{"id":28127,"date":"2020-07-04T08:10:51","date_gmt":"2020-07-04T14:10:51","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=28127"},"modified":"2020-11-20T09:37:08","modified_gmt":"2020-11-20T16:37:08","slug":"black-hills-wy-expedition-no-255-missouri-buttes-a-visit-with-dave-covill-lead-director-of-the-highpointers-foundation-5-27-20","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=28127","title":{"rendered":"Black Hills, WY Expedition No. 255: Missouri Buttes & A Visit With Dave Covill, Lead Director of the Highpointers Foundation (5-27-20)"},"content":{"rendered":"

5-25-20 –\u00a0 Lucky Dingo!\u00a0 You’ve been granted a reprieve.<\/em><\/p>\n

I have?\u00a0 That’s good!\u00a0 A reprieve from what, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

All this endless boredom laying around.\u00a0 Apparently you’ve served your 6 month sentence.\u00a0 Adventure is heading your way!\u00a0 Remember Dave Covill<\/strong><\/span><\/a> and your Mighty Dingo Missile Launch<\/strong><\/span><\/a>?<\/em><\/p>\n

How could I ever forget that?\u00a0 I was sore for a week!<\/em><\/p>\n

You’re lucky you weren’t crippled for life!\u00a0 Anyway, Dave is<\/em> coming up from Colorado in a couple of days to climb Devils Tower<\/span><\/a> (5,112 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 Says here he might have time to meet with us.<\/em><\/p>\n

Devils Tower!\u00a0 That’s straight up and down!\u00a0 No one can climb that!<\/em><\/p>\n

Actually, it is possible with the right equipment and skills, Loop.<\/em><\/p>\n

Or a helicopter!<\/em><\/p>\n

Hah!\u00a0 Yeah, that’s the only way we’d ever get up there!\u00a0 Don’t worry, we aren’t going to try to keep up with Dave.\u00a0 Last year his first little starter peak was Aconcagua<\/span><\/a> (22,841 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, the high point of South America!
\n<\/em><\/p>\n

5-27-20, 12:45 PM, Wyoming Hwy 24 – We’re almost there, SPHP!\u00a0 There’s Devils Tower and the Missouri Buttes<\/span><\/a> (5,374 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, too.\u00a0 Can we stop and take a look from here?<\/em><\/p>\n

Sure thing, Loopster!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"
Great to be back in Wyoming! There’s Devils Tower<\/strong> (R), and Missouri Buttes<\/strong> (L).<\/em> Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At 1:02 PM, Lupe arrived at the Devils Tower Trading Post<\/span><\/strong><\/a>.\u00a0 Dave was supposed to meet her here once he finished his final training session with his guide.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Dave won’t be free for another hour yet, so let’s have a look around!<\/em> Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Mr. Covill’s been training on Devils Tower<\/strong> yesterday afternoon, and again today. Maybe he’s somewhere on the lower part right now?<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
I don’t see him, though. Maybe he’s already down, or on another side of the mountain?<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
The entrance to America’s first national monument is right next to the trading post and the Devils Tower KOA campground<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
This sign at the KOA depicts an Indian legend<\/strong><\/span><\/a> about how Devils Tower came to be.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Dave finally showed up a little before 2:30 PM.\u00a0 He was pleased with how quickly he had bonded with his guide, and the quality of training.\u00a0 Despite Dave’s decades of peakbagging experience, Devils Tower was a tough and unique challenge!\u00a0 One of his knees was scraped up and swollen, but he still intended to climb the mountain tomorrow.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Dave Covill<\/strong>, Lead Director of the Highpointers Foundation with Loop at the trading post.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Dave had a few hours to burn with Lupe, so what to do?\u00a0 Two options!\u00a0 First was a visit to Warren Peaks<\/span><\/a> (6,650 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, the high point of the Bear Lodge mountains.\u00a0 Warren Peaks was easy.\u00a0 A USFS road went all the way to the fire lookout tower on top, so it was just a drive up.\u00a0 The other option was to climb Missouri Buttes, which would take a few hours.<\/p>\n

After a very early start on the long drive up from Colorado yesterday morning followed by two rigorous training sessions on Devils Tower, and faced with the prospect of climbing it tomorrow, Warren Peaks sounded like the sensible choice to Dave.\u00a0 He jumped in the G6 with Lupe and SPHP.<\/p>\n

On the way to Warren Peaks, SPHP naturally asked about Dave’s trip to Aconcagua, and also his return to Alaska in August, 2019 for a second attempt on Mount Isto<\/span><\/a> (8,976 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, the high point of the Brooks Range.\u00a0 Both were gripping tales.<\/p>\n

(Dave’s Aconcagua trip report<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, Greg Slayden’s Mount Isto trip report<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.\u00a0 Their mutual friend Edward Earl<\/strong><\/span><\/a> had drowned in the Jago River during a first trip to Mount Isto in June, 2015.)<\/em><\/p>\n

Shortly before reaching Warren Peaks, SPHP parked on a hill expecting a view of Devils Tower, but only the Missouri Buttes were in sight.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Warren Peaks area. Missouri Buttes<\/strong> (L of Center) in the distance. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It was surprisingly cool up at Warren Peaks.\u00a0 A massive cloud hung over the region hiding the view of the Black Hills way over in South Dakota.\u00a0 Dave climbed the fire lookout tower as far as it was possible to go, but access to the platform around the ranger’s quarters was locked.\u00a0 Not to be outdone, even Lupe climbed the tower, which she doesn’t normally like to do.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Dave and Lupe near the Warren Peaks lookout tower<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
The Black Hills of South Dakota were hidden by a cloud. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

During the return to Devils Tower, SPHP took the paved roads, a longer route, so Dave could get a look at the town of Sundance.<\/p>\n

Shhh!\u00a0 Quit talking, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

Hmm?\u00a0 What, Loop?<\/em><\/p>\n

Be quiet!\u00a0 You’ve put Dave to sleep.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh!\u00a0 Umm, yeah.\u00a0 I often have that affect on people, don’t I, Looper?\u00a0 Guess I’ve got quite a soothing personality.<\/em><\/p>\n

I suppose that’s one way of putting it.<\/em><\/p>\n

Back at Devils Tower, Dave introduced Lupe and SPHP to a couple of climbing guides he’d met who happened to come along, then he had other business to attend to.\u00a0 The first of 3 more friends that were going to climb Devils Tower with him was due in this evening.\u00a0 So that was it for now, although Dave said he might be free again in a couple of days.<\/p>\n

5-27-20, 4:50 PM, Devils Tower Trading Post<\/em> –<\/p>\n

Fun seeing Dave again, wasn’t it, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Sure was, Loopster.\u00a0 Mighty nice of him to want to include us in his plans.<\/em><\/p>\n

So what now?\u00a0 Are we just going home?<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, I don’t know.\u00a0 Not even 5:00 PM yet.\u00a0 We still have permission from the Nuckolls to climb Missouri Buttes.\u00a0 I think there’s still time.\u00a0 Want to do that?<\/em><\/p>\n

Absolutely!\u00a0 Let’s go for it!<\/em><\/p>\n

From Devils Tower, the entrance to the Nuckolls Ranch was a few miles N on Hwy 24, then another mile N and 4 miles W on Barlow Canyon Road.<\/p>\n

\"\"
At the turn off Barlow Canyon Road into the Nuckolls Ranch<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Of the 4 main Missouri Buttes, the 2 highest are on the privately owned Nuckolls Ranch.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As instructed while getting permission from Will Nuckolls to enter the ranch in order to visit the Missouri Buttes, SPHP drove S past 2 homes and a number of outbuildings, ultimately parking the G6 beyond them nearly 1.5 miles S of Barlow Canyon Road.<\/p>\n

A pickup truck full of Nuckolls driven by family matriarch, Thea Nuckolls, appeared within minutes.\u00a0 Lupe was several hours later than SPHP had told them to expect her, but that wasn’t a problem.\u00a0 A friendly conversation, and they were on their way.<\/p>\n

Lupe was too!\u00a0 She struck out for the Missouri Buttes following a dirt ranch road S.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Come on! The NE Missouri Butte is only 1.5 miles away!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The road curved slightly to the R as it went up a mostly forested valley.\u00a0 Lupe quickly came to an old water tank.\u00a0 The main road curved sharply R (NW) here, but the Carolina Dog continued SSW past the water tank a short distance into a more open part of the valley.\u00a0 Within a few hundred feet, the valley branched.\u00a0 Loop took the R (SW) branch instead of going straight ahead.<\/p>\n

\"\"
We’re not far beyond the water tank now. The valley divides here. We’ll take the branch to the R. <\/em>Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After just a few minutes, Lupe turned S entering the forest and starting to climb.\u00a0 The remnant of a road curved L around to a clearing on the E side of hill.\u00a0 This looked like a good spot to leave the valley.\u00a0 A quick romp up the hill got Looper up to a narrow, gently rounded ridge.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Starting up the hill. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Up on the ridgeline. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
View from the ridge. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Following the ridgeline SSW, the Carolina Dog continued to gain a little elevation.\u00a0 However, that didn’t last long.\u00a0 The ridge soon leveled out as it widened out.\u00a0 Lupe passed through an open forest.\u00a0 A few minutes got her beyond the pines.\u00a0 She was now on a broad plateau with a fenced field just ahead.\u00a0 Well beyond the field stood the NW Missouri Butte<\/strong><\/span><\/a> (5,374 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, the highest one of all.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Thar she blows! That’s the NW Missouri Butte<\/strong>, our primary objective!<\/em> Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Without entering the big field, Lupe followed the fence line L (SE).\u00a0 Along the way she went through another section of open woods.\u00a0 Almost at the end, she crossed a little ravine before ducking under a fence.\u00a0 Loopster wasn’t far at all from the NE Missouri Butte<\/span><\/a> (5,212 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> now.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Approaching the NE Missouri Butte<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Since it was getting late in the day, and climbing the higher NW butte was top priority, Lupe turned WSW heading for it instead.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Heading for the NW butte<\/strong> (R). Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
We’re almost there!<\/em> Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe soon reached a stock pond at the base of the NW Missouri Butte.\u00a0 Looking at the mountain from here, a large patch of orange lichens was visible near the top of the N face.<\/p>\n

\"\"
By the stock pond just N of the NW Missouri Butte. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
NW Missouri Butte<\/strong> from the pond. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The American Dingo had been here once before.\u00a0 In November 2016, back when J.W. Nuckolls<\/span><\/strong><\/a> was still alive, he had told SPHP the best way up the mountain.<\/p>\n

The gist of it is this:\u00a0 Climb the talus slope to the base of the rock wall on the N face just below the orange lichens.\u00a0 From there go L (E) following a steep ramp of vegetation higher.\u00a0 At the top of the ramp, a short trail wraps around to the E side where it goes 40 or 50 feet to a spot where it’s easy to clamber up onto the lower E end of the summit.\u00a0 A short walk through junipers and cacti goes past a small tower to the true summit near the W end.<\/p>\n

\"\"
N face of the NW Butte<\/strong>. Best route – get as close to the orange lichens (Center) as possible, then follow the vegetation steeply up to the L. Photo looks S with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
The NE Missouri Butte<\/strong> (R) from above the pond. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Part of the talus could be avoided by staying to the NW close to a fence line, so that’s what Lupe did.\u00a0 As it turned out, she could have avoided even more talus if she’d actually crossed the fence.\u00a0 Not really a big deal, though, either way.\u00a0 Soon the Carolina Dog was on the rocks.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Here we go! We’ll head toward the L from here, climbing all the way.<\/em> Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Even though SPHP knew the best route, Lupe didn’t go quite far enough L (E) to come up below the orange lichens.\u00a0 She wound up in a wide NW chute that was so steep SPHP almost felt compelled to retreat to correct the error.<\/p>\n

\"\"
In a steep, rocky chute on the NW flank. That’s the summit just above! Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Certainly not the best route, but the super steep part at the uppermost end of the chute went only 10 or 15 feet higher.\u00a0 Without assistance, the Carolina Dog quickly scrambled to the top.\u00a0 She’d come up right at the true summit rock!<\/p>\n

\"\"
Whew! That last bit was a little scary!<\/em> Lupe at the true summit<\/strong> of the highest (NW) Missouri Butte<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A Missouri Butte survey benchmark No. 2 was visible along the W edge 10 or 15 feet from the true summit.<\/p>\n

\"\"
The survey benchmark is the bright spot near the big rock at far L. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Survey benchmark No. 2<\/strong>. No attempt was made to find any others.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Loopster at the true summit of Missouri Buttes<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

5-27-20, 6:54 PM, 57\u00baF<\/em> – Such a gorgeous evening!\u00a0 The views from the NW Missouri Butte were tremendous.\u00a0 Off to the W, Lupe could see a huge expanse of flatlands dotted with ponds gleaming in the sunlight.\u00a0 To the N were pine-covered ridges, but nothing nearly as high as where the Carolina Dog was now.<\/p>\n

Just as in 2016, the summit region harbored lots of cacti.\u00a0 Lupe was aware of it, and didn’t want to move around much.\u00a0 Between all the rocks and cacti, she had a hard time finding a comfortable spot, but did finally settle down for a while.\u00a0 A light breeze blew out of the W.\u00a0 Loop and SPHP shared several small chocolate coconut granola bars.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Taking it easy on Missouri Buttes<\/strong>. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A pleasant half hour drifted by.\u00a0 Unfortunately, the sun wouldn’t be up an awful lot longer.\u00a0 Since Loopster still hoped to climb the NE Missouri Butte, it was time to get going.\u00a0 Lupe returned briefly to the summit rock.<\/p>\n

\"\"
A shame Dave was too tired to join us here. I think he might have liked Missouri Buttes<\/strong>!<\/em> Final moments on the summit rock. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The NW butte’s summit region was a fairly large area.\u00a0 Juniper bushes hid the views to the E and S from the true summit.\u00a0 Before departing, it would be fun to see the two lowest Missouri Buttes and Missouri Butte Lake, which were all toward the S.\u00a0 Due to all the cacti, SPHP carried Lupe more than 100 feet to the lower SW edge.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Missouri Butte Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
The 2 lowest Missouri Buttes. SE Butte<\/strong> (L) and SW Butte<\/strong> (R). Both are over 5,000 ft. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Loop near the SW end of the summit region. Photo looks NNE back toward the top.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After a good look around from the SW end, SPHP subsequently had to cart the American Dingo back up to the summit.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Enjoying a few more moments at the top while SPHP takes a breather. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

No more dilly-dallying!\u00a0 SPHP lugged the Carolina Dog to the E end of the summit.\u00a0 This was even farther, a good 200 or 300 feet.\u00a0 The view to the SE was certainly worth it!\u00a0 Devils Tower<\/span><\/a> (5,112 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was in sight.\u00a0 Lupe got to see the top of Devils Tower before Dave Covill did, albeit from more than 3.5 miles away.<\/p>\n

The NE Missouri Butte<\/span><\/a> (5,212 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was also in sight much closer at paw.\u00a0 Might still be time enough to climb it, if Loop hurried!<\/p>\n

\"\"
NE Missouri Butte<\/strong> (L) and Devil’s Tower<\/strong> (R). Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Devils Tower<\/strong>. The high point on the horizon is Warren Peaks<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Lupe could see the top of Devils Tower<\/strong> without having to scale that scary overgrown tree stump!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Lovely, but we better get with it and hurry over to the NE Missouri Butte<\/strong>!<\/em> Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

During the descent, Lupe took the slightly longer, but much safer route originally recommended by Mr. Nuckolls.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Loopster where the faint trail reaches the E end of the summit region. The trail extends toward the camera. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
At the NE pass. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
The N face from the pass. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Coming down the steep ramp. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Descending the talus slope. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It took a while to get down.\u00a0 By the time Lupe was approaching the W end of the NE Missouri Butte, the sun was on the horizon.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Approaching the NE Missouri Butte<\/strong>. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Looking back. The NW Missouri Butte<\/strong> at sunset. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Sunset in Wyoming.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The climb up the W end of the NE Butte was fairly steep, but nothing like the NW Butte had been.\u00a0 Just a matter of how quickly SPHP could do it.\u00a0 Once the terrain began to level out, Lupe roamed E in open forest.\u00a0 The true summit was one of a couple of good-sized rocks near the far E end.\u00a0 Light was fading fast by the time the Carolina Dog got there.<\/p>\n

SPHP was glad to see that the old thin cross that had been here during Lupe’s first ascent more than 3.5 years ago was still standing.\u00a0 Of course, the big attraction was the view of Devils Tower, which was 0.5 mile closer here than back at the NW Butte.<\/p>\n

\"\"
At the first of the two highest rocks. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
We’re 0.5 mile closer to Devils Tower<\/strong> (L) here.<\/em> Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Made it just in time! The camera is still doing a good job of brightening the scene up in low light conditions.<\/em> Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Sweet view of Devils Tower!<\/strong> Hope you’ve enjoyed this tour of the Missouri Buttes!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Sadly, 5 minutes at the top was it.\u00a0 Getting pretty dark now.\u00a0 Lupe left the summit of the NE Butte.\u00a0 The flashlight had to come out before she was even completely down off the mountain.\u00a0 As stars began twinkling in the evening sky, Loop and SPHP headed back to the G6.\u00a0 Between seeing Dave Covill and visiting the Missouri Buttes, it had been a memorable day!\u00a0 (10:06 PM, 44\u00baF)<\/em><\/p>\n

5-31-20, 8:52 AM, 68\u00baF, Sylvan Lake in Custer State Park, SD<\/em> – Turned out the fun Dave Covill had initiated wasn’t over!\u00a0 After a successful ascent of Devils Tower with 3 of his buddies, Dave came down to the Black Hills in South Dakota.\u00a0 As Lead Director of the Highpointers Foundation, he had business to attend to inspecting the installation of a beautiful bench along Trail No. 4 in the the Black Elk Wilderness<\/strong><\/a><\/span>.\u00a0 Dave kindly invited Lupe and SPHP to come along.<\/p>\n

The plan was to go from Sylvan Lake up Trail No. 9, which went past an older, similar bench also provided by the Highpointers Foundation.\u00a0 From there Lupe would get to summit Black Elk Peak<\/span><\/a> (7,242 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> before making a loop back along Trail No. 4.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Dave Covill and Lupe at the first bench along Trail No. 9.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Black Elk Peak<\/strong> (R of Center in the distance) from the viewpoint close to the first bench. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
At the only creek crossing along Trail No. 9.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Everything went as planned.\u00a0 An hour later Lupe was approaching the old fire lookout tower on Black Elk Peak, the highest mountain in South Dakota.\u00a0 The Highpointers Foundation had helped pay for restoration work, including new windows in the top of the tower.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Practically to the top now! Those are the Cathedral Spires<\/span><\/a> (6,840 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (L) and Little Devils Tower<\/span><\/a> (6,960 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> is the big knob seen just L of my head.<\/em> Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Approaching the old fire lookout tower on Black Elk Peak<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
On the rock wall around the lookout tower’s viewing deck. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Dave maintained that the highest natural point on Black Elk Peak was just outside the N wall of the lookout tower.\u00a0 Since the Highpointers Foundation is dedicated to education, support, and conservation of the highest point in each of the 50 U.S. states, Lupe figured Dave ought to know.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog made the little scramble up to it.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Looper at South Dakota’s natural high point<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Black Elk Peak wasn’t crowded, but it was busy.\u00a0 A nice 25 minute stay, and it was time to let others enjoy a bit more serenity.\u00a0 Besides, Dave needed to get over to that new bench along Trail No. 4!<\/p>\n

\"\"
As South Dakota’s high point, Black Elk Peak<\/strong> is one of the most popular hikes in the Black Hills! Guess we’re about to head out again now.<\/em> Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Heading down the metal stairway that used to freak Lupe out. After 9 ascents, she’s fine with it now. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Trail No. 4 passes between the Cathedral Spires<\/span><\/a> (6840 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Little Devils Tower<\/span><\/a> (6,960 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 At a point with a view of Black Elk Peak a mile to the N, Lupe came to the beautiful new bench donated by the Maura and Karen Raffensperger families and the Highpointers Foundation in memory of Grace Underwood Raffensperger.\u00a0 Many years ago, Grace had homesteaded in the Black Hills.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Lupe tests out the lovely new Grace Raffensperger bench<\/strong> along Trail No. 4.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
The Cathedral Spires<\/strong> are this close to the Raffensperger bench!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

5-31-20, 1:12 PM, 80\u00baF, Sylvan Lake<\/em> – Back at Sylvan Lake, it was time for good-byes.\u00a0 Dave had to hit the road home to Colorado, and was soon on his way.<\/p>\n

Last day of May already!\u00a0 Thanks to Dave’s visit, Lupe had finally gotten her 2020 mountain adventures off to a good, but much delayed start.\u00a0 With June just hours away, the Carolina Dog once again had high hopes for a spectacular Summer of 2020!<\/p>\n

\"\"
With Dave Covill<\/strong> at the Raffensperger bench<\/strong> along Trail No. 4, Black Elk Wilderness<\/strong>, South Dakota 5-31-20<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Dave Covill<\/strong><\/span><\/a> (L) on Devils Tower<\/strong> 5-29-20 with friends Justin Schaffer<\/strong> (L), Stephen Henry<\/strong> (R) in back, and Sheryl Lampert<\/strong> in front. Guide Lansdon Alcorn<\/strong> (far R). Missouri Buttes in the distance.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

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

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 181 – Missouri Buttes, WY (11-6-16)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Highpointers Foundation<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Nuckolls Ranch on Facebook<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Devils Tower National Monument<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

The Legend of Devils Tower<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Climb Devils Tower!<\/span> – Devils Tower Lodge<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Want more Lupe adventures?\u00a0 Check out Lupe’s <\/strong>Black Hills, SD & W<\/strong>Y\u00a0Expeditions\u00a0Adventure Index<\/span><\/strong><\/a>, <\/em>Master Adventure Index<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/a>, or subscribe free to new Lupe adventures<\/span><\/strong><\/a>!<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

5-25-20 –\u00a0 Lucky Dingo!\u00a0 You’ve been granted a reprieve. I have?\u00a0 That’s good!\u00a0 A reprieve from what, SPHP? All this endless boredom laying around.\u00a0 Apparently you’ve served your 6 month sentence.\u00a0 Adventure is heading your way!\u00a0 Remember Dave Covill and your Mighty Dingo Missile Launch? How could I ever forget that?\u00a0 I was sore for … Continue reading Black Hills, WY Expedition No. 255: Missouri Buttes & A Visit With Dave Covill, Lead Director of the Highpointers Foundation (5-27-20)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":28106,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","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":[6],"tags":[105,838,106,987,420,988,104,714,11,1283,304,155,275],"class_list":["post-28127","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-black-hills","tag-american-dingo","tag-black-elk-peak","tag-carolina-dog","tag-dave-covill","tag-devils-tower","tag-highpointers-foundation","tag-lupe","tag-missouri-buttes","tag-peakbagging","tag-raffensperger-bench","tag-south-dakota","tag-warren-peaks","tag-wyoming"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/IMG_6498.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\/28127","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=28127"}],"version-history":[{"count":35,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28127\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":29834,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28127\/revisions\/29834"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/28106"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=28127"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=28127"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=28127"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}