{"id":34011,"date":"2021-06-28T08:10:24","date_gmt":"2021-06-28T14:10:24","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=34011"},"modified":"2021-07-12T17:05:02","modified_gmt":"2021-07-12T23:05:02","slug":"black-hills-sd-expedition-no-277-rapid-creek-peak-5520-the-gold-mountain-mine-with-cousin-dusty-4-23-21-4-24-21","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=34011","title":{"rendered":"Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 277 – Rapid Creek, Peak 5520 & the Gold Mountain Mine with Cousin Dusty (4-23-21 & 4-24-21)"},"content":{"rendered":"

4-23-21, late morning<\/em> – It was the shrillest, happiest, most enthusiastic greeting ever!\u00a0 Uncle Joe, Aunt Andrea, and Cousin Dusty from Colorado could scarcely get in the door or be heard above the din.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog was in a complete frenzy of joy and excitement!\u00a0 Lupe knew what their arrival meant – good times ahead!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Cousin Dusty arrives for a visit.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Festivities started off with a quick trip to Qdoba’s for take-out, and a visit to Grandma’s, where Lupe and Dusty each enjoyed a Busy Rib Hide<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n

After lunch, Aunt Andrea and Grandma were going shopping.\u00a0 Uncle Joe did not disappoint.\u00a0 How about a romp in the hills?\u00a0 A suggestion very well received by the pack!<\/p>\n

Where to, was the immediate question?\u00a0 The day was breezy and gray.\u00a0 Barely above freezing, it was cold for late April.\u00a0 Furthermore, Cousin Dusty would be 15 in June, and was recovering from surgery to remove a tumor.\u00a0 She was doing well, but something not terribly strenuous was in order.\u00a0 SPHP suggested an easy trek along Rapid Creek.<\/p>\n

4-23-21, 1:30 PM, Silver City trailhead<\/em> – Out of the wind down in scenic Rapid Creek canyon, Deerfield Trail No. 40 was the perfect solution!\u00a0 The trail was easy to follow and wound upstream with minimal elevation gain.\u00a0 Dusty could go as far as she wanted to, or turn back at any time.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading W from Silver City on Deerfield Trail No. 40.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Early on there was a nice view of Silver Peak<\/span><\/a> (5,810 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Silver Peak<\/strong> (L). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The trail passed through forest, and along stretches of Rapid Creek.\u00a0 It even went by a Dingo Cave.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe and Cousin Dusty by Rapid Creek<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Uncle Joe and Cousin Dusty from the Dingo Cave.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe had been here many times before, but today there was something new to show off to her guests from Colorado.\u00a0 3 bighorn sheep were up on a steep slope overlooking the trail.\u00a0 One wore two tags, No. 353 and No. 354, plus a radio collar.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Bighorn sheep.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Cousin Dusty was doing great!\u00a0 In fact, she was having such a grand time that she often led the way, even doing some off-trail exploring.\u00a0 As the trek continued, Dusty crossed several more bridges over Rapid Creek.\u00a0 Eventually, the sky darkened further.\u00a0 It began to snow.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Hiking with Uncle Joe.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
One of several bridges over Rapid Creek<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On a remnant of a mysterious man-made wall or support.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Dusty leading the way across another bridge.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Could have been November!\u00a0 Snowflakes filled the air, drifting silently lower.\u00a0 After passing Stewart Gulch, Uncle Joe called a halt.\u00a0 Probably far enough for Dusty.\u00a0 A break was taken.\u00a0 SPHP shared chocolate coconut bars with everyone, and Uncle Joe provided Kind bars.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Rapid Creek<\/strong> not far from the point of farthest advance.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Dusty relaxing on the snow.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The bighorn sheep were still there on the way back, they’d hardly moved at all.\u00a0 Snowed the whole time, but it was too warm for any of it to stick.\u00a0 The return seemed to go fast.\u00a0 Cousin Dusty was still leading when the trailhead appeared ahead.\u00a0 (3:35 PM, 36\u00baF)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading back.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

4-24-21, 10:30 AM, 45\u00baF, Horse Creek Road<\/em> – Gray and cold earlier, just like yesterday, but the clouds were breaking up now!\u00a0 Sunny, getting warmer, and not too windy.\u00a0 A bit muddy, but everyone was in a good mood while setting out on USFS Road No. 243.2J.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading down Horse Creek valley<\/strong>. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Crossing Horse Creek<\/strong>. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

No. 243.2J led to a junction with USFS Road No. 669 near a pond that had been frozen over the last time Lupe was here a little over a month ago.\u00a0 Not so today!\u00a0 Cousin Dusty decided to take a dip.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
By the pond. Joe and Dusty over on USFS Road No. 669. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Dusty in the pond.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Although the pond still had to be mighty cold, Dusty showed no sign of being chilled when she emerged.\u00a0 She went right back to leading the way on USFS Road No. 669 as it headed SE up a valley.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading SE on USFS Road No. 669.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

No. 669 topped out at a broad saddle 0.6 mile past the pond.\u00a0 Peak<\/span> 5520<\/span><\/a><\/strong>, an objective chosen for its excellent views and because Cousin Dusty would be able to climb it, was just 0.2 mile NE.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the saddle with Peak 5520<\/strong> in the background. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Could have chosen a tougher peak!\u00a0 Dusty had no problem at all.\u00a0 Soon everyone was congregated at the top of the mountain.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading up. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Joe and Dusty not too far from the top. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
With Uncle Joe & Cousin Dusty on Peak 5520<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Cousin Dusty still peakbagging in the Black Hills at 14 years, 10.5 months!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Veterans of many trips over the years, Joe and Dusty were no strangers to the Black Hills.\u00a0 A number of peaks they had climbed before with Lupe were visible from Peak 5520, including Boulder Hill<\/span><\/a> (5,331 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Peak<\/span> 5917<\/span><\/a><\/strong>, Mount Warner<\/span><\/a> (5,889 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Black Elk Peak<\/span><\/a> (7,231 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Custer Peak<\/span><\/a> (6,804 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Fond memories on display in almost every direction!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak<\/span> 6070<\/span><\/a><\/strong> (L) and Peak 5917<\/strong> (R). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Mount Warner<\/strong> (L) and Black Elk Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Mount Warner<\/strong> (L of Center), Peak<\/span> 5741<\/span><\/a><\/strong> (R of Center), with Samelias Peak<\/span><\/a> (5,856 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (Center) between them. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lupe and Uncle Joe on Peak 5520<\/strong>. Five Points<\/span><\/a> (6,221 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (L). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Naturally, a chocolate coconut bar break, shared in by all, was taken to commemorate another successful Black Hills ascent.\u00a0 Then it was down Peak 5520’s S slope, a slightly different route back to USFS Road No. 669, with a brief stop to check out the still splendid views from some of the rock formations.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Uncle Joe starts the descent. Mount Warner<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On the rocks with Uncle Joe. Five Points<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

4-24-21, 12:50 PM, Horse Creek Road, back at the G6 –<\/em>\u00a0 Good times with Cousin Dusty and Uncle Joe!\u00a0 Two nice hikes in two days, but this was only a very quick trip for them.\u00a0 Although they’d arrived only 27 hours ago, bright and early tomorrow morning they would be on the road back to Colorado.<\/p>\n

Still early afternoon, though, and Dusty was doing great!\u00a0 Would they consider spending a little longer in the hills before heading back to town?\u00a0 SPHP suggested lunch in Hill City, then another short outing.<\/p>\n

And so it was.\u00a0 Lupe and Dusty rested up in the G6, while Joe and SPHP enjoyed a fabulous meal at the Alpine Inn<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.\u00a0 Then it was on to Burnt Fork Road and a hike to the Gold Mountain Mine<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the Gold Mountain Mine<\/strong>. Lowden Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6,055 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (L). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Joe reads one of 7 or 8 plaques while Dusty looks on.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Cousin Dusty at the Gold Mountain Mine<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In the valley SE of the mine was another pond, considerably larger than the one on the way to Peak 5520.\u00a0 On the way back to the G6, Cousin Dusty couldn’t resist taking another dip.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Cousin Dusty in the bigger, more scenic pond<\/strong> SE of the Gold Mountain Mine<\/strong>. Union Hill<\/span><\/a> (6,120 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (Center). Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Then it was back to town to Grandma’s apartment where Aunt Andrea was playing cards with her, and where two lucky cousins got to enjoy Busy Rib Hides after another fun day together in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota.<\/p>\n

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Busy Rib Hide time<\/strong> at Grandma’s apartment, 4-24-21<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

Next Black Hills Expedition<\/span><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Prior Black Hills Expedition<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/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><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

4-23-21, late morning – It was the shrillest, happiest, most enthusiastic greeting ever!\u00a0 Uncle Joe, Aunt Andrea, and Cousin Dusty from Colorado could scarcely get in the door or be heard above the din.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog was in a complete frenzy of joy and excitement!\u00a0 Lupe knew what their arrival meant – good times … Continue reading Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 277 – Rapid Creek, Peak 5520 & the Gold Mountain Mine with Cousin Dusty (4-23-21 & 4-24-21)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":33987,"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":[105,9,106,1286,593,562,104,1399,1413,304,1285],"class_list":["post-34011","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-cousin-dusty","tag-deerfield-trail-no-40","tag-gold-mountain-mine","tag-lupe","tag-peak-5520","tag-rapid-creek","tag-south-dakota","tag-uncle-joe"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/IMG_0147.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\/34011","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=34011"}],"version-history":[{"count":16,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34011\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":34575,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34011\/revisions\/34575"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/33987"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=34011"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=34011"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=34011"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}