{"id":31799,"date":"2021-02-23T08:10:33","date_gmt":"2021-02-23T15:10:33","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=31799"},"modified":"2021-03-05T12:20:23","modified_gmt":"2021-03-05T19:20:23","slug":"black-hills-sd-expedition-no-263-erskine-cave-ice-cave-stagebarn-ridge-1-29-21","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=31799","title":{"rendered":"Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 263 – Erskine Cave, Ice Cave & Stagebarn Ridge (1-29-21)"},"content":{"rendered":"

8:54 AM, 45\u00baF, Rolling Hills Road 1.75 miles N of Nemo Road at the start of USFS Road No. 777<\/em> –\u00a0 Not a ray of sunshine anywhere, but pretty warm out for the end of January.\u00a0 With only a skiff of snow on the ground and a leaden sky, it felt more like late fall than the depths of winter.\u00a0 Good day for a mood march, and the locked gate over USFS Road No. 777 meant there ought to be plenty of solitude.<\/p>\n

Loopster was fired up for it!\u00a0 Anxious to get going, she led the way on the first 0.125 mile down No. 777 to the junction with No. 771.1A (3 miles E of Steamboat Rock on the topo map<\/strong><\/span><\/a>)<\/em>.\u00a0 The intersection was marked with not one, but two brown wands.\u00a0 One saying No. 777.1A as expected, the other saying TR8282.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the start of USFS Road No. 777 off Rolling Hills Road. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the S end of USFS Road No. 777.1A, also part of TR8282, Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

No. 777.1A headed NW up a shallow valley hemmed in by rolling hills.\u00a0 The hills were all forested with Ponderosa pines that had been thinned during logging operations at some point, so it was possible to see much of the terrain.\u00a0 Lupe kept an eye out for deer, but didn’t notice any yet.<\/p>\n

After 0.2 mile, the American Dingo came to a fork in the road.\u00a0 Seemed that No. 777.1A was over and done with already.\u00a0 USFS Road No. 777.1B, marked with a wand, angled off to the R.\u00a0 Another wand indicated that USFS Road No. 527 went to the L.\u00a0 Taking No. 527, Lupe went on.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the start of USFS Road No. 527. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

No. 527 continued NW up the shallow valley.\u00a0 A sad breeze sighed in the pines, but it wasn’t windy in the valley.\u00a0 Another 0.2 mile, and another road veered off to the R.\u00a0 This one only had a wand saying the road was closed.\u00a0 The trek went on.\u00a0 A grassy road, also to the R, looked interesting, but Lupe skipped it, too.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
No. 527 continues up the valley. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The grassy road. Intriguing, but Lupe didn’t take it.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The valley narrowed, and No. 527 steepened a bit.\u00a0 A rougher, somewhat larger ridge featuring numerous minor rock outcroppings was on the R.\u00a0 Just beyond this ridge, the road leveled out.\u00a0 No. 527 was split in several places due to deep depressions worn into the original route.\u00a0 Yet another unmarked road veered off to the R, disappearing into the forest.<\/p>\n

Beyond the flat region, No. 527 resumed its climb.\u00a0 Partway up this slope Lupe came to an open gate.\u00a0 After going through the gate, she continued higher, but the road soon leveled out again.\u00a0 SPHP could now see a rock formation off to the NE, a high point several hundred feet away.\u00a0 Leaving the road, SPHP led Looper toward it.<\/p>\n

The rock formation wasn’t all that big.\u00a0 Upon arriving, the Carolina Dog easily climbed to the top.\u00a0 Way off to the NW, Lupe could see the summit of Custer Peak<\/span><\/a> (6,804 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the open gate.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On the rock formation.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

SPHP searched around the rock formation.<\/p>\n

Naw, not what we’re looking for, Looper.<\/em><\/p>\n

Doesn’t surprise me, SPHP.\u00a0 This isn’t much of a mountain!<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, we’re not climbing mountains today, Loopster!\u00a0 We’re in search of two caves.\u00a0 I thought Erskine Cave might be over here, but it’s been so long since I’ve been there, I don’t really remember what the area around it looks like.<\/em><\/p>\n

Caves!\u00a0 Why are we looking for caves, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

We’re just doing one of our old style expeditions today, Loop.\u00a0 Remember the days way back before we got so wrapped up in peakbagging?\u00a0 We used to wander here and there up gulches and valleys, seeing whatever there was to see.\u00a0 Felt like doing that today.\u00a0 I’ve thought for a long time that we ought to go find Erskine Cave and Ice Cave just for fun!\u00a0 So here we are.<\/em><\/p>\n

I’ve got news for you, SPHP!\u00a0 American Dingoes enjoy climbing mountains, and wandering hither and yon is fine, too, but we’re really not all that keen on subterranean adventures.\u00a0 Remember the Dragon Caves?\u00a0 Spooky!\u00a0 Enough to make your hackles stand on end!\u00a0 You took me dragon hunting!\u00a0 We must have been nuts!\u00a0 We were lucky the dragon didn’t return while we were in there.\u00a0 Took that huge risk, and we never did find the dragon’s treasure, or any damsels in distress!<\/em><\/p>\n

No reason to worry about dragons at Erskine Cave or Ice Cave, Loop.\u00a0 They’re both way to small for a dragon to fit inside.\u00a0 Besides, I’ve read that the USFS has blocked off the entrances.\u00a0 Don’t think we can go inside either cave anymore, at least not very far.<\/em><\/p>\n

We can’t go in?\u00a0 Seems kind of pointless to even go looking for these caves, if that’s the case.\u00a0 Can’t say I’m terribly disappointed, though.<\/em><\/p>\n

Well, who knows if it’s true, or not?\u00a0 We’ll go take a look.\u00a0 Even if it turns out the entrances really are blocked, still fun just to try to find the caves.\u00a0 Something different, a break from peakbagging!<\/em><\/p>\n

You’re off your rocker, SPHP!\u00a0 Maybe I’ll see some deers while you search for your goofy caves?\u00a0 Sounds like a deer will be the high point of the day.<\/em><\/p>\n

I guess caves are apt to be low points, being underground and all, Looper,\u00a0 although I seem to remember the entrances to both caves being up on hillsides.\u00a0 Anyway, Erskine Cave doesn’t appear to be around here.\u00a0 Maybe we haven’t gone far enough yet?\u00a0 C’mon, let’s keep going!<\/em><\/p>\n

Returning to No. 527, Lupe continued NW.\u00a0 Felt like she was getting pretty high as the road climbed out of what remained of the valley.\u00a0 Near the edge of a big clearing No. 527 reached a broad flat region.\u00a0 Shortly after Lupe entered this clearing, the first side road she’d seen to the L appeared.\u00a0 A wand said this was TR8281.\u00a0 This point was about 1.5 miles from where Lupe had first turned NW on USFS Road No. 777.1A.<\/p>\n

Toward the far end of the clearing stood a forest of tall pines on the R (E).\u00a0 As No. 527 took Lupe past these pines, a wooden pole fence was visible 150 feet back in among the trees.\u00a0 No signs.\u00a0 However, a faint remnant of a road partially covered with slash led toward the fence.<\/p>\n

Hmm.\u00a0 A little odd.\u00a0 This might be it!\u00a0 Lupe went to investigate.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
It does look like there’s some kind of a depression beyond this fence!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The fence formed a semi-circle convex toward the W.\u00a0 A depression could be seen 50 feet on the other side.\u00a0 As Lupe got closer, no doubt remained.<\/p>\n

Ah-ha!\u00a0 Found it, Loop!\u00a0 You’ve reached Erskine Cave!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
By the entrance to Erskine Cave<\/strong>. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Peering into the depression, a steep, snowy slope went 25 or 30 feet down to a fence closing off the cave entrance.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peering into the maw of Erskine Cave<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

So, this is it, huh?\u00a0 That’s great, SPHP!\u00a0 You go first!\u00a0 I’ll stay up here and guard the entrance.<\/em><\/p>\n

Alrighty, I will!<\/em><\/p>\n

The snowy slope was slick, but not so steep that SPHP couldn’t get down there in one piece.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Loop guards the entrance while SPHP conducts an initial investigation.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The fence turned out to be metal.\u00a0 Possible to peer in between the bars and see a little more of the cave, but that was about it.\u00a0 Even if the entrance hadn’t been blocked, SPHP hadn’t come prepared to do any spelunking.\u00a0 Still, it was kind of cool just being at the mysterious entrance.<\/p>\n

So what’s it like down there, SPHP?\u00a0 Can you see anything interesting?<\/em><\/p>\n

Just a metal fence, and beyond it a little of the cave entrance.\u00a0 Come on down, and see it yourself, Loop.\u00a0 Nothing to worry about!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Are you sure this is smart, SPHP? This opening is big enough for a dragon!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
By the metal fence blocking the entrance.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Hey, this is pretty cool! Sort of makes you wonder what’s down there doesn’t it?<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking between the metal bars a few feet deeper into Erskine Cave<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Did you say you’ve been into Erskine Cave before, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes!\u00a0 Several times, Looper, but long before you were ever even around.\u00a0 It wasn’t blocked off back then.\u00a0 Anyone could go inside.<\/em><\/p>\n

Really!\u00a0 What’s down there?\u00a0 What’s it like?<\/em><\/p>\n

Hah!\u00a0 Been so long ago, I can barely remember, Loop.\u00a0 I do remember a tight spot close to the beginning that has to be crawled through.\u00a0 You even crawl up at one point.\u00a0 It then opens up after that for a while, but I don’t remember for sure if it gets large enough to stand up.\u00a0 I think it did.<\/em><\/p>\n

How far in did you go?<\/em><\/p>\n

Maybe a few hundred feet?\u00a0 Can’t really say any more.\u00a0 It was very cool, though.\u00a0 Toward the end, you crawl quite some distance, but it eventually gets too tight to go any farther.\u00a0 Not a place for claustrophobics, that’s for sure!\u00a0 I do remember it goes a lot farther in than Ice Cave does.<\/em><\/p>\n

Were there any side passages, or just one long cave?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, I believe there were side passages, but they played out pretty quickly.\u00a0 I only remember one sort of long route.<\/em><\/p>\n

Was it full of bats?<\/em><\/p>\n

Nope, never saw any bats at all.<\/em><\/p>\n

Was it dark?<\/em><\/p>\n

What kind of a question is that, silly Dingo?\u00a0 Black as Death, if your light went out!\u00a0 Always carried a flashlight with extra batteries, plus tied a strong string to a rock near the entrance and unraveled it while exploring, just in case something bad happened.\u00a0 Happily, never actually had to use it.\u00a0 Anyway, no more questions.\u00a0 We’re done here.\u00a0 So, if you will just stay another minute or two, I’ll get your picture from partway up, OK?<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Posing at the entrance of Erskine Cave<\/strong> before moving on.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Returning to USFS Road No. 257, Lupe kept going.\u00a0 The road was flat at first, then climbed gently heading due N between a dense forest on the L (W), and a shattered one on the R (E).\u00a0 0.33 mile from Erskine Cave, Lupe came to another open gate, a less elaborate one in a barbed wire fence.\u00a0 A few hundred feet farther and No. 527 reached its high point.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Back on USFS Road No. 527 (aka TR8282) after leaving Erskine Cave. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the second open gate Lupe came to. High point of USFS Road No. 527 just ahead.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

0.25 mile after starting downhill, Lupe came to a 4-way intersection at a big flat open saddle.\u00a0 TR8285 went SE, and a blocked road went NE.\u00a0 Lupe simply stuck with USFS Road No. 527 (TR8282) as it now went down a scenic valley.\u00a0 Another 0.50 mile brought Loop to a T intersection with USFS Road No. 144.2B, which was marked as TR8283.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the 4-way junction saddle. Loop continued down to the L. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Heading down the next valley on USFS Road No. 527 (TR8282). Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the T intersection with USFS Road No. 144.2B.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Which way to the Ice Cave, SPHP?\u00a0 That’s where we’re going next, isn’t it?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yup!\u00a0 Go R, Loop!<\/em><\/p>\n

No. 144.2B went downhill a bit then climbed 40 or 50 feet going around the N side of a hill.\u00a0 Once past the high point, the road wound ENE as Lupe descended into yet another valley.<\/p>\n

Looper had already seen a number of deer in the forest, but now topped that with a coyote sighting.\u00a0 Seeing a coyote was very exciting!\u00a0 Lupe would have gone over to have a sniff with it, but the coyote was far away.\u00a0 Already aware of SPHP, the coyote quickly disappeared in tall grass.\u00a0 All the American Dingo could do was stand on the road whining about how deliberately unfriendly the wild dog had been.<\/p>\n

You’re killing my social life, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, join the club!\u00a0 One of my strong points.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading E on USFS Road No. 144.2B (TR8283).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After a mile or so, a yellow and gray cliff appeared ahead.\u00a0 A fork in the road came into sight below it.\u00a0 A tiny pond shown on the topo map near this junction (Point 4497)<\/em> turned out not to exist.<\/p>\n

Upon reaching the fork, Lupe took the road marked as TR8287.\u00a0 It curved off to the L, heading up onto Stagebarn Ridge.\u00a0 The other branch, which went R continuing down the valley, was marked TR8284.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the fork at Point 4497. TR8287 goes straight before curving L. TR8284 goes R. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

TR8287 curved up past the gray and yellow cliff.\u00a0 As Lupe got close to the top of Stagebarn Ridge, she came to another junction.\u00a0 TR8286 headed NW from here, but Loop stuck with TR8287, which now curved R (SE) heading up to a higher part of the ridge.\u00a0 The road soon topped out.\u00a0 Off to the E was the first big distant view of the day, a panorama looking over Stagebarn Canyon all the way to the prairies beyond the Black Hills.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the junction with TR8286, which went off to the L, and TR8287, which Loop kept following to the R. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Stagebarn Canyon from Stagebarn Ridge. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Stagebarn Ridge was enormous and lower toward the SE where the road was heading.\u00a0 Lupe hadn’t gotten far beyond the road’s high point when SPHP paused to check the map.<\/p>\n

What’s it say, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Looks like we’re about 0.5 mile N of the Ice Cave now.\u00a0 We need to leave the road here to go search for it.<\/em><\/p>\n

This road doesn’t go to the cave?<\/em><\/p>\n

Nope.\u00a0 Just continues SE down a draw and dead ends.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
About to leave TR8287 to head into the trees. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Leaving TR8287, Lupe crossed a small field and entered the forest.\u00a0 This part of Stagebarn Ridge was a series of non-descript minor ups and downs.\u00a0 The forest had been thinned, so it was relatively open territory, but plenty of slash had been left on the ground by the loggers.\u00a0 SPHP stumbled along, as Lupe watched for squirrels or deer.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At a minor high point while searching for Ice Cave. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After maybe 0.33 mile, Lupe reached a flat area at the top of a little hill.\u00a0 Possibly HP4600<\/span><\/strong> on the topo map?\u00a0 If so, Lupe wasn’t far from the Ice Cave now.\u00a0 A clearing could be seen to the S, although with the sky so overcast, SPHP wasn’t certain if it was SE, due S, or SW.\u00a0 Heading over to it, the clearing extended off to the R, which was the right direction.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At HP4600<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the clearing. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After passing through the clearing, another hill was directly ahead.<\/p>\n

I’m thinking this is it, Loop!\u00a0 The Ice Cave ought to be somewhere up on that hill.\u00a0 Keep an eye out for any kind of an opening.\u00a0 If I remember right, it ought to be easy to spot.<\/em><\/p>\n

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

According to the map, the cave entrance should have been on the near side of the hill, but Loopster went right on up to the top without seeing any sign of it.\u00a0 The cave didn’t seem to be anywhere up on top, either.\u00a0 Lupe reached the far side of the hill.\u00a0 A road was visible heading off toward more hills.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
No Ice Cave yet! Maybe it’s still a little farther?<\/em> Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Keep going, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Not sure, Loop.\u00a0 Doesn’t seem right that it could be that much farther.<\/em><\/p>\n

Well, there’s no cave here.<\/em><\/p>\n

No, there isn’t.\u00a0 Hang on, let me check the map again.<\/em><\/p>\n

Any exciting conclusions?<\/em><\/p>\n

Maybe.\u00a0 If we really were at HP4600<\/span><\/strong> earlier, that road we see from here, which doesn’t appear on the map at all, might be heading for the HP4581<\/span><\/strong> region.\u00a0 That’s way too far S.\u00a0 Kind of think maybe we’re already too far S.<\/em><\/p>\n

Go back then?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, I think so, let’s try shortcutting back N to the region W of HP4600<\/span><\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

Heading N, Lupe crossed a big field in the upper end of a drainage before reaching a heavily forested saddle SW of HP4600<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 Surprisingly, a road curved up to this point from the canyon to the W.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the unexpected road in the saddle SW of HP4600<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe followed the road farther up the slope.\u00a0 She’d barely gotten started when there it was – the Ice Cave!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
This must be it!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Good job, Looper!\u00a0 Yes, this is the Ice Cave, alright, but how do we get down there?\u00a0 It’s just a vertical drop on all sides!<\/em><\/p>\n

You tell me, SPHP!\u00a0 You’re the one who has been here before.\u00a0 Did you use a rope?<\/em><\/p>\n

Hmm.\u00a0 I don’t remember using any rope.\u00a0 But I don’t remember any issue getting into the cave, either.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Well, we’ve found the Ice Cave<\/strong>, but SPHP doesn’t remember how to get down there!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Circling around to the SE, Ah-ha! – <\/em>another opening!<\/p>\n

Here we go, Looper!<\/em><\/p>\n

A path led down through an opening so large that even SPHP didn’t have to duck.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the Ice Cave easy access entrance. Much better than leaping into the pit! Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Partway in.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking back out.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The short tunnel led down into the pit with vertical walls that Loop had discovered first.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
In the pit below the vertical entrance.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Overhead opening (L) and the easy walk-in access (R). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Along the W side of the pit, a jumble of rocks, many coated with an odd, thin, light-green layer of moss or algae slanted down into a dimly lit region.\u00a0 The American Dingo, now turned spelunker from peakbagger, began a wary descent into the gloom.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
By the opening into the lower chamber.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Descending into the Ice Cave<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Is this really a good idea?<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It wasn’t far to the bottom.\u00a0 Still enough light to see, but the camera worked better using the flash.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the bottom. Dark recess (L).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At the bottom was a solid rock wall, containing a single dark recess.\u00a0 Other than that, there was just the slope of collapsed material Lupe had come down.\u00a0 No doubt that dark recess was the route deeper into the Ice Cave.<\/p>\n

Look, Loop!\u00a0 It’s not blocked off!<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, joy!\u00a0 Are you sure about this, SPHP?\u00a0 We aren’t going in, are we?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah.\u00a0 We won’t go far.\u00a0 Hold on a minute, I’m going to put new batteries into the flashlight.\u00a0 These are about shot.<\/em><\/p>\n

An illusion!\u00a0 The dark recess wasn’t a passage at all.\u00a0 2 or 3 feet back in was just another part of the solid wall of rock.\u00a0 SPHP searched along the lower edge of the entire rock wall, soon exhausting all possibilities.\u00a0 The whole thing was as solid and continuous as could be.<\/p>\n

Huh!\u00a0 I don’t get it?\u00a0 Where is the opening into the rest of the cave?<\/em><\/p>\n

You sure there’s more to it than this, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yah.\u00a0 Absolutely positive.\u00a0 Ice Cave isn’t as long as Erskine Cave, but it went at least 50 or 100 feet into absolute darkness, something like that.\u00a0 The passage wasn’t as tight as at Erskine Cave, either.<\/em><\/p>\n

And what was in there?<\/em><\/p>\n

At the very end there was a room, easily big enough to stand and move around in.\u00a0 From the ceiling, a huge icicle hung down.<\/em><\/p>\n

That sounds awesome!\u00a0 Explains the Ice Cave name, too!\u00a0 Was the icicle dripping?<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, it was super cool!\u00a0 Don’t remember for sure if the icicle was dripping, but I suppose it must have been, at least part of the time.<\/em><\/p>\n

Shining the flashlight around some more, a glint of metal revealed bars fastened into the slope of debris Lupe had come down.<\/p>\n

Hey, Loopster!\u00a0 Here it is!\u00a0 The passage into the lower cavern.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, it is blocked off!\u00a0 What a relie … I mean, what a crying shame!<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, it’s a pity!\u00a0 Would be fun to go in there again.<\/em><\/p>\n

Looks like a mighty tight opening, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah.\u00a0 I thought it was larger.\u00a0 Such a long time ago, though.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
By the small opening (at lower L).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A better look.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Hey, SPHP!\u00a0 There’s a bigger opening over here!<\/em><\/p>\n

Is it blocked, too?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, come and take a look.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, that’s it!\u00a0 This must have been the way we went in before.<\/em><\/p>\n

We?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes.\u00a0 The only other time I’ve been to this Ice Cave was with my friend, Mark.\u00a0 He lived not too far from here and knew about this place.\u00a0 I’d never heard of it before.<\/em><\/p>\n

Mark?\u00a0 The Mark Anderson with his friend Hillary that we climbed Boulder Hill with a few years ago?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yup, one and the same.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
By the big opening in natural light.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Same spot using the flash.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking between the bars deeper into the cavern.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Well, I guess that’s about all there is to see here now, Looper.\u00a0 Nothing more we can do with all the cave entrances blocked.<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, such a tragedy, isn’t it?\u00a0 Can we go?<\/em><\/p>\n

Sure.\u00a0 But what did you think of Erskine Cave and Ice Cave?<\/em><\/p>\n

Much more interesting than I thought they would be, SPHP!\u00a0 I’ve learned some dark secrets, past and present, and can see where spelunking might be fun!\u00a0 Think I’ll stick to peakbagging, if you don’t mind, though.\u00a0 Never going to see any deers or squirrels in a hole in the ground!<\/em><\/p>\n

True dat!\u00a0 OK, c’mon, let’s get out of here.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Back out.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

So are we done for the day, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Not quite, Loop.\u00a0 Want to explore a little more of Stagebarn Ridge?\u00a0 Maybe we can get a good view of Stagebarn Canyon?\u00a0 It’s really quite impressive from down in it.\u00a0 Kind of wonder what it looks like from above?<\/em><\/p>\n

Fine with me!\u00a0 Let’s do it!<\/em><\/p>\n

Heading NE, Lupe went back up and over HP4600<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 From there she worked her way N, crossed TR8287, then went SE up onto another portion of Stagebarn Ridge a mile away from the Ice Cave.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Exploring more of Stagebarn Ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The views were pleasant, but not as impressive as SPHP expected.\u00a0 Lupe got to see part of Stagebarn Canyon, but never went far enough SE to see South Stagebarn Canyon, since the portion of the ridge overlooking it appeared to be heavily forested.\u00a0 A chocolate coconut bar, apple, and Taste of the Wild break was taken at a point where Bear Butte<\/span><\/a> (4,422 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> could be seen off in the distance.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
About as far SE on Stagebarn Ridge<\/strong> as Lupe went. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Stagebarn Canyon<\/strong> (Center) and Bear Butte<\/strong> (R of Center) from Stagebarn Ridge. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Stagebarn Canyon<\/strong> and Bear Butte<\/strong> (Center) with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Zoomed in on Bear Butte<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Break time over, Lupe headed NW.\u00a0 Blue sky!\u00a0 For the first time today, the sun was breaking through the clouds.\u00a0 The wide open spaces of Stagebarn Ridge were beautiful in the late afternoon sunlight!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On Stagebarn Ridge<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe sniffed and roamed on the way back to TR8287.\u00a0 Once there, she faced the same long road hike back.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog did not go past the Ice Cave again, but Erskine Cave was right along the way, and she did stop by to peer into it once more.\u00a0 Mostly, though, it was a fun, quiet trek watching for deer as the light began to fade.\u00a0 Loopster saw some, too!<\/p>\n

Never did see that coyote again, though!\u00a0 (End 5:11 PM, 41\u00baF)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the Ice Cave<\/strong>, Black Hills of South Dakota 1-29-21<\/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 Prior Black Hills Expedition<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 134 – Copper, Odakota, Green & Hat Mountains Plus The Dragon Caves (6-20-15)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Recommended Black Hills Regional Caves:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Jewel Cave National Monument<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Wind Cave National Park<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Rushmore Cave<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Want more Lupe adventures?\u00a0 Check out Lupe’s Black Hills, SD & WY\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":"

8:54 AM, 45\u00baF, Rolling Hills Road 1.75 miles N of Nemo Road at the start of USFS Road No. 777 –\u00a0 Not a ray of sunshine anywhere, but pretty warm out for the end of January.\u00a0 With only a skiff of snow on the ground and a leaden sky, it felt more like late fall … Continue reading Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 263 – Erskine Cave, Ice Cave & Stagebarn Ridge (1-29-21)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":31782,"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":[105,9,106,1379,1380,104,304,1382,1381],"class_list":["post-31799","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-black-hills","tag-american-dingo","tag-black-hills-expeditions","tag-carolina-dog","tag-erskine-cave","tag-ice-cave","tag-lupe","tag-south-dakota","tag-stagebarn-canyon","tag-stagebarn-ridge"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG_8866.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\/31799","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=31799"}],"version-history":[{"count":22,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31799\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":32652,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31799\/revisions\/32652"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/31782"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=31799"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=31799"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=31799"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}