{"id":18712,"date":"2019-01-27T08:10:28","date_gmt":"2019-01-27T15:10:28","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=18712"},"modified":"2019-03-25T23:21:17","modified_gmt":"2019-03-26T05:21:17","slug":"bomber-mountain-bighorn-mountains-wyoming-part-2-gunboat-lake-to-florence-pass-the-summit-7-15-18","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=18712","title":{"rendered":"Bomber Mountain, Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming – Part 2: Gunboat Lake to Florence Pass & the Summit (7-15-18)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Day 3 of Lupe’s 2018 Dingo Vacation to the Bighorn Mountains & Wind River Range in Wyoming<\/em><\/p>\n

7-15-18, the wee hours, Gunboat Lake<\/em> – The crisis struck when Lupe woke SPHP up.\u00a0 She wanted out of her new Marmot tiny house.\u00a0 No telling what time it was.\u00a0 SPHP let her go.\u00a0 The American Dingo shot off into the night.\u00a0 No stars.\u00a0 The silent night was pitch black.\u00a0 Must be cloudy.<\/p>\n

Loop was back soon enough, and settled down to snooze some more.\u00a0 Though profoundly weary, SPHP couldn’t.\u00a0 Those faint flashes of light, were they real or imaginary?\u00a0 SPHP listened.\u00a0 Nothing.\u00a0 Eventually two brighter flashes were conclusive.\u00a0 Lightning!<\/p>\n

Was a storm bearing down upon Gunboat Lake?\u00a0 Was the weather going to be rotten in the morning, destroying Lupe’s chances of ever making it up Bomber Mountain<\/span><\/a> (12,840 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>?\u00a0 Even if it wasn’t, how was SPHP ever going to accompany her up there feeling so pathetically drained and weak?<\/p>\n

The mind raced.\u00a0 Fears multiplied.\u00a0 Real or imaginary?\u00a0 Potentially either, perhaps, but unrealized yet.\u00a0 Low blood sugar was fueling the fear.\u00a0 Nuts and applesauce!\u00a0 Get that blood sugar back up!\u00a0 A couple of hours of mental failing went by.\u00a0 SPHP fell into a deep sleep.<\/p>\n

7-15-18, 7:32 AM<\/em> – Heh.\u00a0 When even the Carolina Dog is sleeping in, you know it had been a long day!\u00a0 The morning news was all good, though.\u00a0 No storm had ever materialized.\u00a0 Sunshine, in fact!\u00a0 Scarcely a cloud in the sky.\u00a0 Gunboat Lake sparkled.\u00a0 Bomber Mountain loomed off to the NE, daring the American Dingo to try it.\u00a0 SPHP was still fatigued, but yeah – a perfect day!\u00a0 Weary or not, Loopster was gonna do this!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Loop sacked out in her brand new Marmot tiny house. Gathering strength for Bomber Mountain, ya’ know!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Slowly SPHP got ready.\u00a0 At least the Marmot tiny house and sleeping bags could be left here at Gunboat Lake.\u00a0 A lighter pack would help a lot.<\/p>\n

Miss Sleepyhead revived and made her appearance.\u00a0 She was moving a bit slowly, too.\u00a0 Loop sniffed around lazily and stretched.\u00a0 Didn’t appear she was in any great hurry to go anywhere.\u00a0 Understandable.\u00a0 This little ridge overlooking Gunboat Lake was a glorious place to be!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Miss Sleepyhead makes a leisurely appearance. Gunboat Lake<\/strong> is on the R. One of the smaller Fortress Lakes<\/strong> on the L. Bomber Mountain<\/strong> is in the distance on the L. The valley at Center leads to Florence Pass<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Gunboat Lake<\/strong> on the L. Peak<\/span> 10860<\/span><\/a><\/strong> in the distance on the R.\u00a0 Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Before long the pack was ready, even if SPHP wasn’t.\u00a0 Feeling it or not, Lupe was on her way!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Loop at base camp prior to departure for Bomber Mountain<\/strong> (L). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Being on the move again put a spring in Lupe’s step.\u00a0 Her energy came surging back.\u00a0 Nose to the ground, she raced along sniffing everywhere.\u00a0 Instead of heading straight for the Solitude Trail to Florence Pass, Looper went down to explore the NE shore of Gunboat Lake first.\u00a0 Gunboat Lake was gorgeous!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The NE end of Gunboat Lake<\/strong> sparkles in the morning sunshine. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Loop by Gunboat Lake<\/strong>, a favorite spot in the Bighorn Mountains. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking along the length of Gunboat Lake<\/strong>. Peak 10860<\/strong> in the distance on the R. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From the NE end of Gunboat Lake, it wasn’t far to the Solitude Trail.\u00a0 The trail was good all the way to Florence Pass (10,900 ft.) <\/span><\/strong>0.75 mile from camp.\u00a0 Florence Lake came into sight as soon as Lupe reached the pass.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
NE of Gunboat Lake. The Solitude Trail goes up the valley ahead before curving to the L (N) where it reaches Florence Pass beyond the hill seen on the L. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At Florence Pass<\/strong>. Florence Lake<\/strong> dead ahead! Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Florence Lake nestles just N of Florence Pass in a spectacular setting!\u00a0 The whole N shore of Florence Lake was surrounded by massive ridges, all part of the SW reaches of Bomber Mountain<\/span><\/a> (12,840 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 A waterfall plunged noisily into the NE corner of the lake.<\/p>\n

Upon reaching Florence Pass, the Solitude Trail turned ESE staying well above the lake’s S shore.\u00a0 North Clear Creek flows out of the SE end of Florence Lake.\u00a0 When Lupe got to where she could see the outlet, the views were encouraging!<\/p>\n

Though a big stream, North Clear Creek was chock full of rocks.\u00a0 Looper ought to be able to rock hop it!\u00a0 The headwall beyond North Clear Creek was steep, but definitely climbable.\u00a0 Situation excellent!\u00a0 Lupe headed for North Clear Creek.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
E end of Florence Lake<\/strong>. Golden Lakes are up in the canyon beyond the headwall on the far shore. The waterfall is difficult to discern, but plunges from the low cliffs L of Center directly into the lake. The North Clear Creek outlet is just out of sight to the R. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
North Clear Creek<\/strong> leaves Florence Lake<\/strong> from the area directly beyond Lupe. Once across the stream, Loop would climb the headwall on the other side staying mostly in the green areas toward the R. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The upper end of Florence Canyon<\/strong> from the S bank of North Clear Creek<\/strong> as it exits Florence Lake. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe was across North Clear Creek in nothing flat.\u00a0 SPHP wasn’t nearly so agile, but rock hopped it, too.\u00a0 Wondering what was taking so long, Loop came partway back to give SPHP encouragement.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
North Clear Creek<\/strong> outlet from Florence Lake<\/strong>. Lupe shot across across the rock-choked stream in no time at all. She’s the brown speck on the R at the edge of the greenery on the N bank. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Florence Lake<\/strong> from the North Clear Creek<\/strong> outlet. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Once across North Clear Creek, the easy part was over.\u00a0 The Solitude Trail turned ESE disappearing down Florence Canyon.\u00a0 A relentless trek higher was about to begin.\u00a0 More than 2.5 miles and 2,000 vertical feet of up, all the way to the as yet unseen summit of Bomber Mountain.<\/p>\n

The first step was to get up the 300 foot high headwall NE of Florence Lake.\u00a0 The climb was steep, but not bad.\u00a0 Lanes of vegetation allowed Lupe to avoid much more difficult areas of nothing but rock.\u00a0 The worst part was simply how played out SPHP felt from yesterday’s long march to Gunboat Lake.\u00a0 Starting off tired wasn’t good.\u00a0 Bomber Mountain was going to be a long, long day.<\/p>\n

A spectacular day, though!\u00a0 The view of Florence Lake from the top of the headwall was amazing.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Florence Lake<\/strong> from the headwall. North Clear Creek<\/strong> is below on the L. Florence Pass<\/strong> is L of the big snow bank farthest L on the opposite shore. Base camp at Gunboat Lake is out of sight below the dark distant ridge on the L. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The original intention was to go up the big canyon NE of the headwall at least far enough to see the Golden Lakes from High Point 11328<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 Lupe started off that way, but the terrain was really rough.\u00a0 Patches of green here and there, but mostly broken rock.\u00a0 Progress was slow despite not gaining much elevation.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading up the canyon NE of the headwall. The intention was to go far enough to see the Golden Lakes from High Point 11328<\/span><\/strong> (in view within the canyon a little R of Center – topo map<\/strong><\/span><\/a>). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Loop got fairly close to High Point 11328 before SPHP decided it wasn’t worth the effort.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog was no longer rock hopping, but scrambling among huge boulders.\u00a0 She was good at it, but SPHP was barely moving.\u00a0 Wasting too much time!\u00a0 Better get above all this giant debris.<\/p>\n

Abandoning the High Point 11328 idea, Lupe scrambled E directly up the side of the canyon.\u00a0 Also slow going at first, but no worse than down below and at least getting higher.\u00a0 Conditions began to improve.\u00a0 Scattered green lanes of vegetation appeared.\u00a0 Making progress again!\u00a0 Heart, lungs, and legs dictated the pace instead of obstacles.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
This is way better than down among all those huge boulders!<\/em> Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe never did see the Golden Lakes on the way up.\u00a0 She was too far E.\u00a0 The climb went on and on, but this was the worst of it.\u00a0 Loop must have been feeling the effects of yesterday’s long march, too.\u00a0 She wanted to stop often to rest and be petted.<\/p>\n

SPHP could hardly disagree.\u00a0 The danger was in sitting around too long.\u00a0 Would be so easy to simply get wrapped up in relaxing and enjoying the views, and end up proceeding too slowly to ever get there.\u00a0 SPHP tried to keep the rest breaks short.<\/p>\n

Puppy, ho!\u00a0 Onward!<\/em>\u00a0 Rinse and repeat.\u00a0 Endlessly.<\/p>\n

The views became ever more impressive.\u00a0 Gradually the going became easier.\u00a0 The slope of the terrain was slackening.\u00a0 Good thing.\u00a0 Despite, or perhaps because of the glorious surroundings, energy was fading, too.\u00a0 The terrain led Lupe to turn more and more to the NE, then NNE.<\/p>\n

A high point that had been visible from way back at base camp was off to the N.\u00a0 It was still far away, but Lupe was definitely getting closer.\u00a0 Was that the summit of Bomber Mountain?\u00a0 If not, it had to be close to it, didn’t it?<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Getting easier, but still a long way to the high point at Center that might be the summit of Bomber Mountain<\/strong>. Golden Lakes, which Lupe never saw on the way up, are hidden down in the canyon on the L. High Point 12436<\/span><\/strong> is the lower of the 2 ridges at far R. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Higher, higher!\u00a0 Vegetation all but disappeared.\u00a0 Nothing but rock.<\/p>\n

At each rest break, SPHP tried to judge how high Lupe was by comparing her position with other mountaintops where the elevation was known.\u00a0 Finally, it was possible to see that Looper was getting nearly as high as Mather Peaks<\/span><\/a> (12,400 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> off to the S.\u00a0 This had to be High Point 12436<\/span><\/strong> on the topo map<\/strong><\/span><\/a> that Loop was coming to.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching High Point 12436<\/span><\/strong>. Still 0.75 mile S of the summit of Bomber Mountain. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Mather Peaks<\/span><\/a> (12,400 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> are the two high points on the L. Peak 12328<\/span><\/strong> is on the R. It had looked possible to access these peaks from the ridge SE of Florence Lake. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe got very close to the top of High Point 12346, but passed W of it.\u00a0 She actually lost elevation heading NW around cliffs to the N.\u00a0 By now a small distant ridge E of the high point SPHP had thought might be the summit of Bomber Mountain was in view.<\/p>\n

That distant ridge was it!\u00a0 The true summit of Bomber Mountain.\u00a0 Only 0.75 mile away now!\u00a0 Tired, very tired, but Lupe was going to get there!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
W of High Point 12436, the true summit of Bomber Mountain<\/strong> comes into view (R). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A steep snowbank clings to cliffs N of High Point 12436. True summit of Bomber Mountain<\/strong> (Center) dead ahead. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Near the steep snowbank N of High Point 12436. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Peering down the canyon E of High Point 12436<\/span><\/strong> (R). The northernmost of the Powell Lakes<\/strong> is in view. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

N of High Point 12436 a huge, narrow ridge extended far to the E.\u00a0 This ridge was nearly as high as the summit of Bomber Mountain, still 0.5 mile farther N.\u00a0 Towering cliffs surrounded the ridge, and ran all along the entire E face of Bomber Mountain.<\/p>\n

A 12,580 ft. saddle N of the scary E ridge led to the summit of Bomber Mountain.\u00a0 The rocks got smaller and the terrain easier as Lupe made her way toward it.\u00a0 She crossed a snowfield on the way, but it wasn’t steep.\u00a0 Upon reaching the saddle, Lupe could see Lake 11124<\/span><\/strong> and a string of smaller ones off to the NE.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Loop relaxes 0.5 mile from the summit. Part of Bomber Mountain’s giant SW ridge is in view. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the 12,580 ft. saddle<\/strong>. Bomber Mountain’s E ridge is on the R. Lake<\/strong> 11124<\/strong><\/span> is the closest one below. The large lake in the distance is Cloud Peak Reservoir<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

0.25 mile and 260 vertical feet to go!\u00a0 Lupe headed up yet another rocky slope, steeper than what she had gone through on the way to the saddle.\u00a0 Nothing too difficult.\u00a0 Wasn’t long before she was almost there.\u00a0 Off to the W Looper could see the high rocky knob that had been visible from base camp.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Almost there! The rocky knob that had been visible from base camp is on the L. The true summit is a bit farther off the R edge of this photo. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

And then she was there!\u00a0 Lupe scrambled up a jumble of large rocks.\u00a0 A small cairn sat near the high point.\u00a0 The summit of Bomber Mountain was on the brink of a dizzying precipice.\u00a0 The high point visible from camp could be seen from here, too.\u00a0 It looked every bit as high as where the cairn was.\u00a0 If she had time later on, Loop would go over there, too.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Success! Lupe stands next to Bomber Mountain’s summit cairn. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking WSW along the summit ridge. The high point that had been visible from base camp (Center) looked as high as where Lupe was now.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Off to the N was the eye-popping view that the Carolina Dog had come all this way for.\u00a0 Cloud Peak<\/span> (13,167 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, mightiest of the Bighorn Range, was on display in all its magnificent glory!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Cloud Peak<\/span><\/a> (13,167 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (L) is the highest peak of the Bighorn Mountains. Farther away, straight up from Lupe’s head, Mount Woolsey<\/span><\/a> (12,978 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Black Tooth Mountain<\/span><\/a> (13,005 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> are together at Center. The E end of Glacier Lake<\/strong> is seen on the R. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A metal canister containing a registry was laying on a rock amid the highest ones.\u00a0 SPHP signed in for Lupe.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
This metal canister containing a registry was found as shown amid the highest rocks.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Bomber Mountain is named after a B-17 Flying Fortress that crashed into one of it’s vast ridges on June 28th, 1943 during World War II.\u00a0 All 10 men aboard were killed.\u00a0 Along with the climber registry, the canister contained a separate Bomber registry commemorating the crash victims.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
B-17 Flying Fortress crash registry.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The weather was near perfect.\u00a0 Clouds were building to the NE, but the wind was out of the W at 10 mph.\u00a0 The sky was clear in that direction, and the temperature was a pleasant 60\u00b0F.\u00a0 There didn’t appear to be any urgency at all to start back down the mountain.\u00a0 Fabulous!<\/p>\n

Neither Lupe nor SPHP were anxious to leave.\u00a0 However, after a quick look at the stunning views, a longer rest break was in order.\u00a0 The highest rocks were a jumble with no good place for Lupe to get comfortable.\u00a0 W of the summit was a shelf of flatter rocks 10 feet lower.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP retreated down there for food, water, and to simply relax.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe taking it easy at her Bomber Mountain break area W of the summit.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Resting felt great.\u00a0 The views were grand.\u00a0 The weather cooperative.\u00a0 For an hour and a half Lupe and SPHP hung around the summit area, sometimes down at or near the break spot, sometimes up at the very top.\u00a0 Last night’s worries were but a memory.\u00a0 Lupe was really here!\u00a0 Her Bomber Mountain experience was superb!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Glacier Lake<\/strong> (L), Sapphire Lake<\/strong> (Center), and Diamond Lake<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A newly rested mighty American Dingo returns to the Bomber Mountain summit<\/strong> cairn. Cloud Peak<\/strong> (Center). Mount Woolsey<\/strong> and Black Tooth Mountain<\/strong> together on the R (above Lupe;s back). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Hey, look! I’m even higher than the cairn (R)! … For pity sake Loop! Don’t get any closer to the edge!<\/em> Cloud Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Loop up top among the clouds. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looper on the brink along the edge of the rest area. The views weren’t too shabby from here, either! Cloud Peak<\/strong> (L), Mount Woolsey<\/strong> and Black Tooth Mountain<\/strong> (Center). Peak<\/span> 12590<\/span><\/a><\/strong> (R) beyond Lupe. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking W at the canyon separating Bomber Mountain from Cloud Peak.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Part of the steepish N face of Bomber Mountain<\/strong> (L). Photo looks W with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Cloud Peak<\/strong> (Center) from Bomber Mountain. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Of course, the stupendous views to the NW and N of the most rugged part of the Bighorn Range held the attention more than what lay in any other direction.\u00a0 Cloud Peak<\/span><\/a> (13,167 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Mount Woolsey<\/span><\/a> (12,978 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Black Tooth Mountain<\/span><\/a> (13,005 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Peak<\/span> 12590<\/span><\/a><\/strong> and Peak 12644<\/span><\/strong> were all spread out in a glorious panoramic display along with Glacier, Sapphire and Diamond Lakes.<\/p>\n

That didn’t mean there weren’t other splendid scenes to gaze upon, too!\u00a0 Strung out along the lofty spine of the Bighorn Range were Peak 12328<\/span><\/strong>, Mather Peaks<\/span><\/a> (12,400 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and others beyond them to the S.\u00a0 Lupe might even have seen Darton Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,275 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, but it was very far away.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking S along the spine of the Bighorn Range. Mather Peaks<\/strong> are on either side of Center. Peak 12328<\/span><\/strong> is on the R. Closer at hand is the 12,580 ft. saddle Lupe had come up by. Part of Bomber Mountain’s E ridge is on the L. High Point 12436<\/span><\/strong> is along the edge beyond the crevasse R of Center.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Bomber Mountain’s E ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks SE with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Well past mid-afternoon.\u00a0 Getting back to Gunboat Lake was a long trek.\u00a0 Despite being downhill nearly the entire way, the rocky terrain would prevent as rapid a return as one might expect.\u00a0 Time for a few closeups of the grandest peaks, then Lupe would have to be on her way.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Cloud Peak<\/span><\/a> (13,167 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>. Lupe had been there in 2016! Photo looks NW with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Black Tooth Mountain<\/span><\/a> (13,005 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> juts up from behind Mount Woolsey<\/span><\/a> (12,978 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, the high, short ridge at Center. Photo looks NW with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Peak<\/span> 12,590<\/span><\/a><\/strong> (L) looms in the distance well beyond Glacier Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks NNW, again with plenty of help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Well, that’s about it from the summit of Bomber Mountain! Stick around a little longer, though, if you’d like to see the beautiful Golden Lakes on the way down!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Leaving the official summit, Lupe traveled WSW toward that seemingly equally high point that had been visible from base camp.\u00a0 She got only partway there.\u00a0 The WSW high point was farther than it first appeared.\u00a0 It was taking longer than expected to get there across the endless rocks.<\/p>\n

So close, but yet so far!\u00a0 Too much time had gone by already.\u00a0 Shouldn’t have dilly-dallied quite so long at the official summit.\u00a0 SPHP decided Loop would have to settle for a photo.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The WSW high point that Lupe started for, but which SPHP made her give up on. Photo looks W with lots of help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After that, it was down, down, down!\u00a0 Lupe made good progress.\u00a0 Being able to see what was ahead from above helped to avoid the worst of the boulder fields.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog stayed farther W this time, hoping to get a look at the Golden Lakes.\u00a0 Eventually they did come into view.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking back up at the official summit of Bomber Mountain shortly after starting the descent. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Gunboat Lake<\/strong> (Center) was in view during much of the descent. Peak 11080<\/span><\/strong> (Center) is in the distance. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Gunboat Lake<\/strong> (L), Florence Lake<\/strong> (Center), and a couple of the Golden Lakes<\/strong> (lower R) from Bomber Mountain’s S ridge. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lupe did get to see the Golden Lakes<\/strong> (lower R) after all. Somehow they were much bluer than she expected. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Uppermost of the Golden Lakes<\/strong> with Bomber Mountain’s SW ridge in the background. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Uppermost of the Golden Lakes<\/strong> with lots of help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

How many rocks had Lupe leapt onto or over?\u00a0 Thousands.\u00a0 While going down was faster, even this was tiring work.\u00a0 Loopster was getting sick of the rocks.\u00a0 She wanted to rest and be reassured frequently.\u00a0 Feeling the same way, SPHP obliged, but time was a-wasting.\u00a0 The rest breaks were all as brief as possible.<\/p>\n

The sun was behind Bomber Mountain’s SW ridge by the time Lupe reached the headwall overlooking Florence Lake.\u00a0 The American Dingo was thrilled when she finally got down to the Solitude Trail again.\u00a0 No more obstacles, but the sun had set.<\/p>\n

Light faded as Lupe and SPHP marched back to Florence Pass and on down toward Gunboat Lake.\u00a0 Clouds were building to the W, but SPHP hadn’t really paid much attention to them.\u00a0 The very minute Looper reached her new Marmot tiny house, a few raindrops fell.\u00a0 A peel of thunder echoed through the mountains.<\/p>\n

That was all it took.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP ducked into the tiny house pronto.\u00a0 Only 2 or 3 minutes later the storm broke.\u00a0 Lightning, thunder, torrential rain!\u00a0 The Marmot tiny house shook violently in a gale that threatened to flatten it.\u00a0 In a darkness rent by flashes of lightning, Lupe stared up at SPHP wide eyes full of concern, while SPHP sought to reassure her the destruction that seemed imminent wasn’t going to happen.<\/p>\n

It didn’t.\u00a0 15 minutes, and it was over.\u00a0 No relapse, just done.\u00a0 The storm sailed off to wherever.\u00a0 In her old tiny house Lupe, SPHP, and every bit of gear would have been drenched.\u00a0 The Marmot tiny house had withstood the storm and leaked only a few drops.<\/p>\n

What a day!\u00a0 What an utterly exhausting and exhilarating day! A bite to eat, then cozy, safe, and dry, Lupe and SPHP collapsed for the night.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Back at the headwall overlooking Florence Lake<\/strong> near day’s end, Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming 7-15-18<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

The Legend of Bomber Mountain<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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

Bomber Mountain, Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming – Part 1: The Solitude Trail to Gunboat Lake (7-14-18)<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Cloud Peak, Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming (7-19-16) – Part 1: The Mistymoon Trail to Base Camp<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Cloud Peak, Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming (7-20-16) – Part 2: Paint Rock Creek Falls Base Camp to the Summit<\/span> <\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Want more Lupe adventures?\u00a0\u00a0Choose\u00a0from\u00a0Lupe’s 2018 Dingo Vacation to the Bighorn Mountains & Wind River Range in Wyoming Adventure Index<\/strong><\/span><\/a>,\u00a0Dingo Vacations Adventure Index<\/strong><\/span><\/a> or Master Adventure Index<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0Or subscribe free to new Lupe Adventures<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.
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Day 3 of Lupe’s 2018 Dingo Vacation to the Bighorn Mountains & Wind River Range in Wyoming 7-15-18, the wee hours, Gunboat Lake – The crisis struck when Lupe woke SPHP up.\u00a0 She wanted out of her new Marmot tiny house.\u00a0 No telling what time it was.\u00a0 SPHP let her go.\u00a0 The American Dingo shot … Continue reading Bomber Mountain, Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming – Part 2: Gunboat Lake to Florence Pass & the Summit (7-15-18)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":18714,"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":[1033],"tags":[105,185,1034,106,26,1039,1036,104,11,674,275],"class_list":["post-18712","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-2018-bighorn-mountains-wind-river-range-wyoming","tag-american-dingo","tag-bighorn-mountains","tag-bomber-mountain","tag-carolina-dog","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-florence-pass","tag-gunboat-lake","tag-lupe","tag-peakbagging","tag-solitude-trail","tag-wyoming"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/IMG_9847.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\/18712","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=18712"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18712\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":21173,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18712\/revisions\/21173"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/18714"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=18712"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=18712"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=18712"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}