{"id":20732,"date":"2019-04-21T08:10:41","date_gmt":"2019-04-21T14:10:41","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=20732"},"modified":"2019-04-25T12:24:33","modified_gmt":"2019-04-25T18:24:33","slug":"windy-pass-peak-distincta-peak-peak-5906-yukon-territory-canada-8-16-18","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=20732","title":{"rendered":"Windy Pass Peak, Distincta Peak & Peak 5906, Yukon Territory, Canada (8-16-18)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Days 12 & 13 of Lupe’s 2018 Dingo Vacation to the Yukon, Northwest Territories & Alaska!<\/em><\/p>\n

8-15-18, 6:00 AM, 42\u00b0F at the Mount Haldane trailhead two miles N of the Silver Trail<\/em> – Looked like rain, darkly overcast without a speck of blue.\u00a0 Lupe had gotten lucky climbing Mount Haldane<\/span><\/a> (6,032 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> yesterday.\u00a0 The situation was less promising today, though.\u00a0 Hopefully conditions would be better at Tombstone Territorial Park<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.\u00a0 SPHP drove back to the Silver Trail, and turned W.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mayo River<\/strong> from near the Minto Bridge along Silver Trail Highway No. 11.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At Stewart Crossing, patches of blue sky could be seen.\u00a0 Encouraging!\u00a0 SPHP took North Klondike Highway No. 2 heading N.\u00a0 It was a sunny day by the time Lupe reached the official start of the Dempster Highway E of Dawson City.\u00a0 SPHP fueled the G6, then accompanied Looper over to the commemorative sign.\u00a0 (9:50 AM, 50\u00b0F)<\/em><\/p>\n

In early September, 2017, the Carolina Dog had explored part of the Dempster Highway, but only as far as Tombstone Territorial Park.\u00a0 The scenery had been absolutely stunning!\u00a0 Below the gloom of a sullen sky, dark grey and silver mountains had loomed over river valleys ablaze with reds, golds, and oranges.<\/p>\n

This year, Loopster was going to go farther, much farther!\u00a0 In fact, she was going to travel the entire length of the Dempster to Inuvik in the Northwest Territories, 737 km (458 miles) of gravel away.\u00a0 Not only that, but, if the G6 could manage it, the Most High Exalted Dingo of the Arctic Sisterhood was going to continue N beyond Inuvik, a feat that would have been impossible a year ago.\u00a0 In November, 2017, a brand new all season road had been opened that went another 140 km (87 miles) all the way to Tuktoyaktuk on the Arctic Ocean!<\/p>\n

The mighty American Dingo stood at the start of the Dempster Highway blinking and squinting in the sunlight.\u00a0 For good measure, she licked her schnoz at the moment SPHP snapped the photo, a fact not noticed until later.\u00a0 Ah, well.\u00a0 So it goes.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Miss Tasty Nose at the start of the Dempster Highway.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The sun vanished on the road N.\u00a0 Gray clouds blanketed the mountains by the time Lupe reached Tombstone Territorial Park a mere 50 km up the Dempster Highway.\u00a0 Everything was still green in mid-August.\u00a0 The scene was a far cry from the brilliant fall colors Lupe had enjoyed here last September.<\/p>\n

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50 km along the Dempster Highway, Lupe reaches Tombstone Territorial Park.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

11:47 AM, 47\u00b0F<\/em> – SPHP dropped by the visitor center at km 71.5 to get a weather forecast.\u00a0 Not good.\u00a0 Rain showers every day.\u00a0 The plan had been for Lupe to go up Charcoal Ridge to Mount Chester Henderson today, but clearly that wasn’t in the cards.\u00a0 No sense hanging around, either, with days of rain and fog expected.<\/p>\n

New plan – just keep heading N.\u00a0 Loop stopped at a few favorite spots in Tombstone Territorial Park along the way.<\/p>\n

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Looking SW up the North Klondike river valley<\/strong> from a pullout at km 74.0. Last year the vivid fall colors Lupe had seen from this very spot had been incredible.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At a shallow, bubbling pond Lupe had visited in 2017, too.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

All these stops were brief.\u00a0 Lupe was soon going by the L turn at km 98 to Surfbird Mountain<\/span><\/a> (5,300 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, which was as far N along the Dempster Highway as she had gone in 2017.\u00a0 Everything from here on, for more than 750 km to Tuktoyaktuk, was all new, unexplored territory!<\/p>\n

Already beyond the highest and most rugged part of the Ogilvie Range, the Dempster Highway entered the open, gently rolling tundra of the Blackstone Plateau.\u00a0 Two Moose Lake wasn’t much farther at km 102.6.\u00a0 From the lake, Peak<\/span> 5262<\/span><\/a><\/strong> was in view.<\/p>\n

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Peak 5262<\/strong> from Two Moose Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The sky was still overcast, but now that Lupe was more or less out of the mountains, bits of blue began to appear.\u00a0 The situation seemed to be improving.\u00a0 Maybe Lupe could climb Peak 5262?\u00a0 That would be awesome!\u00a0 Furthermore, if for some reason the weather forecast was wrong, the Carolina Dog would be close enough to return to Charcoal Ridge for an attempt on Mount Chester Henderson tomorrow morning.<\/p>\n

Yeah, that made sense!\u00a0 SPHP parked the G6 at a rest area at km 107.6 next to the East Blackstone River.\u00a0 Loop sniffed among the bushes near the river, while SPHP got ready.\u00a0 (1:00 PM, 51\u00b0F)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At km 107.6 along the East Blackstone Rive<\/strong>r. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe and SPHP set out heading N along the Dempster Highway.\u00a0 Ahead the road curved R (NE) to avoid a couple of low ridges.\u00a0 The more distant ridge was slightly higher, but SPHP figured the closer ridge ought to work out just as well.\u00a0 After the road went over a creek coming down from the W, the American Dingo left the highway.<\/p>\n

Dense bushes covering the side of the first ridge made getting up on top harder than it should have been.\u00a0 Fortunately, it was no big deal.\u00a0 Lupe gained the ridgeline, and Peak<\/span> 5262<\/span><\/a><\/strong> was in sight again to the WNW.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking back at the East Blackstone River<\/strong> and the rest area at km 107.6 from the first ridge. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The top of the ridge was a vast, gentle incline.\u00a0 At the far end, Peak 5262 sat looking like no more than a big hill.\u00a0 A profusion of low bushes too small to impede progress covered the entire ridge.\u00a0 Anywhere else, this sort of terrain would have been cake.\u00a0 Lupe would simply saunter on over to Peak 5262, wander up to the summit, and that would be that.<\/p>\n

However, what looks easy in the Arctic, often is not.\u00a0 Firm, reasonably dry ground was crucial to success.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looper on the way to Peak 5262<\/strong>. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The top of the ridge was fairly dry.\u00a0 However, the ground was not firm.\u00a0 The tundra the bushes grew out of was thick, spongy, tussocky.\u00a0 Loop wasn’t having much trouble with it, but what appeared to be so easy, was a wearying march for SPHP.\u00a0 Still, it wasn’t too bad.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP kept at it, gradually getting closer and closer to Peak 5262.<\/p>\n

For a long way, the tundra stayed dry.\u00a0 Lupe made a lot of progress, but in the end, it was all for naught.\u00a0 Approaching the base of the mountain, Loop came to an enormous bog.\u00a0 SPHP tried tussock hopping, but it was soon clear that wasn’t going to work.\u00a0 The tundra was getting wetter and wetter.\u00a0 The trek turned into a difficult, soggy slog.\u00a0 The terrain ahead looked<\/em> super easy, but the tussocks kept getting bigger and tougher to navigate, and the gaps between them deeper and full of water.<\/p>\n

SPHP now regretted not having had Lupe go to the second, higher ridge before leaving the highway.\u00a0 From here, the other ridge definitely looked like a better choice.\u00a0 However, both the huge bog and an unseen stream filled the gap between here and there.\u00a0 Gazing at the gentle slope head, turning back seemed ridiculous.\u00a0 Peak<\/span> 5262<\/span><\/a><\/strong> wasn’t that much farther!\u00a0 Yet continuing on meant an exhausting, mucky ordeal simply to reach the base of the mountain.\u00a0 No, it just wasn’t worth it.<\/p>\n

Lupe may have been puzzled, but she wasn’t perturbed when SPHP gave up and turned back.\u00a0 Even for the Carolina Dog these bigger tussocks, and the deep wet holes around them, weren’t an easy matter.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Are you serious, SPHP? We’re turning back here?<\/em> Yes, it was true. Even all the seemingly dry ground in the foreground is actually part of a vast bog. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Taking a break from the tussocks. The ridge Lupe should have tried to get to Peak 5262 is the next one over. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Though disappointed by not even getting to Peak 5262, much less to the summit, the trek back to the Dalton Highway along the open ridge was a fabulous, beautiful march.\u00a0 Splendid remote hills and mountains of the Yukon were in sight in all directions.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Roaming the Yukon wilderness is such fun!<\/em> Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

3:25 PM<\/em> – Despite how wonderful it all was, Lupe and SPHP both arrived back at the G6 rather weary from dealing with the tussocks.\u00a0 A bite to eat was followed by a lazy afternoon nap.<\/p>\n

The sun was still shining, when the Carolina Dog woke up refreshed and ready for action.\u00a0 Such a beautiful evening!\u00a0 Without any particular goal in mind, Lupe and SPHP explored the tundra W of the Dalton Highway both N and S of the rest area.\u00a0 Lupe sniffed and explored long stretches of tall bushes near the East Blackstone River, too.\u00a0 Despite setbacks, this had turned out to be such a fun, happy day, after all!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
An evening romp out on the golden tundra. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Hey! There’s Blackstone Mountain (6,900 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> on the L!<\/em> Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Happy Lupe.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

8-16-18, 6:57 AM, 32\u00b0F, km 107.6 of the Dempster Highway<\/em> – Frost!\u00a0 SPHP turned the engine on to let things warm up a bit.\u00a0 Chilly out, but the skies were blue!\u00a0 Not so much back toward the higher peaks to the S where clouds still reigned, but out here on the Blackstone Plateau, it was a beautiful morning.<\/p>\n

Cloudy to the S?\u00a0 Go N, young Dingo!\u00a0 Lupe did, but not too far.\u00a0 Her first stop of the day came at Chapman Lake at km 116.0.\u00a0 Though the largest lake anywhere along the Dempster Highway, Chapman Lake still wasn’t all that big.<\/p>\n

A display told about the Lost Patrol, which had set out in December, 1910 from Fort McPherson on a 765 km trek to Dawson City without adequate supplies or an experienced guide.\u00a0 The result, while tragic, didn’t seem terribly surprising.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching Chapman Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
There’s Peak 5262<\/strong>, SPHP! I bet we could make it up there today. Want to give it a shot? …. Nope, we’ve got bigger fish to fry on a day like this, Looper!<\/em> Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Chapman Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From Chapman Lake, the Dempster Highway proceeded N still following the Blackstone River.\u00a0 A line of mountains was ahead that the river had carved a course through.\u00a0 The resulting valley was very scenic, but after a while the highway turned W abandoning the Blackstone River.\u00a0 A long climb began up to Windy Pass at km 152.8.<\/p>\n

SPHP was pleased to see a large pullout along the N side of the highway at the Windy Pass summit.\u00a0 Perfect!\u00a0 How easy is that?\u00a0 SPHP parked, and an enthusiastic American Dingo bounded out of the G6.\u00a0 (8:08 AM)<\/em><\/p>\n

8:44 AM, 44\u00b0F<\/em> – The setup was great!\u00a0 On the S side of Windy Pass, a long valley coming straight N down toward the pass was flanked on both sides by large ridges.\u00a0 According to the topo map, the ridge on the L (E) led up to Windy Pass Peak<\/span><\/a> (5,249 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Lupe’s peakbagging objective for the day.\u00a0 This ridge was nicely rounded, not too steep, and looked like it would provide an easy, steady ramp higher.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At Windy Pass<\/strong>. The large ridge on the L (E) leads to Windy Pass Peak. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A chilly breeze blew out of the W, as Lupe set out for Windy Pass Peak.\u00a0 Crossing over to the S side of the Dempster Highway, the Carolina Dog sniffed her way SE through a short section of stunted forest followed by a spongy, boggy stretch of open tundra, which fortunately wasn’t too bad.\u00a0 Loop soon reached drier terrain at the base of the big ridge.<\/p>\n

The climb up onto the toe of the ridge was a bit steep, but not difficult or the least bit scary.\u00a0 This rocky, dry ground was so much easier to traverse than that much gentler, but tussocky ridge Lupe had roamed yesterday trying to get to Peak 5262!\u00a0 Once Loopster made it up onto the ridgeline, a beautiful, easy route higher was ahead.\u00a0 For a long way, the slope was so gentle that even SPHP seldom had to pause for breath.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe reaches the ridgeline. Photo looks WNW back at Windy Pass<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The route higher was so nice! Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Loop on a particularly easy section. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The high point on the L isn’t far from the N summit of Windy Pass Peak. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Getting higher! Looking NNW back at Windy Pass<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Distincta Peak<\/strong> (Center) in the distance, and Peak 5906<\/span><\/strong> (R). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Eventually, the ridge steepened and became much rockier.\u00a0 Slower, but still a simple straightforward climb.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Eventually the ridge steepened and became much rockier. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Windy Pass Peak has two N ridges. Lupe was coming up the NW ridge. A big level stretch of the NE ridge<\/strong> is in view. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The NW ridge<\/strong> Lupe has just come up is seen in sunlight from Center down to the R. Windy Pass<\/strong> is now far below, also on the R. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After a nice climb, the terrain began to level out.\u00a0 The going was getting easier again.\u00a0 The N summit of Windy Pass Peak<\/span><\/a> (5,249 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was just ahead.\u00a0 Lupe arrived to find a couple of good-sized cairns, as well as some fabulous views.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the N summit of Windy Pass Peak<\/strong>. The slightly higher S summit<\/strong> is in view on the L. Distincta Peak<\/strong> is in shadow at Center, with Peak 5906<\/span><\/strong> also in shadow on the R. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking down the NE ridge<\/strong> (Center to L) from the N summit. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
View to the E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Looking NNE again with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Distincta Peak (L) and Peak 5906<\/span><\/strong> (Center) from the N summit of Windy Pass Peak<\/strong>. Photo looks SW with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Windy Pass Peak has two summits.\u00a0 Slightly higher than the N one, the S summit is the true summit.\u00a0 Naturally Lupe had to visit it, too, in order to claim her peakbagging success. \u00a0 The S summit looked farther away than SPHP expected, but an easy march.\u00a0 After enjoying the tremendous views from the N summit, Looper headed S.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The S (true) summit of Windy Pass Peak<\/strong> (L) is just ahead. Distincta Peak<\/strong> in the distance on the R. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Except for the cold W wind, getting to the S summit was a fun, easy romp.\u00a0 In under 10 minutes, the Carolina Dog was there.\u00a0 After a brief visit to the cairn at the absolute high point, Lupe and SPHP retreated slightly down the E side of the ridge to escape the wind.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Nearing the true summit of Windy Pass Peak<\/strong>. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looper at the true (S) summit of<\/strong> Windy Pass Peak<\/strong>, but not enjoying the cold W wind. Distincta Peak<\/strong> is directly beyond her. Peak 5906<\/span><\/strong> on the R. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A look back at the N summit<\/strong> (Center) from the S summit<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
True summit of Windy Pass Peak<\/strong>. Photo looks ENE with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Down the E slope a bit to escape the chilly W wind. The N summit<\/strong> is in sunshine (R). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As Lupe and SPHP sat together enjoying the wonderful panoramas on display, there was more than just the views to think about.\u00a0 Covering Loop with a jacket, SPHP pondered the situation.\u00a0 This whole trek up to Windy Pass Peak had gone amazingly well, and the day was still young.<\/p>\n

Long before the Carolina Dog had ever set out on this Dingo Vacation, SPHP had harbored faint hopes that if the American Dingo was able to get to Windy Pass Peak, she might also be able to continue along the ridgeline as far Distincta Peak<\/span><\/a> (5,775 ft)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 That had seemed like a rather far-fetched hope, because the ridge leading to Distincta was long.\u00a0 Many hundreds of feet elevation would have to be lost and regained going over other high points along the way.<\/p>\n

However, given a nice enough day, the biggest potential problem hadn’t been the distance or the elevation gain\/loss, but that this might turn out to be such rugged territory that Lupe wouldn’t stand a chance.\u00a0 Even one technical point anywhere along the whole ridge might easily prove to be an insurmountable obstacle.<\/p>\n

That sure hadn’t been the case so far, though.\u00a0 Furthermore, Distincta Peak had been in sight from almost the very start, and nothing that had come into view so far looked all that difficult.\u00a0 Maybe Lupe could<\/em> get to Distincta Peak?\u00a0 And if that went well, maybe she could even make a huge loop around the whole valley to the W while tagging Peak<\/span> 5906<\/span><\/a><\/strong>, too?\u00a0 The whole notion was exciting!<\/p>\n

Admittedly, the wind was annoying, but it wasn’t bad enough to be a show-stopper.\u00a0 So far, the weather was actually holding up pretty well.\u00a0 One thing for sure, if Loopster didn’t give it a shot today, when she was already this far along, she would never get another chance.<\/p>\n

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

And so it began.\u00a0 Lupe briefly returned to the true summit of Windy Pass Peak, before continuing S along the ridge.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Starting for Distincta Peak<\/strong> (R) from Windy Pass Peak. The plan was now to go clear around the entire valley seen on the R. Beyond Lupe are two high points she would have to go over along the way. The closest one is High Point 5053<\/span><\/strong> (1540 m). Beyond it in shadow is High Point 5381<\/span><\/strong> (1640 m). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Loopster lost more than 400 feet of elevation descending to the saddle leading to High Point 5053<\/span><\/strong>, the next big bump along the ridgeline.\u00a0 It all went just fine, though, and soon she was facing a less dramatic loss on the approach to High Point 5381<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 When that went well, too, confidence soared.\u00a0 Yes!\u00a0 If only the weather would hold, the American Dingo was going to make it to Distincta Peak!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Starting the descent to the saddle leading to High Point 5053<\/span><\/strong> (L). Distincta Peak<\/strong> at Center. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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High Point 5381<\/span><\/strong> (Center) from High Point 5053<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Windy Pass Peak<\/strong> (L) from the SE slope of High Point 5053<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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S of High Point 5053 now with smooth sailing to High Point 5381<\/span><\/strong> ahead. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Come on, SPHP! We’re getting there!<\/em> Lupe approaching High Point 5381<\/span><\/strong> (L). Distincta Peak<\/strong> (Center) and Peak 5906<\/span><\/strong> (far R). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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The Most High Exalted Dingo of the Arctic Sisterhood on her way to High Point 5381<\/span><\/strong> (L). Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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A look at the Blackstone River valley on the way up High Point 5381. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Blackstone River<\/strong> from High Point 5381<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

When Lupe reached the top of High Point 5381<\/span><\/strong>, a large plateau was in sight to the SW.\u00a0 This plateau, High Point 5371<\/span><\/strong>, was almost as high as where Loop was now, and had been visible earlier on much of the way here.\u00a0 Even from a great distance, some sort of structure had been seen on it at the far S end of the long valley W of Windy Pass Peak.<\/p>\n

The mysterious structure was now clearly a big microwave tower plus a group of associated buildings.\u00a0 Getting over to the tower was going to be a snap.\u00a0 Once there, all that remained was for Lupe to head directly W to Distincta Peak.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Here we are at the summit of High Point 5381<\/span><\/strong>! Next it’s on to the big plateau behind me where the microwave tower sits<\/em> (Center). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Look how far we’ve come! That bright white hill (Center) is Windy Pass Peak<\/strong>.<\/em> Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking SSW from High Point 5381<\/span><\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The big plateau where the microwave tower sits (L) is High Point 5371<\/span><\/strong>. Distincta Peak<\/strong> is at far R. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The microwave tower and everything else on High Point 5371 must have been brought in by helicopter.\u00a0 When Lupe got there, she found no sign of any road.\u00a0 The tower stood on the highest ground near the N edge of the plateau, which sloped gradually down toward the S.\u00a0 Ready for a bit of a break prior to tackling Distincta Peak, Lupe and SPHP rested on the barren slope well S of the tower.<\/p>\n

The views, of course, were fantastic, but would be even better yet from higher up on Distincta Peak.\u00a0 15 pleasant minutes were spent relaxing on the S slope of High Point 5371 before Loopster headed NW over to the microwave tower.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Near the microwave tower on High Point 5371<\/span><\/strong>. Distincta Peak<\/strong> on the L. The long ridge seen beyond Loop is Peak 5906<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Once W of the microwave tower, Distincta Peak<\/strong> (L) is directly ahead. The ridge on the R is Peak 5906<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking back at the microwave tower. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Windy Pass<\/strong> from High Point 5371<\/span><\/strong>. Windy Pass Peak<\/strong> is on the R. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Distincta Peak<\/span><\/a> (5,775 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was only a short distance W of the microwave tower.\u00a0 The climb up Distincta’s E slope was the steepest Lupe would have to face all day.\u00a0 Near the top, a bit of scrambling was required, but it was easy – pure fun!\u00a0 Before long, Loop was approaching the summit.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching Distincta Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A bit of scrambling is good for the soul!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At a nice rest spot just before the final steep push to the top. Distincta Peak’s SW ridge<\/strong> is seen on the L. The distant peak at Center is likely Mount Abraham (5,446 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Getting close to the top. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Unlike all the other peaks and high points Lupe visited today, the summit of Distincta Peak encompassed only a relatively small area.\u00a0 Still, there was plenty of room to move around a bit, plus a little more on a slightly lower shelf to the E.\u00a0 Distincta was a truly beautiful summit, nearly flat, adorned with colorful tundra and a cairn of suitable size.\u00a0 Best of all, the views were absolutely grand!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Distincta Peak summit<\/strong> from the E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looper up on top. Most of the summit area is in view here. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Distincta Peak’s SW ridge<\/strong> is in the foreground. Chapman Lake<\/strong> (L) is seen beyond diminutive Infant Peak (4,856 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>. Peak<\/span> 5262<\/span><\/a><\/strong> is the dark rounded hill R of Chapman Lake. Mount Abraham (5,446 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> is much closer on the R. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Infant Peak (4,856 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (R) with Chapman Lake<\/strong> directly beyond it. Photo looks S with lots of help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The E end of Distincta Peak’s summit. The microwave tower on High Point 5371<\/span><\/strong> (R) is seen beyond Lupe. The white hill on the L is High Point 5381<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Peak 5906<\/span><\/strong> from Distincta Peak<\/strong>. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The wind was now out of the S instead of the W, but hadn’t warmed up at all.\u00a0 Thrilled with Lupe’s success at reaching Distincta Peak, a longer rest break was in order.\u00a0 SPHP sought refuge from the cold breeze a few feet below the N edge of the summit.\u00a0 Lupe curled up on SPHP’s lap, and kindly granted permission to pet and praise her.<\/p>\n

In a pale blue Yukon sky, cotton ball clouds sailed overhead.\u00a0 Facing N, Windy Pass was out of sight beyond a curve in the valley below, but both summits of Windy Pass Peak<\/span><\/a> (5,249 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> were in view.\u00a0 Nearly the entire long ridge route Lupe had taken to get here was, too.\u00a0 Remote, unspoiled mountains stretched away to the horizon.\u00a0 Few appeared to be as high as Distincta Peak where Lupe was right now.<\/p>\n

However, that big light grey ridge off to the L was an exception.\u00a0 Peak<\/span> 5906<\/span><\/a><\/strong> was<\/em> a bit higher, and wasn’t very far off now, either.\u00a0 With no rain showers in sight, the American Dingo simply had to visit it, too!\u00a0 In fact, having come this far, Peak 5906 was by now probably the quickest way back to the G6.\u00a0 No rush on that yet, though.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Though Windy Pass is out of sight to the L, Windy Pass Peak<\/strong> (L) is brightly lit near the far end of the valley leading to it. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Since Peak 5906<\/span><\/strong> was so close, Lupe simply had to visit it, too! Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking NW with lots of help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A fabulous half hour shot by.\u00a0 One more peak to go!<\/p>\n

The trek down Distincta Peak’s NW face was nearly as steep as coming up from the E had been.\u00a0 Surprisingly large rocks were prone to shifting unexpectedly, making progress trickier than it looked.\u00a0 Lupe had plenty of time to sniff around while SPHP lost the 350 feet of elevation required to get down to the saddle leading to Peak 5906.<\/p>\n

Of course, Loop immediately had to regain all that lost elevation and more, before getting to where the S shoulder of Peak 5906 leveled out.\u00a0 The true summit was still some distance away at the opposite far N end, but the rest was easy.\u00a0 The views were spectacular during the relaxing trek along the massive ridge, on a journey only sweetened by obviously guaranteed success.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Distincta Peak<\/strong> (R) from the S end of Peak 5906<\/span><\/strong>. The microwave tower on High Point 5371<\/span><\/strong> (L) is in sight, too. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The spectacular easy trek to the true summit of Peak 5906<\/span><\/strong> (R) is a joyous formality from here! Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At Center is the high point along Distincta Peak’s SW ridge. Chapman Lake<\/strong> is just to the R. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the true summit. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Near the E edge of the mountain, a modest cairn sat at the true summit of Peak 5906.\u00a0 Fields of light gray stones sloped gradually away in all other directions.\u00a0 Bits and pieces of humanity’s junk were strewn around nearby – cables, wires, metal rods, bolts, a rotten rope.\u00a0 SPHP stuffed as much of this trash into the backpack as possible for disposal later on.<\/p>\n

Lupe stood near the cairn.\u00a0 This was a dream come true!\u00a0 Windy Pass Peak, Distincta Peak, and now even Peak 5906<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/strong> – way up here in the Yukon, N of Tombstone Territorial Park, the Carolina Dog had actually made it to them all!\u00a0 An undeniable moment of joy and glory.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe at the true summit of<\/strong> Peak 5906<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The weather seemed to be changing.\u00a0 Not drastically, but something to keep an eye on.\u00a0 The wind had shifted slightly, and was now out of the SW.\u00a0 Made no difference.\u00a0 Nowhere to escape it up here, anyway.\u00a0 More concerning, some clouds were starting to look darker.\u00a0 A distant line of showers was drifting this way, and others were developing to the NW.<\/p>\n

Lupe wanted to curl up on SPHP’s lap again.\u00a0 Of course, sweet Dingo!<\/em>\u00a0 SPHP sat facing away from the wind, while Loop settled in.<\/p>\n

What an incredible scene!\u00a0 The Yukon – a seemingly endless expanse, all of it mountainous, a sea of desolate, unexplored peaks.\u00a0 Only a chosen distant few appeared to be any higher than Peak 5906.\u00a0 No enormous, towering, monstrous crags in any direction, but the overall effect was deeply moving.<\/p>\n

So amazingly beautiful and untouched!\u00a0 It was like gazing upon a world none had ever seen before.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Windy Pass Peak<\/strong> in the foreground (N summit on the L, S summit on the R) from Peak 5906<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks NE with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

SPHP sat mesmerized.\u00a0 Loop rested completely content, a sublime half hour ticking away right there on SPHP’s lap.\u00a0 Dark clouds swept by, but the rain showers never arrived.\u00a0 Lucky!\u00a0 The weather was holding up just fine.<\/p>\n

Eventually, though, the time came to move around a bit.\u00a0 The summit area was so large that it was necessary to get closer to the various edges, in order to see as much as possible.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The microwave tower on High Point 5371<\/span><\/strong> (R of Center) from Peak 5906’s summit. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Along the E edge looking back at the long ridge Lupe had followed to reach the summit. Distincta Peak<\/strong> on the L. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Near the N edge now. On the way back to the G6, Lupe would take the big ridge seen on the R. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Part of Peak 5906’s long NW ridge (Center). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking S again.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A fraction of the huge summit area. Loop next to the summit cairn. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
American Dingoes are seldom seen on Peak 5906<\/span><\/strong>, but here’s one now!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Can’t get enough! Another look at the NW ridge and beyond. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After traipsing back and forth all over the summit, Lupe returned to the cairn one last time.\u00a0 She had been on Peak 5906 for more than an hour.\u00a0 Although plenty of daylight remained, and the Carolina Dog intended to take a shortcut back to the highway, she still had a long way to go.<\/p>\n

SPHP enthusiastically congratulated the Most High Exalted Dingo of the Arctic Sisterhood, and praised her for her grand peakbagging successes on this fabulous day.\u00a0 And then, after a last look around from glorious Peak 5906, Loop headed N.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Final moments by the summit cairn. Photo looks SE with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Last look back at High Point 5371<\/span><\/strong> (L) and Distincta Peak<\/strong> (R), both in the foreground. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Loop ready to head down. Exploring new territory, she would follow the big ridge in the foreground. Windy Pass Peak’s true summit<\/strong> is in sunlight on the R. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

No more peaks to climb, but the fun wasn’t over yet.\u00a0 Lupe had a grand time on the way back.\u00a0 This was still all new territory, downhill practically all the way, on easy terrain where the wind wasn’t blowing nearly as hard as higher up.\u00a0 The views remained tremendous.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking back S from the N ridge. Peak 5960<\/span><\/strong> (Center) and Distincta Peak<\/strong> (L).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A little more than halfway back, Lupe came to rock formations at the E end of a high point.\u00a0 Nearby, Peak 5906’s N ridge split in two.\u00a0 Since it was the most direct route to Windy Pass, Lupe took the NE prong.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading down the N ridge, which divides into two parts on the far side of the big area in sunlight. From the rock formations seen at the R end, Loop continued down toward the R. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Loop reaches the rock formations. Windy Pass<\/strong> is down by the Dalton Highway on the R. At far R is the start of the ridge to Windy Pass Peak. Loop continued on to the high point on the L before traveling R down the ridge seen directly beyond her. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking back from the top of the rock formations. Peak 5906<\/span><\/strong> at Center. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The Dalton Highway from near the end of the NE prong. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The American Dingo still had a lot of elevation to lose when she reached the end of the NE prong.\u00a0 No choice, but to make a long, steep descent.\u00a0 As usual, this was no big deal for Loop.\u00a0 She roamed and sniffed, while SPHP slowly picked a way down all the steep, loose rock.<\/p>\n

Windy Pass was in sight the whole time.\u00a0 Getting there was taking forever, but it wasn’t far away now.\u00a0 Yet one potential obstacle remained.\u00a0 Lupe would have to cross the creek flowing out of the valley to the E to get back to the road.\u00a0 SPHP had plenty of time to fret about this during the long descent.\u00a0 What if it couldn’t be done?<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Starting the steep descent to Windy Pass (R).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Fortunately, at mid-August the creek turned out to be an easy rock hop.\u00a0 A quick, squishy, spongy march up a tundra slope to the stunted forest near the Dalton Highway was all that remained.<\/p>\n

What a day!\u00a0 Couldn’t have turned out any better.\u00a0 Loop had made the big loop, clear around from Windy Pass Peak to Distincta Peak, on to Peak 5906, and back down the long N ridge.\u00a0 Exactly as hoped, though prospects for success had seemed dim when originally conceived.\u00a0 A magnificent Yukon dream come true!\u00a0 (8:02 PM, 50\u00b0F)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 5906, Ogilvie Mountains, Yukon Territory, Canada 8-16-18<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

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

The Dempster Highway Travelogue Guide<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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

Days 12 & 13 of Lupe’s 2018 Dingo Vacation to the Yukon, Northwest Territories & Alaska! 8-15-18, 6:00 AM, 42\u00b0F at the Mount Haldane trailhead two miles N of the Silver Trail – Looked like rain, darkly overcast without a speck of blue.\u00a0 Lupe had gotten lucky climbing Mount Haldane (6,032 ft.) yesterday.\u00a0 The situation … Continue reading Windy Pass Peak, Distincta Peak & Peak 5906, Yukon Territory, Canada (8-16-18)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":20701,"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":[105,30,106,1083,26,1081,104,1082,964,1080,708],"class_list":["post-20732","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-2018-yukon-northwest-territiories-alaska","tag-american-dingo","tag-canada","tag-carolina-dog","tag-dempster-highway","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-distincta-peak","tag-lupe","tag-peak-5906","tag-tombstone-territorial-park","tag-windy-pass-peak","tag-yukon"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/IMG_0803.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\/20732","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=20732"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20732\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":22498,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20732\/revisions\/22498"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/20701"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=20732"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=20732"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=20732"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}