{"id":13809,"date":"2018-07-11T08:10:46","date_gmt":"2018-07-11T14:10:46","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=13809"},"modified":"2018-08-01T22:08:20","modified_gmt":"2018-08-02T04:08:20","slug":"cathedral-mountain-brooks-range-alaska-8-17-17","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=13809","title":{"rendered":"Cathedral Mountain, Brooks Range, Alaska (8-17-17)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Day 18 of Lupe’s 2017 Dingo Vacation to the Yukon & Alaska!<\/em><\/p>\n

6:18 AM<\/em> – Light out, sort of.\u00a0 Lupe sniffed around near the G6 in a thick fog.\u00a0 It had rained bunches yesterday evening and most of the night.\u00a0 No rain now, just this gray gloom.\u00a0 The air was dead calm.\u00a0 Little hope existed that conditions would change anytime soon.\u00a0 May as well snooze a few more hours.<\/p>\n

8:44 AM<\/em> – Awake again.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog was starting the morning off right, barking at a squirrel in the spruce trees nearby.\u00a0 Still foggy, but the fog was thin enough now so that a bright spot revealed the position of the sun.\u00a0 Slightly encouraging, but nothing to get excited about yet.<\/p>\n

In the meantime, why not get a photo of Looper by the big red metal gate she’d gone by yesterday to start her fabulous adventure to Caribou Mountain<\/span><\/a> (3,179 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>?\u00a0 As long as the fog persisted, there wasn’t much else to do anyway.\u00a0 SPHP joined Lupe outside the G6.<\/p>\n

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The foggy morning after climbing Caribou Mountain<\/strong>, Lupe stands near the red metal gate she’d gone past yesterday to start that adventure. The G6 had been, and still was, parked close by. This gate provides access to the Alaska oil pipeline service road, and is located on the W side of the Dalton Highway about a mile S of the Kanuti River. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe was still standing next to the red gate, when suddenly the sky brightened so much it actually seemed sunny out.\u00a0 Overhead, the fog was tinged with blue!\u00a0 Maybe this was only a ground fog that would burn off before long?<\/p>\n

9:31 AM<\/em> – Well, well!\u00a0 It was true!\u00a0 The early morning’s gloom had only been a ground fog after all.\u00a0 First, a tiny patch of blue sky appeared.\u00a0 It had spread with incredible speed.\u00a0 Within only 15 minutes, 80% of the sky was clear and bright.\u00a0 Sort of amazing to watch!\u00a0 This Arctic weather was so different from back home.\u00a0 Suddenly, things were looking up for Loopster!\u00a0 Adventure was back in today’s forecast now!<\/p>\n

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The fog had only been a ground fog. The morning sun was burning it away at a tremendous pace. Suddenly, adventure was in today’s forecast for Lupe!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

And then, unbelievably, the whole process reversed itself.\u00a0 The sun had only been shining on the dewy tundra for a few minutes, when the additional warmth caused moisture from last night’s rain to evaporate, making the air more humid again.\u00a0 As quickly as the fog had burned away, it reformed.\u00a0 Dense fog engulfed the land again.\u00a0 The sun no longer existed.<\/p>\n

Huh.\u00a0 Weird.\u00a0 Really strange.\u00a0 Lupe had never seen anything quite like that before.\u00a0 Now what?<\/p>\n

Apparently anything at all might happen today.\u00a0 Since Lupe had finished the adventures planned for around here, she might as well continue N.\u00a0 She would just have to be flexible, and see how things worked out.<\/p>\n

The fog and sun continued their battle as SPHP drove N.\u00a0 Lupe’s first stop was at an important landmark, one that was even more significant since Lupe had recently become the Most High Exalted Dingo of the Arctic Sisterhood after climbing AB Mountain<\/span><\/a> (5,036 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> near Skagway 10 days ago.\u00a0 At milepost 115.5 on the Dalton Highway, Lupe reached the Arctic Circle.<\/p>\n

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Lupe reaches the Arctic Circle<\/strong> at milepost 115.5 along the Dalton Highway. She had been here in 2016, too, but this time she arrived as the Most High Exalted Dingo of the Arctic Sisterhood!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The sun had been winning its struggle with the fog, so Lupe and SPHP stuck around at the Arctic Circle for a while.\u00a0 There was both a picnic ground and campground here.\u00a0 SPHP used one of the picnic tables to prepare a meal.\u00a0 Meanwhile, Lupe was entertained barking at squirrels in the forest.<\/p>\n

Once the meal was consumed, Lupe continued N on the Dalton Highway.\u00a0 It felt so incredible to be back in the Arctic again!\u00a0 The drive through mile after mile of Arctic wilderness was like a dream.\u00a0 Loop stopped briefly at Gobbler’s Knob (milepost 132) for a view of the Brooks Range, which she was rapidly approaching.<\/p>\n

Even before reaching milepost 160, Cathedral Mountain<\/span><\/a> (3,350 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> came into view.\u00a0 It hadn’t rained at all on Loop yet this morning, but a shower had passed through here not long before.\u00a0 The pavement was all wet.\u00a0 Conditions were admittedly a bit iffy, and it was already getting a little late in the day for starting such a big adventure, but maybe Lupe could still climb Cathedral Mountain?<\/p>\n

Only one person who uses Peakbagger.com<\/strong><\/span><\/a> had ever climbed Cathedral Mountain, and that had been more than 22 years ago.\u00a0 Richard Carey<\/strong><\/span><\/a> had been there on 7-29-95.\u00a0 Fortunately, Carey had written a concise trip report<\/strong><\/span><\/a> full of useful information.\u00a0 Carey had mentioned a small pullout with room for only one or two cars at about milepost 168.5.\u00a0 Nearing the area, SPHP slowed down to look for it.<\/p>\n

SPHP didn’t see any small pullout, but there was a really large gravel pullout on the NW side of the Dalton Highway about where Carey had said to look.\u00a0 Maybe things had changed in 22 years?\u00a0 Certainly possible.\u00a0 SPHP parked the G6.\u00a0 The American Dingo shot out eager for action.\u00a0 Things looked a bit iffy.\u00a0 Cathedral Mountain was right across the Dalton Highway from here, but the sky overhead was looking mighty gray.<\/p>\n

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Cathedral Mountain<\/strong> from the Dalton Highway near milepost 168.5. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

All was not gloom and doom, however.\u00a0 A mix of blue sky and puffy clouds was off to the SW, and seemed to be heading this way.\u00a0 Loop and SPHP were both in favor of taking a chance on Cathedral Mountain.\u00a0 SPHP got everything ready, and the American Dingo set out on her next big adventure.\u00a0 (1:56 PM, 53\u00b0F)<\/em><\/p>\n

Water could be heard on the SE side of the Dalton Highway.\u00a0 A stream was hidden over there in the forest.\u00a0 By the looks of the terrain, the stream would pass under the highway a short distance back to the SW.\u00a0 It would be nice to avoid a creek crossing.\u00a0 Lupe followed the highway SW until she was past where the stream went under it, before turning S and plunging into the forest.<\/p>\n

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Loopster on the Dalton Highway somewhere near milepost 168.5. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe immediately found herself in a densely packed spruce forest on thick, spongy tundra.\u00a0 Tall, slender bushes were in the mix, too.\u00a0 This was exciting stuff for the Carolina Dog!\u00a0 Lupe ran sniffing and exploring, but was careful not to stray too far from SPHP.<\/p>\n

Of course, the thick vegetation was still wet from last night’s rains and the recent shower in this area.\u00a0 Before long, Lupe and SPHP were both soaking wet, too.\u00a0 Not unexpected.\u00a0 Onward!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe was immediately impressed with the dense forest off the Dalton Highway. She ran this way and that, excitedly sniffing and exploring.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From the Dalton Highway, a high barren ridge had been visible to the S well above tree line.\u00a0 That ridge appeared to be in the vicinity of Richard Carey’s successful line of ascent described in his trip report, so Loop needed to get up there.\u00a0 The ridge couldn’t be seen from down in the dense forest, but Loop and SPHP headed in its general direction.<\/p>\n

Before long, water could be heard again.\u00a0 Another stream!\u00a0 Lupe reached it, and found the stream wider and deeper than could be readily forded.\u00a0 Both banks were lined with dense stands of tall bushes.\u00a0 Just getting in or out of the stream was an issue, never mind across it.\u00a0 No way!\u00a0 Maybe if Loop continued upstream far enough there would be a better spot?\u00a0 The stream might even bend off to the SW, in which case the Carolina Dog wouldn’t even need to cross it.<\/p>\n

The terrain down by the stream was a difficult trek.\u00a0 Too many bushes amid jumbled rocks.\u00a0 Loop and SPHP turned E to climb onto a low ridge above the creek valley.\u00a0 This ridge headed SE, which wasn’t the really the direction Lupe needed to go, but would be fine for a little way.\u00a0 Climbing up onto and moving around on the ridge wasn’t all that easy, either.\u00a0 Spongy tundra made each step more difficult.\u00a0 While the spruce trees weren’t all that big, they were close together.<\/p>\n

Lupe came to a few spots where the forest wasn’t so dense.\u00a0 The high barren ridge she needed to get to could then be seen to the S.\u00a0 Loop could also see farther up the creek valley.\u00a0 The news wasn’t good.\u00a0 The valley was turning SE instead of SW.\u00a0 Sooner or later, Lupe was going to have to find a way across that darn stream.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
A view of the ridge Lupe was trying to get to from a rare open spot in the forest. Photo looks S with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
While SPHP fiddled around with maps worrying about streams and ridges and routes and terrain, Lupe was having a grand time in the forest on her first adventure N of the Arctic Circle since she became the Most High Exalted Dingo of the Arctic Sisterhood!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Another view of the ridge Lupe was trying to get to (Center) from a little farther along in the forest. Lupe eventually was able to climb up the closer hill (L of Center), which led her to the E (L) end of the higher ridge. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe and SPHP continued SE gaining elevation gradually on the low ridge for a while longer.\u00a0 Finally, the time came to see how much of a problem it was going to be to get across the creek up here.\u00a0 Lupe went SSW, leaving the ridge to look for the stream.<\/p>\n

The stream wasn’t far away.\u00a0 This time the news was unexpectedly good.\u00a0 The stream was rushing along, but much smaller up here, only 3 feet wide and not very deep.\u00a0 Easy squeezy!\u00a0 SPHP swung across it with the help of an overhanging branch.\u00a0 Lupe simply leapt across.<\/p>\n

One problem solved.\u00a0 However, an hour had already shot by since leaving the Dalton Highway.\u00a0 Puppy, ho!\u00a0 Time to get up on that barren ridge.<\/p>\n

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Lupe reaches the stream again 0.5 mile upstream of where she had first come to it. The news was good this time. The stream was much smaller up here than it had been down below. Lupe could easily leap across it.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Once beyond the stream, Loop headed S gaining elevation.\u00a0 The barren ridge she was aiming for was soon in sight ahead.\u00a0 The climb got steadily steeper and steeper.\u00a0 Progress seemed slow.<\/p>\n

Another big hill was closer than the barren ridge Lupe was heading for.\u00a0 It looked like it might connect to the barren ridge much higher up than where the Carolina Dog was now.\u00a0 Maybe Loop should climb this hill?\u00a0 Getting above all the trees, bushes, and spongy tundra would be a huge help.\u00a0 Seemed to make sense.\u00a0 Yeah, Loop was going to try this closer hill instead of trudging through this difficult stuff all the way to the base of the barren ridge.<\/p>\n

The climb up the nearer hill was quite steep.\u00a0 The trees soon thinned out, though scattered trees and plenty of bushes remained for a while.\u00a0 The hill narrowed.\u00a0 Higher up, Looper started coming to rock outcroppings.\u00a0 The rock formations were small, only 10 or 20 feet high.\u00a0 The American Dingo always found a way around them, though they sometimes slowed progress.\u00a0 Before she’d climbed terribly far, Lupe was beginning to get views of the Koyukuk River.<\/p>\n

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Only partway up the first big hill Lupe climbed she started getting views of the Koyukuk River<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Rain showers are in progress beyond the Koyukuk River<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After what seemed like a long climb, Lupe managed to reached the top of the hill.\u00a0 She found that this wasn’t a separate hill at all.\u00a0 Loop was on a small level ridge protruding N from the rest of Cathedral Mountain.\u00a0 There were no trees here, although some bushes were around.\u00a0 Most of the ridge was covered with tundra and small rock outcroppings.\u00a0 Lupe had plenty of room to move around, and the views were the best yet.<\/p>\n

Loop had expended so much energy having a blast down in the forest, that she was ready for a rest break.\u00a0 SPHP concurred.<\/p>\n

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Lupe curls up for a rest upon reaching the ridgeline at the top of the first big hill she’d just climbed. Her peakbagging goal, the summit of Cathedral Mountain<\/strong>, is beyond her at Center. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Lupe relaxes near the end of the small ridge. The Koyukuk River<\/strong> is in view. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Koyukuk River<\/strong> from the far end of the ridge. The Dalton Highway<\/strong> is on the near side of the river. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

While Loop rested, SPHP studied the topo map and read Richard Carey’s trip report<\/span><\/strong><\/a> again.\u00a0 Carey hadn’t mentioned anything about a stream crossing.\u00a0 As soon as Lupe had come to the stream, SPHP had suspected that she hadn’t started from the exact same place as Carey.<\/p>\n

The topo map<\/strong><\/span><\/a> concurred.\u00a0 It seemed fairly certain Lupe had started out about a mile farther NE on the Dalton Highway than Carey had.\u00a0 Maybe more like at milepost 169.5 than 168.5.\u00a0 Eh, whatever.\u00a0 Looper must have started from just N of the streams shown in Section 12, and had left the Dalton Highway between them.\u00a0 If the American Dingo had only gone a little farther SW on the highway before leaving it, she would have completely avoided both streams.<\/p>\n

This little ridge Lupe was on right now was between the “A” and “L” at the end of “Cathedral” on the map.\u00a0 The barren ridge Lupe was trying to get to was Carey’s “small hill” in the 2,500 ft. contour ENE of High Point 2545<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 Carey had passed a little S of this hill on his way E from the “low saddle”, which couldn’t be seen from here.\u00a0 All Loopster had to do now was gain the remaining 200+ feet of elevation required to reach the top of the barren ridge.\u00a0 She would then be in position to intercept Carey’s route the rest of the way.<\/p>\n

Simple enough.\u00a0 The small ridge Lupe was already on connected directly to the slope leading up to E end of the barren ridge.\u00a0 Best get on with it.\u00a0 It had taken SPHP two hours just to get this far, and it was still a long way to the top of Cathedral Mountain.\u00a0 The weather might put an end to things at any time.\u00a0 Loop had been lucky so far, but rain showers were always in sight not terribly far away.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The ridge Lupe is on leads straight to the E end of the barren ridge she has been trying to get to all this time (Center). The top of the barren ridge is 200+ feet of elevation gain from here. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Reaching the top of the barren ridge seemed to require more like 250 feet of elevation gain than 200 feet.\u00a0 The upper slope was surprisingly steep.\u00a0 Lupe had no problems, but SPHP was grasping for anything at all to hang onto, which wasn’t much.\u00a0 Nevertheless, both Loop and SPHP made it to the top.<\/p>\n

For the first time, Lupe could now see territory S of Cathedral Mountain.\u00a0 A check of the topo map matched up with what Loop was seeing exactly as expected.\u00a0 No doubt at all where she was now.<\/p>\n

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Lupe finally reaches the top of the barren ridge. Both the true summit of Cathedral Mountain<\/strong> (Center) and the slightly lower N summit<\/strong> (L) are in sight. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Having reached the top of the barren ridge, Lupe could now see territory on the other side of Cathedral Mountain<\/strong>. The Dalton Highway is in view passing through low ground dotted with small lakes. Lake 1035<\/strong> is the larger lake on the L. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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The “low saddle” Carey had gone through on his ascent is seen between Lupe and the ridge at Center, which is High Point 2545<\/span><\/strong>. Twelvemile Mountain (3,180 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> is the multi-peaked mountain seen faintly beyond High Point 2545<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From the barren ridge, Lupe could now join up with Carey’s route by heading SE toward an upper saddle at 2,750+ feet elevation.\u00a0 Lupe had a good view of this upper saddle, though the camera produced a lousy one due to moisture on the lens.\u00a0 A brief rain shower was sweeping over the area as the Carolina Dog was about to continue on again.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The upper 2,750+ ft. saddle<\/strong> (Center) from the barren ridge. Not such a hot shot due to a rain shower in progress, but still shows the overall lay of the terrain quite well. Lupe was heading for this upper saddle next. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The rain shower didn’t last long and was of no consequence.\u00a0 Lupe lost a bit of elevation leaving the barren ridge for the upper saddle, but was soon regaining it traversing a steep slope well below a rocky ridgeline.\u00a0 The slope was surprisingly tough going – slanty with minor drop offs, spongy tundra, and lots of bushes.\u00a0 Lupe finally climbed higher up on the slope close to the lower rocks, and things were a bit better up here.<\/p>\n

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Looking back on the way to the upper saddle. High Point 2545<\/span><\/strong> is the hill L of Center. Beyond it and a little more to the L is Twelvemile Mountain (3,180 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>. The barren ridge Lupe had just left is on the R. The low saddle Carey had crossed is at Center. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Lupe approaches the upper saddle. The rain shower has moved on. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Looking back again from near the upper saddle. High Point 2545<\/span><\/strong> is in the foreground at Center. The low saddle is next to it on the R. Twelvemile Mountain<\/strong> is in the distance beyond the Koyukuk River<\/strong> on the L. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe passed slightly above and to the N of the upper saddle.\u00a0 She was now heading E on the S side of Cathedral Mountain.\u00a0 Ahead was another even slightly higher saddle at 2,800+ feet elevation.\u00a0 On the S side of this highest saddle, High Point 2955<\/span><\/strong> was in view.<\/p>\n

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Lupe at the N end of the upper saddle. An even higher saddle at 2,800+ ft. elevation is in view on the R along with High Point 2955<\/span><\/strong>. Cathedral Mountain’s main E\/W ridgeline is on the L. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From here, Carey had continued E staying somewhat below and to the S of Cathedral Mountain’s main ridgeline.\u00a0 The top of the ridgeline was to be avoided, since it was so rocky and jagged.\u00a0 Actually, the way SPHP read it, Carey had probably bypassed this upper saddle staying quite a bit higher and closer to the ridgeline than where Loop was now.<\/p>\n

That didn’t matter.\u00a0 Lupe could easily angle up nearer the ridgeline as she kept going E.\u00a0 She headed toward a big rock fairly high on the slope N of the 2,800+ foot saddle.<\/p>\n

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From here Lupe would head for the highest big rock seen R of Center. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Lupe reaches the big rock on the slope N of the highest 2,800+ ft. saddle. The 2,750+ ft. upper saddle is in view on the R. The low saddle Carey had come though is at far R well beyond it. Twelvemile Mountain<\/strong> is in the distance on the R. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From the big rock, Lupe continued E, slowly gaining elevation.\u00a0 At first, this route was pretty easy.\u00a0 However, the slope kept steepening.\u00a0 As the tundra thinned out, Loop was more and more frequently traversing loose scree slopes.<\/p>\n

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Lupe continues E on Cathedral Mountain’s S slope not too far below the ridgeline. It was still easy going along in here. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Making progress. Cathedral Mountain’s SE ridge is now in view on the R. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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The slope kept getting steeper as Lupe proceeded E. Vegetation thinned out and Loop began encountering more scree. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For quite a long way, Lupe could see part of Cathedral Mountain’s SE ridge ahead.\u00a0 A long slope on this side of it slanted steeply up to the N leading to the still unseen summit.\u00a0 If Lupe could get over to that slope, SPHP was pretty certain she stood a good chance of reaching Cathedral Mountain’s summit, provided it could be reached without any technical climbing.\u00a0 Carey hadn’t mentioned any.<\/p>\n

However, it was still in question whether or not it would be possible to get over there.\u00a0 The slope Loop was on kept getting steeper, and SPHP feared the Carolina Dog was going to come to an impassable point.\u00a0 The views immediately below Lupe’s position were becoming incredible, and a bit intimidating.\u00a0 SPHP quit looking down.<\/p>\n

The mountain presented a series of minor “horizons” coming down the S slope that Lupe couldn’t see beyond until she got to them.\u00a0 One by one she crossed them going E, but another always appeared a little farther on.\u00a0 SPHP kept wondering if Loop was too high or low on the mountain?\u00a0 The answer wasn’t obvious.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog just kept going.<\/p>\n

Finally, a much larger ragged line of rock appeared extending down the S slope from Cathedral Mountain’s main ridgeline.\u00a0 What would Lupe find there?\u00a0 Would she be able to get beyond it?\u00a0 More to the point, could SPHP get beyond it?\u00a0 Being able to turn that corner was critical to success.\u00a0 Carey had done it, but he had genuine mountaineering experience.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe needed to reach the greenish slope below Cathedral Mountain’s SE ridge seen on the R. That slope goes N (L) right up to the summit. Carey had done it, but he had real mountaineering experience. The line of rocks coming down from the ridgeline ahead on the L made it questionable whether SPHP could get over there. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Lupe was feeling confident, even if SPHP had doubts. Just have to be able to turn this last corner! Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

About the time Lupe reached the rocky spine coming down from the main ridgeline, a second rain shower appeared heading straight this way.\u00a0 SPHP donned the rain poncho.\u00a0 Once again, Lupe got wet, SPHP didn’t, and the shower passed by fairly quickly without putting a serious damper on things.<\/p>\n

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A second rain shower swept over Loop and SPHP at the hardest part of the climb up Cathedral Mountain<\/strong>, but fortunately didn’t last long before sailing away. Photo looks back to the SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Loop and SPHP had to down climb a bit to get around the rocky spine, but succeeded in getting by it. The worst part of the trek to Cathedral Mountain’s summit was now behind the American Dingo!\u00a0 If the summit wasn’t technical, she was going to get there.\u00a0 That wouldn’t be known until she climbed hundreds of feet up the steep scree slope ahead.<\/p>\n

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After getting by the rocky spine, Lupe still faced a long steep climb up to the ridgeline where she expected to find Cathedral Mountain’s summit. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Up, up, up!\u00a0 Steep.\u00a0 Real steep, but Lupe was finally approaching the ridgeline.\u00a0 Big rock formations sat atop much of it, but Lupe could keep progressing E easily enough staying a bit below them.\u00a0 The summit couldn’t be too far away!<\/p>\n

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After a long climb up the really steep scree slope, Lupe sits among rocks only slightly below Cathedral Mountain’s main E\/W ridgeline. The summit is just beyond the high point in sunshine on the R. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Near the top of the ridge not too far W of the summit. Lupe had come up the slope on the L. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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A look at Cathedral Mountain’s SE ridge. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A little W of the mountain’s true summit, Lupe reached the top of the main E\/W ridgeline.\u00a0 Now she could see in almost every direction.\u00a0 The views were stupendous!\u00a0 So, so beautiful!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Right up on top of the main E\/W ridge now. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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A rain shower sweeps through territory between Twelvemile Mountain (3,180 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (L) and the Koyukuk River<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Cathedral Mountain’s N summit from the main E\/W ridgeline. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The Koyukuk River<\/strong> and Cathedral Mountain’s slightly lower N summit<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

An easy stroll E along the main ridgeline brought Lupe to the summit of Cathedral Mountain.\u00a0 Here she found two 10 foot high knobs of rock.\u00a0 They were separated by 12 to 15 feet of level ground covered with vegetation.\u00a0 The E knob appeared clearly higher by a foot or two.\u00a0 Neither of the knobs was very large on top, but there was room for Loop to sit or stand comfortably.<\/p>\n

Lupe scrambled up onto the higher E knob first.\u00a0 She found a small cairn on top protecting two tin cans that were painted red.\u00a0 The larger can was turned upside down over the smaller one to shield it from the weather.\u00a0 The American Dingo had made it!\u00a0 Despite SPHP’s fears and doubts near the end of the journey, she sat calmly and confidently at the true summit of Cathedral Mountain<\/span><\/a> (3,350 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>!<\/p>\n

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Lupe sits by the cairn at the true summit of Cathedral Mountain<\/strong>! Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Loop on top of Cathedral Mountain<\/strong>. The red tin can protecting a smaller one inside containing a registry is in view as Loop found it. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Cathedral Mountain<\/strong> was the first mountain N of the Arctic Circle<\/strong> that Lupe climbed after becoming the Most High Exalted Dingo of the Arctic Sisterhood by climbing AB Mountain<\/span><\/a> (5,036 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> near Skagway 10 days ago. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

So was there a registry inside the smaller tin can?\u00a0 Yes, there was!\u00a0 Inside was a plastic bag containing a pencil and a small notebook serving as a registry.\u00a0 A surprising number of entries were contained in it.\u00a0 Far more people had been up on Cathedral Mountain than SPHP would ever have expected.<\/p>\n

Inside the front cover was something amazing.\u00a0 The notebook was in such good condition, it was hard to believe it was true.\u00a0 Richard Carey himself had brought this very notebook to the top of Cathedral Mountain more than 22 years ago!\u00a0 His was the first entry!<\/p>\n

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The notebook serving as a registry was in such great condition it was hard to believe Richard Carey had placed it up here more than 22 years ago. Inside the front cover, his was the very first entry.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

SPHP entered Lupe’s name in the registry to make her ascent official.\u00a0 Lupe received lots of praise for her valiant efforts to get here, and SPHP shook her sweet paw in congratulations.\u00a0 SPHP recited how Cathedral Mountain was her 3rd summit ever N of the Arctic Circle and 1st of 2017, what memorable adventures each ascent had been, and how splendid each peak was!<\/p>\n

Loop was pretty happy with all the richly deserved attention.\u00a0 Of course, the notebook and pencil went back in the plastic bag and inside the little red tin can.\u00a0 Everything got put back exactly as Lupe had found it.<\/p>\n

Then, even though the day was getting so late it made SPHP nervous considering how long it had taken to get here, it was time to relax a bit up on Cathedral Mountain.\u00a0 Picture time!\u00a0 These were views Loop and SPHP would never want to forget.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Cathedral Mountain’s N summit<\/strong> with the Koyukuk River<\/strong> in the background. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A rain shower sweeps over the Koyukuk River<\/strong> valley. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking down on High Point 2955<\/span><\/strong> in the foreground. Photo looks SW with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Cathedral Mountain’s SE ridge is on the R in shadow. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Loopster up on the slightly lower W knob in competition for the title of true summit of Cathedral Mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On the W knob, only a foot or two lower than the true summit. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Evening sunlight filters through clouds and rain showers down onto the Koyukuk River<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking NNE farther up the Koyukuk River valley<\/strong>. Cathedral Mountain’s N summit<\/strong> is in the foreground. Photo taken with lots of help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking WSW over part of Cathedral Mountain’s main E\/W ridge with lots of help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Twelvemile Mountain (3,180 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (Center) in evening sunlight. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After nearly 40 minutes at the top of Cathedral Mountain, the sad moment of departure drew near.\u00a0 What a magnificent peak!\u00a0 Lupe climbed up on top of the summit’s W knob one more time.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Before departing, Lupe scrambled up on the W knob one more time. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Loop’s last moments atop Cathedral Mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The return trip was marvelous!\u00a0 It had seemed to SPHP that maybe Loop had been too low for too long on the ascent.\u00a0 At times, things had looked easier higher up.\u00a0 Of course, there was a lot of rock along the top of the ridgeline.\u00a0 Maybe it wasn’t possible to stay so high, but on the way back, Loopster was going to try.<\/p>\n

Staying high worked.\u00a0 This was a faster route with amazing views.\u00a0 Lupe was eventually forced down off the ridgeline, but not until she was getting close to the highest saddle N of High Point 2955<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading down, but staying high along the main ridgeline as long as possible. This was a better route than the way Lupe had come up. Twelvemile Mountain<\/strong> is on the R. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Loop almost always had to stay on the S side of the main E\/W ridgeline when forced to make a choice. The N side was usually cliffy. That wasn’t always true. Here she’s on the N side of the mountain with a fantastic view of the Koyukuk River<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Done with the main ridge and descending to the highest saddle. High Point 2955<\/span><\/strong> is on the L. Photo looks SW with lots of help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lupe explores the highest saddle. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Instead of returning to the top of the barren ridge on the way back, Lupe skirted it to the S as Richard Carey had done.\u00a0 She passed over the low saddle NE of High Point 2545<\/span><\/strong> retracing Carey’s route.\u00a0 She continued W along the mountainside a little beyond the saddle before turning N and descending between two rounded bald hills.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe with a grand view of the Koyukuk River<\/strong> from the W end of the low saddle Richard Carey had crossed N of High Point 2545<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe’s route below the bald hills was steep, but was full of thick tundra, which made it soft and easy.\u00a0 Going up here would have been tough, but Loop made rapid progress down the slope.\u00a0 She never did have to cross a stream, although she did cross a long stretch of boggy terrain on a much more gentle slope nearing the Dalton Highway.<\/p>\n

The light was almost gone by the time Lupe made it back to the Dalton Highway.\u00a0 A 0.25 mile gradual uphill trek remained to Alpo and a warm blankie inside the G6.\u00a0 What a wonderful day Cathedral Mountain had been!\u00a0 (11:00 PM)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The Koyukuk River from the low saddle near day’s end, Cathedral Mountain, Brooks Range, Alaska 8-17-17<\/figcaption><\/figure>\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":"

Day 18 of Lupe’s 2017 Dingo Vacation to the Yukon & Alaska! 6:18 AM – Light out, sort of.\u00a0 Lupe sniffed around near the G6 in a thick fog.\u00a0 It had rained bunches yesterday evening and most of the night.\u00a0 No rain now, just this gray gloom.\u00a0 The air was dead calm.\u00a0 Little hope existed … Continue reading Cathedral Mountain, Brooks Range, Alaska (8-17-17)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":13783,"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":[8,704,105,721,723,106,917,26,104,11],"class_list":["post-13809","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-2017-yukon-alaska","tag-omniten","tag-alaska","tag-american-dingo","tag-arctic-circle","tag-brooks-range","tag-carolina-dog","tag-cathedral-mountain","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-lupe","tag-peakbagging"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/IMG_6725.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\/13809","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=13809"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13809\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":16356,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13809\/revisions\/16356"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/13783"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=13809"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=13809"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=13809"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}