{"id":17163,"date":"2018-11-24T08:10:41","date_gmt":"2018-11-24T15:10:41","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=17163"},"modified":"2019-03-16T22:00:41","modified_gmt":"2019-03-17T04:00:41","slug":"the-dolomites-giant-mushroom-cedar-mountain-bighorn-mountains-wyoming-6-10-18","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=17163","title":{"rendered":"The Dolomites, Giant Mushroom & Cedar Mountain, Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming (6-10-18)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Day 2 of Lupe’s 2018 Dingo Vacation to the Bighorn Mountains & Beyond!<\/em><\/p>\n

The wee hours<\/em> – The Carolina Dog couldn’t sleep.\u00a0 Loop shifted around repeatedly trying to get comfortable.\u00a0 Nothing worked.\u00a0 Her sunset trek to Prospect Benchmark<\/span><\/a> (9,774 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> hadn’t been long enough to tucker her out.\u00a0 This was the first night of the first Dingo Vacation in nearly 9 months.\u00a0 Lupe was on an adventure high, excited beyond words.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The restless Dingo.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

All choked up and needing to take some allergy medicine, SPHP stepped out of the G6.\u00a0 Lupe shot out into the night.\u00a0 At 9,600 feet, a zillion stars blazed with incredible intensity in a limitless, moonless void.<\/p>\n

SPHP drank the medicine, then rearranged Lupe’s blankets for her.\u00a0 She would be back soon enough.\u00a0 For the moment she was off checking out whatever wafted on the chilly SW breeze.\u00a0 Adjusting to being back on a Dingo Vacation can take a few days.\u00a0 Even SPHP had dozed fitfully.<\/p>\n

Before long, Lupe returned.<\/p>\n

The next time SPHP stirred, the stars were gone.\u00a0 The American Dingo was awake and alertly watching a gray pre-dawn world.\u00a0 Had she slept at all?\u00a0 Who knew?\u00a0 SPHP rolled over.\u00a0 Still too early.\u00a0 Back to sleep.\u00a0 The anti-histamine helped.<\/p>\n

(Start – 7:16 AM, 47\u00b0F)\u00a0 <\/em>The sun had been shining just a little while ago, but in the brief time it took for Loop and SPHP to share some chicken for breakfast, it had disappeared behind a line of clouds.\u00a0 Not that cold out, but the SW breeze had picked up to 20 mph, making it feel chilly.<\/p>\n

Loopster didn’t care for the wind, but was anxious to get going anyway.\u00a0 Prospect Benchmark<\/span><\/a> (9,774 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was only 0.33 mile SW, an easy stroll up a grassy slope.\u00a0 Wouldn’t take long to tag the summit again and get back.\u00a0 The day’s main event would come soon after.<\/p>\n

The Carolina Dog made it up to Prospect Benchmark in a flash.\u00a0 The wind had lost its punch just as quickly.\u00a0 Only a light W breeze up here.\u00a0 Sweet!\u00a0 Lots of high thin clouds around, but otherwise a promising June morning in the Bighorns.<\/p>\n

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Starting the new day out right with a grand view of Cloud Peak<\/span><\/a> (13,167 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (Center) from Prospect Benchmark<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The mood was far different from what it had been yesterday evening.\u00a0 The same sweeping panoramas from the barren summit that had invited Lupe to linger until sunset were now an inspiring call to action!<\/p>\n

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Lupe by the cairn SPHP had built yesterday evening. The Prospect survey benchmark is hidden close to her right behind it. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Similar view, but from the N end of Prospect Benchmark’s NE escarpment on the way back to the G6.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Of course, Lupe had been primed for action all along.\u00a0 Now SPHP was chomping at the bit, too!\u00a0 Loopster had an ambitious day of adventures ahead.\u00a0 Time to get with the program!\u00a0 After a brief survey of the sights from Prospect Benchmark, Looper and SPHP hurried back to the G6.\u00a0 (End – 7:51 AM, 46\u00b0F)<\/em><\/p>\n

A mere 2 miles winding SE on USFS Road No. 10 brought Lupe to a view of the first part of her playground for the day, an area SPHP knew as the Dolomites (Dolo-Mighties!).<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe with an early view of the Dolomites<\/strong>, the rock escarpment along the far ridge. USFS Road No. 10 is seen below. USFS Road No. 216 (R) heads up the hill toward the Dolomites. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Another mile on No. 10 got Lupe down to the junction with USFS Road No. 216.\u00a0 The Dolomites were just up the hill to the S.\u00a0 Loop and SPHP set off at once, following No. 216 part of the way before leaving it to climb toward the first escarpment.<\/p>\n

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Loop about to set off for the Dolomites (L). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Dolomite is a type of sedimentary rock, but whether or not what Lupe was heading for truly consisted of actual dolomite SPHP didn’t really know.\u00a0 The Bighorn Mountains feature many big outcroppings of the same sort of rock.\u00a0 SPHP had simply guessed and given the name The Dolomites to the formations in this particular location years ago.<\/p>\n

These Dolomites are clearly some<\/em> sort of sedimentary stone, white to light tan in color, but otherwise don’t resemble the limestones or sandstones found in Lupe’s home territory back in the Black Hills at all.\u00a0 The rock is hard, not crumbly, and pockmarked with small, sharp-edged, rounded depressions.<\/p>\n

Whatever type of rock The Dolomites really are, they form a narrow band of distinctive formations featuring high points separated by deep vertical-sided passageways that are fun to explore.\u00a0 Lupe had been here once before, long ago on the first day of her very first Dingo Vacation ever way back in 2012 when she had gone clear to the West Coast with Lanis.<\/p>\n

When Lupe reached the first high points at the N end of The Dolomites she had a fabulous view back toward Prospect Benchmark<\/span><\/a> (9,774 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> where she had started her day.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe reaches the first high points at the N end of The Dolomites<\/strong> with a fabulous view of Prospect Benchmark<\/strong> (R) where she had just been. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Roaming SSE along the escarpment, Lupe sniffed and explored among The Dolomites as fancy struck her.\u00a0 Many brightly colored wildflowers were in bloom.\u00a0 Most were tiny.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Exploring The Dolomites<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
This would be a fun place to play Hide & Seek! Too bad you’re not very tricky, SPHP. Bet I’d win every time!<\/em> Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Look at those cool columns! Guess we’re not getting to the tops of all these rocks, are we?<\/em> Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Delicate wildflowers. Scientifically, blui feral floweri<\/em> in the Dingo classification system.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Among blue and yellow wildflowers. Prospect Benchmark<\/strong> (Center) in the distance. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The best of The Dolomites started right where Lupe first reached the N end of the escarpment and ran SSE.\u00a0 It didn’t take Loop long to wander past the most dramatic and interesting formations.\u00a0 However, there was a special “must see” feature yet to come.\u00a0 Lupe continued SSE looking for the Giant Mushroom.<\/p>\n

The Carolina Dog crossed a field of crocuses along the way.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe among the crocuses on her search for the Giant Mushroom. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The prairie crocus (Pasque flower) is the state flower of South Dakota where Lupe lives.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It was farther to the Giant Mushroom than SPHP remembered.\u00a0 Even so, Lupe only had to search 10 or 15 minutes before coming across it.\u00a0 Loop had been only a bit over 1.5 years old when she was last here with Lanis in August, 2012.\u00a0 That day seemed like a long time ago, but the Giant Mushroom still looked the same.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Here it is – the Giant Mushroom<\/strong>! Pretty spiffy, aye?<\/em> Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Wow, almost 6 years ago now since I was last here with Lanis! Scary!<\/em> Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

No trip to the Dolomites is truly complete without going all the way to the narrow ridge extending E from the far S end.\u00a0 The E ridge is a great viewpoint, and visiting it is a tradition.\u00a0 Precisely how far E one wants to follow the ridge as it narrows is a matter of personal choice, however.<\/p>\n

Naturally, Looper continued SE to explore the E ridge and wrap up her Dolomites tour.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe reaches the W end of the Dolomite’s E ridge. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Loopster on the E ridge. The distant peak on the R may be Black Mountain<\/span><\/a> (9,489 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking ESE along the E ridge.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The E ridge eventually narrows to the point it becomes discontinuous. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A splendid view of Antelope Butte<\/span><\/a> (9,935 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (L), wouldn’t you agree? The Antelope Butte Ski Area<\/strong><\/span><\/a> closed in 2004, but they’re trying to get it going again for the 2018 – 2019 season!<\/em> Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Cloud Peak<\/span><\/a> (13,167 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (Center) & Black Tooth Mountain<\/span><\/a> (13,005 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (L) from The Dolomites. Photo looks SE with lots of help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Unidentified peak (Center). Bruce Mountain<\/strong>? Dome Peak<\/span><\/a> (10,828)<\/span><\/strong>? SPHP didn’t know. Photo looks SE with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe had explored The Dolomites.\u00a0 She had found the Giant Mushroom and seen the views from the E ridge.\u00a0 In short, she had done all the easy preliminary stuff on today’s adventure action plan, but she still hadn’t gotten very far.\u00a0 Loop wasn’t more than a mile from the G6.<\/p>\n

That was about to change.\u00a0 Cedar Mountain<\/span><\/a> (9,813 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, a good 3 miles W of her current position at The Dolomites, was the American Dingo’s next objective.\u00a0 SPHP even had visions of Loopster going another 3 or 4 miles beyond Cedar Mountain all the way to Copmans Tomb<\/strong>.\u00a0 From the edge of Copmans Tomb she would have a giant view down into Shell Canyon, and might even see Shell Falls more than 2,500 feet below.<\/p>\n

Looper was all for this plan!\u00a0 She would get to see a lot of new territory, much of which was open ground offering views and endless room to run.\u00a0 The Dolomites are located on the NE side of High Point 9702<\/strong>.\u00a0 To put this plan into action, Lupe’s first task was to cross this hill heading SW for the saddle leading to Cedar Mountain.<\/p>\n

Lupe and SPHP left The Dolomites.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog was soon out of the pines traveling SW across a sunny meadow.\u00a0 Crocuses bloomed here in magnificent profusion.\u00a0 A barbed wire fence had to be crossed.\u00a0 Lupe snuck under it.\u00a0 She gained minor elevation, less than 100 feet, passing N of High Point 9702.<\/p>\n

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Crocuses flourished by the thousands in sunny meadows.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Slightly higher ground dotted with stands of pines and long, narrow snowbanks came into view a good 0.5 mile away.\u00a0 That ridge would lead Lupe to Cedar Mountain.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
OK. We’re almost across High Point 9702<\/strong> now. That high ground in the distance will take us to Cedar Mountain!<\/em> Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe lost 100 feet of elevation crossing the wide saddle leading to Cedar Mountain.\u00a0 She was already regaining it by the time she reached USFS Road No. 216 heading SW up the far side.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Loop on the way down to the wide saddle (not shown off the R edge). Part of Shell Canyon is seen in the distance on the L. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The topo map<\/strong><\/span><\/a> showed that Lupe could simply follow No. 216 all the way to a point 0.25 mile directly S of the Cedar Mountain summit.\u00a0 However, exploring the ridge N of the road seemed like more fun.\u00a0 Shortly before reaching Pass 9721<\/strong>, Lupe abandoned No. 216 heading NW toward the top of the ridge.<\/p>\n

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Lupe near Pass 9721<\/strong> shortly after leaving USFS Road No. 216. Antelope Butte<\/strong> is in the distance on the L. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This climb didn’t amount to much at all, mere 10’s of feet, not hundreds.\u00a0 After cresting a minor escarpment, Lupe traveled NW up a gentle open slope.\u00a0 The terrain soon leveled out.\u00a0 Stands of stunted pines grew along the N rim of the ridge.\u00a0 Meadows were to the S.<\/p>\n

As long as the pines and occasional snowdrifts weren’t too troublesome, Lupe sniffed her way W along the N rim.\u00a0 She had sweeping views from the edge of a long dolomite cliff.\u00a0 Prospect Benchmark<\/span><\/a> (9,774 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was again in sight 2 miles away beyond huge Cedar Creek canyon.\u00a0 The cliff grew in height as Loop got farther W.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe sniffs along the N rim of Cedar Mountain’s long E ridge. Prospect Benchmark<\/strong> (Center) is in view. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking back across the wide saddle toward High Point 9702<\/strong>, which looks practically flat from here. Lupe had just come from this direction crossing somewhat toward the R (SE). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Loop up on the cliffs along the N rim. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Lupe loved the snowdrifts she encountered along the N rim, but some were so large it was easier to stay farther S in sunny, snow-free meadows. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Eventually the pines and snowdrifts became harder to push past.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP abandoned the fabulous views along the N rim for meadows a short distance S.\u00a0 Loop continued W, staying a bit N of a line of orange metal fence posts.\u00a0 The original barbed wire fence was laying flat upon the ground, all the wooden posts and strands of barbed wire still intact.<\/p>\n

Whether the fence had fallen over, or had been toppled on purpose wasn’t clear.\u00a0 Whatever the case, the horizontal rows of barbed wire inches above the ground were a hazard for Lupe.\u00a0 SPHP made certain she didn’t try to cross them by herself.<\/p>\n

Another slightly higher, mostly forested ridge could be seen off to the SW.\u00a0 The summit of Cedar Mountain had to be somewhere up there.<\/p>\n

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Lupe followed this line of orange fence posts W (R) until she got closer to the higher ground seen at Center. The summit of Cedar Mountain<\/strong> is somewhere up there! Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

While still N of the fence, Lupe discovered a shallow depression with a snow bank in it.\u00a0 Sinkholes like this are fairly common in the dolomite.\u00a0 This one wasn’t deep at all compared to some.<\/p>\n

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Lupe discovers a small sinkhole forming in the dolomite. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Eventually Lupe needed to get S of the dangerous fence.\u00a0 SPHP picked her up and carried her over the barbed wire.\u00a0 Loopster had followed the fence for so long that the higher ground to the SW wasn’t much farther.\u00a0 Unfortunately, the most direct route higher was heavily forested.<\/p>\n

The American Dingo didn’t mind being in the forest at all.\u00a0 She quickly reached a high point buried in deadfall and standing timber.\u00a0 Was this the true summit of Cedar Mountain?\u00a0 Maybe.\u00a0 The terrain was almost flat, but seemed to drop at least slightly in all directions.\u00a0 Hard to tell for certain, though, since absolutely nothing else could be seen from here.<\/p>\n

Lupe leapt up onto the deadfall above the high point to claim a possible Cedar Mountain peakbagging success!<\/p>\n

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Lupe claims a possible peakbagging success of Cedar Mountain<\/strong> at a high point hidden among thick forest. Photo looks … hmm … not very far whatever direction this is.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Whether Lupe had found the top of Cedar Mountain or not, maybe it was time for a break?\u00a0 As it turned out, the edge of the forest was only 30 feet S of the high point.\u00a0 A nice opening provided a grand, but distant view of Cloud Peak<\/span><\/a> (13,167)<\/span><\/strong> and Black Tooth Mountain<\/span><\/a> (13,005 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> many miles beyond Antelope Butte<\/span><\/a> (9,935 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 Not a bad spot to relax!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Antelope Butte<\/strong> in the foreground with Cloud Peak<\/strong> (Center) directly beyond it. Black Tooth Mountain<\/strong> is on the L. Photo looks SE with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The rest break featured a veritable feast compared to the normal paltry fare.\u00a0 SPHP had fried chicken and a Coke.\u00a0 However, even though it was now noon, Lupe wasn’t the least bit hungry.\u00a0 SPHP tried offering her a chicken skin, but the Carolina Dog decided to save it for later, spending several minutes burying it with her nose.<\/p>\n

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A ferocious Dingo on guard near the secret burial site of a valuable chicken skin.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A look at the topo map<\/strong><\/span><\/a> led SPHP to suspect that Lupe hadn’t made it to the top of Cedar Mountain yet.\u00a0 The terrain here didn’t look right.\u00a0 The true summit was likely farther W.\u00a0 So after 20 minutes, Loop and SPHP continued WSW through the forest.<\/p>\n

Loopster was having a blast looking for squirrels!\u00a0 She found two in quick succession.\u00a0 The forest rang with her shrill barking.\u00a0 Good times, for sure, but she was gradually losing elevation.\u00a0 After 10 minutes, though, a partially bare hillside came into sight.\u00a0 The top was forested and couldn’t be seen, but this hill was definitely higher than the prior high point amid all the deadfall.<\/p>\n

A short climb brought Lupe to the top of Cedar Mountain<\/span><\/a> (9,813 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 No doubt about it this time around!\u00a0 The summit area was divided between open ground and forest, with the highest spot right along the edge of the trees.\u00a0 Forest dominated to the N, while a much larger area covered only by white stones and sparse vegetation lay to the S.<\/p>\n

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Lupe reaches the true summit of Cedar Mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Looper finally claims a genuine Cedar Mountain<\/strong> peakbagging success!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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A big, flat, open area S of the true summit was nearly as high. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The best views from Cedar Mountain were once again off to the SE.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Loopster along the SE edge of the summit area. She could see a tremendous amount of territory all the way to Cloud Peak<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Cedar Mountain’s S ridge from SE of the summit. USFS Road No. 216 is in view below. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Going 50 feet down the forested slope NW of the true summit brought Lupe to a clearing from which she also had impressive views to the N.<\/p>\n

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Prospect Benchmark<\/strong> (Center) from Cedar Mountain. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking NW over Cedar Creek canyon<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Copmans Tomb, still 3.5 miles to the SW, was Lupe’s final objective for the day.\u00a0 She would lose 1,000 feet of elevation going there that would have to be regained on the return trip.\u00a0 Since going to Copmans Tomb and back would add 7 total miles to today’s adventure, Loop clearly couldn’t stay too long at Cedar Mountain.\u00a0 She needed to get going.\u00a0 It was already early afternoon.<\/p>\n

Lupe and SPHP went far enough W to get beyond the trees blocking the view to the SW.\u00a0 For hours the sky had been clouding up, but so slowly that the deterioration drew hardly any attention.\u00a0 To the SW, though, the weather looked particularly hazy, gray, and dark.\u00a0 Not threatening, but suspect.\u00a0 Loop could see a vast territory in this indistinct murk, but SPHP couldn’t pick out Copmans Tomb.<\/p>\n

According to the map, it ought to be a cinch to follow Cedar Mountain’s giant W ridge to Copmans Tomb.\u00a0 Piece of cake.\u00a0 Yet the scene gave SPHP pause.\u00a0 The air felt colder than before.\u00a0 Maybe Copmans Tomb was being overly ambitious?\u00a0 Being caught out in bad weather is rarely much fun.\u00a0 Perhaps that was in the cards if Lupe kept going?<\/p>\n

So you coming, SPHP?\u00a0 What’s the holdup?<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, I don’t know, Looper.\u00a0 Suddenly I’m not feeling it.\u00a0 Copmans Tomb looks like a long way.\u00a0 Not sure about this weather, either.<\/em><\/p>\n

We don’t have to go, if you don’t want to.\u00a0 Are you sick?<\/em><\/p>\n

No, I’m fine.\u00a0 I’d really like to see Shell Falls from Copmans Tomb, but it seemed like a better idea when everything was flowers and sunshine.\u00a0 Maybe I’m just being lazy?<\/em><\/p>\n

Well, then.\u00a0 We could just relax here a bit and see how things develop.<\/em><\/p>\n

Alright, maybe for a few minutes.\u00a0 We need to make a decision soon, though, if we are actually going on.<\/em><\/p>\n

The best place to relax was back at the SE edge of the summit area where those splendid views toward Cloud Peak were.\u00a0 When Lupe got there, she curled up on a grassy slope dotted with little flowers.\u00a0 SPHP sat beside her.\u00a0 Yes, this was lovely!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
A view to relax by. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Black Tooth Mountain<\/strong> (L) and Cloud Peak<\/strong> (R) with the Antelope Butte<\/strong> summit in the foreground. Photo looks SE with maximum assistance from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Quiet time on Cedar Mountain<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

15 peaceful minutes alone together just watching this beautiful piece of the world.\u00a0 SPHP stroked Lupe’s soft ears and talked to her.\u00a0 She listened carefully to every word.\u00a0 Not much changed.\u00a0 The sky remained cloudy and gray.\u00a0 Ambitions drained away.\u00a0 Cedar Mountain was enough.<\/p>\n

Sadly, Copmans Tomb wasn’t happening.\u00a0 Whether due to nature’s mood swing or SPHP’s own laziness wasn’t clear.\u00a0 What was clear was that Lupe could enjoy a leisurely return to the G6.\u00a0 Plenty of time for that.<\/p>\n

If Loopster was disappointed, she never let on.\u00a0 After returning briefly to Cedar Mountain’s true summit and NW viewpoint, the Carolina Dog made a real show of having a great time heading back through the forest looking for a second shot at those always entertaining squirrels.<\/p>\n

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Busy Dingo fun times in the forest.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe’s route back was essentially the same as the one she had taken to Cedar Mountain.\u00a0 At her insistence, more rest breaks came along the N rim of the long E ridge.\u00a0 Minus squirrel-inspired adrenaline, her energy level seemed to drop, too.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading back along the N rim. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
These bright yellow flowers seemed to have absorbed all of the day’s sunshine.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After leaving Cedar Mountain’s E ridge, Lupe followed USFS Road No. 216 down into the wide saddle and up the other side.\u00a0 She stayed on the road all the way to its high point at Pass 9623<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Scattered raindrops fell.\u00a0 Patches of fog drifted along some of the ridges.\u00a0 The G6 was less than a mile away now by the road.\u00a0 No.\u00a0 Not yet.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP left the road heading E well N of High Point 9702.<\/p>\n

Lupe returned to The Dolomites.\u00a0 Still time for a quick reverse tour!\u00a0 Still time to see the Giant Mushroom once more!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe nearing The Dolomites E ridge again. Photo looks SW back toward High Point 9702<\/strong> (Center).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Back at the Giant Mushroom<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A light rain fell as Lupe explored the intricacies of The Dolomites again.\u00a0 This morning a camper had been in view among trees not far from the G6.\u00a0 On the way back, Loop slunk by to see who or what occupied it.\u00a0 The answer: no one.\u00a0 It was abandoned, full of trash and debris.\u00a0 A tattered tarp flapped forlornly in the breeze.<\/p>\n

Someone’s wilderness dream gone bad.\u00a0 Creepy.\u00a0 A haunted camper.<\/p>\n

The fog rolled in 5 minutes after Lupe got back to the G6.\u00a0 (4:14 PM, 57\u00b0F)<\/em>\u00a0 Never too thick, it sailed wispily by on a W breeze.\u00a0 Half an hour later came a 5 minute deluge of pea-sized hail.\u00a0 Another 30 minutes brought a second dose.<\/p>\n

For a couple of hours, patches of blue sky reappeared.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP played with a tennis ball.\u00a0 By 7:00 PM, though, the G6 was socked in by dense fog.\u00a0 Coyotes howled eerily from somewhere near The Dolomites beyond the haunted camper.<\/p>\n

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Oh, and here I am safe and sound back at the G6 before 4:15 PM. And to think I could have been wandering around lost out there later on in rain, hail, and dense fog among hungry howling wild dogs and creaking haunted campers as night approached! Best we didn’t go all the way to Copmans Tomb! Sometimes it pays to forget silly ambitions and just take life easy!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Note:\u00a0 USFS Road No. 10 leaves the W (R) side of Highway 14 roughly 9 or 10 miles S of Burgess Junction.\u00a0 No. 10’s intersection with USFS Road No. 216 is a mile W of the highway.\u00a0 The saddle 0.33 mile N of Prospect Benchmark is another 3 miles NW on No. 10.<\/em><\/p>\n

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

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

Want more Lupe adventures?\u00a0\u00a0Choose\u00a0from\u00a0Lupe’s 2018 Dingo Vacation to the Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming & Beyond 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><\/span><\/a><\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Day 2 of Lupe’s 2018 Dingo Vacation to the Bighorn Mountains & Beyond! The wee hours – The Carolina Dog couldn’t sleep.\u00a0 Loop shifted around repeatedly trying to get comfortable.\u00a0 Nothing worked.\u00a0 Her sunset trek to Prospect Benchmark (9,774 ft.) hadn’t been long enough to tucker her out.\u00a0 This was the first night of the … Continue reading The Dolomites, Giant Mushroom & Cedar Mountain, Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming (6-10-18)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":17126,"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":[1003],"tags":[105,185,106,1009,26,1008,430,104,1001,275],"class_list":["post-17163","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-2018-bighorn-mountains-wyoming-beyond","tag-american-dingo","tag-bighorn-mountains","tag-carolina-dog","tag-cedar-mountain","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-dolomites","tag-giant-mushroom","tag-lupe","tag-prospect-benchmark","tag-wyoming"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/IMG_9289.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\/17163","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=17163"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17163\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":20867,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17163\/revisions\/20867"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/17126"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=17163"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=17163"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=17163"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}