{"id":30961,"date":"2021-02-28T08:10:21","date_gmt":"2021-02-28T15:10:21","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=30961"},"modified":"2021-03-10T08:29:14","modified_gmt":"2021-03-10T15:29:14","slug":"west-butte-of-the-sweetgrass-hills-montana-8-17-20","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=30961","title":{"rendered":"West Butte of the Sweetgrass Hills, Montana (8-17-20)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Days 12 & 13 of Lupe’s 3rd Summer of 2020 Dingo Vacation to Wyoming & Montana!<\/em><\/p>\n

8-16-20, early morning, W Fork of the Bitterroot River<\/em> – Lupe streaked by, a newly-prized stick clenched in her teeth, dodging, weaving, returning again and again, defying SPHP to catch her while showing off just how fast and agile she was.<\/p>\n

At least someone’s recovered from Trapper Peak<\/span><\/a> (10,157 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>!<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, c’mon!\u00a0 Aren’t you even going to try to catch me, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Sure!\u00a0 As soon as my paws aren’t sore.\u00a0 Won’t win then, either, but at least I’ll be able to move.\u00a0 Till then, that fabulous stick is all yours, Loopster!<\/em><\/p>\n

Clearly disappointed, perhaps disgusted, the Carolina Dog dropped the stick.<\/p>\n

Phooey!\u00a0 You’re no fun, SPHP!\u00a0 When are your paws going to toughen up?\u00a0 You’re always whining about them these days.<\/em><\/p>\n

As soon as these boots are broken in, I’ll be fine again.<\/em><\/p>\n

Think those boots are breaking in your paws in instead.<\/em><\/p>\n

Heh.\u00a0 It’s been a slow process, that’s for sure.\u00a0 C’mon, I’m going to soak my paws in the river for a little bit before we head out.\u00a0 Numb sounds good.\u00a0 Maybe that squirrel that was here yesterday is still around?<\/em><\/p>\n

The mere mention of “squirrel” and Lupe was racing off to check out those trees over by the river access point.\u00a0 Sadly, no luck.\u00a0 The squirrel must have been sleeping in.\u00a0 The river was beautiful, though, and the soaking did SPHP’s paws a lot of good.\u00a0 Happily, those paws didn’t look nearly as bad as they’d felt.<\/p>\n

8-16-20, 10:12 AM, Hwy 200, Clearwater River<\/em> –<\/p>\n

Montana sure has a lot of beautiful rivers, doesn’t it, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

This part certainly does, Loop!\u00a0 Getting to be big fans of all these nice river access points, aren’t we?<\/em><\/p>\n

They do help break up the trip!\u00a0 By the way, where are we going, anyway?<\/em><\/p>\n

West Butte<\/span><\/a> (6,983 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> of the Sweetgrass Hills, Looper!\u00a0 Remember those big hills we always see off in the distance E of I-15 when we’re on the way to Canada?<\/em><\/p>\n

The ones you’re always wondering whether they are in the United States or Canada?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yup.\u00a0 Those hills.\u00a0 Well, it turns out they are in the US.\u00a0 West Butte is the highest one, so guess what, Lucky Dingo?\u00a0 You’re going to get to climb it, if we can figure out the access situation.<\/em><\/p>\n

Are we going to Canada, too?<\/em><\/p>\n

Unfortunately, no.\u00a0 Not this year.\u00a0 Crying shame, but the border is closed.\u00a0 West Butte is so close to Canada, though, that you’re going to get to see it!<\/em><\/p>\n

Not quite the same, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

I know.\u00a0 Not the same at all.\u00a0 Sorry ’bout that, but it’s the best we can do in the Year of Perfect Vision.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Enjoying a romp along the Clearwater River<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Montana not only had lovely rivers with great access points to explore, but dinosaurs, too!\u00a0 In Choteau, Lupe visited a snazzy pink one.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Dingoes & Dinosaurs! What more could you want?<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

3:20 PM, Hwy 343 at Oilmont<\/em> – Coming down out of the big mountains had been a mistake.\u00a0 Hotter ‘n blazes on the prairie!\u00a0 Lupe parted leaping billows of the Grasshopper Sea as she sniffed her way up a little rise at the E end of what more or less amounted to the ghost town of Oilmont.<\/p>\n

Miles across the parched golden fields of August, the Sweetgrass Hills were in sight, stretched out in 3 isolated groups like American sentries guarding against unexpected invasion from Canada.<\/p>\n

West Butte<\/span><\/a> (6983 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was closest to both Oilmont and Canada, and had the support of lower hills to the NW.\u00a0 Nearly 20 miles ESE of West Butte, stood the similar, only slightly lower East Butte group containing both Mount Royal<\/span><\/a> (6,914 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Mount Brown<\/span><\/a> (6,958 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 Between these strongholds, the lone cone of Gold Butte<\/span><\/a> (6,512 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> held the otherwise undefended center of the line.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
West Butte<\/strong> from Hwy 343 near Oilmont. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Gold Butte<\/strong> (L), Mount Brown<\/strong> (Center) and Mount Royal<\/strong> (R). Photo looks ENE with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Driving E from Oilmont, the search for decent West Butte access began.\u00a0 Supposed to be available from the SW.\u00a0 12 miles E of I-15 came a L (N) turn off the pavement onto Suphellan Road, a good, wide gravel road.\u00a0 Miles of dust, but after a few minor jogs and a couple of intersections, Lupe was getting close.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
West Butte<\/strong> from Nine Mile Road. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

By now, Suphellan Road had led into Nine Mile Road, which worked it’s way NE.\u00a0 West Butte’s lower SW slopes were only 0.5 mile away when a junction was reached with Coal Mine Road.\u00a0 Private property here, but further investigation revealed a little blue sign 0.1 mile E.<\/p>\n

Bingo!\u00a0 Dingo!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the intersection of Nine Mile Road and Coal Mine Road. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Gold Butte<\/strong> from the N side of Coal Mine Road 0.1 mile E of the junction with Nine Mile Road. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Official public access confirmation!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Farther E, Coal Mine Road led to a private ranch.\u00a0 Turning back around and exploring it W, the road dipped into a draw containing a ford of a rocky creek that was almost dry now, but might be an issue during wet weather.\u00a0 Coal Mine Road continued NW, winding through some of the lower Sweetgrass Hills.\u00a0 Clearly, no better access from this direction.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
West Butte<\/strong> (R) and the Sweetgrass Hills<\/strong> from the WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

8-16-20, 5:55 PM, I-15 at Sunburst<\/em> – Still 96\u00baF!\u00a0 Full scale retreat was called for.\u00a0 Luxury was on the agenda, air-conditioned luxury all night long!\u00a0 The Carolina Dog sure didn’t object.\u00a0 The Comfort Inn<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, the finest motel in Shelby, was nearly vacant with the Covid-19 panic going on.\u00a0 Stretching out on the big soft bed, Lupe heaved a sigh of delight.\u00a0 SPHP enjoyed a swim in the small, unoccupied pool.\u00a0 Not another soul!\u00a0 Sort of like Loopster and SPHP owned the joint.<\/p>\n

Good thing, we don’t own it, Loop!\u00a0 Must be losing money hand over fist, if it’s this empty during tourist season!<\/em><\/p>\n

Star Wars!?\u00a0 Change the channel, SPHP!\u00a0 Maybe they’ve got Lassie or Rin Tin Tin?<\/em><\/p>\n

8-17-20, 10:26 AM, 81\u00baF, SW of West Butte<\/em> – SPHP parked the G6 a few hundred feet E of the junction of Nine Mile Road and Coal Mine Road.\u00a0 High clouds and hazy out.\u00a0 Plenty warm, but not sweltering, at least not yet.\u00a0 Lupe trotted a little farther E along Coal Mine Road to the blue sign before heading out into the flat field leading to West Butte.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Starting for West Butte<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Surprisingly, thankfully, no cactus.\u00a0 Looper crossed the Grasshopper Sea without encountering any.\u00a0 Entering a shallow drainage, she followed it higher until she was almost at the base of West Butte’s first big grassy slope.\u00a0 Leaving the drainage, up she went!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Down in the drainage. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Warm dry day, long steep slope, and a resulting bad case of big pink tongueitis.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The long grassy slope got pretty dang steep, but the Carolina Dog kept at it.\u00a0 Climbing hundreds of feet higher, she eventually reached a windswept tree that was 90% dead.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the windswept tree. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Sweetgrass Hills W of West Butte<\/strong> from near the windswept tree. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Not too far above this tree the rate of climb slowed a bit.\u00a0 Forests and rock fields prevalent on West Butte’s upper slopes were in sight again.\u00a0 Lupe kept heading for them.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Beyond the steepest part of the climb already. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Closing in on the trees. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Shortly before reaching the trees, Lupe came to the first rock slides.\u00a0 A path crossed these rocks angling up toward the NNE.\u00a0 Following this path higher, the rocks were loose and relatively small, yet still large enough to provide decent support.\u00a0 For such rocky terrain, this was easy going!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the first path below the forest. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Crossing the first big scree slope. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking back to the SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The path soon led into the trees.\u00a0 Overhead, the cloud cover was getting thinner.\u00a0 Patches of blue sky were beginning to appear, and the day was getting warmer.\u00a0 Enjoying the shade, Lupe and SPHP took a water break and a long breather.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Relaxing in the shade.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Resuming her climb, Loopster went right up the forested slope for a while, but eventually got far enough NNE to emerge from the trees again.\u00a0 More paths angled up another scree slope.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Out in the open again. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking up an unscathed scree slope the trail went by. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Another look back. Getting higher! Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The scree slopes went on and on.\u00a0 Numerous paths were available to choose from.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog passed through another smaller stretch of forest.\u00a0 After that, she came only to scattered trees or bushes.\u00a0 The higher Loop got, the rockier West Butte seemed to be.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Continuing higher. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Near the end. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For a long way, it was just more and more of the same sort of thing.\u00a0 Lupe followed whatever path seemed handiest up the scree.\u00a0 If anything, the slope of the mountain was getting steeper, but at last that changed.\u00a0 As the terrain began to level out, the rocks disappeared.\u00a0 Lupe reached a grassy slope.\u00a0 A band of trees was off to the N, but Loop turned E heading for the summit.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Almost there! Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

8-17-20, 1:17 PM, West Butte<\/em> – The top of West Butte<\/span><\/a> (6,983 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was a roomy plain, flat in the center, edges rounded in all directions.\u00a0 Toward the SE stood a tall, well-constructed cairn, the only significant feature up here.\u00a0 A rusty can perched near the top of the cairn, and a red metal box and a plaque sat next to one another along the base.<\/p>\n

Almost everywhere, yellow fields 2,500 feet lower stretched to murky horizons blurred by a smoky haze.\u00a0 No sign at all of the mighty peaks of Glacier National Park far to the W, which might have been visible on a clear day.\u00a0 Instead, the eye was drawn SE where Gold Butte<\/span><\/a> (6,512 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Mount Brown<\/span><\/a> (6,958 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Mount Royal<\/span><\/a> (6,914 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> were close enough to be on display.<\/p>\n

Lupe’s first thought was to seek out the shade of the cairn.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The big view from West Butte on a hazy day! Mount Brown<\/strong> (far L) & Mount Royal<\/strong> (L). Gold Butte<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
By the summit cairn.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Since I’m wearing a fur coat, SPHP, I’ve got dibs on the shade!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

While Looper spent her time panting, SPHP opened the red metal box.\u00a0 Full of registry notebooks and assorted junk.\u00a0 Lots of people make it up here!\u00a0 Way too many entries to read them all, although SPHP did take a look at some of them.\u00a0 The last entry was only 4 days ago.\u00a0 SPHP added Lupe’s name to the list.<\/p>\n

The rusty can on top of the cairn contained a collection of small white stones.\u00a0 For what conceivable purpose, SPHP couldn’t imagine unless Hansel and Gretel came up here from time to time.<\/p>\n

The plaque was more interesting.\u00a0 Placed by A. Taft, whose last ascent was over 8 years ago on 7-22-12, the plaque was entitled “You know you’re home when you see The Hills”.\u00a0 Seven “Sonnemaker Homestead Children who grew up in the shadow of The Sweetgrass Hills” were listed.\u00a0 All of them had been born between 1910 and 1924.<\/p>\n

Not too likely any of them were still alive today.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Sonnemaker Homestead Children plaque.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

100 years and more since most of the Sonnemaker children had been born.\u00a0 A sobering thought.\u00a0 Lupe’s name was on a mountain, too, far away in the Bighorns in Wyoming.\u00a0 Not on a plaque, just made out of loose rocks.\u00a0 Been a couple of years since Loopster had seen it.\u00a0 SPHP wondered if it was still there?<\/p>\n

Most of the cloud cover had burned away by now.\u00a0 Gotta be at least 85\u00baF, although a 10 mph S breeze provided some relief.\u00a0 SPHP had brought a White Claw raspberry-flavored spiked sparkling water in the backpack, and proceeded to drink the entire thing.\u00a0 Between that and the Benadryl taken earlier to control hay fever, SPHP was soon left in a lethargic state of wooziness.\u00a0 Using the backpack for a pillow, with the old Alaska cap pulled down for shade, SPHP tried to nap.<\/p>\n

Didn’t work.\u00a0 The heat was oppressive, the hard ground uncomfortable, and SPHP wasn’t really tired, just sort of drugged.\u00a0 Still, SPHP laid there long enough for the Carolina Dog to start wondering what was wrong?\u00a0 Lupe came over to check for some sign of life.<\/p>\n

Still among the living, SPHP?\u00a0 Or have you met your Sonnemaker?<\/em><\/p>\n

Eh.\u00a0 Not yet, Loop.\u00a0 Want more water?\u00a0 Bet you do!\u00a0 Here, ya go!<\/em><\/p>\n

Thanks, SPHP!\u00a0 What now?<\/em><\/p>\n

Well, I suppose we ought to take some more photos.\u00a0 A shame it’s so hazy.\u00a0 Montana always seems to start filling up with smoke this time of year.\u00a0 Could see forever from here on a clear day.<\/em><\/p>\n

The haze isn’t that bad, SPHP!\u00a0 At least we can still see the rest of the Sweetgrass Hills.\u00a0 Let’s get those photos then head back to the Comfort Inn!<\/em><\/p>\n

Hah!\u00a0 So that’s you’re plan is it?<\/em><\/p>\n

Hotter ‘n blazes again, in case you hadn’t noticed, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, but we’ve got another card up our sleeve for tonight, Sweet Dingo!\u00a0 But c’mon, let’s finish up.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Gold Butte<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Gold Butte<\/strong> with lots of help from the telephoto lens and hindrance from the smoke.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Mount Brown<\/strong> (L) and Mount Royal<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Which way is Canada, SPHP?\u00a0 You said yesterday that we would see it from here.<\/em><\/p>\n

Less than 5 miles straight N, Loopster!<\/em><\/p>\n

Canada was out there, alright.\u00a0 A featureless plain North Dakota flat.\u00a0 Details, if there were any, couldn’t be made out.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Canada<\/strong> from West Butte. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Oh, I hope Canada is what you have up your sleeve, SPHP!\u00a0 We’ve had so many fabulous adventures there!<\/em><\/p>\n

8-17-20, 2:20 PM, West Butte<\/em> – The traditional summit hour had flashed by.\u00a0 Lupe stood by the cairn for the last time.\u00a0 Sadly, West Butte was going to be as close to Canada as the Most High Exalted Dingo of the Arctic Sisterhood would get this year.<\/p>\n

Looper was happy, though!\u00a0 SPHP had brought plenty of water, and West Butte had been fun.\u00a0 Surely, the next time the Most High Exalted Dingo of the Arctic Sisterhood did go to Canada, she would see West Butte again and remember this day.<\/p>\n

And I’ll remember the Comfort Inn, too, SPHP!\u00a0 Don’t forget that!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
West Butte summit region<\/strong>. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Happy Lupe on West Butte<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

The descent began.\u00a0 Lupe headed back down the grassy slope on the W side of the summit.\u00a0 Took only a few minutes to get back to the trails leading down the long scree slopes.\u00a0 Loopster’s return route was nearly identical to the one she had taken up, although she did stray somewhat farther W after reaching the windswept 90% dead tree.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Starting down the W slope. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Descending the upper scree slopes. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the forest. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Wildflowers on the lower slopes.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

8-17-20, 4:39 PM, at the G6 along Coal Mine Road<\/em> – Ugh!\u00a0 96\u00baF again!\u00a0 A 15 mph wind blew out of the W like a furnace.\u00a0 Time to crank up the G6 and enjoy some serious AC!\u00a0 After taking Nine Mile Road and Hwy 552, SPHP turned S on I-15 at Sunburst.<\/p>\n

What a strange year!\u00a0 This close to Canada, I-15 was all but vacant.\u00a0 Just like the Comfort Inn, as nearly the sole users, Lupe and SPHP practically owned the road as the G6 sped S through a beastly hot haze permitting no hint of the tremendous peaks hidden to the W.<\/p>\n

No Comfort Inn tonight!\u00a0 Along Hwy 89 SE of Great Falls, came a brief stop at the Al Buck Memorial Park.\u00a0 Twilight was deepening as SPHP let Looper out to cool her paws off and enjoy her traditional drink from the cold, clear spring that gushed out of the mountainside.\u00a0 Then it was S again, up into the Little Belt Mountains.<\/p>\n

9:50 PM, 62\u00baF, Kings Hill Pass<\/em> – Comfortably cool!\u00a0 The oppressive heat of the Grasshopper Sea infesting the parched yellow fields surrounding the Sweetgrass Hills was already just a memory.\u00a0 Yet today’s pilgrimage in the Year of Perfect Vision to the sunny summit of West Butte, where an American Dingo had peered through the murk into the fabled, and now forbidden land of Canada would not be forgotten.<\/p>\n

Lovely Alberta, gorgeous British Columbia, the Canadian Rockies, the mighty Yukon, misty Northwest Territories, and gleaming Alaska!\u00a0 Three thousand miles N, summer was weakening, dying.\u00a0 The empty tundra of the North Slope was already a land of gold awaiting the silent pristine white of winter.\u00a0 Ever so far away, reds, oranges, and yellows were spreading S beneath the pale, darkening Arctic sky.<\/p>\n

Today’s dim vision from lofty West Butte had been a mere glimpse in the direction of glories Lupe knew lay beyond.\u00a0 Glories held for the moment in the mind’s eye only, but they were real, they were out there.\u00a0 Someday!<\/p>\n

Yes, someday the Most High Exalted Dingo of the Arctic Sisterhood would return.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
West Butte<\/strong> of the Sweetgrass Hills, Montana 8-17-20<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

West Butte access:<\/strong>\u00a0 From I-15, take Exit 389 at Sunburst.\u00a0 Head E on paved Hwy No. 552.\u00a0 The pavement ends 9 miles E at a 4 way intersection with crossroad Pederson Road.\u00a0 Keep going straight E, now on unsigned Nine Mile Road, which is good gravel.\u00a0 4 miles from this intersection, turn N (L) at a “T” intersection with Suphellan Road.\u00a0 Wind N and E another 4 miles (still on Nine Mile Road) to the junction with Coal Mine Road.\u00a0 Public access is 0.1 mile E at the blue sign on the N (L) side of Coal Mine Road.\u00a0 Good pavement\/gravel all the way.\u00a0 Any vehicle can do this with ease.<\/em><\/p>\n

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

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

Want more Lupe adventures?\u00a0\u00a0Choose from Lupe’s Summer of 2020<\/span> Dingo Vacations to Wyoming, Utah & Montana Adventure Inde<\/strong>x<\/strong><\/span><\/a>,\u00a0Dingo Vacations Adventure Index<\/span><\/strong><\/a> or Master Adventure Index<\/span><\/strong><\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0Or subscribe free\u00a0to\u00a0new Lupe adventures<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Days 12 & 13 of Lupe’s 3rd Summer of 2020 Dingo Vacation to Wyoming & Montana! 8-16-20, early morning, W Fork of the Bitterroot River – Lupe streaked by, a newly-prized stick clenched in her teeth, dodging, weaving, returning again and again, defying SPHP to catch her while showing off just how fast and agile … Continue reading West Butte of the Sweetgrass Hills, Montana (8-17-20)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":30944,"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":[1293],"tags":[105,106,26,104,417,1356,1357,1355],"class_list":["post-30961","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-summer-of-2020","tag-american-dingo","tag-carolina-dog","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-lupe","tag-montana","tag-sweetgrass-hills","tag-toole-county-high-point","tag-west-butte"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/IMG_7797.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\/30961","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=30961"}],"version-history":[{"count":33,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30961\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":32791,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30961\/revisions\/32791"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/30944"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=30961"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=30961"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=30961"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}