Uncle Joe – The (Mostly) True Adventures of Lupe

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 318 – Slate Creek (10-8-23)

1:20 PM, 68ºF, USFS Road No. 530 near the Slate Creek Dam – No wind and a bright, blue sky greeted Lupe, Cousin Dixie, Uncle Joe, and SPHP. Such a beautiful, early fall day! Last day in the Black Hills, too, for Joe and Dixie before they’d be heading home to Colorado tomorrow, so the plan was to make the best of it. SPHP had proposed a super easy stroll down the Slate Creek valley however far they wanted to go.

Parked near the **Slate Creek Dam** along **USFS Road No. 530**. Photo looks ENE.

Naturally, first and second orders of business were to have a look at the shallow, weedy pond backed up by the dam, and admire the impressive wall of rock just across the road from its N end. Peering into the green water, Uncle Joe was immediately impressed by the size of 2 enormous rainbow trout lurking in the region above the spillway.

The **weedy pond** backed up by the **Slate Creek dam**. Photo looks S.

The big wall of rock N of the pond. Photo looks NNE.

A well-protected **hornet’s nest**, which also had a rock roof over it, too!

Before setting off along Slate Creek, Lupe and Dixie visited the waterfall below both the dam and the bridge where the creek left the pond. After a refreshing drink, the downstream trek began.

**Slate Creek** just below the dam. Photo looks SE.

Spur USFS Road No. 530.1C also went downstream, paralleling the creek. Numerous ATV’s roaring up and down it were raising dust and making a lot of noise. Happily, after following Slate Creek for only 0.25 mile, the road crossed it at a ford, then quickly dead-ended.

Cousin Dixie, who wasn’t quite 6 months old yet, encountered her first plank bridge at this ford. Uncle Joe demonstrated its use, and being a clever Aussie Shepherd, Dixie caught on right away. Lupe was the only one who forded the stream, cooling her paws off in the clear water.

ATV’s along **USFS Road No. 530.1C**. Photo looks NNW.

**Loopster** fording **Slate Creek**. Joe and **Dixie** already across. Photo looks E.

Several big boulders and a fence with a narrow gate prevented anyone with wheels from getting too rambunctious and continuing past the No. 530.1C turnaround spot where the road ended. According to a nearby sign, that hadn’t always been the case. At one time, the road had kept going, crossing Slate Creek 25 times in the next 3.5 miles.

**Lupe** on the “**Boulder of Guaranteed Tranquility**” beyond which wheeled vehicles couldn’t go. Photo looks NE.

Sign at the start of the single track trail.

Cousin Dixie liked the looks of the quiet valley ahead. Soon she was way out in front of everyone else. However, she did pause to make sure the rest of the gang was coming.

**Dixie** surveying the scene ahead from another **Boulder of Tranquility**. Photo looks E.

**Dixie** leading the way. Photo looks SE.

An old guy with 2 dogs was coming this way. Joe leashed Dixie up, but the American Dingo wasn’t about to have her freedom wrecked, instead looming over the other dogs as they passed the boulder she was on.

**Dixie** temporarily corralled. **Lupe**: *“Live free or … well, just live free!”* Photo looks SE.

As the single track trail wound down the almost pancake flat Slate Creek valley, signs began appearing proclaiming the existence of at least one new mining claim in the area. As a geologist, Joe was interested in some of the recent exploratory digs. SPHP took a somewhat dimmer view of people staking new claims and digging up the Black Hills National Forest as if it was still the late 1870’s, but they were within their rights. At least none of the digs were very big.

By a recent, exploratory dig. Wonder what they found, if anything?

Continuing down the valley, yellow aspens added flashes of color among the darker pines. There were plenty more plank bridges to be crossed. Cousin Dixie was rapidly getting to be an expert at it!

**Cousin Dixie** showing off her newly acquired bridge crossing technique.

A mile or more beyond the Boulder of Guaranteed Tranquility, the Slate Creek trail reached an intersection with Deerfield Trail No. 40 in a big meadow. Continuing downstream, now on the Deerfield Trail, Joe soon decided another 0.5 mile was about far enough. An old, fallen tree trunk provided spots for Joe and SPHP to sit, while Lupe and Dixie relaxed or sniffed about in the tall grass.

**Joe** and **Lupe** at the break spot/turnaround point.

Beyond being quiet, pleasant, and partially shaded, there was nothing at all remarkable about this particular spot, but it was a nice place to take a break before heading back. Joe had brought a variety of energy/snack bars to choose from, and SPHP shared a couple of apples. While Dixie eagerly sampled Lupe’s Taste of the Wild, the Carolina Dog preferred a chocolate coconut bar.

Nearly the entire way here, Dixie had kept on with her rather annoying youthful habit of trying to herd Lupe, which the American Dingo had done her best to ignore, despite her frequent warning growls providing absolutely no relief.

On the way back, though, a gleam in Dixie’s eye hinted at a new game dawning in the Aussie Shepherd’s mind. With Joe calling her from the opposite bank, Dixie suddenly realized that it might be fun to forget both herding and the bridge business, and dash right on through Slate Creek.

**Dixie** suddenly realizing that she doesn’t have to do either herding or the bridge thing.

This new sport of making a huge splash in Slate Creek, then spraying Joe with water as she shook herself off was so much fun, that Dixie repeated it several times. However, that didn’t mean Dixie had completely given up on bridges.

**Lupe** sets up a blockade. *Not letting you by until you promise to quit harassing me, **Dixie**!*

Lupe’s bridge blockage was completely unsuccessful as far as getting Dixie to quit herding her, but everyone else managed to enjoy the rest of the return unmolested. Even Lupe got a few breaks now and then when Dixie’s attention wandered.

Heading back up the **Slate Creek valley**. Photo looks SSW.

3:32 PM – Despite a leisurely pace, the return hardly seemed to take any time at all on this beautiful Black Hills afternoon. Before long, everyone was back at the pond above the Slate Creek dam, peering into the green water. At least for the moment, the ATV’ers were gone and tranquility reigned here, too.

Back at the **pond above the Slate Creek dam**. Photo looks S.

Lupe and SPHP had a lot of fun with Uncle Joe, Aunt Andrea, and Cousin Dixie the last few days. Sadly, bright and early tomorrow morning they would all be on their way back to Colorado. However, unsuspected at the time, Cousin Dixie would be back for more Black Hills adventures with Lupe much sooner than anyone expected.

**Lupe** and **Dixie** by the **pond above the Slate Creek Dam**, Black Hills of South Dakota, 10-8-23

Links:

Next Black Hills Expedition Prior Black Hills Expedition

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New Cousin Dixie! (6-29-23 to 7-2-23)

6-29-23, 3:00 PM – Lupe’s fabulous 1st Summer of 2023 Dingo Vacation to Colorado & New Mexico had ended only yesterday. So many chores to catch up on! SPHP was still mowing the back yard when Uncle Joe and Aunt Andrea arrived.

Of course, Hotel Lupe’s long standing policy is that humans stay free as long as they are accompanied by a responsible canine. Uncle Joe and Aunt Andrea came fully prepared. For the first time ever, they’d brought new Cousin Dixie with them! An AKC registered Australian Shepherd, Dixie was only a little over 2 months old.

New **Cousin Dixie** at home in Arvada, Colorado.

Lupe was barking with joy at Uncle Joe and Aunt Andrea’s arrival, which initially scared Dixie a little. That didn’t last! Soon Dixie was trying to herd her big cousin and wanting to play. Lupe didn’t quite know what to make of this new pipsqueak interloper, sometimes growling a warning, or even snapping at Dixie.

This is my new cousin, SPHP? She’s cute enough, but so small, and rather … what shall I say? … annoying!

Dixie’s just a puppy, Loopster.

I’m a puppy, too, SPHP, but I’m not so… so… hyper!

Well, of course, you’re my Sweet Puppy, Loop, but Dixie is very young. The whole world is brand new to her. She’s full of energy and excited to learn all about everything, including you! So be nice to Dixie. She’ll grow up fast, and we’ll have lots of fun with her.

Do you think Dixie will want to go on any Black Hills, SD expeditions, SPHP?

Oh, I’m sure of it! No doubt Uncle Joe will want to take Dixie up into the hills with us while they’re here for the next few days. Dixie’s too little to go very far yet, but we’ll have a good time.

6-30-23 – SPHP was right. New Cousin Dixie very much wanted to be an explorer, too! After the whole gang enjoyed an early morning stroll through the park on the Geyser Loop, Aunt Andrea had eventually gone to spend the day with Grandma. Uncle Joe and Dixie were free to head up into the hills, which was exactly what they wanted to do.

Where to, though? Dixie’s first Black Hills, SD Mini-Expedition should be something quite easy. SPHP suggested Centennial Trail No. 89. The Deer Creek trailhead would be a good place to start.

At the **Deer Creek trailhead** with new **Cousin Dixie**.

6-30-23, 11:01 AM, Centennial Trail No. 89, Deer Creek trailhead – Upon arrival, Dixie was happy and enthusiastic, but at the same time seemed to realize she was about to embark on some serious business.

Mentor and mentee, about to set out on the first of many adventures together.

The plan was simple. Everyone followed the spur trail leading from the Deer Creek trailhead up to the main Centennial Trail No. 89 route. Once there, Dixie could explore S or N.

Dixie doing great, but soon began devoting most of her abundant energy toward herding Lupe. The American Dingo did her best to ignore the pesky Aussie, often growling a warning.

Upon reaching the main trail, Dixie wound up going S. Centennial Trail No. 89 soon crossed the road to Silver City, then proceeded gradually up the side of a forested valley to the junction with Deerfield Trail No. 40. An unlikely new feature was here. A silver disco ball was hanging over the junction. Lupe and SPHP had never seen it before.

Sticking with Centennial Trail No. 89, Dixie continued S. The trail went down into Smoker Gulch. 1.2 miles from the trailhead, Uncle Joe decided this was far enough for Dixie’s first Black Hills adventure.

The day was warm, the sky blue with puffy white clouds, and the grass, green and lush. During a short rest break, Dixie became interested in digging, while Lupe ventured out into the tall grass.

Amid the tall grass in **Smoker Gulch**.

And that was it for Dixie’s first Black Hills, SD Mini-Expedition. On the way back to the Deer Creek trailhead, Uncle Joe showed off his funky disco dancing form at the intersection with Deerfield Trail No. 40.

Heading back on **Centennial Trail No. 89**.

**Dancing fool Uncle Joe** beneath the **disco ball**.

7-1-23, 10:24 AM – This morning’s activities were similar to yesterday’s. After an early morning group romp through the park, this time on the Downstream Loop, Aunt Andrea once again went to spend the day with Grandma. Dixie, Uncle Joe, Lupe, and SPHP were now at Centennial Trail No. 89’s Rapid Creek trailhead below the Pactola Reservoir dam.

About to set out on **Centennial Trail No. 89** from the **Rapid Creek trailhead**.

Heading SE toward the Tamarack trailhead, Centennial Trail No. 89 was flat as a pancake and on the verge of being overgrown. Dixie displayed great courage crossing 2 bridges over Rapid Creek. The big stream was running high, and Joe was quite impressed by what a great trout stream Rapid Creek appeared to be.

**Joe** and **Dixie** already over the first bridge.

**Rapid Creek** was running high, full bank to bank.

Dixie made it past the Tamarack trailhead all the way to USFS Road No. 165.1D in Tamarack Gulch before reaching a spot near an ancient cabin. At this point, Uncle Joe said she’d gone far enough for a 2 month old puppy. After a short rest break, it was time to head back to the Rapid Creek trailhead, once again about 1.2 miles away.

**Dixie** crossing the **Rapid Creek bridge** near the Tamarack trailhead during the return.

Another beautiful day, but Uncle Joe may have been right. Constantly trying to herd your big Carolina Dog cousin is a lot of work. Near the end, Cousin Dixie was starting to get tired.

Not to worry, though. Uncle Joe to the rescue!

7-2-23 – The next day was nearly the same routine. An early morning Geyser Loop stroll through the park, followed by another Black Hills, SD Mini-Expedition, this time from the end of Horse Creek Road to USFS Road No. 249. Incredibly, SPHP somehow forgot to bring the camera. Oops! Nevertheless, everyone had a great time.

7-3-23, 6:55 AM – Hard to believe, but it was already time for Dixie, Aunt Andrea, and Uncle Joe to head back home to Arvada, Colorado. While Uncle Joe was packing their car, Lupe and Dixie roamed the back yard, enjoying the soft green grass together.

**Dixie** and **Lupe** in the back yard.

7-3-23, 7:07 AM – Well, they’re off, Loopster, on the way back to Colorado! Thank you for not getting too snarly with Dixie. I know your patience was being sorely tested at times. So, what do you think of your new cousin? Isn’t she darling?

No doubt Dixie means well, but she’s a herding fanatic, SPHP! Do you have any idea how trying puppies can be?

Oh, really? Tell me about it, Sweet Puppy!

Links:

Next Black Hills Expedition Prior Black Hills Expedition

Centennial Trail No. 89 Brochure & Map

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Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 277 – Rapid Creek, Peak 5520 & the Gold Mountain Mine with Cousin Dusty (4-23-21 & 4-24-21)

4-23-21, late morning – It was the shrillest, happiest, most enthusiastic greeting ever! Uncle Joe, Aunt Andrea, and Cousin Dusty from Colorado could scarcely get in the door or be heard above the din. The Carolina Dog was in a complete frenzy of joy and excitement! Lupe knew what their arrival meant – good times ahead!

Festivities started off with a quick trip to Qdoba’s for take-out, and a visit to Grandma’s, where Lupe and Dusty each enjoyed a Busy Rib Hide.

After lunch, Aunt Andrea and Grandma were going shopping. Uncle Joe did not disappoint. How about a romp in the hills? A suggestion very well received by the pack!

Where to, was the immediate question? The day was breezy and gray. Barely above freezing, it was cold for late April. Furthermore, Cousin Dusty would be 15 in June, and was recovering from surgery to remove a tumor. She was doing well, but something not terribly strenuous was in order. SPHP suggested an easy trek along Rapid Creek.

4-23-21, 1:30 PM, Silver City trailhead – Out of the wind down in scenic Rapid Creek canyon, Deerfield Trail No. 40 was the perfect solution! The trail was easy to follow and wound upstream with minimal elevation gain. Dusty could go as far as she wanted to, or turn back at any time.

Heading W from Silver City on Deerfield Trail No. 40.

Early on there was a nice view of Silver Peak (5,810 ft.).

The trail passed through forest, and along stretches of Rapid Creek. It even went by a Dingo Cave.

Lupe and Cousin Dusty by **Rapid Creek**.

Uncle Joe and Cousin Dusty from the Dingo Cave.

Lupe had been here many times before, but today there was something new to show off to her guests from Colorado. 3 bighorn sheep were up on a steep slope overlooking the trail. One wore two tags, No. 353 and No. 354, plus a radio collar.

Cousin Dusty was doing great! In fact, she was having such a grand time that she often led the way, even doing some off-trail exploring. As the trek continued, Dusty crossed several more bridges over Rapid Creek. Eventually, the sky darkened further. It began to snow.

One of several bridges over **Rapid Creek**.

On a remnant of a mysterious man-made wall or support.

Dusty leading the way across another bridge.

Could have been November! Snowflakes filled the air, drifting silently lower. After passing Stewart Gulch, Uncle Joe called a halt. Probably far enough for Dusty. A break was taken. SPHP shared chocolate coconut bars with everyone, and Uncle Joe provided Kind bars.

**Rapid Creek** not far from the point of farthest advance.

The bighorn sheep were still there on the way back, they’d hardly moved at all. Snowed the whole time, but it was too warm for any of it to stick. The return seemed to go fast. Cousin Dusty was still leading when the trailhead appeared ahead. (3:35 PM, 36ºF)

4-24-21, 10:30 AM, 45ºF, Horse Creek Road – Gray and cold earlier, just like yesterday, but the clouds were breaking up now! Sunny, getting warmer, and not too windy. A bit muddy, but everyone was in a good mood while setting out on USFS Road No. 243.2J.

Heading down **Horse Creek valley**. Photo looks SSW.

Crossing **Horse Creek**. Photo looks SSW.

No. 243.2J led to a junction with USFS Road No. 669 near a pond that had been frozen over the last time Lupe was here a little over a month ago. Not so today! Cousin Dusty decided to take a dip.

By the pond. Joe and Dusty over on USFS Road No. 669. Photo looks SW.

Although the pond still had to be mighty cold, Dusty showed no sign of being chilled when she emerged. She went right back to leading the way on USFS Road No. 669 as it headed SE up a valley.

No. 669 topped out at a broad saddle 0.6 mile past the pond. Peak 5520, an objective chosen for its excellent views and because Cousin Dusty would be able to climb it, was just 0.2 mile NE.

At the saddle with **Peak 5520** in the background. Photo looks NE.

Could have chosen a tougher peak! Dusty had no problem at all. Soon everyone was congregated at the top of the mountain.

Joe and Dusty not too far from the top. Photo looks NE.

Cousin Dusty still peakbagging in the Black Hills at 14 years, 10.5 months!

Veterans of many trips over the years, Joe and Dusty were no strangers to the Black Hills. A number of peaks they had climbed before with Lupe were visible from Peak 5520, including Boulder Hill (5,331 ft.), Peak 5917, Mount Warner (5,889 ft.), Black Elk Peak (7,231 ft.) and Custer Peak (6,804 ft.).

Fond memories on display in almost every direction!

**Peak 6070** (L) and **Peak 5917** (R). Photo looks N.

**Mount Warner** (L) and **Black Elk Peak** (R). Photo looks SSE.

**Mount Warner** (L of Center), **Peak 5741** (R of Center), with **Samelias Peak (5,856 ft.)** (Center) between them. Photo looks SE.

Lupe and Uncle Joe on **Peak 5520**. **Five Points (6,221 ft.)** (L). Photo looks SW.

Naturally, a chocolate coconut bar break, shared in by all, was taken to commemorate another successful Black Hills ascent. Then it was down Peak 5520’s S slope, a slightly different route back to USFS Road No. 669, with a brief stop to check out the still splendid views from some of the rock formations.

Uncle Joe starts the descent. **Mount Warner** (Center). Photo looks SE.

On the rocks with Uncle Joe. **Five Points** (R). Photo looks SW.

4-24-21, 12:50 PM, Horse Creek Road, back at the G6 – Good times with Cousin Dusty and Uncle Joe! Two nice hikes in two days, but this was only a very quick trip for them. Although they’d arrived only 27 hours ago, bright and early tomorrow morning they would be on the road back to Colorado.

Still early afternoon, though, and Dusty was doing great! Would they consider spending a little longer in the hills before heading back to town? SPHP suggested lunch in Hill City, then another short outing.

And so it was. Lupe and Dusty rested up in the G6, while Joe and SPHP enjoyed a fabulous meal at the Alpine Inn. Then it was on to Burnt Fork Road and a hike to the Gold Mountain Mine.

At the **Gold Mountain Mine**. **Lowden Mountain (6,055 ft.)** (L). Photo looks SW.

Joe reads one of 7 or 8 plaques while Dusty looks on.

Cousin Dusty at the **Gold Mountain Mine**.

In the valley SE of the mine was another pond, considerably larger than the one on the way to Peak 5520. On the way back to the G6, Cousin Dusty couldn’t resist taking another dip.

Cousin Dusty in the bigger, more **scenic pond** **SE of the Gold Mountain Mine**. **Union Hill (6,120 ft.)** (Center). Photo looks E.

Then it was back to town to Grandma’s apartment where Aunt Andrea was playing cards with her, and where two lucky cousins got to enjoy Busy Rib Hides after another fun day together in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota.

**Busy Rib Hide time** at Grandma’s apartment, 4-24-21

Links:

Next Black Hills Expedition Prior Black Hills Expedition

Want more Lupe adventures? Check out Lupe’s Black Hills, SD & WY Expeditions Adventure Index, Master Adventure Index, or subscribe free to new Lupe adventures!