{"id":18152,"date":"2019-01-07T08:10:58","date_gmt":"2019-01-07T15:10:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=18152"},"modified":"2019-02-18T23:59:14","modified_gmt":"2019-02-19T06:59:14","slug":"gold-mountain-the-kitsap-county-washington-high-point-11-28-18","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=18152","title":{"rendered":"Gold Mountain, the Kitsap County, Washington High Point (11-28-18)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Day 6 of Lupe’s 2018 Dingo Vacation to Washington State!<\/em><\/p>\n

I might have known.<\/em><\/p>\n

Known, what?\u00a0 What’s wrong, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, nothing much, Looper.\u00a0 Mountains of gold are notoriously difficult to find.\u00a0 No doubt this is just par for the course.<\/em><\/p>\n

You can’t find Gold Mountain?<\/em><\/p>\n

Not exactly, not yet, but I’m certain we can’t be too far from it.<\/em><\/p>\n

Well, maybe you should quit driving in circles and back and forth, and just follow the treasure map!<\/em><\/p>\n

That was part of the problem.\u00a0 SPHP had only printed out the portion of the treasure map that actually showed Gold Mountain<\/span><\/a> (1,761 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and a small area close to it.\u00a0 Additional notes on what roads to take to get to the trailhead, and what SPHP could remember about their configuration, weren’t matching up with reality.\u00a0 The topo map<\/strong><\/span><\/a> was old, as treasure maps are apt to be.\u00a0 Apparently new roads had been built, and new names given to old roads.<\/p>\n

Talk about confusing!\u00a0 SPHP drove right past the Gold Creek trailhead thinking it couldn’t be the right place since the roads to it weren’t as shown on the ancient treasure map.\u00a0 Half an hour plus of useless driving around later, Lupe was back.\u00a0 Yeah, this was<\/em> it!<\/p>\n

The Gold Creek trailhead was huge.\u00a0 Two different trails left it, just as Lupe’s friend mountaineer Jobe Wymore<\/strong><\/span><\/a> had said.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe arrives at the entrance to the Gold Creek trailhead<\/strong>. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The Gold Creek trailhead<\/strong> was huge, and practically empty. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Only a couple of other vehicles were around when SPHP finally parked the CX3.\u00a0 (12:18 PM, 47\u00b0F)\u00a0 <\/em>The low, gray sky promised a genuine Pacific Northwest experience.\u00a0 Light rain fell as Lupe sniffed about the parking lot while SPHP tried to remember which trail to take.\u00a0 A map posted at the trailhead showed a trail to Green Mountain<\/span><\/a> (1,700 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, but none to Gold Mountain.\u00a0 Hmm.<\/p>\n

Yesterday evening, Jobe had been very specific about which trail to take.\u00a0 It had all been so clear then, that SPHP hadn’t bothered writing it down.\u00a0 Pure genius!\u00a0 All SPHP could really remember was that the correct route started out going E or NE sort of in the direction of Gold Creek, but soon took a turn to the SE.\u00a0 Actually following the creek was a no-no.<\/p>\n

Well, how hard could it be?\u00a0 Lupe only had two options.\u00a0 The Gold Creek trail left the N end of the trailhead heading NE.\u00a0 Hundreds of feet farther S, the Tin Mine trail went E.\u00a0 Both trails immediately disappeared into the forest.<\/p>\n

Not at all certain it was the right thing to do, SPHP let Lupe start up the Gold Creek trail.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Loopster at the start of the Gold Creek trail<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Gold Creek trail was a wide, well-worn path.\u00a0 It wound through a dense forest.\u00a0 The dreary sky wept a steady rain.\u00a0 Lupe came to many puddles and places where the trail itself was a small stream.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Exploring the Gold Creek trail<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

SPHP watched for a turn to the SE, but Lupe didn’t come to one.\u00a0 She had only been on the trail 10 minutes when the roar of Gold Creek could be heard to the N.\u00a0 Peering through the forest, it was soon possible to see Gold Creek down in a big ravine.\u00a0 Gold Creek was much larger than SPHP had imagined.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
After 10 minutes on the trail, Gold Creek could be seen in a deep ravine to the N. Photo looks NE with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

SPHP checked the treasure map.\u00a0 The map showed a GPS track up Gold Mountain that never got this close to Gold Creek.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog was going the wrong way.\u00a0 Oh, well!\u00a0 Lupe returned to the trailhead.<\/p>\n

Of course, the intention was to check out the Tin Mine trail next.\u00a0 Hah!\u00a0 As soon as Looper reached the trailhead, she noticed what seemed to be a long abandoned road immediately S of the Gold Creek trail.\u00a0 Cursory examination revealed an unmarked trail disappearing into the forest.\u00a0 Could this be the right way?<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Upon returning to the trailhead, Lupe stands on what appears to be an abandoned road disappearing into the forest. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Probably not.\u00a0 Jobe hadn’t mentioned any unmarked trails!\u00a0 Still, it seemed worth a brief exploration.\u00a0 SPHP followed Lupe into the forest.\u00a0 Surprisingly, instead of fading away, the unmarked trail became better defined.\u00a0 It headed E or ENE gaining some elevation.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the unmarked trail. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Within 5 minutes, Lupe came to a junction with a somewhat better trail coming in from the SW.\u00a0 Perhaps this was the Tin Mine trail?\u00a0 Maybe Lupe had taken a shortcut to it?\u00a0 There were no signs here, either, but it at least seemed possible.\u00a0 Loop continued ENE on the better trail.<\/p>\n

The climb was steepening.\u00a0 The trail began to bend around to the SE.\u00a0 This was all exactly what was supposed to happen.\u00a0 However, there were complications.\u00a0 The forest was full of trails!\u00a0 Lupe kept coming to forks going in all sorts of directions.\u00a0 No signs, no arrows, nothing.<\/p>\n

Evidently the trail was braided.\u00a0 SPHP checked the treasure map.\u00a0 After a fairly steep 400 or 500 foot climb, the terrain ought to level out.\u00a0 The goal was to keep going SE around the W end of Gold Mountain.\u00a0 If Lupe could get to the S side of the mountain, she eventually ought to find a road there that would take her E.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At one of many forks in the trail.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The American Dingo kept climbing.\u00a0 She tried to gain elevation rapidly while heading SE or E.\u00a0 It seemed important not to get too far N or S, but the towering forest made it hard to tell if Lupe was going the right way.\u00a0 At the many trail junctions, she sometimes took the L fork, sometimes the R.<\/p>\n

Success seemed far from certain.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe went L here, but there wasn’t much method to the madness other than trying to gain elevation while continuing mostly E or SE. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lo and behold!\u00a0 After a particularly long steep stretch, having gained what seemed to be about the right amount of elevation, the terrain did level out.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Oh, maybe we’re on the right track! The ground is flattening out!<\/em> Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After a couple more short uphill spurts, the Carolina Dog reached a trail junction where there were several fallen tree trunks.\u00a0 The ground was level again here.\u00a0 One trail headed SE toward an area where the forest didn’t look as dense.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
If you come to these logs, take the trail behind me!<\/em> Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe didn’t have to follow the trail to the SE far at all before the news was good.\u00a0 Real good!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
We’re heading for riches now! Here’s the road! Gold Mountain, here we come!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe had found a road!\u00a0 This was unexpected boon.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog couldn’t possibly be close to the road shown on the map<\/strong><\/span><\/a> yet.<\/p>\n

In any case, the road Loop had stumbled upon was nice and wide and level.\u00a0 She had reached it at a clearing at its NW end.\u00a0 The road left the far side of the clearing heading SE along the SW flank of Gold Mountain.\u00a0 By all appearances, the American Dingo was precisely where she needed to be.\u00a0 The road was going the right direction.<\/p>\n

What could be easier?\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP followed the road.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Finding this road up on the SW end of Gold Mountain where none was shown on the map was an unexpected boon! Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Amid fog and mist, only the nearby forest could be seen.\u00a0 Gold Mountain felt quiet and mysterious.<\/p>\n

After 20 minutes, Looper came to a T intersection.\u00a0 Directly ahead, the forest had been clear cut revealing part of Gold Mountain’s S slope.\u00a0 This new road was probably the one shown on the treasure map.\u00a0 In that case, Lupe needed to go L.\u00a0 The road curved uphill that way, a good sign.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe reaches a T intersection. She went L here. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The new road wound along a steep hillside heading E.\u00a0 Loop was gaining elevation again.\u00a0 Less than a 0.5 mile from the T intersection, a sharp curve to the N appeared.\u00a0 Everything was making sense.\u00a0 This road was matching up well with the one shown on the treasure map.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Following the road to the L higher from the T intersection. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For the next 0.33 mile, Lupe climbed steadily N, ultimately reaching an extremely foggy pass.\u00a0 The main road curved NE here, while several side roads branched off to the W or N.\u00a0 Strange electronic noises emitted from a dimly perceived hill to the NW.\u00a0 Loop wasn’t far from High Point 1687<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 The noises must have been coming from equipment up there.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
After a climb to the N, Lupe reaches a super foggy pass. From here, she stayed on the main road seen curving to the R (NE). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe stuck with the main road as she went over the pass.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Beyond the pass, still on the main road. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The American Dingo had made it to the N side of Gold Mountain.\u00a0 She was already within 200 vertical feet of the top, but the summit was still more than a mile away.\u00a0 The road now headed E bouncing along the mountain’s upper N slopes.\u00a0 Lupe both gained and lost elevation, but without much net effect.<\/p>\n

After a little while, a side road appeared on the R (S).\u00a0 A brief foray along it revealed a metal fence.\u00a0 Signs indicated the presence of antennas and broadcasting facilities.\u00a0 The gate was open.\u00a0 Lupe did not go in.\u00a0 SPHP thought the Carolina Dog might be close to High Point 1737<\/span><\/strong> by now, but was pretty certain Gold Mountain’s summit was still farther E.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Sorry, Looper! Don’t think this is it.<\/em> Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe continued E on the main road.\u00a0 She soon came to a section of the N slope which had been clear cut.\u00a0 Short dirt roads left the main one in all directions.\u00a0 Square concrete pads with metal covers saying “Electrical” in the center were along both sides of the main road.\u00a0 No structures or for sale signs were present, but it appeared as if a subdivision was in the early stages of development.<\/p>\n

Despite the absence of trees, there was nothing to see except fog.\u00a0 Lupe continued E.\u00a0 Beyond the clear cut area, the road re-entered the forest.\u00a0 There were still a few concrete pads around, but not nearly as many.<\/p>\n

According to the map, the road was going to pass N of the summit taking Lupe clear to the E end of Gold Mountain.\u00a0 It would then curl back around to the S side of the mountain before approaching the summit area from the SE.\u00a0 This added an extra 0.5 mile, but trying to take an off-road shortcut directly to the summit from the N through the thick, wet forest in dense fog seemed like an incredibly bad idea.<\/p>\n

So the road went on and on.\u00a0 Drizzle, mist, and fog!\u00a0 Lupe was beginning to tire of the whole Pacific Northwest experience thing, but had no way to dry off.\u00a0 Fortunately, it wasn’t cold out, merely cool.\u00a0 Persevering, Loop started coming to huge puddles swamping the entire road.\u00a0 Some were fed by small streams.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP splashed right through them.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Huge puddles covered the whole road, often fed by small streams. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At last the road began to turn S.\u00a0 It seemed like Lupe was losing elevation steadily.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Another dip in the road leading to another big puddle ahead. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Fortunately that trend didn’t last.\u00a0 After winding SE then S for a bit, the road made a sharp turn to the W.\u00a0 Lupe had made it around the E end of Gold Mountain!\u00a0 She climbed a steep, short section of pavement.\u00a0 The road became gravel again.\u00a0 Before long, Loop went by a couple of side roads.\u00a0 The main road angled NW (R) climbing toward a minor pass.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Loop reaches a minor pass after rounding the E end of Gold Mountain. Taking the road seen on the R ultimately proved to be the way to go. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe went as far as the pass.\u00a0 A side road angled to the L here.\u00a0 Lupe had already passed a dirt road on the R, and a paved road with a gate that went to the L.\u00a0 It didn’t seem like Loop had gone far enough back to the W yet to be close to the summit of Gold Mountain, but Lupe and SPHP weren’t used to traveling through fog and rain like this.<\/p>\n

Complicating matters, both Jobe and trip reports on Peakbagger.com<\/strong><\/span><\/a> had mentioned that the true summit of Gold Mountain<\/a><\/span> (1,761 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> is near a couple of sets of towers.\u00a0 The summit was actually a little off the road up on a mossy knoll sort of to the NW between the towers.\u00a0 The treasure map showed only one road leading to a point SE of the summit, and no towers.\u00a0 Maybe Lupe better check out some of these side roads to see if they led to towers or an obvious high point?<\/p>\n

The paved road with the gate was only a short way back.\u00a0 Surely it went to something.\u00a0 Lupe would go check that out first.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
This paved side road looked like it must lead to something. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The gate was open.\u00a0 Lupe headed down the paved road.\u00a0 After a dip, the road curved to the L (S) and climbed to a forested high point.\u00a0 A huge fenced-in tower rose into the fog.\u00a0 The highest ground in the area was outside the fence.\u00a0 A concrete platform sat among trees a little NE of the tower.\u00a0 This couldn’t possibly be the true summit of Gold Mountain, but Lupe went to it anyway.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The paved road curved S then climbed to a huge tower lost in the fog. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the concrete high point a little NE of the first tower. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Finding the tower was encouraging!\u00a0 Lupe returned to the minor pass.\u00a0 The side road to the L here might be the way to the mossy knoll!<\/p>\n

No such luck.\u00a0 The side road went only 100 feet or so then dead-ended.\u00a0 There was higher ground to the W, but no definite high point or mossy knoll was within sight.\u00a0 The forest looked forbidding.\u00a0 Hmm.\u00a0 Couldn’t rule this out, but it didn’t look all that promising.\u00a0 Maybe it was better to explore other possibilities first?<\/p>\n

Near the minor pass another dirt road went E meeting up with the one that had left the R side of the main road a bit earlier on.\u00a0 A short climb led to another fenced-in area.\u00a0 Two smaller towers were within the fence.\u00a0 The gate was closed.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe discovers a 2nd set of towers at another high point a little E of the minor pass. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Well, that made 2 sets of towers, which was all there were as far as SPHP knew.\u00a0 Maybe Lupe was going to have to charge off into the wet, gloomy forest from the side road near the minor pass after all?\u00a0 The idea wasn’t appealing.\u00a0 The forest looked like a tough slog.\u00a0 With no trail to follow, the fog would make it super easy to become disoriented.<\/p>\n

Checking out both sets of towers and the side road at the pass had only taken 20 minutes.\u00a0 Where did the main road go beyond the minor pass?\u00a0 Even though it didn’t appear too promising either, perhaps it was best to check it out before doing anything rash.<\/p>\n

Beyond the minor pass, the main road headed W.\u00a0 5 minutes brought Lupe to a final fork in the road.\u00a0 The most traveled branch was to the R (NE).\u00a0 Lupe went that way.\u00a0 Another short climb led to a 3rd collection of towers and metal buildings at yet another high spot.\u00a0 This one seemed higher than any of the other points Lupe had been to so far.\u00a0 The highest ground was on a small rocky ridge N of the towers.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe discovers a 3rd set of towers after taking a R at the final fork in the main road. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The shorter of two large towers at the 3rd set. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On the highest ground N of the 3rd set of towers. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

How many sets of towers were there on Gold Mountain anyway?\u00a0 Lupe was going to find out!\u00a0 After visiting the highest spot on the little ridge, she went back down to the final fork in the road.\u00a0 This time she took the branch to the L as she’d originally approached the intersection.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe at the final fork in the main road. She had already explored the road to the R, which led to the 3rd set of towers. The last road remaining to explore is seen beyond her on the L. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This last road was more interesting than the other side spurs.\u00a0 It seemed less traveled and went through a more primeval forest.\u00a0 Two minutes brought Lupe to an intriguing small pond on the R (N).\u00a0 A bit farther on, the road curved S.\u00a0 Loop arrived at a 4th set of towers.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Exploring the last road. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Remember this little pond! It turns out to be important!<\/em> Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lupe arrives at the 4th set of towers. The last road ended here. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the highest point near the 4th set of towers. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

That was it.\u00a0 No more roads to explore.\u00a0 Lupe had her answer.\u00a0 The E end of Gold Mountain had 4 sets of towers.\u00a0 Now what?<\/p>\n

Somewhere there was one true summit.\u00a0 The mossy knoll was supposed to be NW of the end of the road between 2 sets of towers.\u00a0 Did that mean NW of the final fork in the road, which Lupe had just been to twice now?\u00a0 Seemed like it did.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP went back to it.<\/p>\n

The terrain NW of the intersection was densely forested.\u00a0 No telling what was hidden in there.\u00a0 Lupe had seen that the ground N of the little pond was definitely higher, though.\u00a0 Hmm.<\/p>\n

For a second time, Loop and SPHP headed back up the R fork of the road leading to the 3rd set of towers.\u00a0 Looking back to the W before reaching the towers, Lupe could see a hillside dimly through the fog.\u00a0 How high it went was difficult to say.\u00a0 The hillside looked steep.\u00a0 The most interesting thing about it, though, was that it wasn’t entirely forested.\u00a0 A narrow clearing ran partway down the E slope.\u00a0 The clearing was light green compared to the forest, as if it was covered with moss!<\/p>\n

A steep ravine was between the road and the hillside.\u00a0 Lupe had to go all the way back down to the intersection to avoid it.\u00a0 Now or never!\u00a0 Lupe left the final fork, plunging NW into the dank forest.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Searching for the mossy knoll NW of the last fork in the road. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The forest was an absolute jungle compared to what Lupe is used to at home in the Black Hills.\u00a0 Strange plants and ferns, moss hanging thickly from dead tree branches – it was all so exotic!\u00a0 The American Dingo pressed on, climbing a rapidly steepening hillside.\u00a0 Soon she was above the steepest part.<\/p>\n

Several feet to the R (N) was the light green mossy slope that had been visible from the road.\u00a0 Upon reaching it, Lupe couldn’t see the road or the 3rd set of towers when she looked off to the E.\u00a0 The fog was too thick.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the mossy slope. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A little higher!\u00a0 20 feet, that was all.\u00a0 Presumably this was it – the summit of Gold Mountain<\/span><\/a> (1,761 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>!<\/p>\n

Wet and tired, at the top of the elusive mossy knoll, dear Lupe stood next to a tree stump looking profoundly disillusioned.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the summit of Gold Mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

So is this it?\u00a0 The place where the treasure map said to go?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, Looper, this seems to be it.<\/em><\/p>\n

So there’s no treasure?\u00a0 No gold left on Gold Mountain at all?<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, Loop!\u00a0 By the time a mountain gets named Gold Mountain, someone has already made off with all the gold, or at least staked a legal claim to it.\u00a0 The road brought us almost all the way here, you know.\u00a0 We are far from being the first to arrive.<\/em><\/p>\n

I see.<\/em><\/p>\n

You, alright Loopster?<\/em><\/p>\n

I had my hopes up.\u00a0 We were going to be rich!\u00a0 With a pile of gold, we could get a new Rubicon like Jobe and go on all kinds of adventures!<\/em><\/p>\n

We’ll still go on plenty of adventures.\u00a0 We always do!\u00a0 The G6 may not be a Rubicon, but it gets us to lots of terrific places.<\/em><\/p>\n

Maybe, but it’s not the same.\u00a0 Even a little bit of gold would have made this a better day.\u00a0 It all would have been worth it then.<\/em><\/p>\n

Well, sorry to say, there’s no gold here.\u00a0 That’s a fact.\u00a0 At least not laying around.\u00a0 But there is a treasure.\u00a0 And it’s here right now!<\/em><\/p>\n

A treasure?\u00a0 Where?<\/em><\/p>\n

You’re my treasure, Lupe.\u00a0 And I’m yours, aren’t I?\u00a0 We’re both rich enough as it is.\u00a0 Hardly anyone is as rich as we are as long as we have each other.<\/em><\/p>\n

That was all true, and Lupe knew it, but sometimes philosophy just doesn’t cut it by itself no matter how correct it might be.\u00a0 Sometimes it just sounds like cheap platitudes.\u00a0 At the moment, the disappointment was simply too much for the American Dingo.\u00a0 She cheered up, but only a little, when SPHP suggested looking around to see if the “Gold” survey benchmark was somewhere around here.<\/p>\n

It turned out there actually was a physical treasure on Gold Mountain.\u00a0 Near a metal rod, a couple of large pieces of bark were propped up against the SW side of the stump at the top of the mossy knoll.\u00a0 They hid a plastic jar containing a registry and a geocache.<\/p>\n

Only the registry was of genuine interest.\u00a0 The most recent entries were Michael Quint on 5-26-18, his 6th county high point.\u00a0 Denis Dean on 10-13-18, his 1,072nd county high point!\u00a0 Wendy and Max Schrempp on 11-9-18, a beautiful day.\u00a0 SPHP added Lupe’s name.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The Gold Mountain geocache was hidden behind a couple of large pieces of bark at the base of the stump. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe did find the “Gold” survey benchmark about 8 feet N of the stump, but that didn’t lift her spirits.\u00a0 It wasn’t made of real gold, just ordinary base metal.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Oh, whoopee! Here’s the fake “Fool’s Gold” survey benchmark.<\/em> Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The most disappointing benchmark ever! It should have been a glittering, shiny yellow.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The benchmark (in front of Lupe) was about 8 feet N of the stump (R) where the geocache is hidden. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Just makes me want to cry!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Only yesterday at Mount Walker<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, Lupe and SPHP had learned that Jobe was sort of an expert on mushrooms.\u00a0 One big mushroom grew at the top of Gold Mountain.\u00a0 Maybe Jobe would like to see a picture of it?\u00a0 It later turned out that Jobe was more fascinated by the little mushrooms growing beneath the big one.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Maybe Jobe would be interested in this big mushroom discovered at the top of Gold Mountain?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
As it turned out, Jobe was more impressed by the little ones.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Well, there wasn’t much more to see.\u00a0 Even so, despite the fog and mist, Lupe rested for a few minutes on the mossy knoll at the summit of Gold Mountain.\u00a0 SPHP offered her Taste of the Wild, but she wasn’t hungry.\u00a0 She just seemed to be pondering this day, thinking sad thoughts.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Resting on the mossy knoll. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
If we’d gotten here sooner, we could have had a Rubicon!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It was getting late.\u00a0 Nearly 3:45 PM on a dark November day with miles to go to get back to the rented Mazda CX3 at the Gold Creek trailhead.\u00a0 Time to buck up and take action!\u00a0 Before leaving the mossy knoll, SPHP returned the geocache to its hiding place.\u00a0 Gold Mountain had at least turned out to be a peakbagging success.\u00a0 The American Dingo posed at the summit to commemorate the occasion.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Loop at the summit with the geocache safely hidden again behind the pieces of bark at the base of the stump. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the summit of Gold Mountain!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Puppy, ho!\u00a0 Onward!<\/p>\n

Heading back to the road from the mossy knoll, Lupe discovered a faint trail.\u00a0 It brought her down E of the little pond by the road to the 4th set of towers.\u00a0 This was a slightly longer route than her direct ascent NW from the last fork in the road, but probably a better way to go since it wasn’t as steep.<\/p>\n

From the pond, a couple of minutes got the Carolina Dog back to the last fork in the main road.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Back at the last fork in the main road. Lupe had made a direct ascent to the mossy knoll in the forest behind her from the point where she’s standing here. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A long, damp, foggy march back the way Lupe had come ensued.\u00a0 Quiet forest, splashing through puddles, mist and light rain, fading light, fog and solitude.\u00a0 By the time Lupe got back to the start of the first road, it was a black, black night.<\/p>\n

The flashlight came out.\u00a0 Into the forest!\u00a0 Down, down the maze of trails.\u00a0 Some points did seem familiar.\u00a0 The adventure ended when Lupe emerged at the start of the Tin Mine trail.\u00a0 There was the rented CX3, waiting faithfully at the trailhead.\u00a0 (5:25 PM, 53\u00b0F)<\/em><\/p>\n

Lupe and SPHP were supposed to spend the night at Jobe’s place again, but Loop should have been back hours ago.\u00a0 Jobe must be wondering what was going on.\u00a0 All the confusion finding the trailhead had caused such a late start.\u00a0 SPHP tried to call Jobe.\u00a0 No phone service.<\/p>\n

Near Gorst, SPHP finally got through.\u00a0 Yeah, Jobe had been starting to get a teensy bit concerned.\u00a0 All was well, though.\u00a0 Lupe was late getting back, but another terrific, fun evening was spent enjoying Jobe’s company and hospitality.<\/p>\n

Gold Mountain was the last big adventure of Lupe’s 2018 Dingo Vacation to Washington State.\u00a0 The next morning, after thanking Jobe and bidding farewell, she and SPHP drove away from the Olympic Peninsula.\u00a0 Two pleasant days were spent in the CX3 cruising E on I-90 before Lupe was home again.\u00a0 (11-30-18)<\/em><\/p>\n

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I-90 bridge over the Columbia River, Washington 11-29-18<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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At a rest area near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho 11-29-18<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Cruising through Montana in the CX3 watching for cows and horses! 11-30-18<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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In the mountains, Montana, 11-30-18<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Taking a break from the Mazda CX3 near the Bighorns, Wyoming 11-30-18<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming, 11-30-18<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Gold Creek Trailhead Directions:<\/strong> From Gorst near the end of the Sinclair Inlet SW of Bremerton, take NE Old Belfair Highway (Old Navy Yard Way on the topo map<\/strong><\/span><\/a>) W 6 miles.\u00a0 Turn R on Bear Creek Dewato Road.\u00a0 Go 3 miles to a R turn onto NE Gold Creek Road.\u00a0 The Gold Creek trailhead will be 3 miles N on the R (E).<\/em><\/p>\n

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On Gold Mountain<\/strong>, the Kitsap County, Washington High Point, 11-28-18<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

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

Prior Dingo Vacation<\/span><\/a> \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 This Dingo Vacation<\/span><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 Next Dingo Vacation<\/strong><\/p>\n

Want more Lupe adventures?\u00a0\u00a0Choose\u00a0from\u00a0Lupe’s 2018 Dingo Vacation to Washington State 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 6 of Lupe’s 2018 Dingo Vacation to Washington State! I might have known. Known, what?\u00a0 What’s wrong, SPHP? Oh, nothing much, Looper.\u00a0 Mountains of gold are notoriously difficult to find.\u00a0 No doubt this is just par for the course. You can’t find Gold Mountain? Not exactly, not yet, but I’m certain we can’t be … Continue reading Gold Mountain, the Kitsap County, Washington High Point (11-28-18)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":18142,"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":[1016],"tags":[105,106,26,1026,1027,104,11,501],"class_list":["post-18152","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-2018-washington-state","tag-american-dingo","tag-carolina-dog","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-gold-mountain","tag-kitsap-county-high-point","tag-lupe","tag-peakbagging","tag-washington"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/IMG_2783.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\/18152","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=18152"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18152\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":19774,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18152\/revisions\/19774"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/18142"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=18152"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=18152"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=18152"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}