{"id":32584,"date":"2021-03-25T08:10:32","date_gmt":"2021-03-25T14:10:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=32584"},"modified":"2021-04-04T08:27:30","modified_gmt":"2021-04-04T14:27:30","slug":"black-hills-sd-expedition-no-266-peak-5500-wildcat-peak-2-22-21","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=32584","title":{"rendered":"Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 266 – Peak 5500 & Wildcat Peak (2-22-21)"},"content":{"rendered":"

7:48 AM, 31\u00baF, intersection of Dewey Road (Custer Co. No. 769) and Elk Mountain Road – <\/em>What a gorgeous day!\u00a0 A few little clouds in a brilliant blue sky.\u00a0 Supposed to warm up a bunch today, too, after what had been a bitter cold couple of weeks in the first part of February.\u00a0 Highs in the upper 50’s \u00baF in the forecast back home!<\/p>\n

Yeah, so much for that around here.\u00a0 Not even up to freezing yet.\u00a0 Lupe set out for gleaming white Elk Benchmark<\/span><\/a> (5,669 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> heading into the teeth of a frigid NW wind.\u00a0 Looked like, felt like, winter!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Elk Benchmark<\/strong> from Elk Mountain Road. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I thought you said it was going to be nice out, SPHP!\u00a0 Just sort of windy.<\/em><\/p>\n

Hah!\u00a0 Yeah, silly me!\u00a0 Actually supposed to get windier, too.\u00a0 40 mph gusts!\u00a0 How are you faring, Looper?\u00a0 Are you freezing?\u00a0 Want to turn back?<\/em><\/p>\n

I’m OK so far, but windier won’t be good.\u00a0 Are you sure you’re up to this?<\/em><\/p>\n

Not entirely, Loop.\u00a0 A lot colder and snowier than I was expecting, but the mountains ought to provide us some shelter once we get closer.<\/em><\/p>\n

Let’s keep going then, SPHP.\u00a0 If we can get out of the wind, that will help a bunch.\u00a0 Hopefully, it will warm up some, too.<\/em><\/p>\n

A cold, cold trek for nearly 1.5 miles, but conditions improved after that.\u00a0 At 2.5 miles long and more than 500 feet high, Elk Benchmark made an excellent windbreak.\u00a0 Might have warmed up a bit by the time Lupe got close to it, too.\u00a0 Elk Mountain Road turned SW into a sheltered valley.\u00a0 Suddenly the winter display was simply beautiful, instead of an ordeal.<\/p>\n

Peak<\/span> 5500<\/span><\/a><\/strong> and Wildcat Peak<\/span><\/a> (5,500 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> were already in sight.\u00a0 Going to be a fun day, if it didn’t get too windy up on top!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Still out in the cold wind. Peak 5500<\/strong> (L) and Elk Benchmark<\/strong> (R). Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Beautiful here! Not as windy. Wildcat Peak<\/strong> (L) and Peak 5500<\/strong> (R). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At the W end of the protected valley, Elk Mountain Road wound 300 feet up to a pass separating Elk Benchmark and Peak 5500.\u00a0 SPHP paused to read a sign about Bighorn sheep.\u00a0 As soon as SPHP finished, Lupe left the road and began climbing SE into the snowy forest.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 5500<\/strong> (L). The road curves R up to a pass. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Bighorn sheep sign at the pass.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
About to head into the forest. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The snow was a foot deep most places, enough to make Lupe work.\u00a0 Once she got into the forest a little way, she turned E until she reached the edge of the ridge she was going to follow up Peak 5500.\u00a0 From here she had a great view of the secluded valley she’d come through on Elk Mountain Road, and much of the ridgeline leading to the summit.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe came through the valley seen on the R. Elk Benchmark<\/strong> (L). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the E edge of the ridge. Peak 5500<\/strong> (L of Center). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The American Dingo kept going, climbing SE along the ridgeline.\u00a0 Every so often, she stopped to enjoy the unobstructed views to the E from big rocks perched along the edge.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
S end of Elk Benchmark<\/strong> (L). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On the same boulder, but now looking SE toward Peak 5500’s summit<\/strong> (R).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The edge of the ridge was wide open.\u00a0 Breezy up here, but nothing like it had been down on the prairie.\u00a0 The forest just W of the ridgeline helped a lot to minimize it’s effect, but Lupe could still hear the wind roaring among the swaying pines.<\/p>\n

Partway up, Lupe came to a flat bouldery area where there was a break in the forest.\u00a0 She could see a long way W into Wyoming from here, but was again exposed to the wind’s full force.\u00a0 Annoying, but since it wasn’t quite as cold out now, the gale wasn’t as frigid as it had been earlier.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the wind-swept boulders. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A big view into Wyoming through a gap in the forest. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The climb continued.\u00a0 Really wasn’t all that steep most of the time.\u00a0 Lupe explored boulders and rock outcroppings.\u00a0 Soon she was high enough to see the white, barren N end of Elk Benchmark, where the forest had burned away nearly 20 years ago.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Fun among the big rocks. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Up nearly all the way, but not too steep. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The white plateau of the N end of Elk Benchmark<\/strong> comes into view. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Near the top there were hardly any big rocks.\u00a0 Scattered dead trees stood forlornly on an open snowy slope covered with animal tracks and a few human ones, too.\u00a0 Loopster sure would have liked to see some of those Bighorn sheep, but none seemed to be around.<\/p>\n

Fully exposed to the cold wind again, Lupe turned S toward the summit, often having to contend with deadfall hidden beneath the snow.\u00a0 The big view of Elk Benchmark<\/span><\/a> (5,669 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> back to the N continued to improve.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lots of tracks up here, but sadly no Bighorn sheep. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Quite a view of the white N end of Elk Benchmark<\/strong> (Center) now! Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Getting close to the top of Peak 5500<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A scenic group of 4 dead trees near the edge. Elk Benchmark<\/strong> (L). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A little NE of Peak 5500’s true summit, Wildcat Peak<\/span><\/a> (5,500 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> came into view.\u00a0 Such a beautiful mountain!\u00a0 Lupe had been to Wildcat Peak nearly 5 years ago.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Wildcat Peak<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Wildcat Peak<\/strong> from Peak 5500<\/strong>. Photo looks SE with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In fact, Lupe had been to Peak<\/span> 5500<\/span><\/a><\/strong> before, too.\u00a0 She’d come up over it on that same day in April, 2016 on her way back from Wildcat Peak.\u00a0 Ready to complete her 2nd ascent, Loop headed for the true summit.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
True summit of Peak 5500<\/strong> (R of Center) dead ahead! Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On top of Peak 5500<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The true summit was more of a small area than any one identifiable point, especially with so much snow around.\u00a0 With her 2nd ascent of Peak 5500 complete, Lupe was ready for a break.\u00a0 Fortunately, the forest was close enough to help minimize the wind to some degree.\u00a0 Loop and SPHP hung out enjoying the fabulous view of Wildcat Peak.<\/p>\n

Not for long, though!\u00a0 Snow everywhere.\u00a0 No dry place to sit, and enough of a chilly breeze to soon convince both Dingo and human that moving on might be a good idea.\u00a0 Loop ventured back to the NE for a last look at Elk Benchmark before returning briefly to Peak 5500’s true summit.\u00a0 She then headed S exploring Peak 5500’s long summit ridge.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog’s next journey to Wildcat Peak was underway!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Elk Benchmark<\/strong> from Peak 5500<\/strong>. Photo looks N with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe didn’t have to go very far S to reach an open region where all the trees were dead.\u00a0 For a rocky, wind-swept stretch hundreds of feet long, she again had big views into Wyoming.\u00a0 Continuing S, Loop regained the protection of a live forest.\u00a0 She had a final look back at the moderately higher true summit before turning SW into the trees.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Last look back at the true summit<\/strong> (L of Center) while exploring Peak 5500’s S ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Getting close to the S end. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Where Peak 5500’s S ridge really start to drop off, the forest gave way to more open territory again.\u00a0 With Wyoming less than 0.25 mile away, Lupe got up on a rock formation with a panoramic view.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
A grand view of Wyoming! Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Loop continued SW down the slope a little way.\u00a0 Easy enough, but what the American Dingo really needed to do was to get down to the saddle leading to Wildcat Peak.\u00a0 With snow still melting on Peak 5500’s SE face, it was just steep and slick enough to be a bit of a challenge for SPHP.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Wildcat Peak<\/strong> (Center) from where Lupe started down into the valley. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A slow, cautious descent went fine.\u00a0 Lupe got down to where the terrain leveled out somewhat below and SW of the saddle.\u00a0 Didn’t take her long to get up to it.\u00a0 A big clearing at the saddle was full of deep snow.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading down Peak 5500’s SE face<\/strong>. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the saddle between Peak 5500 and Wildcat Peak. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The trek up Wildcat Peak was reminiscent of the one up Peak 5500.\u00a0 A bit steeper on average, but the American Dingo was again climbing SE near the E edge of a long ridge.\u00a0 Still plenty of wildlife tracks in the snow, but no human ones here.\u00a0 The fabled Bighorn sheep again disappointed by failing to put in an appearance.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading up Wildcat Peak<\/strong> (Center). Fairly steep along in here. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Following a wildlife highway partway up on easier terrain. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As Lupe regained elevation, Elk Benchmark<\/span><\/a> (5,669 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> came into sight again, along with a steadily improving view of Peak<\/span> 5500<\/span><\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 5500<\/strong> (L) and Elk Benchmark<\/strong> (R). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Not far from the top of Wildcat Peak<\/strong> now. Peak 5500<\/strong> (L) and Elk Benchmark<\/strong> (R). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Wildcat Peak<\/span><\/a><\/strong> (5,500 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> had definite true summit, a huge rock at the NW end of a summit ridge several hundred feet long.\u00a0 Many boulders that weren’t much lower were strung out along the entire length of this ridge, but there was no denying that the one at the NW end was higher than any other.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Loop near Wildcat Peak’s true summit boulder<\/strong> (L). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Not a wildcat in sight, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Nope.\u00a0 But then why should there be, Looper?\u00a0 If I remember right, last time you were here you proclaimed this mountain to be American Dingo Peak, didn’t you?\u00a0 “Bring it on, Wildcats!” and all that sort of thing.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, that’s right, I did!\u00a0 Kind of forgot about that.\u00a0 Can’t even sniff any sign of a wildcat now.<\/em><\/p>\n

No wildcat prints in the snow, either.\u00a0 Guess you scared ’em all off.\u00a0 They probably figured you’d be back every now and then to defend American Dingo Peak against all comers.<\/em><\/p>\n

That must be it!\u00a0 I sort of thought wildcats might still sneak up here now and then, but maybe wildcats know about Carolina Dogs’ reputation for ferocity?<\/em><\/p>\n

Makes sense to me, Loopster.\u00a0 Certainly explains the current dearth of wildcats.\u00a0 The poor wildcats are terrified to get anywhere near this joint.<\/em><\/p>\n

The summit boulder was too tall for Lupe to be able to get up onto it by herself.\u00a0 SPHP wasn’t about to lift her way up there, either, when it was all slick with snow on top.\u00a0 No sense in risking a fall.<\/p>\n

Instead, both Loop and SPHP got up on the highest rock next to it.\u00a0 As Loopster’s personal representative, SPHP reached up and tapped the top of the summit boulder.\u00a0 Success!\u00a0 Good enough for Dingo work, anyway!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the true summit<\/strong>, or as close to it as Lupe got. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Wildcat Peak<\/strong> or American Dingo Peak<\/strong> – take your pick!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Wildcat Peak’s mostly forested summit region sloped away to the SW, but toward the SE end of the upper ridge there was a clearing with big views to the S.\u00a0 Leaving the true summit, Lupe headed that way.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading for the SE end of Wildcat Peak’s summit ridge. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On a big rock near the SE end. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking back along the summit ridge. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Although it was still quite cool and windy, the snow had partially melted off some of the big rocks near the SE end of the ridge.\u00a0 Choosing a rock with a reasonably big dry spot, SPHP sat down.\u00a0 Lupe snuggled close, and was soon curled up on SPHP’s lap, since solid rock ranks distressingly low on the Dingo comfort scale.<\/p>\n

Break time!\u00a0 Taste of the Wild, a chocolate coconut bar, and an apple – the usual fare.\u00a0 It all disappeared while contemplating the dazzling white scene to the S.\u00a0 A huge expanse was in sight, but none of it was higher than Wildcat Peak where Lupe was now.<\/p>\n

That wasn’t quite true.\u00a0 Barely detectable way off on the far SW horizon, shimmered a faint white triangle.\u00a0 Might even have been a cloud, except that the triangle never moved or changed.\u00a0 SPHP was almost certain it was actually the top of Laramie Peak<\/span><\/a> (10,272 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Much closer, 5 miles SSE, were several peaks Lupe had visited nearly 5 years ago.\u00a0 Sullivan Peak<\/span><\/a> (4,967 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Twin Buttes<\/span><\/a> (4,949 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> were both long white ridges, the highest points in that region.\u00a0 Red Point<\/span><\/a> (4,680 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was little more than a tiny, heavily-forested, dark green hill.\u00a0 Nothing red about it!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking SSE from Wildcat Peak<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The 2 most distant white ridges are Sullivan Peak<\/strong> (L of Center) and Twin Buttes<\/strong> (R). The forested hill (L) is Red Point<\/strong>. Photo looks SSE with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking down Wildcat Peak’s S slope<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Oh, it’s good to be back on American Dingo Peak, isn’t it, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Certainly is, Loop!\u00a0 You going to let the wildcats reclaim their mountain now that you’ve visited it twice?<\/em><\/p>\n

That’s getting a little radical, SPHP!\u00a0 Maybe we Dingoes can just share it with them?\u00a0 Wouldn’t really mind if some wildcats want to come prowling through here now and then.\u00a0 I actually like cats, you know!<\/em><\/p>\n

Of course!\u00a0 Cats are cool.\u00a0 And wildcats are super cool!<\/em><\/p>\n

Brisk, snow-blindingly brilliant, blue sky minutes drifted away one by one.\u00a0 Really was good to be here again.\u00a0 All too soon, it was time for the American Dingo to start back.<\/p>\n

An hour after Lupe first reached the top of Wildcat Peak, she passed by the true summit boulder again.\u00a0 Before leaving for good, Loop ventured briefly out to the E edge of the mountain a little NE of the summit.<\/p>\n

Everything off to the E looked pretty flat, but it was all a beautiful mix of green forests and white prairies beneath the wild blue sky.\u00a0 Banks of red dirt added a few little splotches of color.\u00a0 A long way to anything higher than Wildcat Peak.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Sadly, time to head back. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Near the true summit<\/strong> again. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Leaving Wildcat Peak<\/strong>. Peak 5500<\/strong> (L) and Elk Benchmark<\/strong> (R). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe’s return varied only slightly from the way she’d come up.\u00a0 Down at the saddle leading to Peak 5500, the Carolina Dog simply headed straight up the SE slope.\u00a0 Steep, but no worse than it had been farther W.\u00a0 Once back up on\u00a0Peak 5500’s S ridge, Loop headed N.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Back on Peak 5500’s S ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Hey, SPHP!\u00a0 I’ve been thinking.<\/em><\/p>\n

Dat so?\u00a0 What about?\u00a0 Do tell!<\/em><\/p>\n

This is Peak 5500, right?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yup.<\/em><\/p>\n

No other name for it?<\/em><\/p>\n

Not that I know of, Loop.<\/em><\/p>\n

Well, then!\u00a0 If the wildcats want their peak back, maybe Peak 5500 can be American Dingo Peak instead?\u00a0 That way everyone’s happy!\u00a0 The giant deers have their Elk Benchmark, the wildcats have Wildcat Peak again, and we American Dingoes have our own mountain, too!\u00a0 How do you like that idea, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Mighty considerate of you, Loopster!\u00a0 American Dingoes wouldn’t really lose much in the change, either.\u00a0 Peak 5500 is just as high as Wildcat Peak.<\/em><\/p>\n

American Dingo Peak is a much snazzier name than plain old Peak 5500, too, SPHP, and Wildcat Peak already had a good name!\u00a0 It’s settled then!\u00a0 Peak 5500 is the new American Dingo Peak!\u00a0 The wildcats can have their mountain back.<\/em><\/p>\n

OK, fine!\u00a0 As far as we’re concerned, so it is!\u00a0 Only one problem, Looper.<\/em><\/p>\n

Problem?\u00a0 What problem?<\/em><\/p>\n

What happens when the Bighorn sheep want their own mountain?<\/em><\/p>\n

I’m not a magician, SPHP!\u00a0 You snooze, you lose!\u00a0 I’m claiming Peak<\/span><\/strong><\/em> 5500<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/em> for the American Dingoes.\u00a0 The sheep can have Bighorn Sheep Pass.\u00a0 After all, that’s where they put their sign!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Back at Peak 5500’s summit<\/strong>. (aka the new American Dingo Peak<\/strong>!) Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

With the issue resolved, it was – Onward!\u00a0 Puppy, ho!<\/em>\u00a0 On the way down the NW ridge leading to newly proclaimed Bighorn Sheep Pass, Lupe stopped briefly at some of the big rocks to enjoy the views.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Second time at this rock. Not as snowy as it had been earlier. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On a spiffy Dingo display pedestal. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A nice look at the lower end of the NW ridge. Most of it is actually in Wyoming, but Lupe is still in South Dakota at this point. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Carolina Dog was almost down to Bighorn Sheep Pass, when all of a sudden there was an enchanting sound in the forest.\u00a0 Lupe dashed away, snow flying behind her!\u00a0 SPHP followed the Dingo’s shrill yipping to a squirrel tree.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Pleading with the squirrel to come down and play.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Happy times!\u00a0 Only squirrel of the whole day, but one was better than none.\u00a0 Every bit as good as a Bighorn sheep or a wildcat as far as Lupe was concerned.\u00a0 Joy rang through the forest.\u00a0 Once satisfied that she had given the squirrel what for, Lupe explored some big rocks to the W.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Exploring among rocks just inside Wyoming. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Then it was on down to Bighorn Sheep Pass, and a lovely late afternoon stroll on Elk Mountain Road back to the G6.\u00a0 (End 4:18 PM, 41\u00baF)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Wildcat Peak<\/strong>\u00a0from American Dingo Peak<\/strong>, Black Hills of South Dakota, 2-22-21<\/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. 168 – Wildcat Peak, Fanny Peak & Summit Ridge (4-21-16)<\/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":"

7:48 AM, 31\u00baF, intersection of Dewey Road (Custer Co. No. 769) and Elk Mountain Road – What a gorgeous day!\u00a0 A few little clouds in a brilliant blue sky.\u00a0 Supposed to warm up a bunch today, too, after what had been a bitter cold couple of weeks in the first part of February.\u00a0 Highs in … Continue reading Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 266 – Peak 5500 & Wildcat Peak (2-22-21)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":32599,"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":[105,9,106,104,1388,304,631],"class_list":["post-32584","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-lupe","tag-peak-5500","tag-south-dakota","tag-wildcat-peak"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/IMG_8990.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\/32584","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=32584"}],"version-history":[{"count":31,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32584\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":33461,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32584\/revisions\/33461"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/32599"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=32584"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=32584"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=32584"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}