, Michael and his wife had been all the way to Tuktoyaktuk on the Arctic Ocean, so it was fun talking with him. They were from Smithers, British Columbia, which Lupe has been to several times. In fact, Lupe had passed through Smithers on her way N. Michael was about to follow his wife down, but said he would leave information at the G6 about hiking trails in the Smithers area.

When Michael left, Lupe went on. The rocky shelf wasn’t completely flat, and the trail wasn’t always right on top of it, but this region was much easier than what was ahead. Beyond the rocky area, the trail steepened considerably. Before Lupe even got that far, the sky suddenly started clearing to the E. The fog blew away. At one point, Lupe had such a great view of Trapper Mountain, that SPHP thought maybe she could go climb it after summiting Angelcomb!

The sky begins to clear over by **Trapper Mountain**. Photo looks NE.

*Look at that! Maybe we can go climb **Trapper Mountain** next?* Photo looks E.

Excited and spurred on by that notion, Lupe’s now steepening trek up Angelcomb Peak continued. However, the clouds soon returned. The next time SPHP glanced over toward Trapper Mountain, it had vanished again! Lupe could still see to the S and W, though.

The trail didn’t always stay right up on the ridgeline. Here Lupe is W of, and a bit below, the rocky shelf. Photo looks N toward the summit (Center).

**Goldensides Mountain**, which Lupe had climbed in 2017, is on the L. The Dempster Highway and **North Fork Pass** are on the R. Photo looks S.

Getting to the final push up **Angelcomb Peak**. Photo looks NW.

**Mount Robert Henderson (6,998 ft.)** appears briefly in the distance on the L. **Blackcap Mountain (6,000 ft.)** is at Center. **Goldensides Mountain (6,000 ft.)** is beyond Lupe on the R. Photo looks SE.

**North Fork Pass** and the Dempster Highway. Photo looks S.

Upper **East Blackstone River valley** with help from the telephoto lens. Photo looks SW.

**Angelcomb Peak’s S ridge**. This is the way Lupe came up. Photo looks SSE.

On the final steep ascent, the path faded and became braided. Several times SPHP lost it completely. Didn’t matter, since it was perfectly clear the route went straight on up to the sharp peak ahead. That was about the only thing that was clear, though. Angelcomb Peak (6,300 ft.) was still in the clouds. During the last 200 feet of elevation gain, Loopster climbed in a cold fog.

Poor Loop didn’t complain, but she wasn’t having much fun. She felt sick again, and threw up once more. With encouragement from SPHP, she persevered and managed to reach the summit of Angelcomb Peak.

Feeling sick in the cold fog, but still heading higher. Fortunately, not much farther now!

The top of Angelcomb Peak was an airy, rocky, little hillock. Most of the hill was covered with dirt or scant vegetation from which a number of rocks protruded a foot or two higher. Two rocks, quite close together and nearly equal in elevation, formed the true summit. They were right along the edge of a fog-filled chasm of indeterminable depth to the NE. A ragged ridgeline to the NW vanished into fog, too.

Despite the gloomy conditions and not feeling so great, the American Dingo immediately perched up on the highest rocks to claim her rather nauseating peakbagging success.

Success! Lupe at the **true summit of Angelcomb Peak**. Photo looks NW.

On the same summit rock, but this time looking NE.

Only a minute later, the fog began to thin a little. More of the NW ridge could be seen. Loop could also see to the S and W. However, virtually nothing could be seen to the N or E yet.

A minute later, more of the **NW ridge** came into view. Photo looks NW.

The **East Blackstone River valley**. Photo looks WSW.

The **summit of Angelcomb Peak** – just about the whole thing. Photo looks ESE.

*Well, we made it! Hope you don’t feel as queasy about it as I do!*

After a quick initial look around, SPHP sat leaning against the highest rocks. Lupe curled up on a patch of dirt nearby. A 10 mph S breeze felt quite chilly. Between the breeze, the fog, and the cold hard ground, the Carolina Dog was soon persuaded to get up on SPHP’s lap, which was warmer and more comfortable, and where SPHP could stroke her.

Since Lupe was only 200 feet up into the fog, SPHP figured breaks in the clouds might appear fairly often. Visibility was poor overall, but with a little patience Looper might get some pretty decent, if brief, views.

This theory worked out fairly well. Often the fog was so thick, Lupe couldn’t see a thing, but it never stayed that way. One after another, clouds streamed on by, suddenly revealing big views. The views never lasted, either. The next cloud was always on the way.

The views that did appear were almost always to the S or W. Lupe never saw Trapper Mountain to the E again. At one point, Angelcomb’s whole NW ridge was completely out in the open, and toward the end of Lupe’s stay, the fog did clear out of the deep valley to the NE enough to be able to see the bottom of that formerly hidden chasm.

Off to the S, Lupe sometimes saw Goldensides Mountain (6,000 ft.), a terrific peak she had climbed almost a year ago, and its close neighbor Blackcap Mountain (6,000 ft.).

**Angelcomb Peak’s NW ridge** during a brief moment out in the clear. Photo looks NW with help from the telephoto lens.

The **East Blackstone River** and ponds near **North Fork Pass**. Photo looks SW.

Looking down **Angelcomb’s short SW ridge**. The gravel yard where Lupe started out from is on the L. Photo looks SW.

Most of the fog finally drifts away revealing the valley to the NE.

After 30 minutes at the summit of Angelcomb Peak, Lupe was feeling better. She’d had enough, though, and was ready to start down.

At a dramatic point shortly after beginning the descent. Photo looks S.

Lupe went right back down the S ridge, the same way she had come up. The views improved at first, as she got below the cloud cover. By now, though, there wasn’t any blue sky anywhere.

Lupe on the descent. **Blackcap Mountain** (L) and **Goldensides Mountain** (R) are both near the (Center). Photo looks SSE.

**Blackcap Mountain** (L) and **Goldensides Mountain** (R) with help from the telephoto lens. Photo looks SSE.

A glance over at the ridge leading to **Trapper Mountain** (R). Photo looks E.

Lupe was definitely feeling better. She ran about sniffing and exploring, exhibiting no signs of her earlier problems. The descent went quickly. The American Dingo stayed on the trail all the way to the very end to see where it actually came out at. In the little draw the path had come up, she came to a 10 foot drop into a gully that appeared to have been washed out during heavy rains.

The washed out gully at the start of the trail. Photo looks W.

A two second scramble down into the gully ultimately led to the pile of boulders in the SE part of the maintenance yard. When Lupe got back to the G6, SPHP found the note Michael Kawerninski had promised under the windshield wiper. (4:13 PM, 43°F)

5:16 PM, 42°F, km 71.5 at the Tombstone Interpretive Centre – With so many clouds, and Lupe not at her best, Angelcomb Peak had certainly been the right choice today! After getting back to the G6, SPHP had driven S to the Tombstone Interpretive Centre to see what the weather forecast was for tomorrow. Maybe after a good night’s rest, Lupe could do Mount Chester Henderson? That would be awesome!

The weather forecast posted in the Tombstone Interpretive Centre, dashed that hope. 60% chance of showers tomorrow, 100% chance of rain the next day, then one nice day when it was supposed to be sunny. After that, 60% chance of showers again.

Forget it! Not sticking around for days hoping for a single nice one. Sadly, Lupe’s adventures along the Dempster Highway, and the new all-season road to Tuktoyaktuk and the Arctic Ocean were over. Angelcomb Peak was the grand finale! All that remained was the drive back to the start of the Dempster Highway. What a fantastic, memorable trip it had been, though!

6:32 PM, 59°F, km 0 at the start of the Dempster Highway – SPHP couldn’t believe how much better the weather was S of Tombstone Territorial Park. Blue skies appeared. The temperature soared to an amazing 61°F! Lupe bathed in brilliant sunshine. SPHP fueled up the G6 at the junction with the North Klondike Highway.

Heading W on the North Klondike Highway to Dawson City, it all lasted 10 glorious minutes. Back under cloudy skies. Oh, well! At least it was still the warmest out it had been in many days.

In Dawson City, Lupe enjoyed an hour spent window shopping. SPHP broke down and bought an Alaska burger, whatever that was, at Dino’s Restaurant. An Alaska burger turned out to be a fish sandwich with fries. Lupe couldn’t stomach fish yet, and turned her nose up at it.

At a Dawson City park near the Yukon River.

9:50 PM, 50°F at Midnight Dome – One last late peakbagging adventure to take care of! Just E of Dawson City was a L turn off the North Klondike Highway onto Dome Road. Dome Road was paved and wound all the way up Midnight Dome (2,887 ft.), a big hill overlooking Dawson City and the mighty Yukon River.

The end of the road made a loop past a viewpoint where a couple of plaques told about Dawson City, and related an entertaining tale about how Midnight Dome got its name.The views of Dawson City and the Yukon River from Midnight Dome were lovely, and the peakbagging was a cinch. From the viewpoint by the road, Lupe only had to gain 20 feet of elevation on a short stroll to the top of a mostly barren, rounded hill. On top of the hill was a single perfectly ordinary picnic table, and a huge, rustic wooden bench.

After testing out the bench, which easily supported a single American Dingo, Lupe returned to the G6.

**Dawson City** and the **Yukon River** from **Midnight Dome**. The Klondike River joins in from the L (E). Photo looks upstream (SW).

The **Yukon River**. Photo looks downstream (NW).

On the back side of the Midnight Dome opposite the viewpoint, but still high on the mountain, there was a rest area where the loop at the end of the road started. Across the road from an outhouse was a decent place to park. A couple of other vehicles were parked here already, but there was still room for the G6. It was getting late. Why not? Loopster could spend the night on Midnight Dome!

Didn’t take long to get settled in. The rain started half an hour later.