{"id":14265,"date":"2018-08-20T08:10:51","date_gmt":"2018-08-20T14:10:51","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=14265"},"modified":"2019-03-24T08:37:47","modified_gmt":"2019-03-24T14:37:47","slug":"slope-mountain-highlights-of-the-dalton-highway-revisited-alaska-8-22-17-8-23-17","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=14265","title":{"rendered":"Slope Mountain & Highlights of the Dalton Highway Revisited, Alaska (8-22-17 & 8-23-17)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Days 23 & 24 of Lupe’s 2017 Dingo Vacation to the Yukon & Alaska!<\/em><\/p>\n

8-22-17<\/strong>, 1:00 AM, near the Sagavanirktok River, Deadhorse, Alaska –<\/em>\u00a0 SPHP woke up thinking it might be possible for Lupe to see the Northern Lights.\u00a0 Only 2 hours ago, the evening sky had been mostly clear.\u00a0 Dream on.\u00a0 Not now.\u00a0 Foggy, again.\u00a0 Maybe later?<\/p>\n

No.\u00a0 A thick fog prevailed every time SPHP checked.\u00a0 Northern Lights?\u00a0 Not happening.<\/p>\n

4:14 AM<\/em> – Still no change.\u00a0 Time to get going anyway.\u00a0 The Aurora Hotel in Deadhorse would be serving breakfast 4:30 AM to 7:30 AM.\u00a0 SPHP didn’t want to miss out on that.\u00a0 May as well beat the crowd and arrive early!\u00a0 Lunch there yesterday had been fabulous.<\/p>\n

4:37 AM, 39\u00b0F<\/em> – Beat the crowd?\u00a0 Ridiculous!\u00a0 So naive, it’s funny!\u00a0 The Aurora’s parking lot is already jammed with white pickup trucks.\u00a0 Deadhorse is wide awake and bustling with activity.\u00a0 Oilfield workers are getting breakfast in preparation for the long work day ahead.\u00a0 SPHP finds a spot to squeeze the G6 into.\u00a0 Loopster will have to wait here, but SPHP promises to save her something good from breakfast.<\/p>\n

The breakfast buffet is simply awesome!\u00a0 All you can eat for $12.00, tax included.\u00a0 The lady SPHP pays is named Terry.\u00a0 Terry says to feel free when leaving to use one of the paper bags or Styrofoam boxes to take enough extra food for a mid-morning snack later on.\u00a0 Oh, yeah!\u00a0 This is Loopster’s lucky day.<\/p>\n

The buffet has pancakes, eggs, muffins, toast, waffles, potatoes, sausages, ham, bacon, fresh fruits, cottage cheese, tea, coffee, fruit juices, soft drinks and so much more.\u00a0 You name it, the Aurora’s got it.\u00a0 Whatever you want, as much as you like.\u00a0 The huge dining room is 80% full with oilfield workers packing it away.\u00a0 They are talking, laughing, and watching the morning news on big flat screen monitors mounted around the room.\u00a0 SPHP sits near one of the huge windows with a view of Lake Colleen, watching ducks and geese in the early morning gloom.<\/p>\n

None of the other tourists Lupe and SPHP had met along the Dalton Highway had anything good to say about Deadhorse.\u00a0 Industrial.\u00a0 Ugly.\u00a0 Flat.\u00a0 Boring.\u00a0 Nothing to do.\u00a0 Only a dull, drab turnaround spot for those who bothered going all the way to the end of the Dalton Highway.<\/p>\n

Maybe Lupe agreed with them?\u00a0 She hadn’t been able to go on the Arctic Ocean tour with SPHP yesterday, although she’d enjoyed a couple of nice walks along the beautiful Sagavanirktok River.<\/p>\n

SPHP didn’t feel that way about Deadhorse at all.\u00a0 Industrial?\u00a0 Yes.\u00a0 Kind of ugly?\u00a0 Yes.\u00a0 Yet it was awesome being way up here near the Arctic Ocean on the N edge of North America.\u00a0 It would be fun to work up here and experience all the radically changing seasons of a long Arctic year, see whatever exotic wildlife might appear, and be part of a crew working long hours to keep the oilfield producing despite tough conditions.<\/p>\n

It was exciting just watching the camaraderie of everyone getting ready to go to work in a very special environment.\u00a0 Of course, maybe SPHP is just plain nuts.<\/p>\n

Oh, Loop!\u00a0 You lucky, Dingo!<\/em><\/p>\n

Hmm?\u00a0 What do you mean, SPHP?\u00a0 What are you talking about?<\/em><\/p>\n

You have just hit the jackpot Most High Exalted Dingo of the Arctic Sisterhood!<\/em><\/p>\n

I have?\u00a0 How?<\/em><\/p>\n

Take a look at this!\u00a0 Fresh bacon, sausages, and ham from the Aurora Hotel!\u00a0 No smuggling a few tidbits to you this time around.\u00a0 They said it was alright.\u00a0 They expected and even encouraged me to take it!<\/em><\/p>\n

Lupe’s eyes sparkled!\u00a0 Why, it was a box full of delicious, delectable treasures!\u00a0 She wasn’t just dreaming either.\u00a0 It was all real.\u00a0 She was rich!<\/p>\n

I can’t believe it!\u00a0 All this for me?\u00a0 Can I have some now?<\/em><\/p>\n

Go right ahead, Loop.\u00a0 Help yourself.\u00a0 Chow down while I find the gas station and fill up the G6.\u00a0 We’ll be on our way out of Deadhorse soon.<\/em><\/p>\n

What’s the rush?\u00a0 Maybe we should stick around and make this a tradition?\u00a0 Mmmm.\u00a0 Oh my, this is scrumptious!\u00a0 Thanks so much, SPHP!
\n<\/em><\/p>\n

After fueling up the G6, SPHP wrote up the second postcard that Lupe was sending to her Grandma from Deadhorse, the one with a picture of a sunset over Prudhoe Bay.\u00a0 Then it was back to the Aurora Hotel real quick like to mail it.\u00a0 It was light out now.\u00a0 The fog was beginning to thin as Lupe and SPHP drove past Deadhorse Camp for the last time, starting the long journey S on the Dalton Highway.\u00a0 (6:24 AM, 38\u00b0F)<\/em><\/p>\n

6:58 AM, 34\u00b0F<\/em> – Ten miles out of Deadhorse, the fog dissipates rapidly.\u00a0 It was only a ground fog.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog soon has views of morning sunlight on the flat tundra.\u00a0 Mist rises from ponds and streams.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe 15 miles out of Deadhorse on what is rapidly becoming a beautiful morning on Alaska’s North Slope.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

8:38 AM, 47\u00b0F on the Dalton Highway<\/em> – Woke up too many times last night.\u00a0 After following a pilot car for 14 miles, SPHP is already sleepy.\u00a0 A few miles farther, and Lupe is on a big hill near the place where she’d seen a faint rainbow on the way to Deadhorse a couple of days ago.\u00a0 There’s a pullout by the road.\u00a0 SPHP parks behind a couple of semi trucks.\u00a0 Nap time despite the early hour!<\/p>\n

10:19 AM<\/em> – Awake and feeling much better.\u00a0 Lupe is on her way again.\u00a0 Pretty day.\u00a0 Stop now and then for photos of the Sagavanirktok River.\u00a0 The Brooks Range is in view far beyond the river, but Loop is getting closer to it as she continues S.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe along the Dalton Highway with the Sagavanirktok River<\/strong> and the Brooks Range<\/strong> in sight beyond her. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Sagavanirktok River<\/strong> from the Dalton Highway. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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The Sagavanirktok River<\/strong> flows N out of the Brooks Range<\/strong> all the way to the Arctic Ocean near Deadhorse and Prudhoe Bay. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Foothills of the Brooks Range<\/strong> from an unnamed pond along the Dalton Highway<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

11:37 AM, 57\u00b0F<\/em> – On the way N to Deadhorse 2 days ago, Lupe had seen a lone mountain among clouds and mist not terribly far from the W side of the Dalton Highway.\u00a0 Although there were lots more mountains off to the E, none of them were accessible, because Lupe would have had to ford the Sagavanirktok River to get to them.\u00a0 However, that one lone mountain to the W had looked like access might not be an issue.\u00a0 This mountain has been in view now for the past half hour.\u00a0 Loop will soon be drawing near it again.<\/p>\n

12:03 PM<\/em> – Parked at the start of an Alaska oil pipeline access road just W of the Dalton Highway.\u00a0 On the other side of the highway, a different side road heads E.\u00a0 A street sign says “Slope Mountain Camp 1”.\u00a0 The lone mountain W of the Dalton Highway must be Slope Mountain<\/span><\/a> (4,010 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>! Even though it’s still a few miles off to the SW, it’s the only notable peak anywhere in this vicinity.<\/p>\n

After a couple of days spent mostly in the G6, Lupe is ready for action!\u00a0 It would be great fun to climb a mountain way out here on Alaska’s North Slope, and Slope Mountain is the best candidate she’s seen.\u00a0 It’s not clear if she will have to ford any streams to get to the mountain, but it’s worth a reconnaissance trip to check it out.\u00a0 If Looper can get to the base of Slope Mountain, success seems assured.\u00a0 It looks like an easy climb.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe about to set off on a reconnaissance mission to see if its possible to climb Slope Mountain<\/strong> (L), which is still several miles away. Looks easy from here, if she can get to the mountain without having to ford any big streams or rivers. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The first part of the trek is a cinch.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP follow the access road leading to the Alaska oil pipeline, then follow the service road near the pipeline SW.\u00a0 The plan is to get as close as possible to a large saddle between Slope Mountain and a lower hill to the NE before leaving the service road to strike out for the saddle.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe near the red gate at the start of the access road leading to the Alaska oil pipeline. She will follow a service road near the pipeline SW (L) before striking out for the big saddle seen beyond her in the distance. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As Lupe follows the pipeline, it becomes apparent that there is almost certainly a stream between here and Slope Mountain.\u00a0 No stream is in view, but a telltale line of tall bushes 0.25 mile away runs along the lowest part of a large drainage area.\u00a0 The only way to find out how big the stream might be is to march right on down there.<\/p>\n

Away from the service road, the tundra becomes increasingly boggy and full of tussocks as Loop makes her way down a long slope.\u00a0 Upon reaching the bushes, she has to cross a couple of gullies which must represent old, abandoned stream channels.\u00a0 Lupe forces a way through a thick stand of bushes, and arrives on the bank of a small river.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
After forcing a way through the bushes, Lupe arrives at a small river. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The stream is deepest near the opposite bank, and appears to be at least knee deep on SPHP.\u00a0 Bushes crowding the far shore look like they might make getting out of the stream a bit of a pain, and the current is fairly strong.\u00a0 Yes, the river looks fordable, but SPHP isn’t eager to take it on.\u00a0 Lupe will have to swim, and it isn’t clear where she can get out on the other side.<\/p>\n

Lupe and SPHP stand there, pondering the situation.\u00a0 Things don’t look much different either upstream or downstream.\u00a0 Hmm.\u00a0 So close, yet so far!\u00a0 The stream isn’t dangerous, but not wanting to get soaking wet, SPHP finally decides it isn’t worth risking slipping and falling in, which might easily happen.\u00a0 The river is just a little too deep, and the current a little too strong.<\/p>\n

Sigh.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP turn and head back to the Alaska oil pipeline service road.\u00a0 The return trip is a fun hike, and the Carolina Dog has a blast sniffing and exploring all along the way.<\/p>\n

Once back at the G6 (2:03 PM)<\/em>, SPHP continues driving S on the Dalton Highway.\u00a0 Even though Looper’s initial reconnaissance hasn’t produced the desired result, perhaps there is an alternative?\u00a0 Maybe a route to Slope Mountain exists which avoids the river, or at least crosses it at a more favorable point?<\/p>\n

Not until Lupe is S of Slope Mountain does SPHP find what looks like the most promising approach.\u00a0 Shortly after the Dalton Highway crosses the small river (signed Oskyruk… something or other) that blocked Lupe’s first attempt, SPHP parks the G6 at a small pullout near the top of a rise.\u00a0 This pullout is 100 feet S of milepost 297 on the E side of the road.<\/p>\n

Across the highway, a long golden slope beyond the Alaska oil pipeline leads toward the mountain.\u00a0 No major drainages can be seen between here and Slope Mountain’s summit.\u00a0 The summit is once again miles away, and Loop faces a long trek to a big ramp leading up to the top of the mountain.\u00a0 Nevertheless, the\u00a0American Dingo shouldn’t have any problem getting there from here!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe ready for another attempt on Slope Mountain<\/strong>. The summit is on the L. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This time (2:33 PM, 57\u00b0F)<\/em>, the Carolina Dog follows the Alaska oil pipeline service road a mile NE until it starts to lose elevation.\u00a0 She then leaves the road, turning N to begin a long, steady trek up the golden slope leading to Slope Mountain.<\/p>\n

Unsurprisingly, much of the tundra is spongy and wet.\u00a0 Tussocks slow SPHP’s progress, and make the gentle climb far more energy draining than it would be on firmer terrain.\u00a0 Wide bands of greener vegetation mark the course of numerous little streams seeping and trickling down the long slope.<\/p>\n

Loop and SPHP plod on and on, aiming for the lower end of a big golden ramp, an obvious route leading almost all the way to the top of Slope Mountain.\u00a0 This is such a remote area, SPHP has high hopes Lupe will see some animals up here, but none ever appear.\u00a0 SPHP does scare up a flight of 5 or 6 birds, which excites the American Dingo!\u00a0 For a while, she dashes around in wide circles searching for more, but doesn’t come across any.<\/p>\n

Nothing really changes until Loop reaches the base of a fairly steep rocky hillside.\u00a0 An easy scramble brings Loop up onto the big ramp she has been aiming for all this time.\u00a0 Part of the ramp is strewn with loose rock, and the rest consists of still more spongy, damp tundra.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
After a miles long march across a tussocky slope and a short scramble up a hillside of rock, Lupe arrives on the big ramp she will follow almost all the way to the top of Slope Mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The rocky parts of the ramp are easier traveling than the soggy tundra.\u00a0 For quite a long way, Lupe sticks to the rocky SE edge of the ramp where the views are best.\u00a0 When the rocks eventually give out, she crosses the tundra to reach the base of the higher ridge to the NW.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Along the SE edge of the big ramp. Loop eventually went over to the base of the highest ridge seen on the L, and continued up the ramp over there. She didn’t climb up onto the highest ridge until she was nearly to the top of the mountain. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe and SPHP follow the base of the higher ridge, staying close to the area where the rocks and tundra meet.\u00a0 Many rocks have broken into relatively thin flat layers.\u00a0 In some places, they form a sort of natural flagstone pathway.<\/p>\n

Back down on the long slope leading to Slope Mountain, Lupe had stuck pretty close to SPHP most of the time.\u00a0 Up on the big ramp, though, Looper takes off running and exploring.\u00a0 She runs far ahead of SPHP, and spends her time investigating whatever her super sensitive Dingo nose tells her might be interesting.\u00a0 Apparently, she finds actually being up on Slope Mountain more to her liking.<\/p>\n

Loop hasn’t quite reached the end of the big ramp when SPHP figures maybe it’s time to climb up onto the higher ridge.\u00a0 This involves another easy scramble, and doesn’t take long.\u00a0 Upon reaching the top, a large tower is in sight only 200 yards off to the N.\u00a0 The tower stands at the summit of Slope Mountain<\/span><\/a> (4,010 ft.)<\/span><\/strong><\/span>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Almost there! Lupe discovers this big tower at the summit of Slope Mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Although climbing Slope Mountain<\/strong> wasn’t at all difficult, SPHP told Lupe it was still one of her greatest accomplishments. After all, Slope Mountain<\/strong> is farther N than any other mountain she has ever climbed. Surely, few Dingoes have ever been on a mountain N of the Brooks Range in Alaska! Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Mechanical noises are coming from a couple of sheds near the tower.\u00a0 The summit area is 5 to 10 acres in size, flat to gently sloping, and covered with small rocks and sparse vegetation.\u00a0 To the N and E, a lip of the mountain drops off rather sharply, but the resulting cliffs aren’t all that high.\u00a0 Passing by the tower, Lupe sees two cairns ahead.<\/p>\n

By far the largest cairn is a tower of flat stones near the N edge of the summit area.\u00a0 Someone had put an awful lot of work into creating it.<\/p>\n

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Lupe by the largest of two cairns on Slope Mountain<\/strong>. Someone had put an awful lot of work into building this one! Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Lupe had tremendous views of Alaska’s North Slope from up on Slope Mountain<\/strong>. The Sagavanirktok River<\/strong> is seen in the distance. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

More than 50 feet to the W, a faded orange wind sock flies above a much smaller cairn.\u00a0 This cairn is decorated with antlers.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe checks the wind direction indicated by the faded orange wind sock at the top of the smaller cairn. She didn’t really need the wind sock, though, to tell that a chilly breeze was now blowing out of the S. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Although it had been sunny and comfortably warm when Lupe struck out for Slope Mountain, a chilly S breeze is blowing now.\u00a0 The sky has clouded over to a considerable degree, and is rather dark to the S where a line of showers can be seen N of the Brooks Range.\u00a0 SPHP forgot the rain poncho back at the G6, so a cold rain is nothing to look forward to.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, with the weather deteriorating, Lupe isn’t going to be able to stay up on top of Slope Mountain very long.\u00a0 About 15 minutes is all the Carolina Dog is going to get before it will be time to vamoose.\u00a0 That is a shame.\u00a0 The views of Alaska’s North Slope are fantastic!<\/p>\n

Off to the W is a 6 mile long row of big rounded hills featuring sweeping curves.\u00a0 These hills are roughly 400 feet lower than Slope Mountain.\u00a0 Lupe can see the top of slightly higher Imnavait Mountain<\/span><\/a> (3,702 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> 10 miles away beyond them.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Imnavait Mountain<\/strong> (Center) appears a few miles beyond a line of big rounded hills W of Slope Mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

To the N, dark beneath a purple gray sky, Alaska’s flat, featureless North Slope stretches away to a dim horizon.\u00a0 The Sagavanirktok River, which Lupe has come to know over the past couple of days, can still be seen many miles away to the NE.\u00a0 Both the Alaska oil pipeline and Dalton Highway are visible closer by in this direction, too.<\/p>\n

The best views, however, are of Alaska’s mighty Brooks Range running 180\u00b0 from the NE to the E and S all the way around to the SW.\u00a0 Lupe sees many fabulous snow capped peaks, but SPHP doesn’t know the names of any of them.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The Accomplishment Creek<\/strong> valley (Center). Photo looks SE toward the Brooks Range<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Lupe could see many impressive snowy peaks of the Brooks Range<\/strong>. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

SPHP is very glad Lupe has made it to the top of Slope Mountain, but it is disappointing to have to depart so soon.\u00a0 Yet it’s the prudent thing to do.\u00a0 Loopster stands sniffing the breeze for a final few moments, while SPHP gazes in wonder upon the glorious views from the mountain farthest N of all the peaks Lupe has ever climbed.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Even concentrating with my eyes closed, I can’t detect a thing, SPHP. I was hoping to sniff out some more ham, bacon and sausages from the Aurora Hotel. I wish you would have brought some in your pocket!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As Looper and SPHP leave Slope Mountain’s summit, electronic noises similar to animal calls begin being emitted from somewhere over by the big tower.\u00a0 Very strange indeed, but no animals appear in response to the tower’s pleas.\u00a0 The noises are soon left behind.\u00a0 Lupe follows the big ramp back down to about where she first reached it on her way up the mountain.<\/p>\n

From here, the Carolina Dog takes a more direct route down to the Alaska oil pipeline.\u00a0 This saves time, but it’s still a long way, and results in a longer, but easier march back on the service road to the G6.\u00a0 Thankfully, the rain showers never do catch up with Lupe, having drifted off in another direction.\u00a0 (8:40 PM, 51\u00b0F)<\/em><\/p>\n

The evening is spent some miles farther S at a very large pullout along the E side of the Dalton Highway where a semi truck sits idling.\u00a0 The pullout is on a high spot from which Lupe can still see Slope Mountain as dusk creeps over the land.\u00a0 (9:40 PM)<\/em><\/p>\n

8-23-17<\/strong>, 6:25 AM, 38\u00b0F at a pullout along the Dalton Highway within sight of Slope Mountain, Toolik Lake, and the N side of the Brooks Range – <\/em>That semi truck idled for hours here last night, but finally quit.\u00a0 A hard rain then fell for a while, but it’s not raining now.\u00a0 For once it isn’t foggy out.\u00a0 The morning sky is mostly cloudy, but these clouds are high and non-threatening.\u00a0 Small patches of blue sky mean there’s still hope Lupe stands a chance of climbing Table Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6,314 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> today, her last peakbagging goal along the Dalton Highway.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
While the morning sky wasn’t super encouraging, there was still hope Lupe would be able to climb Table Mountain today, her last 2017 peakbagging goal along the Dalton Highway. Photo looks SE toward the Brooks Range<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

7:30 AM, 38\u00b0F<\/em> – After driving S a little way just to warm up, SPHP parks the G6 again at the side road near milepost 278 where Lupe has twice gone on her short Stroll to the North Slope Knoll adventures.\u00a0 Loop and SPHP share a breakfast of soup, while enjoying views of the North Slope and the N side of the Brooks Range for the last time.<\/p>\n

9:18 AM, 44\u00b0F – It’s a lovely day!\u00a0 Loop has stopped briefly at a side road a short distance S of the Dalton Highway bridge over the Atigun River.\u00a0 Lake Benchmark Mountain, which Loopster climbed 5 days ago in rain, snow, and fog is in clear view.\u00a0 Too bad conditions back then weren’t like they are now.\u00a0 At least the American Dingo had succeeded in reaching the summit, despite climbing the wrong mountain first.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lake Benchmark Mountain<\/span><\/a> (5,000 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (L) which Lupe had climbed 5 days ago in rain, snow, mist and fog is in clear view from a side road a little S of the Dalton Highway bridge over the Atigun River. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

10:10 AM, 32\u00b0F<\/em> – Lovely day?\u00a0 Hah!\u00a0 So much for that.\u00a0 After a gorgeous drive S up the Atigun River valley, a snowstorm greets Loop at Atigun Pass.\u00a0 The snow is already sticking to the road.\u00a0 Probably a good thing Lupe is getting S of the pass.\u00a0 Wouldn’t take much of a snowstorm to make the Dalton Highway impassable here for the G6.\u00a0 Still more than a week to go in August, and it’s a real possibility!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe arrives at Atigun Pass<\/strong> in a snowstorm. Good thing she’s on her way S of the pass before the G6 can no longer make it over.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

10:52 AM, 39\u00b0F<\/em> – Weather conditions are definitely better here at the Chandalar Shelf than up at Atigun Pass.\u00a0 However, it’s still marginal for an attempt on Table Mountain.\u00a0 There’s actually some blue sky around, but plenty of clouds and patches of fog are sweeping by from out of the Dietrich River valley, too.\u00a0 The summit of Table Mountain can sometimes be seen.\u00a0 Definitely considerably more new snow up there than the last time Lupe dropped by 3 days ago.<\/p>\n

Having spent a while dithering over whether it is a good idea or not, Loop and SPHP set off across the Chandalar Shelf heading for Table Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6,314 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Not even 10 miles from Atigun Pass, weather conditions are much better here at the Chandalar Shelf<\/strong>. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Conditions are still marginal, however, for an attempt on Table Mountain<\/strong> (L). Clouds and fog sail by from out of the Dietrich River valley. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

11:26 AM, 39\u00b0F<\/em> – Well, that was a total flopperoo!\u00a0 Already back at the G6.\u00a0 The wind driving clouds up out of the Dietrich River valley was just plain chilly.\u00a0 SPHP’s feet were soon soaking wet from marching across the Chandalar Shelf’s boggy tundra.\u00a0 Visibility was constantly being threatened by fog.<\/p>\n

Table Mountain is a good long day hike.\u00a0 No way was Lupe going to make it to the summit under these conditions.\u00a0 Even if she did, who knew if the Carolina Dog would be able to see anything up there hours from now?\u00a0 Spending the whole day cold, wet, and miserable for such an uncertain result simply wasn’t worth it.<\/p>\n

Too bad, though.\u00a0 Table Mountain always looked like a terrific, fun peak.\u00a0 Lupe has been by the Chandalar Shelf four times now, but conditions have never been right.\u00a0 This was her last chance.\u00a0 Oh, well.\u00a0 Two minutes after making it back to the G6, it starts to rain.\u00a0 Yeah, returning was the right decision.<\/p>\n

SPHP promises Lupe she can go on her 2016 Last Mile North<\/strong><\/span><\/a> adventure again near Dillon Mountain<\/span><\/a> (4,820 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 It’s much shorter, easier, and can be done whether the weather is decent or not.\u00a0 In fact, with Table Mountain now off the table, the rest of the day will be spent revisiting several of Loopster’s favorite quick stops along the Dalton Highway on the way back to Fairbanks.<\/p>\n

12:25 PM, 48\u00b0F<\/em> – The G6 is parked W of the Dalton Highway just S of the Dietrich River (S of milepost 207).\u00a0 Lupe is excited!\u00a0 The American Dingo recognizes this place.\u00a0 Her 2016 Last Mile North adventure is one of her very favorites.\u00a0 It’s an easy stroll N along the Alaska oil pipeline service road to a stream flowing W from a valley N of Dillon Mountain.<\/p>\n

The original longer version of this adventure follows the stream all the way W to a confluence with the Dietrich River.\u00a0 With 207 miles yet to go on the Dalton Highway today, Loop isn’t going to go all the way to the confluence.\u00a0 Still, this will be a genuine treat for the Carolina Dog.<\/p>\n

Lupe is eager to get going!\u00a0 She doesn’t want to waste a single minute.\u00a0 It’s virtually non-stop running, sniffing, chasing, and exploring the whole way.<\/p>\n

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After crossing the bridge over the Dietrich River<\/strong>, Lupe stops for a look at magnificent Sukakpak Mountain<\/strong>, one of the Dalton Highway’s best known landmarks.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Lupe climbed Sukakpak Mountain<\/strong><\/span><\/a> in 2016. It was her first big adventure in this part of the Brooks Range. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After crossing the bridge over the Dietrich River, the 1.25 mile long trek N along the Alaska oil pipeline service road is pure fun.\u00a0 Although it’s mostly cloudy out and sometimes sprinkles rain, Loop and SPHP barely even notice.\u00a0 Lupe has been expending so much energy, she plops herself down in the stream NW of Dillon Mountain to cool off as soon as she gets there.\u00a0 She emerges soaking wet, looking like this is the greatest day of her life!<\/p>\n

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This is just the most fun ever, SPHP!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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At the stream that flows W to the Dietrich River from N of Dillon Mountain<\/strong> (R). Lupe also made it to the top of Dillon Mountain<\/strong><\/span><\/a> in 2016, another grand adventure! Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Happy Lupe at one of her favorite spots in the Brooks Range.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Hey, SPHP! Why don’t you build us a cabin in the woods somewhere around here? That way we can come and do this every day!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The return trip along the Alaska oil pipeline is no less busy and fun.\u00a0 Lupe crisscrosses the service road umpteen times, dashing back and forth between excursions into the forests on each side.\u00a0 The glorious scenery includes views of Sukakpak Mountain<\/strong><\/span><\/a> and Dillon Mountain<\/strong><\/span><\/a> where Lupe had two of her greatest adventures ever in 2016.<\/p>\n

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Looking W from the Alaska oil pipeline service road.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Busy times near the Alaska oil pipeline.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Looking SW along the pipeline service road.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

All too soon, Lupe is back at the Dietrich River.\u00a0 Loop’s 4th time on her 2016 Last Mile North adventure is about over.\u00a0 Before long she’s back at the G6, saying goodbye to Dillon Mountain.\u00a0 (1:43 PM, 52\u00b0F)<\/em><\/p>\n

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Back at the Dietrich River<\/strong>, Lupe’s 4th time on her 2016 Last Mile North adventure is nearly over. Sukakpak Mountain<\/strong> and the Dalton Highway bridge over the river are in view. The G6 is on the R. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Back at the G6. Time to say goodbye to Dillon Mountain<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Only 6 or 7 miles S of the Dietrich River, Lupe and SPHP stop briefly again.\u00a0 A few minutes are spent bidding farewell to Sukakpak Mountain.<\/p>\n

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Looper bids farewell to Sukakpak Mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Coldfoot is only 25 miles S of Sukakpak.\u00a0 SPHP stops by the restaurant hoping for another great buffet, like the wonderful breakfast buffet enjoyed here 4 or 5 days ago.\u00a0 It’s too late in the day for that.\u00a0 An enormous “standard” burger with fries for $10.95 isn’t a bad substitute, but Loop doesn’t come away with a buffet windfall like the one SPHP brought her from the Aurora Hotel yesterday morning.<\/p>\n

After fueling up, Lupe and SPHP keep cruising S on the Dalton Highway.\u00a0 (3:35 PM)\u00a0 <\/em>Loop sees Cathedral Mountain again 6 or 7 miles S of Coldfoot, but SPHP doesn’t stop until she’s all the way to the Arctic Circle.\u00a0 (5:01 PM, 51\u00b0F)<\/em><\/p>\n

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Six days after crossing it going N, the Most High Exalted Dingo of the Arctic Sisterhood returns to the Arctic Circle.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

5:51 PM, 50\u00b0F<\/em> – Lupe’s last summit along the Dalton Highway is a trivial one.\u00a0 She makes the short 100 yard stroll E from the highway to the big cluster of rocks on top of Finger Mountain.\u00a0 SPHP gives her a needed boost.\u00a0 Caribou Mountain is in sight off to the WNW.<\/p>\n

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Lupe back up on Finger Mountain<\/strong>, her final ascent along the Dalton Highway. Not much of a climb, but she can see Caribou Mountain<\/strong> (L) in the distance. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Looking NNW toward the broad Kanuti River valley<\/strong> from Finger Mountain<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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The summit of Caribou Mountain<\/strong> (L) is in view directly beyond Loop. A week ago, Lupe and SPHP had been up there. Photo looks WNW with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Finger Mountain is a short, but worthwhile stop.\u00a0 However, Loopster’s journey S along the Dalton Highway soon continues.\u00a0 (6:09 PM)<\/em>\u00a0 The last major landmark is the Yukon River.\u00a0 (7:11 PM, 57\u00b0F)\u00a0 <\/em>A couple of dogs down by the river want to be friends with Lupe, but she’s having none of that.\u00a0 Although it’s a beautiful evening, with those dogs pestering her, it’s two photos and the Carolina Dog is ready to scram.\u00a0 (7:26 PM)<\/em><\/p>\n

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On the N bank of the mighty Yukon River<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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The Yukon River<\/strong> looks like a placid lake on this beautiful evening. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

S of the Yukon River, Lupe’s 2017 adventures along the Dalton Highway are nearing their end.\u00a0 Loop and SPHP have had a fabulous time.\u00a0 The scenic miles go by one after another.\u00a0 Suddenly, Loop and SPHP both see something they’ve never ever seen before.\u00a0 A big wildcat, a lynx, is near the edge of the highway!<\/p>\n

The lynx hesitates 4 or 5 seconds.\u00a0 It had intended to cross the road, but changes its mind.\u00a0 As the G6 approaches, the lynx turns and slinks back into the forest.\u00a0 Lupe is all excited, but she won’t see the lynx again.<\/p>\n

Ten minutes later, it’s all over.\u00a0 In two days, Lupe has traveled all 414 miles of the Dalton Highway from Deadhorse near Prudhoe Bay back to its start near Livengood.\u00a0 Eight days after leaving Fairbanks to come here, Lupe stands once again at the big sign marking the S end of the Dalton Highway.\u00a0 (8:59 PM, 50\u00b0F)<\/em><\/p>\n

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Back at the S end of the Dalton Highway. The Most High Exalted Dingo of the Arctic Sisterhood spent 8 days along the Dalton Highway in 2017, 6 of them actually N of the Arctic Circle. Fabulous times that won’t soon be forgotten.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What tremendous fun it had all been!\u00a0 Climbing glorious mountains, dodging rain, snow and fog, feasting and starving, seeing sights few will ever see while this remote part of the world remains wild and unspoiled, all the way to the Arctic Ocean and back.<\/p>\n

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NW of Dillon Mountain, Brooks Range, Alaska 8-23-17<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Links:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Next Adventure<\/span><\/a>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Prior Adventure<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Lupe in the SCREE! – the Mountaineering Club of Alaska’s monthly newsletter & the story of Henry Pinkham<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/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<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Days 23 & 24 of Lupe’s 2017 Dingo Vacation to the Yukon & Alaska! 8-22-17, 1:00 AM, near the Sagavanirktok River, Deadhorse, Alaska –\u00a0 SPHP woke up thinking it might be possible for Lupe to see the Northern Lights.\u00a0 Only 2 hours ago, the evening sky had been mostly clear.\u00a0 Dream on.\u00a0 Not now.\u00a0 Foggy, … Continue reading Slope Mountain & Highlights of the Dalton Highway Revisited, Alaska (8-22-17 & 8-23-17)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":14250,"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":[704,105,106,915,923,26,104,919,929],"class_list":["post-14265","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-2017-yukon-alaska","tag-alaska","tag-american-dingo","tag-carolina-dog","tag-dalton-highway","tag-deadhorse","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-lupe","tag-north-slope","tag-slope-mountain"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/P1070909.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\/14265","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=14265"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14265\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":21050,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14265\/revisions\/21050"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/14250"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=14265"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=14265"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=14265"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}