{"id":13400,"date":"2018-06-01T08:10:31","date_gmt":"2018-06-01T14:10:31","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=13400"},"modified":"2018-08-01T22:12:32","modified_gmt":"2018-08-02T04:12:32","slug":"mount-ripinsky-haines-alaska-8-11-17","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=13400","title":{"rendered":"Mount Ripinsky, Haines, Alaska (8-11-17)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Days 11 & 12 of Lupe’s 2017 Dingo Vacation to the Yukon & Alaska!<\/em><\/p>\n

Day 11, 8-10-17 <\/em>–\u00a0 After 3 big days of adventure in a row, Loop and SPHP were both looking forward to taking it easy.\u00a0 Even a rest day would be packed with awesome scenery.\u00a0 Lupe could relax riding in style with splendid views as SPHP made the long drive to Haines, Alaska.<\/p>\n

The morning began sunny and bright.\u00a0 Shortly after 8:00 AM, a steady stream of cars, trucks, and buses commenced on South Klondike Highway No. 2.\u00a0 Canadian Customs must have opened.\u00a0 SPHP fired up the G6, and Lupe was underway.\u00a0 Loop had no problem getting through customs – she never does.\u00a0 For the first time ever, though, the customs officer asked to see her current rabies certificate.\u00a0 Everything was in order, and Loopster was northward bound.<\/p>\n

With a whole day to get to Haines, Loop had plenty of time for short stops at points of interest along the way.\u00a0 Tutshi Lake was first in line.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog stopped by several viewpoints along the lake’s W shore.<\/p>\n

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Tutshi Lake<\/strong> was the first point of interest Lupe stopped at along the South Klondike Highway N of Canadian Customs. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Tutshi Lake<\/strong> is in far NW British Columbia S of Carcross in the Yukon and N of Skagway, Alaska. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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The N end of Tutshi Lake<\/strong> bends E away from the South Klondike Highway, extending for miles through the Canadian wilderness. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Whitehorse, capitol city of the Yukon, was the first big town Lupe and SPHP had been in for a week since leaving Prince George.\u00a0 Boring stops for supplies and fuel were mandatory.\u00a0 Lupe did enjoy a visit to the S.S. Klondike<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, a sternwheeler steamship which used to ply the upper Yukon River between Whitehorse and Dawson City.<\/p>\n

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In Whitehorse, Lupe got to drop by the S.S. Klondike, which used to ply the upper Yukon River between Whitehorse and Dawson City.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

NW of Whitehorse, SPHP stopped by Takhini Hot Pools<\/strong><\/a><\/span>, a relatively short detour (6 miles or 10 km) off the North Klondike Highway at the end of Hot Springs Road.\u00a0 The day was sunny and warm (75\u00b0F).\u00a0 SPHP had to leave the windows down on the G6 so Loop wouldn’t roast.\u00a0 SPHP spent an hour or more relaxing in the hot springs.\u00a0 Lupe spent it warily eyeing numerous bees buzzing about.<\/p>\n

So how was it, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

The Takhini Hot Pools were great, Looper!\u00a0 Needed that.\u00a0 Not nearly so awesome a setting as Liard Hot Springs and twice the price, but I did enjoy the hot pools and it sure feels wonderful to be clean again!<\/em><\/p>\n

You sniff better too now, SPHP, so that’s a good thing.\u00a0 Now can we get out of here?\u00a0 I’m lucky I haven’t gotten stung.\u00a0 The G6 has been humming ever since you left.\u00a0 These hot springs stops may be grand for you, but I’m not gettin’ a whole lot out of them.<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, let’s head out.\u00a0 Sorry about the bees and the wait.\u00a0 We’ll keep the windows down for a ways and hopefully lose this swarm pretty quickly.\u00a0 Glad you’re OK.<\/em><\/p>\n

The bees had thankfully all flown out the windows by the time Looper was back on the Alaska Highway.\u00a0 Finally able to relax again, she enjoyed a long, pleasant cruise W.\u00a0 At Haines Junction, SPHP turned S on Highway No. 3.\u00a0 20 minutes later, Lupe was at beautiful Kathleen Lake with a view of King’s Throne<\/span><\/a> (6,529 ft.) <\/span><\/strong>in Kluane National Park<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n

Only a little over a year ago, Lupe had climbed King’s Throne on a windy day.\u00a0 It had been a marvelous, though difficult, adventure.\u00a0 Loop and SPHP were the last of the few that had persevered all the way to the summit.\u00a0 The views of Kathleen Lake and the wild mountains to the W had been spectacular!<\/p>\n

The Carolina Dog wasn’t going to climb King’s Throne<\/span><\/strong><\/a> again today, but it was fun to gaze up and remember what a day that had been!\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP took a stroll along the shore of Kathleen Lake, then returned to the G6 to devour a roasted chicken purchased in Whitehorse with a fabulous view of the mountain.<\/p>\n

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King’s Throne Peak<\/strong> from the shore of Kathleen Lake<\/strong>. A little over a year ago, Lupe had climbed King’s Throne Peak<\/strong> during her 2016 Dingo Vacation to the Canadian Rockies, Yukon & Alaska<\/strong><\/span><\/a>. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Highway No. 3 S of King’s Throne was a gorgeous drive!\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP had never been here before.\u00a0 The highway was in great condition, like new really, and traffic was sparse.\u00a0 Lupe saw Dezadeash Lake followed by many miles of unspoiled tundra and magnificent mountains.\u00a0 The farther S Lupe and SPHP went, the more snow and ice was seen clinging to these remote and increasingly rugged peaks.<\/p>\n

Lupe made quite a few stops to sniff the air.\u00a0 Sometimes she took short walks out onto the vast tundra.<\/p>\n

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The drive S on Highway No. 3 to Haines was absolutely gorgeous! Lupe made many short stops to admire the tundra and magnificent remote peaks.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Loop and SPHP were always checking out the mountains to see if they might be something she could climb. Even when they looked like possibilities, it was often hard to tell if there might be intervening large streams or rivers that she couldn’t get across.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Of course, the most awesome peaks were far beyond Lupe and SPHP’s capabilities.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Highway No. 3 eventually went over a pass.\u00a0 On the other side, it was clear the road was about to lose a ton of elevation on the way down into a vast canyon.\u00a0 Before making the descent, SPHP found a place to park.\u00a0 Loop was ready to blow off some steam exploring the pass.\u00a0 The day had been clouding up, making the mountains appear solemn and remote, but the American Dingo had a good time.<\/p>\n

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After Highway No. 3 went over a pass, it was clear Lupe was about to lose a ton of elevation descending into the canyon ahead on the L. SPHP parked the G6, so Lupe could run off some energy exploring the area near the pass. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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From another angle, this mountain E of the pass had looked like a peak Lupe could climb. Heh, guess not, although she could have made it up to the high point on the R.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Impressive peaks and glaciers formed the towering W side of the canyon Lupe was approaching. All that snow meant Loop was getting closer to the ocean.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Lupe enjoys half an hour out of the G6. Looks like she is going to be ready for her next big adventure coming up tomorrow!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Wow! What beautiful mountains! Under blue skies they must really be incredible.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After Lupe’s short break from the G6, SPHP drove on down into the canyon.\u00a0 By the time the Carolina Dog reached the bottom, she couldn’t have been much above sea level.\u00a0 Highway No. 3 became No. 7 at the Alaska border.\u00a0 The highway followed the N bank of the braided Klehini River.<\/p>\n

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After leaving the Yukon and crossing the border into Alaska, Lupe stands on the N bank of the braided Klehini River<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Klehini River proved to be a tributary of the Chilkat River, which flowed SE the rest of the way to Haines.\u00a0 The Chilkat River is known for the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, created to protect the world’s largest concentration of bald eagles.\u00a0 The eagles tend to congregate here in fall and winter.\u00a0 Lupe didn’t see any bald eagles today.<\/p>\n

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The Klehini River<\/strong> flows into the Chilkat River, which in turn flows SE toward the Chilkat Inlet of the Lynn Canal near Haines. The Chilkat River<\/strong> is known for the world’s largest concentration of bald eagles.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe reached Haines near sundown at the end of what had become an overcast day.\u00a0 Haines was in a fantastic setting on Portage Cove.\u00a0 Towering snow and ice-capped peaks were in view across Chilkoot Inlet.\u00a0 This dark evening, the town itself seemed quiet and small beneath the gray sky.\u00a0 Haines did not look nearly so much like a tourist town as Skagway had.\u00a0 No cruise ships could be seen in port.<\/p>\n

Remaining daylight was quickly fading away.\u00a0 A place to park was found along the Chilkoot Inlet.\u00a0 Soon Lupe and SPHP were fading away, too.<\/p>\n

Day 12, 8-11-17<\/em> –\u00a0 Lupe was up bright and early.\u00a0 Well, sort of.\u00a0 The sky was still thinly overcast, so the morning wasn’t quite as bright as it might have been.\u00a0 Lupe started her day checking out the view of the Chilkoot Inlet.\u00a0 Although it had taken a full day to drive to Haines (at an admittedly leisurely pace), it was odd to think that the Carolina Dog really wasn’t all that far from where she’d started out yesterday morning.\u00a0 Skagway was just up Taiya Inlet, which Lupe could see from here.<\/p>\n

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Up early, Lupe checks out the view of the Chilkoot Inlet<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The first couple hours of the morning were spent at a pullout along Portage Cove with a view of Haines.\u00a0 This pullout would soon become a favorite spot while in the Haines area.<\/p>\n

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Haines<\/strong>, Alaska from Lupe’s favorite pullout overlooking Portage Cove<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe had a big adventure planned for today.\u00a0 She was going to climb both Mount Ripinsky<\/span><\/a> (3,675 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Shakuseyi Peak<\/span><\/a> (3,917 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>!\u00a0 It was an ambitious plan, so the American Dingo would need to get a fairly early start.<\/p>\n

She couldn’t start too early, though.\u00a0 SPHP had to go shopping first.\u00a0 Not the usual window shopping, but real shopping.\u00a0 With money.\u00a0 After Fraser Peak<\/span><\/a> (5,978 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> two days ago, SPHP’s R boot was threatening to disintegrate.\u00a0 Haines didn’t seem to have much of a business district, but SPHP did find a store that was half grocery store, half general store.<\/p>\n

So did you get new boots in there, SPHP?\u00a0 You weren’t gone very long.<\/em><\/p>\n

Nope, not boots, Looper.\u00a0 Did find some new shoes, though.\u00a0 Some sort of running shoes, I think.<\/em><\/p>\n

Running shoes!\u00a0 Don’t ever remember you doing much in the way of running, SPHP.\u00a0 That’s my specialty.<\/em><\/p>\n

Well, maybe I’ll take it up.\u00a0 Have a look.\u00a0 Kind of sweet aren’t they?<\/em><\/p>\n

Why, they are the prettiest little shoes you’ve ever had, SPHP!\u00a0 They could be dancing slippers they look so light.\u00a0 The bright blue and grey look good together.\u00a0 I hope you actually can run in them.\u00a0 We’ll be able to climb ever so many more mountains, if you can pick up the pace!<\/em><\/p>\n

Hah, we’ll have to see about that!\u00a0 They are rather pretty aren’t they?\u00a0 Merrells, too!\u00a0 Regularly $90 marked down to $54.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, a bargain!\u00a0 I’m still surprised you didn’t get any boots.\u00a0 They look great for racing around, but not so rugged for climbing mountains.\u00a0 Think they’ll last?<\/em><\/p>\n

Eh, maybe for a while.\u00a0 They did have one great advantage over everything else in there.<\/em><\/p>\n

What’s that?<\/em><\/p>\n

They were the only pair of anything in my size.\u00a0 Made for an easy decision.\u00a0 This store had a “no dithering required” selection.<\/em><\/p>\n

And with that, Lupe was on her way to the Mount Ripinsky trailhead.\u00a0 SPHP found it at the end of Young Street, parking the G6 beneath the shade of some trees nearby instead of in the sandy, exposed parking lot.\u00a0 (9:49 AM, 54\u00b0F)<\/em><\/p>\n

Lupe wasn’t off to much of an early start at all, but at least she was on her way.\u00a0 The first part of the trail followed a level ATV road.<\/p>\n

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Lupe at the start of the Mount Ripinsky trail. She followed this ATV road only a couple hundred yards before another sign pointed L up into the forest where a wide foot trail left the road.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After only a couple hundred yards, the Mount Ripinsky trail left the ATV road going L up into the forest.\u00a0 Here the trail was a wide, well-worn path, which in 150 feet brought Loop to a trailhead kiosk with maps and information.<\/p>\n

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North Summit is the top of Mount Ripinsky. Peak 3920 is Shakuseyi Peak. Lupe hoped to get to both of them.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Lupe reaches the trailhead kiosk.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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According to this map, Lupe was actually starting out at the Skyline Trailhead. (Seen at far R) Several other routes up Mount Ripinsky are possible from other trailheads. Lupe and SPHP were taking the longest, but easiest approach.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Beyond the kiosk, the trail soon began to climb and quickly narrowed down to a good single track.\u00a0 Lupe was in an open forest of very tall trees.\u00a0 The forest floor contained some strange plants with huge dark green leaves 2 or 3 feet long and nearly 1.5 feet wide.\u00a0 Devil’s club and other plants were present, too.<\/p>\n

Lupe did not run around exploring this forest.\u00a0 She stayed right on the trail, which was probably best, anyway.\u00a0 Early on, there were sometimes wooden stairs or ramps with a sort of shingle-like material fastened to them for better traction.\u00a0 Loop enjoyed running up and down these wooden pathways.\u00a0 The whole forest was quite reminiscent of Lupe’s adventure in the Ancient Forest SE of Prince George, except that the trees here were not nearly as large in circumference as the redcedars of the Ancient Forest had been.<\/p>\n

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Lupe did not explore this coastal rainforest, but enjoyed running up and down the wooden stairways present on some early sections of the Mount Ripinsky trail.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Mount Ripinsky trail gained elevation steadily for a long way.\u00a0 Loop was soon past the last of the wooden stairs and ramps.\u00a0 The vegetation changed.\u00a0 The strange plants with the huge leaves and Devil’s club gave way to blueberry bushes, a delightful development in SPHP’s opinion.<\/p>\n

These blueberry bushes were several feet tall.\u00a0 While walking the trail, SPHP could easily snag delicious, fresh blueberries without even having to stoop over.\u00a0 There were two distinct varieties, the usual purplish blue blueberries and a shinier, dark, nearly black version.\u00a0 Both were sweet and wonderful, with a bit of tartness.<\/p>\n

The blueberries slowed progress down quite a bit, as SPHP dilly-dallied at particularly abundant bushes.\u00a0 Lupe kept a watchful eye out for any developments in the forest of interest to Dingoes, but she didn’t even see a squirrel, much less anything as exciting as a bear.<\/p>\n

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Lupe kept a watchful eye on the forest while SPHP enjoyed blueberry feasts, but she never even saw so much as a squirrel.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The trail went on and on through the forest.\u00a0 Although the sky remained overcast, the sun managed to shine through to a degree.\u00a0 A cool, muggy atmosphere prevailed.\u00a0 It was hardly warm, but even in only a T-shirt, SPHP was sweating.\u00a0 The humidity was getting to Lupe, too.\u00a0 She became listless and plodded along at SPHP’s heels.<\/p>\n

A series of steep climbs were followed by nearly flat sections.\u00a0 Lupe passed by several junctions with trails coming in from the S.\u00a0 She always stayed R at these intersections continuing NW on the Main or North Summit trail, as signs alternatively called it.\u00a0 The Ridge trail intersection came first, followed by junctions with the E and W Piedad trails.<\/p>\n

By the time Loopster reached the W Piedad trail intersection she was at close to 2,000 feet elevation and halfway to Mount Ripinsky.\u00a0 So far she hadn’t had views of anything except forest and SPHP greedily devouring blueberries.\u00a0 Nothing much changed for a while longer, but eventually things finally began to open up.\u00a0 Lupe could see two high hills ahead.\u00a0 The more distant one appeared to be above tree line.<\/p>\n

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Lupe was well beyond the junction with the West Piedad trail when she finally came to this opening in the forest. She could see two high hills ahead. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The trail returned to the forest as Lupe started up the first hill.\u00a0 Back at the beginning of the Mount Ripinsky trail, the trees had been very tall.\u00a0 Up here, they were all short, apparently stunted by a much harsher climate at this elevation.\u00a0 Approaching the top of the first hill, the stunted forest gave way to steep alpine meadows.<\/p>\n

Lupe was finally getting some pretty impressive views.<\/p>\n

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Looking down on Haines<\/strong>, Alaska from the upper slopes of the first hill. Chilkat Inlet<\/strong> is on the R. Chilkoot Inlet<\/strong> on the L. They both meet in the distance to form the Lynn Canal<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Looper in the alpine meadows on her way up the first hill. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Heading up the first hill. Mount Emmerich<\/span><\/a> (6,800 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> is on the R. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Loop with a fabulous view of Chilkat Inlet<\/strong>. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From the top of the first steep hill, the second one was in view a short distance ahead.\u00a0 Lupe would actually lose a bit of elevation getting to its base, but another steep climb would then ensue.<\/p>\n

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From the first hill, Lupe has a clear view of the second one ahead. It would be another steep climb, but fortunately not a long one. This second bare hill is actually Mount Ripinsky’s lower S summit. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Near the top of the second hill, the trail was badly eroded.\u00a0 Lupe had no trouble with it, but SPHP struggled to some degree.\u00a0 Nevertheless, both Loop and SPHP were soon on top.\u00a0 This second hill was actually Mount Ripinsky’s lower S summit.\u00a0 The N summit, which was the true summit, was now in view directly ahead.<\/p>\n

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From the second hill, which is actually Mount Ripinsky’s lower S summit, Lupe has a clear view of the true N summit ahead. It’s not far off now! Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Mount Ripinsky’s true summit wasn’t much farther now.\u00a0 However, a chilly SW breeze had come up.\u00a0 The clouds were thicker, and the sky was noticeably darker than before.\u00a0 A glance toward the S looked like matters were about to deteriorate further.\u00a0 Rain was coming.<\/p>\n

The views might easily disappear completely before Lupe could reach the true summit.\u00a0 Better take a few photos from here, just in case.\u00a0 This open alpine tundra was much more to Lupe’s liking than the forest had been.\u00a0 She was having fun running around, but agreed to cut her romp short to give SPHP a paw.<\/p>\n

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Lupe on Mount Ripinsky’s S summit. The Chilkat Inlet<\/strong> is on the R, with the Lynn Canal<\/strong> beyond it in the distance. Tomorrow Lupe was going to climb the lower dark hill on the L, which is Mount Riley<\/span><\/a> (1,759 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Rugged icy peaks of the Chilkat Range<\/strong> are in view on the far side of the Chilkat River valley from Mount Ripinsky’s lower S summit. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Mount Emmerich <\/span><\/a>(6,800 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (L) from Mount Ripinsky’s S summit. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Chilkoot Inlet<\/strong> is on the R. In the foreground on the L is the SE end of Lutak Inlet<\/strong>. The dirty gray water at far L is the S end of Taiyasanka Harbor<\/strong>. The S end of Taiya Inlet<\/strong>, which leads to Skagway, is in the distance on the L. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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High peaks of the Chilkat Range<\/strong>. Photo looks S with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Mount Emmerich<\/span><\/a> (6,800 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> with help from the telephoto lens. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Much to Lupe’s delight, the saddle leading to Mount Ripinsky’s N summit contained several large snowbanks.\u00a0 A small tarn was present, too.\u00a0 SPHP had gotten to dilly-dally among the blueberry bushes, so Lupe figured she ought to be able to goof around frolicking on the snow for a bit.<\/p>\n

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Lupe goofs around frolicking on a big snowbank in the saddle between the S and true summits of Mount Ripinsky. The area where the Taiya Inlet<\/strong> and Chilkat Inlet<\/strong> meet is seen on the L. Mount Villard<\/span><\/a> (4,990 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> is the highest peak in the foreground on the R.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Mount Emmerich<\/strong> (L) and the Chilkat River<\/strong> valley from the saddle. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Mount Villard<\/span><\/a> (4,990 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (L of Center) from the saddle between Mount Ripinsky’s S & N summits. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Minutes before Lupe reached the true N summit of Mount Ripinsky, a light rain started in.\u00a0 The wind kept blowing more strongly as conditions continued to deteriorate.\u00a0 SPHP resorted to putting on a thermal layer and a rain poncho.\u00a0 Looper just had to endure getting cold and wet.<\/p>\n

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In wind and light rain, Lupe reaches the sign at Mount Ripinsky’s N summit. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Lupe poses in the strengthening wind on Mount Ripinsky<\/strong>. Shakuseyi Peak<\/span><\/a> (3,920 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, her next peakbagging goal, is ahead at far L. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Lupe perches somewhat reluctantly in wind and light rain at the true summit of Mount Ripinsky<\/strong>. Chilkoot Inlet<\/strong> (L) and Chilkat Inlet<\/strong> (R) are in still in sight despite the deteriorating weather. Mount Riley<\/span><\/a> (1,759 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> is much lower at Center. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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On top of Mount Ripinsky<\/strong>! Chilkat Inlet<\/strong> on the R. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Mount Ripinsky<\/span><\/a> (3,675 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> summit.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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A fair look at the Chilkat Peninsula<\/strong> given the conditions. The hill on the R is the site of the Kal Benchmark (1,450 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Looking down on the convergence of the Lutak<\/strong> (L), Taiya<\/strong> (Center beyond the point), and Chilkoot<\/strong> (R) inlets. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Chilkat River<\/strong> valley. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Making it to the summit of Mount Ripinsky was only half of the plan for the day.\u00a0 Lupe was still supposed to go on to Shakuseyi Peak<\/span><\/a> (3,920 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, which was in sight to the NW.\u00a0 SPHP had seen a metal container chained to the top rocks on Mount Ripinsky.\u00a0 No doubt it contained a registry, but between the deteriorating weather and pondering whether it made any sense to continue on to Shakuseyi Peak, SPHP failed to sign it for Looper before she left the summit.<\/p>\n

Loop and SPHP made a start for Shakuseyi Peak, but didn’t get far at all before it was pretty clear that an unavoidable loss of hundreds of feet of elevation would be involved.\u00a0 The trail ahead wound along a narrow ridgeline that looked like fun.\u00a0 However, it was still another 2.8 miles to Shakuseyi Peak, and the weather was only getting worse.\u00a0 Lupe would have to retrace every step on the return trip.<\/p>\n

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Mount Shakuseyi<\/strong>, the pointy hill at Center, was Lupe’s next peakbagging goal. Unfortunately, the weather continued to deteriorate. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The wind started to gust.\u00a0 Rain fell harder.\u00a0 The world was turning gray as more distant high peaks faded from view.\u00a0 It was getting just plain raw and miserable out.\u00a0 Conditions weren’t awful, but they weren’t much fun either.\u00a0 Did Lupe want to go back to the G6?<\/p>\n

Finally!\u00a0 I thought you would never ask!<\/em><\/p>\n

At the mere suggestion, Lupe barked like a nutcase, she leapt at SPHP, she ran in circles.<\/p>\n

Already sick of being cold and wet, aye?\u00a0 I’ll take that as a yes.<\/em><\/p>\n

It was too bad that Shakuseyi Peak had to be abandoned, but under the circumstances, it seemed the only reasonable thing to do.\u00a0 Who knew what was in store?\u00a0 Lupe returned to the summit of Mount Ripinsky, then started back down the trail toward the lower S summit.<\/p>\n

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After giving up on Shakuseyi Peak, Lupe returned briefly to the summit of Mount Ripinsky<\/strong>. It’s a misty view, but the Katzehin River<\/strong> delta is seen at R where the river empties into the Chilkoot Inlet<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Heading down into the saddle leading to the S summit. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Of course, life being what it is, the weather began improving almost as soon as Loop lost appreciable elevation.\u00a0 However, it was hard to know how it would all turn out.\u00a0 This might easily be nothing more than a temporary respite.\u00a0 Other than a dull sense of remorse over not persevering, no further thoughts were devoted to Shakuseyi Peak.<\/p>\n

Lupe continued back toward Haines and the trailhead.\u00a0 At least the views hadn’t been totally devoured by fog and rain.<\/p>\n

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Starting down from the lower S summit. Haines<\/strong>, Alaska is in view. Portage Cove<\/strong>, a bay off Chilkoot Inlet<\/strong>, is on the L.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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The Chilkat Peninsula<\/strong> extends SSE from Haine<\/strong>s. It includes both Mount Riley<\/strong> (L) and lower Kal Benchmark<\/strong> (R), which is not an island. At the far end Chilkoot<\/strong> (L) and Chilkat<\/strong> (R) Inlets<\/strong> meet at Seduction Point<\/strong> to form the Lynn Canal<\/strong>. The N end of Sullivan Island<\/strong> is seen in distance on the R. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Taiya Point<\/strong> at the far S end of Halutu Ridge<\/strong> is on the L. On the near side is the SE end of Lutak Inlet<\/strong>. On the far side of Taiya Point<\/strong> is the S end of Taiya Inlet<\/strong>, which goes N to Skagway<\/strong>. Chilkoot Inlet<\/strong> is on the R. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Getting down close to tree line again. Mount Riley<\/strong> (L), Kal Benchmark<\/strong> (Center), and Sullivan Island<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Kal Benchmark (1,450 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (Center) with help from the telephoto lens. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lupe takes a final look before descending into the forest.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

By the time Lupe was back in the forest, the rain had quit.\u00a0 The wind wasn’t blowing down here, either.\u00a0 It warmed up enough so that even going downhill SPHP had to peel off the thermal layer.\u00a0 Oh, well.\u00a0 Lupe made it back to the G6.\u00a0 (5:52 PM, 62\u00b0F)<\/em><\/p>\n

The evening was spent at the now favorite pullout on the N side of Portage Cove with a view of Haines.\u00a0 The rain started in again almost as soon as Lupe and SPHP arrived.\u00a0 Maybe not going on to Shakuseyi Peak hadn’t been a bad decision after all?<\/p>\n

The rain continued off and on all evening.\u00a0 Whenever it abated, Loop and SPHP went out for short strolls along the beach.\u00a0 Most of the time, Lupe relaxed in the G6.\u00a0 SPHP made ham and cheese sandwiches.\u00a0 Later on it was cheese and crackers.\u00a0 The American Dingo deemed both sheer brilliance, and eagerly participated.<\/p>\n

Beneath gray skies and light rain, a couple of paddleboarders rounded a point and paddled for Haines.\u00a0 The cruise ship Norwegian Sun appeared sailing down Chilkoot Inlet on its way S from Skagway.\u00a0 It did not stop at Haines.<\/p>\n

Loop and SPHP took a long snooze, awaking to find that the sun must have set some time ago.\u00a0 Dark clouds hung low in a dim late November sky.\u00a0 The mountains were hidden from view.\u00a0 Another cruise ship sailed S in mist and fog.\u00a0 Brightly lit, it was a bastion of cheer amid the gloom.\u00a0 It also bypassed Haines and was lost from sight.\u00a0 (11:11 PM)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mount Riley<\/strong> from the Mount Ripinsky trail. Weather permitting, Loopster would climb it tomorrow.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Mount Ripinsky Trailhead Notes<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Skyline Trailhead:<\/strong><\/span> From Main Street in Haines, take 2nd Avenue N to where Lutak Road veers off to the R.\u00a0 Do not take Lutak Road.\u00a0 Stay straight going uphill on Young Road.\u00a0 Young Road turns to gravel and winds around to the NE ending at a sandy parking lot about 1.7 miles from Main Street next to the ATV road where Lupe started for Mount Ripinsky.<\/em><\/p>\n

Piedad Trailhead:<\/strong><\/span> Main Street becomes Haines Highway No. 7 on the way W out of town.\u00a0 Piedad Road soon appears on the N side of the highway within walking distance of downtown.\u00a0 The Piedad trailhead is at the end of Piedad Road.\u00a0 This is a steeper, shorter route to Mount Ripinsky than the Skyline trail.\u00a0 Higher up, it splits into separate E and W routes before intersecting the main trail.\u00a0 West Piedad trail is the most direct.<\/em><\/p>\n

Sevenmile Saddle Trailhead:<\/strong><\/span> This trailhead is seven miles NW of Haines on the N side of Haines Highway No. 7.\u00a0 This is a steep route which first climbs Shakuseyi Peak (Peak 3920) before continuing on to Mount Ripinsky.<\/em><\/p>\n

Want more Lupe adventures?\u00a0\u00a0Choose\u00a0from\u00a0Lupe’s 2017 Dingo Vacation to the Yukon & Alaska Adventure Index<\/strong><\/span><\/a>,\u00a0Dingo Vacations Adventure Index<\/strong><\/span><\/a> or Master Adventure Index<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0Or subscribe free\u00a0to\u00a0new Lupe adventures<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Days 11 & 12 of Lupe’s 2017 Dingo Vacation to the Yukon & Alaska! Day 11, 8-10-17 –\u00a0 After 3 big days of adventure in a row, Loop and SPHP were both looking forward to taking it easy.\u00a0 Even a rest day would be packed with awesome scenery.\u00a0 Lupe could relax riding in style with … Continue reading Mount Ripinsky, Haines, Alaska (8-11-17)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":13386,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[835],"tags":[8,704,105,106,26,910,104,911,11],"class_list":["post-13400","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-2017-yukon-alaska","tag-omniten","tag-alaska","tag-american-dingo","tag-carolina-dog","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-haines","tag-lupe","tag-mount-ripinsky","tag-peakbagging"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/IMG_6449.jpg?fit=1651%2C1238&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13400","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=13400"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13400\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":16361,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13400\/revisions\/16361"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/13386"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=13400"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=13400"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=13400"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}