{"id":20235,"date":"2019-04-01T08:10:17","date_gmt":"2019-04-01T14:10:17","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=20235"},"modified":"2023-03-29T10:08:29","modified_gmt":"2023-03-29T16:08:29","slug":"moonlit-mountain-skeena-mountains-british-columbia-canada-8-9-18","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=20235","title":{"rendered":"Moonlit Mountain, Skeena Mountains, British Columbia, Canada (8-9-18)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Day 6 of Lupe’s 2018 Dingo Vacation to the Yukon, Northwest Territories & Alaska!<\/em><\/p>\n

Lupe was up early and ready for action!\u00a0 Moonlit Mountain<\/span><\/a> (5,951 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, and with luck, maybe even Kispiox Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6,877 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, both in the Skeena Mountains were on the agenda.\u00a0 SPHP let Loopster sniff around on the bluff overlooking the Bulkley River S of Moricetown for a few minutes before hitting the road.\u00a0 Beyond the river, Lupe could still see Hudson Bay Mountain<\/span><\/a> (8,494 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> near Smithers.\u00a0 (6:32 AM, 57\u00b0F)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Bulkley River<\/strong> S of Moricetown. Hudson Bay Mountain<\/strong> (R) is in the distance. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

By 7:00 AM, after crossing the railroad tracks in New Hazelton, SPHP was turning R (N) off Hwy 16 onto Hwy 62 (Churchill Street).\u00a0 A sign said 5 km to Old Hazelton.\u00a0 Before getting that far, though, a single lane bridge appeared ahead – the Hagwilget Bridge over the Bulkley River.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the Hagwilget Bridge<\/strong> over the Bulkley River<\/strong> between New Hazelton and Old Hazelton. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After crossing the bridge, Lupe stopped at a viewpoint overlooking the river.\u00a0 The sharp spire of Stegyawden Peak, also known as Roche de Boule or Hagwilget Peak, was in sight.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Stegyawden Peak<\/strong> (L) beyond the Bulkley River<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Driving through Old Hazelton, SPHP looked for a R (N) turn onto Kispiox Valley Road.\u00a0 A second bridge over to the W side of the Skeena River came a few miles later.\u00a0 12 miles from Hwy 16 a third bridge appeared.\u00a0 This one went NE over the Kispiox River into Kispiox village, but Lupe didn’t cross this bridge.<\/p>\n

SPHP was following directions in a Peakbagger.com trip report<\/strong><\/span><\/a> by John Stolk<\/span><\/strong><\/a>. \u00a0 The “trailhead” to Moonlit Mountain and Kispiox Mountain was a long way back into the forest from here at the end of a logging road.\u00a0 This was the end of the pavement.\u00a0 Instead of crossing the bridge, Lupe was supposed to take Kispiox Westside Road continuing N along the W side of the river.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe and the G6 are over on Kispiox Westside Road<\/strong>, the way to get to Moonlit & Kispiox Mountains. The bridge on the R leads to Kispiox village. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Sign at the junction.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Kispiox Westside Road was fine for miles, but gradually deteriorated.\u00a0 Several side roads went off in various directions.\u00a0 Four miles from the pavement one of several minor bridges over small creeks had a sign for Date Creek.\u00a0 Two miles farther was a fork where the road to the R was signed for Sunday Lake.\u00a0 SPHP stayed to the L here, avoiding Sunday Lake per Stolk’s instructions.<\/p>\n

Somewhere along the way, Kispiox Westside Road had become Date Creek Forest Service Road.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Stay to the L here! Don’t go R to Sunday Lake.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Another mile or two, and the road forked again.\u00a0 Both options were still good roads.\u00a0 An orange sign said only “1200”.\u00a0 Stolk hadn’t mentioned this junction.\u00a0 SPHP guessed and went R.\u00a0 Four miles later, another fork.\u00a0 This time the orange sign said “1800”.\u00a0 SPHP stayed R again.<\/p>\n

Lupe was still on the correct route.\u00a0 200 yards farther was a sign Stolk had mentioned.\u00a0 By an overgrown road on the L, it said Kispiox Mt. Trail, BC Forest Service.<\/p>\n

Three more miles led to an area where the forest had been cleared.\u00a0 A sharp L turn went up a fairly steep slope.\u00a0 This was the turn S of McCully Creek, which was not in view.\u00a0 Stolk had correctly said that up to this point the road was fine for passenger vehicles.\u00a0 However, it was about to steepen considerably.<\/p>\n

SPHP made the sharp turn and drove another 0.5 mile up the slope, but when the road steepened even more ahead and disappeared around a corner, that was it.\u00a0 15 miles from pavement, the G6 was done!\u00a0 A small level area provided a spot to turn around and park.\u00a0 (10:05 AM, 63\u00b0F)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe at her Moonlit Mountain “trailhead”. The real trail doesn’t actually begin until the end of this logging road 3 to 5 miles farther on. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The actual trail to Moonlit and Kispiox Mountains didn’t even start for another 3 to 5 miles at the end of this logging road.\u00a0 Having to set out from here was discouraging.\u00a0 Lupes chances of making it all the way to Kispiox Mountain might well already be down the drain.\u00a0 Could still try.\u00a0 Maybe it didn’t matter, anyway?\u00a0 Sort of looked like rain.\u00a0 Even Moonlit Mountain might not pan out.<\/p>\n

In any case, Puppy, Ho!\u00a0 Onward!
\n<\/em><\/p>\n

The steepest section of road lasted only another 0.5 mile.\u00a0 Really wasn’t all that bad.\u00a0 Fallen trees partially blocked the road, but the G6 could have gotten around them.\u00a0 When the road flattened out entirely, and continued on in good condition, SPHP was tempted to go back and give it a shot in the G6.\u00a0 Maybe should have, but didn’t.<\/p>\n

Lupe trotted happily along the road, sniffing wherever she pleased.\u00a0 A wide swath of forest had been clear cut along both sides, creating room for bushes and beautiful stands of tall pink flowers to flourish.\u00a0 Every now and then, Looper passed long stacks of logs bleaching in the sun.<\/p>\n

The road wound around quite a bit, but remained in good shape.\u00a0 Lupe gained elevation in short bursts separated by relatively level stretches or minor dips.\u00a0 Overall, she was gaining net elevation at a decent clip.<\/p>\n

SPHP had printed out a satellite photo of this area.\u00a0 The photo had turned out too dark to see any details of the terrain, but it did show the road pattern, so it was still useful for navigating a number of junctions along the way.\u00a0 Often the side roads were overgrown, and it would have been easy enough to make the correct choice even without the photo.<\/p>\n

Forest hid the views, but occasionally Looper could catch glimpses in one direction or another.\u00a0 40 minutes into the road hike, the American Dingo got her first look at Moonlit Mountain.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Moonlit Mountain<\/strong> with help from the telephoto lens. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Beautiful stands of pink flowers often lined the roadway. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As the road trek went on and on, and the road didn’t deteriorate, SPHP increasingly regretted not having gone back to retrieve the G6.\u00a0 Loopster could have started so much closer!\u00a0 Of course, the farther she went, the less sense it made to go back.\u00a0 Moonlit Mountain came into view again a time or two, before Lupe finally reached a critical point.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Rounding a curve, Moonlit Mountain<\/strong> (R) comes into view again. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

SPHP knew exactly where Lupe was.\u00a0 This was the final fork in the road.\u00a0 Straight ahead (SW), a road dipped then disappeared over a small rise.\u00a0 To the L (SE), an orange sign saying “2300 C” overlooked another road that went steadily higher.\u00a0 Both spurs were in decent condition.\u00a0 At the end of one of them was the trail to Moonlit and Kispiox Mountains.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe reaches the critical final road junction. Which way to the trailhead? Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The idea is to end up on the spur which ends just east of a creek drainage a couple of miles north of Moonlit Mountain.<\/em><\/p>\n

That’s what John Stolk had written.\u00a0 SPHP consulted the satellite photo.\u00a0 The road straight ahead did appear to end E of a creek drainage that was difficult to make out on the dark photo.\u00a0 The road to the L looked like it did, too, somewhat farther S.\u00a0 It didn’t go quite as far W, but at least got close to the same drainage.\u00a0 The road to the L ended higher up and closer to Moonlit Mountain.<\/p>\n

Hard to tell distances on the photo, but it was still a good march to the end of these roads.\u00a0 More than a mile either way.\u00a0 The road straight ahead was a bit shorter.\u00a0 Which way?<\/p>\n

SPHP led Lupe L on “2300 C”.<\/p>\n

For quite a long way, “2300 C” was fine.\u00a0 Lupe gained elevation steadily.\u00a0 She had gone nearly a mile before it became apparent this was not the right way.\u00a0 Gah!\u00a0 Another big mistake!\u00a0 Was Loop going to miss out on Moonlit Mountain now, too?<\/p>\n

The thought of going all the way back down to the intersection to take the right road was disheartening.\u00a0 All that extra distance!\u00a0 And Lupe would have to regain all this elevation she had just gained again.\u00a0 Maybe it was better to simply keep going?\u00a0 Maybe this road went farther than the map showed?\u00a0 Even if it didn’t, perhaps Lupe could head W or SW from the end of the road, and still intersect the trail somewhere?<\/p>\n

Right or wrong.\u00a0 Puppy, ho!\u00a0 Onward!<\/em><\/p>\n

“2300 C” had already become rough and rocky.\u00a0 In someone’s opinion, not rocky enough.\u00a0 Lupe started coming to trenches dug at a slant across the roadbed.\u00a0 Soil from the trenches had been piled up next to them to create impassable humps for vehicles.\u00a0 Trees and bushes grew 4 feet high right on the road.\u00a0 Not a chance on earth John Stolk had ever come this way.\u00a0 Nevertheless, the Carolina Dog pressed on.<\/p>\n

The road went exactly as the satellite photo showed.\u00a0 Every twist and turn.\u00a0 The big hope was that maybe “2300 C” would get high enough to reach the alpine, or at least close to it, before ending.<\/p>\n

Didn’t happen, but the news wasn’t entirely bad.\u00a0 Lupe rounded a bend and “2300 C” started down a slope.\u00a0 The end of the road was just ahead.\u00a0 However, Looper could see open ground high up on a forested slope, and Moonlit Mountain was again in view beyond it!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
As Lupe approaches the end of road “2300 C”, Moonlit Mountain<\/strong> (R) comes into view again. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At the end of “2300 C” Moonlit Mountain and the alpine territory were out of sight.\u00a0 Ahead was a thick, trackless forest, full of deadfall timber.\u00a0 Lupe waited as SPHP pondered the situation.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
So, are we doing this or not, SPHP?<\/em> Lupe awaits a decision at the edge of the deep forest at the end of road “2300 C”. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The alpine slope Lupe had seen was significantly higher, and perhaps as much as a mile away.\u00a0 Progress looked like it would be incredibly slow going through the nearly impenetrable jungle that lay ahead.\u00a0 Once Lupe had ventured very far in there, it might become next to impossible to find a way back to “2300 C”.<\/p>\n

Still, Lupe ought to be able to head SW or WSW and eventually find the trail, or end up on that alpine slope.<\/p>\n

Decision time.\u00a0 Better not make another bad one.<\/p>\n

Abandoning “2300 C” Lupe and SPHP plunged straight into the jungle.<\/p>\n

Not without trepidation.\u00a0 No useful landmarks existed the moment the road was left behind.\u00a0 Deadfall timber was stacked 2 or 3 high.\u00a0 Even Lupe was struggling to get through.\u00a0 Leaping over or up onto the fallen logs was exhausting work, although Loop could sometimes use them as Dingo highways.\u00a0 The forest floor was spongy with thick vegetation.\u00a0 Ferns and blueberry bushes grew in abundance.\u00a0 Moss, ferns, and even small trees grew on the rottenest logs.<\/p>\n

The world was green.\u00a0 Plants everywhere, but not a sound was heard.\u00a0 No animals of any kind.\u00a0 Not a single bird.\u00a0 Except for the cracking of branches while trying to force a way through – silence.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
In the jungle.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Progress was pathetically slow.\u00a0 On and on, at a snail’s pace.\u00a0 Finally less deadfall was present, which helped a great deal.\u00a0 Lupe passed a low spot and the terrain started to rise.\u00a0 However, even the American Dingo was becoming concerned.\u00a0 Lupe started hanging back instead of leading.\u00a0 She stopped completely, keeping a steady, worried expression fixed on SPHP, but she would not move unless called.<\/p>\n

For once, it was SPHP forging slowly ahead, while the reluctant Carolina Dog followed only when SPHP insisted.\u00a0 Evidently Lupe wanted to go back.\u00a0 This was crazy!<\/p>\n

No going back.\u00a0 By now, finding “2300 C” again would be a long shot.\u00a0 Forward was the only option.<\/p>\n

A 30 foot deep ravine appeared.\u00a0 At the bottom was a tiny stream.\u00a0 Loop got a drink, and even laid down in the stream before continuing on.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe in the tiny stream.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

On the far side of the ravine, the terrain became much steeper.\u00a0 Lupe climbed hundreds of feet SSW up a long slope, but never reached a top that always looked only a little higher.\u00a0 After a while, the ground was clearly flatter to the W, so Lupe headed that way.\u00a0 Over here the forest was thinner.\u00a0 Progress was easier.<\/p>\n

Now SPHP was getting nervous.\u00a0 The beautiful, amazing, trackless jungle gave no sign of ending.\u00a0 An hour had gone by.\u00a0 How much farther?\u00a0 Then suddenly, Lupe was standing on the trail.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe discovers the trail to Moonlit Mountain.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Hah!\u00a0 It had worked!\u00a0 Lupe was now on a long ridge so broad it didn’t seem like a ridge at all, but this was the ridge that led SSW to the E end of Moonlit Mountain.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog followed the trail higher, as it wound its way up through the forest.\u00a0 This was so much easier!\u00a0 Yet it was still farther than SPHP expected before the forest finally began to give out.\u00a0 20 minutes after reaching the trail, Lupe entered the alpine.<\/p>\n

Although there had been plenty of clouds around earlier, the day had been mostly sunny.\u00a0 Now, though, clouds covered virtually the entire sky.\u00a0 Small patches of blue occasionally passed overhead momentarily letting sunlight stream through.\u00a0 Most of the time Lupe was in shadow.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Yesterday had been a big day, and today already felt like one, too.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It was a relief to be able to see.\u00a0 Beautiful mountains and ridges were in all directions, but on a vast scale.\u00a0 Most were far, far away.\u00a0 A long climb was still ahead.\u00a0 Lupe passed many colorful wildflowers, but that soon changed.\u00a0 Flowers vanished.\u00a0 Scattered stunted conifers and low, sparse tundra began to prevail.\u00a0 Eventually the conifers vanished, too.<\/p>\n

Make sure to note the location of the trail once it fades in the alpine for your return.<\/em><\/p>\n

Advice from John Stolk.\u00a0 The trail faded as Lupe was passing along the W side of a shallow drainage where the plant life was noticeably greener.\u00a0 This area was easy to spot from higher up.\u00a0 SPHP took note of it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking back. The trail had faded as Lupe came up the W (L) side of the greener drainage on the R. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The broad ridge was narrowing fast as Lupe climbed a big open tundra slope.\u00a0 The sky was dark over Moonlit Mountain.\u00a0 Sprinkles of rain were felt.\u00a0 At 1600 meters, the ridge flattened, and became long and skinny.\u00a0 Back in the forest the air had been still, but it was unpleasantly windy here.\u00a0 The wind came gusting out of the SW, with brief periods of nearly dead calm between successive blasts.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading up the tundra slope. Moonlit Mountain<\/strong> on the R. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A stand of short conifers clung to the N end of the 1600 meter ridge.\u00a0 The exposed, barren route Lupe had to take to Moonlit Mountain lay beyond them.\u00a0 Except for the wind, the 1600 meter ridge was a romp in the park.\u00a0 However, at the far S end, a steep climb up to the E shoulder of Moonlit Mountain awaited.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the N end of the 1600 meter ridge. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
N slope of Moonlit Mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

John Stolk had mentioned a goat\/climber’s path up to the E shoulder, and it existed as described.\u00a0 This path became very steep near the top.\u00a0 With the mountain blocking the wind, Lupe scampered and danced her way up having a great time, while SPHP made a much more cautious ascent.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
About to start up to Moonlit Mountain’s E shoulder (L) from the S end of the 1600 meter ridge. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As soon as Lupe reached the top, she was again exposed to the full force of the gale.\u00a0 40 mph, dead calm, 40 mph!\u00a0 The annoying cycle went on and on, but the brief respites did help.\u00a0 Light rain fell.\u00a0 A short distance to the SW, a skinny cairn sat out on an open slope.\u00a0 Apparently this cairn served to mark the approximate location of the goat\/climber path for return trips back down to the 1600 meter ridge.<\/p>\n

For the first time, Kispiox Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6,877 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was in sight!\u00a0 Kispiox had a pleasing reddish, purplish-brown cast to it.\u00a0 A bit of snow along the top, and a little glacier in a ravine along its L (NE) flank decorated the mountain.\u00a0 An easy open ridge led S toward High Point 5643<\/span><\/strong> (1720 m) about halfway to the start of a serious climb up Kispiox’s NE ridge.<\/p>\n

John Stolk had almost climbed Kispiox Mountain twice, first following the more direct NE ridge to a point near 2000 meters where the terrain forced a retreat.\u00a0 Stolk had gone clear back down to 1600 meters before finding it possible to head over to the NW ridge, which had ultimately proven to be a successful route to the summit.\u00a0 Lupe had a clear view of all the territory John had explored.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Kispiox Mountain<\/strong> (Center) comes into view for the first time. Lupe stands next to the skinny cairn close to where the goat\/climber’s path came up. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
High Point 5643<\/span><\/strong> (1720 m) is the greenish hill on the L. Kispiox Mountain’s NE ridge<\/strong> which Stolk climbed to 2000 meters before being forced to retreat is at Center. Photo looks S with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Despite the annoying wind, the weather wasn’t that bad.\u00a0 Intermittent rain hadn’t amounted to much so far, and patches of blue sky could still be seen.\u00a0 However, threatening clouds hung continually over Kispiox Mountain.\u00a0 Driven by the gusty gale, more sailed overhead from an apparently endless supply out of the gloomy SW.<\/p>\n

So close, and yet so far!\u00a0 An attempt on Kispiox Mountain was clearly out of the question.\u00a0 Lupe had arrived too late.\u00a0 Maybe it hadn’t been meant to be all along?\u00a0 Conditions really weren’t conducive.\u00a0 The weather might take a nasty turn at any moment.\u00a0 Kispiox Mountain would be no place to be then.<\/p>\n

Better get on with it, and at least go tag the summit of Moonlit Mountain while Looper was so close!\u00a0 No sense in giving the situation a chance to deteriorate further and deprive the American Dingo of success here.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Loopster on Moonlit Mountain’s E shoulder not far from where the goat\/climber’s path (out of sight to the L) came up. Moonlit Mountain’s long ESE ridge is in view. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe hurried W along Moonlit Mountain’s vast summit ridge.\u00a0 Two high points, both along the N edge, could be seen ahead.\u00a0 The first was a steep prominent knob.\u00a0 Some distance beyond the knob was a clearly higher ridge topped by a small, conical blip – potentially the true summit.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
As Lupe started W along Moonlit Mountain’s vast summit ridge, two high points were seen along the N edge. The first was a prominent knob, and beyond it a higher ridge capped by a conical blip. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The prominent knob could have been avoided, but Lupe climbed it.\u00a0 At the top was a patch of grass.\u00a0 The knob was a tremendous viewpoint, but the views were hard to appreciate in the gale.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog did not linger, but pushed on toward the higher ridge and its conical blip.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe enduring the wind on the prominent knob. The goat\/climber’s path comes up to the high point on the R from the lower, flat, narrow 1600 meter NNE ridge seen on the L. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The higher ridge and its conical blip from near the prominent knob. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Pelted by rain and blasted by the wild wind on the way to the blip, Lupe was transformed into the ferocious were-puppy!\u00a0 Responsible for putting her in this situation, SPHP was repeatedly attacked.\u00a0 The were-puppy followed up by circling and barking menacingly.\u00a0 A couple of minutes were required to calm the were-puppy down before Lupe reappeared.<\/p>\n

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

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the blip. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A short scramble up the rocky ridge, and Lupe was there, sitting atop the blip!\u00a0 The fierce wind was unrelenting.\u00a0 SPHP congratulated Lupe on reaching the summit of Moonlit Mountain<\/span><\/a> (5,951 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>!\u00a0 As if concurring, a rainbow suddenly appeared to the NE.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe atop the blip. The prominent knob is seen on the L. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Kispiox Mountain<\/strong> (R) from Moonlit Mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A rainbow appears. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Zoomed in on Lupe’s congratulatory rainbow. The correct road spur leading to the trailhead is seen near center beneath the rainbow. The end of “2300 C” where Lupe plunged into the jungle is along the R edge. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

SPHP had initially been certain that the blip was Moonlit Mountain’s true summit.\u00a0 However, another smaller ridge off to the W looked like it might be in contention.\u00a0 Maybe the blip was only Moonlit Mountain’s E summit?\u00a0 The smaller ridge wasn’t far away.\u00a0 An easy few minutes stroll would get Lupe over there.<\/p>\n

SPHP started that way, while Loop lingered briefly on the blip.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe on “the blip”, Moonlit Mountain’s E summit<\/strong>. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Final moments atop the blip. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe was soon up on top of the smaller ridge.\u00a0 Surprisingly, she could now see yet another high point farther W, although it definitely looked a little lower.\u00a0 This central summit, which had appeared perhaps a bit shy of being as high as the blip from the blip, actually seemed higher than the blip now that Lupe was here.<\/p>\n

Who knew which was the true summit?\u00a0 If SPHP had to guess, perhaps this central summit was actually it, although not by much.\u00a0 In any case, this wasn’t quite as dramatic and charming a spot as the blip had been.\u00a0 Both summits were so close to the same elevation it hardly mattered.\u00a0 Besides, the Carolina Dog had now visited both.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe on Moonlit Mountain<\/strong>‘s central, and perhaps, true summit. Kispiox Mountain<\/strong> (L of Center) in the background. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On Moonlit Mountain’s central summit<\/strong>. Kispiox Mountain<\/strong> at Center. Although the peak to the R always looked a little higher than Kispiox, this is an illusion according to the topo maps. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking back toward the blip (E summit) from the central summit. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking toward the far W summit (L), which seemed definitely a little lower. Due to the inhospitable weather, Lupe never went over there. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Loop might not have made it to Kispiox Mountain, but at least she was able to claim a peakbagging success here at Moonlit Mountain!\u00a0 A few wistful moments were spent in the wind and rain gazing upon Kispiox Mountain hoping the American Dingo might return someday.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Stolk’s failed route up Kispiox Mountain<\/strong> is the NE ridge seen on the L. Persevering, Stolk successfully went up the NW ridge seen on the R. Photo looks S with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Kispiox’s NW ridge<\/strong>, Stolk’s successful route to the summit (L). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Kispiox Mountain<\/strong> summit.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The weather hadn’t changed.\u00a0 That gusty SW wind kept battering Lupe.\u00a0 Dark clouds threatened.\u00a0 Raindrops pelted her from time to time.\u00a0 Under better conditions, lingering up on Moonlit Mountain would have been lovely.\u00a0 Not today.<\/p>\n

Enough was enough!\u00a0 The long trek back began.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking back after starting the return. Moonlit Mountain’s W summit is on the L. The Central summit on the R. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe did not return to the blip or the prominent knob.\u00a0 She stayed lower, on easier terrain, skirting them to the S.\u00a0 The were-puppy attacked again on the way back E to the goat\/climber’s path.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
A final look at Kispiox Mountain<\/strong> (L). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The prominent knob (L) and the “Blip” (E summit) (Center). Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the top of the goat\/climber’s path looking down on the 1600 meter ridge (Center). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Once the steep down climb on the goat\/climber’s path was over, the rest was easy.\u00a0 Even as the wild wind blasted Lupe, the trek along the 1600 meter ridge was joyful.\u00a0 Despite some bad choices on SPHP’s part, Lupe had made it to Moonlit Mountain!\u00a0 Yes, it was sad she hadn’t gotten to make an attempt on Kispiox Mountain, but at least she had seen Kispiox.\u00a0 Maybe someday.<\/p>\n

From the 1600 meter ridge, it was down the tundra slope to the L side of the patch of green in the shallow ravine where the trees began.\u00a0 Lupe picked up the trail again here, and followed it all the way down to\u00a0 the correct spur of the logging roads where it began.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking down the tundra slope. The patch of green where Lupe would pick up the trail again is at Center. The correct road spur where the trail begins is seen on the L. The end of “2300 C” is on the R below the faint rainbow. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Back on the trail in the ferny forest.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Down in the drainage close to where the trail begins.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lupe (L) up on the embankment where the trail to Moonlit Mountain begins. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Nothing was at the end of the road.\u00a0 No indication that this was a trailhead of any kind.\u00a0 The trail started at the very end of the road up on an embankment toward the L (SE) next to a couple of fallen logs at the edge of the forest.\u00a0 And that was it.<\/p>\n

The long road trek back to the G6 was mostly downhill.\u00a0 Light rain fell much of the time, but hardly enough to even dampen the roadbed.\u00a0 A pleasant, tired march, uneventful until near the end.\u00a0 0.75 mile from the G6, Lupe suddenly stopped on the road staring intently at bushes on the R side.\u00a0 The American Dingo turned to see SPHP’s reaction.<\/p>\n

SPHP saw nothing but a patch of black at the edge of the forest.\u00a0 It was gone in a flash amid a cracking of branches.\u00a0 A bear!\u00a0 Lupe barked once, but the bear had already fled.<\/p>\n

The rain started in harder two minutes before Lupe reached the G6.\u00a0 (8:03 PM, 63\u00b0F)<\/em>\u00a0 Steady.\u00a0 A wet night ahead.\u00a0 No reason to go anywhere.\u00a0 As the rain came down, Lupe enjoyed her Alpo up on her pile of pillows and blankets.\u00a0 She then curled up for a long snooze, as light faded early beneath the weeping gray sky.<\/p>\n

No moonlight on Moonlit Mountain tonight.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Moonlit Mountain<\/strong> from the N end of the 1600 meter ridge, Skeena Mountains, British Columbia, Canada 8-9-18<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

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

Kispiox Mountain, Skeena Mountains, British Columbia, Canada – Part 1: Twin Falls (8-8-22) & Moonlit Mountain (8-9-22)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Kispiox Mountain, Skeena Mountains, British Columbia, Canada – Part 2: Moonlit Mountain to the Summit! (8-9-22)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

John Stolk’s Kispiox Mountain trip report<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Want more Lupe adventures?\u00a0\u00a0Choose\u00a0from\u00a0Lupe’s 2018 Dingo Vacation to the Yukon, Northwest Territories & Alaska Adventure Index<\/strong><\/span><\/a>,\u00a0Dingo Vacations Adventure Index<\/strong><\/span><\/a> or Master Adventure Index<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0Or subscribe free\u00a0to\u00a0new Lupe adventures<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Day 6 of Lupe’s 2018 Dingo Vacation to the Yukon, Northwest Territories & Alaska! Lupe was up early and ready for action!\u00a0 Moonlit Mountain (5,951 ft.), and with luck, maybe even Kispiox Mountain (6,877 ft.), both in the Skeena Mountains were on the agenda.\u00a0 SPHP let Loopster sniff around on the bluff overlooking the Bulkley … Continue reading Moonlit Mountain, Skeena Mountains, British Columbia, Canada (8-9-18)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":20212,"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":[997],"tags":[105,79,30,106,1069,104,1068,11,1067],"class_list":["post-20235","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-2018-yukon-northwest-territiories-alaska","tag-american-dingo","tag-british-columbia","tag-canada","tag-carolina-dog","tag-kispiox-mountain","tag-lupe","tag-moonlit-mountain","tag-peakbagging","tag-skeena-mountains"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/IMG_0502.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\/20235","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=20235"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20235\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":46250,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20235\/revisions\/46250"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/20212"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=20235"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=20235"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=20235"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}