{"id":31691,"date":"2021-04-29T08:10:28","date_gmt":"2021-04-29T14:10:28","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=31691"},"modified":"2021-05-10T15:07:16","modified_gmt":"2021-05-10T21:07:16","slug":"atlantic-peak-wind-river-range-wyoming-part-2-atlantic-lake-to-the-summit-9-15-20","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=31691","title":{"rendered":"Atlantic Peak, Wind River Range, Wyoming – Part 2: Atlantic Lake to the Summit! (9-15-20)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Days 3-6 of Lupe’s 5th Summer of 2020 Dingo Vacation to Wyoming!<\/em><\/p>\n

9-15-20, 7:27 AM, Atlantic Lake<\/em> – Squirrels!\u00a0 A great way to start any day.\u00a0 An American Dingo’s shrill enthusiasm broke the tranquility of the mountain air.<\/p>\n

Loopster!\u00a0 Hush!\u00a0 You’ll wake up the campers.<\/em><\/p>\n

Well, lucky them!\u00a0 They’re missing out!\u00a0 Lots of squirrels here.\u00a0 No doubt they’ll want to get in on the action!<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, keep that up, and I’m sure they’ll be coming over to thank you any minute now.\u00a0 Anyway, c’mon, we’re ready.\u00a0 You can look for more squirrels after we get sufficiently past their camp.<\/em><\/p>\n

Smooth as silk!\u00a0 Scarcely a ripple disturbed the surface of Atlantic Lake.\u00a0 Such a beautiful spot!\u00a0 Unfortunately, no improvement in air quality.\u00a0 A little smokier than yesterday, if anything.\u00a0 Disappointing, but sadly not entirely unexpected.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Atlantic Peak<\/strong> (L of Center) from Atlantic Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Carolina Dog set out heading W along the S shore, utilizing a mix of faint use trails.\u00a0 Soon turned out that there was a better trail a little off in the forest, away from the lake.\u00a0 As this region narrowed, Lupe traveled along the base of rock formations or slides.\u00a0 Big rocks sometimes created openings along the shoreline that provided viewpoints.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Atlantic Lake<\/strong> shortly after sunrise. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A little farther on.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Near the W end of Atlantic Lake, Lupe came to a vacant campsite.\u00a0 Not a bad spot!\u00a0 If SPHP had known about it yesterday, Loop would have spent the night here.\u00a0 A rushing stream was just beyond the campsite.\u00a0 Leaving Atlantic Lake, Loopster followed the stream up a steep forested slope.\u00a0 Crossing the stream after the terrain leveled out to some degree quickly proved to be a mistake.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the campsite near the W end of Atlantic Lake.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Heading up the stream.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Loop crossed the stream (hidden in the bushes) here, but ran into difficult terrain on the other side.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Returning to the S bank, Looper kept going, venturing through a region bounded by a steep rocky slope on the L (S), and the stream and forest on the R (N).\u00a0 She was often forced to scramble over talus at the base of rock slides.\u00a0 Only intermittent signs of any use trail now.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Following the base of the slope. Atlantic Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Best to stay low and keep heading W for a while yet!<\/em> Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Crossing talus. Atlantic Peak<\/strong> straight up from Lupe. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After a while, the stream disappeared in the forest.\u00a0 Lupe eventually came to the brink of a wide ravine.\u00a0 She needed to get across it, but was too high.\u00a0 A pond was visible 50 feet lower off to the N (R).\u00a0 This seemed like a decent landmark to check progress against, but the topo map<\/strong><\/span><\/a> didn’t show a pond in this region at all.\u00a0 Puzzling.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The mysterious unmapped pond. Silas Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,248 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (L). Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Need to get over there! Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Retreating into the forest, Lupe found a way to get down close to pond level.\u00a0 The pond was actually a wide spot in the same stream she’d been following earlier.\u00a0 Crossing only a minor tributary, Loop made it over to the base of the rock formations W of the ravine.\u00a0 The American Dingo’s ascent of Atlantic Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,490 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was about to start in earnest.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking up Atlantic Canyon<\/strong>. Silas Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Made it across the ravine! Ready to start climbing?<\/em> Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Going around the S side of the first rock formation, Loop found herself on a rocky slope that would have been a slow trudge for SPHP, if not for exposed slabs providing excellent routes higher.\u00a0 The slabs were steep, but dry, so traction was good.\u00a0 Staying on the slabs as much as possible, Lupe and SPHP traipsed toward an increasingly blue sky.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
These slabs we’re coming to are the way to go!<\/em> Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
In the heart of slab country. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Wouldn’t want it to get too much steeper, but we’re doing great!<\/em> Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

All good things must come to an end, and the slabs did, too.\u00a0 Lupe came to two high spots densely covered with low evergreens.\u00a0 Reaching the top of the first one, a world of rock was visible beyond it.\u00a0 Looked like some pretty rough ground.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the first high spot<\/strong>. Second high spot<\/strong> (L) ahead. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The evergreens were so thick, it was hard to push through them.\u00a0 Turned out to be easier to avoid them altogether by staying along the N edge of this hill.\u00a0 After getting past them, Lupe went SW toward the second high spot.\u00a0 She never quite got to the top of this next high point, again finding it easier to simply avoid the whole evergreen situation by staying NW.<\/p>\n

Immediately beyond the second high spot was a ravine choked with talus.\u00a0 Fortunately, this ravine wasn’t terribly wide, enabling SPHP to rock hop through it all without losing too much time.<\/p>\n

Lupe resumed her ascent.\u00a0 The slope ahead was rocky and steep, but she again came to a series of slabs creating easy routes higher.\u00a0 Between the slabs, she often found lanes of vegetation to follow.\u00a0 Progress was good.\u00a0 At about 11,000 feet, Loop could see a rock-free depression to the S that was somewhat lower.\u00a0 Maybe a tarn that had gradually filled in with sediment?<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking down on the sediment-filled depression<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Comprising much of the enormous slope W of the depression was a huge expanse of exposed slabs.\u00a0 Looked steep at the upper end, and SPHP wasn’t eager to head that far S.\u00a0 Nevertheless, Lupe inched toward the slabs as she continued up the mountain.\u00a0 Soon a much smaller orange slab with a tiny meltwater stream appeared ahead.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Orange slab dead ahead! Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On the orange slab. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Above the orange slab, a series of grassy benches existed among all the rocks.\u00a0 Various ramps connecting these benches enabled a winding route higher without having to do much scrambling.\u00a0 Lupe reached the N edge of the enormous slabby region far above the sediment-filled depression.\u00a0 A good chunk of Atlantic Lake was now in sight.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Exploring a grassy bench. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Atlantic Lake<\/strong> (L) and the sediment-filled depression<\/strong> (R). Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The slope Lupe was climbing was taking her W toward the ridge SSE of HP12261<\/span><\/strong>, Atlantic Peak’s eastern subpeak.\u00a0 The American Dingo was now getting close to the apparent top of this ridge, but SPHP realized that was merely an illusion.\u00a0 Fearing a long talus scramble ahead in the as yet unseen region above the slabs, reality ultimately proved to be much kinder.\u00a0 Far more vegetation and less rock than expected.\u00a0 Cake!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Above all the slabs now, and my, isn’t this nice!<\/em> HP12261<\/span><\/strong> (R). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Before long, Lupe was approaching the genuine top of the ridge, a broad rock-strewn region between HP12261<\/span><\/strong> and HP11801<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 The true summit of Atlantic Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,490 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was already coming into view.<\/p>\n

Along the W side of the crest of this ridge sat a line of rock formations, several separate mounds of talus of varying size and shape.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the ridgeline. Atlantic Peak<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Approaching rock formations along the W side of the crest. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Going to the rock formation at the S end of the line, Loop peered over the edge, getting her first look at a huge expanse of territory S of Atlantic Peak.\u00a0 Unfortunately, a grand panorama of Wyoming’s sagebrush plains beyond the Wind River Range was hazy and indistinct.\u00a0 Darn smoke!<\/p>\n

The smoke was bad, but it wasn’t terrible.\u00a0 Lake 9590<\/span><\/strong> was visible in the Blair Creek drainage, and so were the Sweetwater Needles (10,548 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> 1.5 miles beyond it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lake 9590<\/span><\/strong> (L), Sweetwater Needles<\/strong> (Center), Peak 11101<\/span><\/strong> (R), and Peak 11456<\/span><\/strong> (far R). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After surveying this smoke-diminished scene, Loop headed N, passing E of the rest of the rock formations.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
E of the rock formations. Atlantic Peak<\/strong> (L) and HP12261<\/span><\/strong> (R). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Atlantic Peak<\/strong> (R of Center) from the N end. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From the formation at the N end, Atlantic Peak’s summit was in sight less than 0.75 mile NW.\u00a0 So were the long slopes leading to it.\u00a0 Rocky and steep, but nothing intimidating.\u00a0 Merely a time-consuming grind.\u00a0 SPHP got things off to a poor start by leading Lupe angling higher, which soon put her in talus.\u00a0 Would have been better to have stayed lower where there was more vegetation.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Not that far now!<\/em> Atlantic Peak<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking back to the SSE. Peak 11892<\/span><\/strong> (Center) with Peak 11761<\/span><\/strong> poking up just to the R.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Climbing was often easier than going straight ahead or back down, so Loop kept working her way higher.\u00a0 Trending NNW, the Carolina Dog gained a fair amount of elevation, but never reached the elusive top of the ridge above.\u00a0 None of these maneuvers provided significant relief from the talus.<\/p>\n

A wretchedly slow traverse, but SPHP eventually got through the worst of it.\u00a0 A stretch of smaller rock and patches of vegetation allowed spurts of progress.\u00a0 More rock, including talus still ahead, but not as intense as what Lupe had just come through.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking better now! We’ll aim for the saddle near that snowbank.<\/em> Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Upon reaching the big saddle between Atlantic Peak and HP12261<\/span><\/strong>, Loop had only 300 feet of elevation still to go.\u00a0 A long, icy snowbank provided a useful ramp up a good part of it.\u00a0 Above the snow was another talus climb that wasn’t too bad.\u00a0 Staying toward the N, Lupe skirted a minor subpeak and came to a large flat spot.\u00a0 Another 50 or 60 foot scramble and she’d be on top!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
W end of the saddle between Atlantic Peak<\/strong> (Center) and HP12261<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Heading up the snowbank. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Glancing back. Silas Peak<\/strong> (L), saddle leading to HP12261<\/span><\/strong> (R). Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Coming up to the minor subpeak<\/strong> (L). Atlantic Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Scrambling for the top! Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

9-15-20, 1:22 PM, Atlantic Peak<\/em> – Lupe came up at the E end of a 200 foot long E\/W summit ridge.\u00a0 The whole thing was a collection of talus with a steep slope to the S, and an absolute cliff to the N, the highest rocks mostly right along that fearsome N edge.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
E end of Atlantic Peak’s summit ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Time to find the true summit and chalk this one up as a peakbagging success!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Although not quite to the true summit yet, the views were tremendous!\u00a0 Due to the smoke’s interference with the clarity of distant objects, the most interesting view was of the Saddlebag Lakes and another unnamed lake tucked below the vertical S face of Silas Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,248 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> way down in Atlantic Canyon.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Saddlebag Lakes<\/strong> (L & Center). Silas Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Despite the talus, it was relatively easy to maneuver W looking for the true summit.\u00a0 A white rock resting on a larger boulder, both on the brink of the precipice to the N, proved to be the high point, although another boulder 20 feet farther W appeared to be nearly as high.<\/p>\n

The white rock was too small, sloped, and close to the edge for Lupe to get up on.\u00a0 However, she could easily touch the top with her paw, and stand on the boulder supporting it.\u00a0 She also visited that other boulder in contention to the W to complete her peakbagging success.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the true summit of Atlantic Peak<\/strong>. Highest rock<\/strong> next to Loop. 2nd highest rock<\/strong> (L). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
One of the Saddlebag Lakes<\/strong> (far L) with Silas Peak<\/strong> and an unnamed lake beyond it. True summit<\/strong> rock by Lupe. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On the 2nd highest rock<\/strong>. West Atlantic Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,430 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (Center) is the high point of the dark ridge beyond Loop. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

So much to see!\u00a0 Atlantic Peak’s long W ridge curled N to a high point that had to be West Atlantic Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,430 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 Miles beyond it, partially obscured by the haze, were several recognizable giants of the SE Wind River Range.\u00a0 Temple Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,972 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, East Temple Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,600 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, and mighty Wind River Peak<\/span><\/a> (13,192 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> were all dimly displayed.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Atlantic Peak’s W ridge<\/strong> (L of Center). Mount Nystrom<\/span><\/a> (12,356 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (R of Center), West Atlantic Peak<\/strong> (R), and Temple Peak<\/strong> (far R) in the distance. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Mount Nystrom<\/strong> (far L), West Atlantic Peak<\/strong> (L), Temple Peak<\/strong> (L of Center), East Temple Peak<\/strong> (Center), and Wind River Peak<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Temple Peak<\/strong> (L), East Temple Peak<\/strong> (Center), and Wind River Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NW with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Zoomed in on Temple Peak<\/strong>. Icky haze! Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Wind River Peak<\/strong>. Same story!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

To the SW was the view of Lake 9590<\/span><\/strong> in the Blair Creek drainage and the Sweetwater Needles (10,548)<\/span><\/strong> that Lupe had seen before from the rock formations in the saddle between HP11801<\/span><\/strong> and HP12261<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 However, she now saw them from a different perspective as she peered down Atlantic Peak’s SW ridge.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lake 9590<\/span><\/strong> (L) and the Sweetwater Needles<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Atlantic Peak’s SW ridge<\/strong> (Center). Sweetwater Needles<\/strong> (L) beyond Peak 11456<\/span><\/strong>. Atlantic Peak’s connecting W ridge<\/strong> (R). Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe gazed down into Atlantic Canyon, she surveyed the route she’d taken up from the SE, and sat on many a boulder.\u00a0 After a good long while, though, it was time for a break.<\/p>\n

With nowhere to rest close to the true summit, Lupe retreated back to the E, choosing shady spot where SPHP put sweatshirts and a jacket on a rock to provide some cushioning.\u00a0 Looper munched her Taste of the Wild and inhaled the beef jerky SPHP offered before trying to nap.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking NNW over Atlantic Canyon<\/strong>. One of the Saddlebag Lakes<\/strong> (R).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
HP12261<\/span><\/strong> (L), Peak<\/strong> 11892<\/strong><\/span> (straight up from Lupe), Peak 11761<\/span><\/strong> (R). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The saddle where Lupe first reached the ridgeline<\/strong> (far L). Peak 11892<\/span><\/strong> (Center) and Peak 11761<\/span><\/strong> (R) all in the foreground. Christina Lake<\/strong> (far L), Granite Peak<\/span><\/a> (10,404 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (L) and Pabst Peak<\/span><\/a> (10,261 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (L of Center) in the distance. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Chillin’ on Atlantic Peak<\/strong>. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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High in the mighty Winds of Wyoming! Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Catching a couple of z’s.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

3rd time had been a charm!\u00a0 The American Dingo finally really was way up here on Atlantic Peak.\u00a0 SPHP drank a Coke, pondering the splendid scenes in all directions.\u00a0 A shame it had to be so smoky, but what a spot!<\/p>\n

The melancholy moment arrived.\u00a0 Looper stood again at the summit of Atlantic Peak.\u00a0 All the planning, long anticipation, and effort to get here!\u00a0 Not just here, but to any big remote peak.\u00a0 The joy of success!\u00a0 Precious minutes savoring it all, the world at your paws!\u00a0 Then suddenly it’s on the verge of over and done with, a fabulous airy place almost certainly never to be seen again.\u00a0 An instant both wonderfully real and terrible.<\/p>\n

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Back on top. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

9-15-20, 2:52 PM, Atlantic Peak<\/em> – Well, no sense in brooding.\u00a0 Just the way things are, have always been, and always will be.\u00a0 Plenty of fun yet to come!\u00a0 1.5 hours after arriving, Lupe left the summit of Atlantic Peak.<\/p>\n

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About to head down. HP12261<\/span><\/strong> (Center). Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

During the return, Lupe varied the route a bit.\u00a0 Instead of heading back to the saddle between HP12261<\/span><\/strong> and HP11801<\/span><\/strong>, she stayed higher going through minor passes SE and SW of HP12261<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 After going through the second pass, an enormous long slope was in sight.\u00a0 Lots of rock.\u00a0 All the usual travails and little assists.\u00a0 And way down in the valley, a blue gem, Atlantic Lake!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the first pass SW of HP12261<\/span><\/strong> (R). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Second pass SE of HP12261<\/span><\/strong> (L) with Christina Lake<\/strong> beyond it. Lupe’s route up went through the lower pass seen on the R. HP11892<\/span><\/strong> (R) and HP11761<\/span><\/strong> (far R). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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At least it’s all downhill now!<\/em> Atlantic Lake<\/strong> (L) and Christina Lake<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The sun was down and light beginning to fade as Lupe headed E along the S shore of Atlantic Lake.\u00a0 Not much farther to the tiny house!\u00a0 SPHP was surprised to see a campfire.\u00a0 Sort of expected the campers might be gone by now.\u00a0 Two people!\u00a0 They hailed SPHP.\u00a0 Up to greet them.<\/p>\n

So Lupe and SPHP met Peter and Meghan Cielenski, brother and sister, from Cincinnati, Ohio.\u00a0 Right away, a miracle!\u00a0 Peter and Meghan knew Lupe!\u00a0 What?<\/em>\u00a0 Turned out Meghan’s boyfriend, Josh, had found The (Mostly) True Adventures of Lupe while researching a prior trip to Tayo and Coon lakes here in the Wind River Range.\u00a0 Tayo Lake was on the way to Wind River Peak, which Loop had climbed in 2017.<\/p>\n

Astonishing!\u00a0 First time anyone had ever recognized Lupe from her blog!\u00a0 SPHP asked Meghan and Peter if they were planning on staying up for a while, and if it would be OK to join them?\u00a0 Answer – affirmative on both counts!\u00a0 A quick trip to the tiny house to ditch the backpack and feed Loop before heading back to the campfire.<\/p>\n

Starting to get dark already, but maybe enough light for a photo?<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe with Peter & Meghan Cielenski<\/strong>. First (and only so far!) people ever to recognize Lupe from T(M)TAOL.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Peter & Meghan Cielenski<\/strong> with Loop. A little fuzzy due to low light conditions. It was much darker than it looks.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Peter and Meghan were both very friendly, and a fun evening was spent with them.\u00a0 Unaccustomed to a campfire, Lupe mostly hung back in the shadows, listening to the conversation.<\/p>\n

Peter had discovered the Wind River Range back in 2019.\u00a0 Already on his 3rd trip, he was a fan!\u00a0 Peter’s main interest was in fly fishing.\u00a0 He showed SPHP photos of brilliantly colored Golden Trout he’d caught when he and Meghan had gone all the way up Atlantic Canyon to the Saddlebag Lakes yesterday.<\/p>\n

Meghan was a runner.\u00a0 She sometimes runs marathons, and was more into exploring than fishing.\u00a0 Meghan was hoping to see some shooting stars.\u00a0 Wyoming wish granted!\u00a0 The Milky Way appeared in the heavens as the night turned black.\u00a0 A zillion stars glittered overhead.\u00a0 A few fell, as sparks from the campfire’s embers sailed skyward in brief, doomed efforts to meet them.<\/p>\n

The Cielenskis offered SPHP a Snickers bar, peanut M&M’s, and Babybel cheeses wrapped in cellophane and red wax so they’ll keep.\u00a0 SPHP had never seen Babybel cheeses before, but they were good, and a really big hit with Lupe!\u00a0 When the Cielenskis declined beef jerky offered by SPHP, the Carolina Dog made sure none of that went to waste, either.<\/p>\n

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Dingo recommended!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Good times with Kevin and Meghan!\u00a0 But the evening wore on, the fire faded to embers, and it got late.\u00a0 A fabulous, long day in the mountains.\u00a0 Eventually everyone was ready to say good-night.<\/p>\n

9-16-20, 8:04 AM, Atlantic Lake<\/em> – Ready to go!\u00a0 If anything, Atlantic Lake was even smoother this morning when Lupe appeared to bid a final farewell to Atlantic Peak.\u00a0 A few moments to reflect, and it was nearly Puppy, ho!<\/em> time.\u00a0 Before departing, the American Dingo ventured back to Peter and Meghan’s camp to say good-bye.\u00a0 No activity.\u00a0 Maybe they were already out and about?<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Final moments at Atlantic Lake<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

On the way back to the trailhead, several groups of Californians were met.\u00a0 All had fled the bonfire their drought-stricken home had become.\u00a0 Some described smoke so thick that day turned to night.\u00a0 Not good!\u00a0 Some Year of Perfect Vision this turned out to be!<\/p>\n

9-16-20, 1:10 PM, Christina Lake trailhead<\/em> – The Atlantic Peak adventure was over.\u00a0 A guy was changing a flat tire on his pickup truck when Lupe got back to the trailhead.\u00a0 Not especially happy about it, he blamed the sharp gray rock they’d repaired the access road with recently, which he claimed were cheap tailings from an iron mine.\u00a0 He had relatives that had suffered 8 flats on this road in the past 2 months.<\/p>\n

Fortunately, the G6’s tires were fine.\u00a0 No damage on the way in.\u00a0 Now all they had to do was survive the trip out.\u00a0 Still looking good upon reaching pavement on Hwy 28 at the SE end of the Winds.\u00a0 SPHP turned S.<\/p>\n

Lots more to do in the Wind River Range on this Dingo Vacation, if the weather and sky would co-operate!\u00a0 Looper had a blast barking at cows along the Lander Cutoff.\u00a0 Wind out of the WSW, though.\u00a0 The mountains were barely visible when the G6 pulled into Pinedale.\u00a0 Discouraging.<\/p>\n

9-17-20, 2:30 PM, 80\u00baF, New Fork Lake<\/em> – Chilly this morning, but the day had warmed up nicely.\u00a0 Lupe had seen a moose and been entertained for hours by a squirrel in a big spruce tree at the dispersed camping site.\u00a0 Trip journal caught up, it was time for a last stroll down to the beach.<\/p>\n

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Dispersed camping site near New Fork Lake.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Squirrel fever!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A hint of fall, aspens on the hillsides were suddenly yellow.\u00a0 Beautiful!\u00a0 Not a problem, but the smoke obscuring the mountains was.\u00a0 No change overnight, or during the day thus far.\u00a0 Apparently not much chance that the smoke was going to dissipate anytime soon, either.<\/p>\n

Might as well face it.\u00a0 Further delay wasn’t going to help.\u00a0 Atlantic Peak was it, a one mountain Dingo Vacation!\u00a0 Terribly inefficient, but it had been great fun.\u00a0 No regrets!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
A touch of fall at New Fork Lake<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Hopes dashed at New Fork Lake<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The American Dingo headed for home.\u00a0 Normally a classic western scenic drive, but smoke was everywhere.<\/p>\n

9-18-20, 6:53 AM, Wright, WY<\/em> – Well, isn’t that special?\u00a0 The G6’s R rear tire was nearly flat.\u00a0 After airing it up at a gas station, SPHP asked the convenience store cashier where it might be possible to get it repaired?\u00a0 R & B Tire, a mile or two back along Hwy 387.<\/p>\n

Stroke of luck!\u00a0 R & B Tire opened at 7:00 AM.\u00a0 No waiting.\u00a0 The tire was repaired and the G6 good to go in no time.\u00a0 $18.00.\u00a0 Say, by the way, had the mechanic found a nail in the tire, or what was the issue?<\/p>\n

Nope, no nail.\u00a0 A small, sharp shard of gray rock.<\/em><\/p>\n

Figured.<\/p>\n

(End, 9-18-20, 11:10 AM, 66\u00baF, breezy, smoky)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Atlantic Peak<\/strong>, Wind River Range, Wyoming 9-15-20<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

Next Adventure<\/span><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Prior Adventure<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Atlantic Peak, Wind River Range, Wyoming – Part 1: The Christina Lake Trail & Beyond to Atlantic Lake (9-14-20)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Big Sandy to Jackass Pass & Cirque of the Towers, Wind River Range, Wyoming (9-1-15)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Wind River Peak, Wyoming – Part 1: Worthen Meadow to Tayo Park (7-8-17 & 7-9-17)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

East Temple Peak, Wind River Range, Wyoming – Part 1: Big Sandy Opening to Clear Lake (7-18-20)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/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<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/em>.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Days 3-6 of Lupe’s 5th Summer of 2020 Dingo Vacation to Wyoming! 9-15-20, 7:27 AM, Atlantic Lake – Squirrels!\u00a0 A great way to start any day.\u00a0 An American Dingo’s shrill enthusiasm broke the tranquility of the mountain air. Loopster!\u00a0 Hush!\u00a0 You’ll wake up the campers. Well, lucky them!\u00a0 They’re missing out!\u00a0 Lots of squirrels here.\u00a0 … Continue reading Atlantic Peak, Wind River Range, Wyoming – Part 2: Atlantic Lake to the Summit! (9-15-20)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":31661,"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":[105,1374,1375,106,26,104,1378,1377,385,275],"class_list":["post-31691","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-summer-of-2020","tag-american-dingo","tag-atlantic-lake","tag-atlantic-peak","tag-carolina-dog","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-lupe","tag-meghan-cielenski","tag-peter-cielenski","tag-wind-river-range","tag-wyoming"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/IMG_8189.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\/31691","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=31691"}],"version-history":[{"count":35,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31691\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":34164,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31691\/revisions\/34164"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/31661"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=31691"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=31691"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=31691"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}