{"id":35342,"date":"2021-11-19T08:10:14","date_gmt":"2021-11-19T15:10:14","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=35342"},"modified":"2022-04-03T08:48:17","modified_gmt":"2022-04-03T14:48:17","slug":"bruce-mountain-bighorn-mountains-wyoming-6-25-21","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=35342","title":{"rendered":"Bruce Mountain, Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming (6-25-21)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Day 4 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2021 Dingo Vacation to Wyoming!<\/em><\/p>\n

8:19 AM, 46\u00baF, paved pullout on the E side of Hwy 14 at the start of USFS Road No. 277 – <\/em>Sort of iffy, but the sky seemed to be clearing after last night’s showers.\u00a0 Loopster was anxious to go, and could always bail if the weather deteriorated. \u00a0Bruce Mountain<\/span><\/a> (10,340 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> wouldn’t be nearly so hard to get back from as Elk Peak<\/span><\/a> (11,050 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> had been, if it did.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
About to set off for Bruce Mountain<\/strong> (Center). USFS Road No. 277 in the foreground. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The American Dingo took USFS Road No. 277 across a field down into a drainage, then up the other side to a low hill forested near the top.\u00a0 The road curved SE, then went past a big gravel yard on the L.\u00a0 Beyond the gravel Lupe passed several dispersed camping sites on both sides of the road.\u00a0 Most were occupied.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
By the gravel yard. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
USFS Road No. 277 in the region of dispersed camping sites. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Could have driven the RAV4 this far!\u00a0 The road was in perfect shape.\u00a0 However, it soon began to deteriorate.\u00a0 Enormous murky mud puddles, probably shallow, but of indeterminate depth, covered the whole road from side to side.\u00a0 On paw they were easily avoided.\u00a0 Maybe it was a good thing the RAV4 was back at the highway after all.<\/p>\n

A little more than a mile past the gravel yard, Lupe came to a junction with USFS Road No. 278, a more primitive route.\u00a0 She had scarcely set out along it when a clearing appeared on the L (E).\u00a0 An open green slope led up to a minor ridgeline.<\/p>\n

Why don’t we go up there, SPHP?\u00a0 Maybe we’ll see something?<\/em><\/p>\n

Made sense.\u00a0 The ridge paralleled the road not far from it, and would be more fun.<\/p>\n

Fine with me, Looper.\u00a0 Hang on a moment, though.\u00a0 It’s gotten so sunny, I ought to apply <\/em>some sunscreen.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the junction with USFS Road No. 278 (L). Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Leaving No. 278 to head up onto the ridge (L). Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The crest of the ridge overlooked the valley of the West Fork of the South Tongue River.\u00a0 Bruce Mountain was on the far side, but there wasn’t any need to cross over to it here.\u00a0 Instead, Lupe followed the ridge SE slowly gaining elevation.\u00a0 The ridge soon leveled off, melting away as it merged into a large flat meadow.<\/p>\n

USFS Road No. 278 was straight ahead, winding through the meadow.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Up on the minor ridge with a view of Bruce Mountain<\/strong> and the valley of the West Fork of the South Tongue River<\/strong>. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
SE end of the ridge where it starts merging into the meadow. Bruce Mountain<\/strong> (L). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
NW end of Bruce Mountain<\/strong> beyond the West Fork of the South Tongue River<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Antelope Butte<\/span><\/a> (9,935 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> from the same region. Photo looks SW with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Returning to No. 278, the American Dingo followed it SE for a good mile, a super easy trek all out in the flat meadow.\u00a0 Once past the upper end of the valley of the West Fork of the South Tongue River, Lupe abandoned the road, turning E toward a saddle visible up on Bruce Mountain.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching USFS Road No. 278 again. The plan was to head for the saddle (Center) seen in the distance. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Getting close to where Lupe abandoned USFS Road No. 278 (R) to head up to the saddle (L). Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After passing through a short stretch of forest, the saddle was directly ahead, a long open slope leading up to it.\u00a0 As Lupe roamed higher, what little blue sky there was began vanishing.\u00a0 Behind the Carolina Dog, dark clouds were gathering toward the W.\u00a0 Not ominous yet, but something to keep an eye on.\u00a0 Certainly starting to look like SPHP wasn’t going to get much mileage out of that sunscreen so recently applied.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading for the saddle (Center). Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A glance back at the approaching clouds. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The long slope went on and on.\u00a0 Lupe stayed toward the S (R), near the base of a ridge that was getting rockier and rockier.\u00a0 Many of these rocks were peculiar long, rounded slabs.\u00a0 Scarcely any trees were nearby, but Loop began encountering large patches of low bushes.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
In a patch of shrubbery. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On one of the long slabs. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The saddle was still some distance away when it began to appear that Lupe ought to be able to get onto the rocky ridge she was next to.\u00a0 Going up for a look around seemed like a good idea.\u00a0 Turning S, a short trek higher brought the American Dingo to the ridgeline.\u00a0 A big knob of rock was directly to the W.\u00a0 Gazing off to the S and SE, SPHP was instantly both astonished and confused.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the rocky ridge looking W toward the stony knob.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Quite the view, isn’t it, SPHP?\u00a0 Always great to be in the Bighorns!<\/em><\/p>\n

I’ll say.<\/em><\/p>\n

Hey, aren’t those highest mountains off to the SE Dome Peak<\/span><\/a> (10,828 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and the Sheridan County High Point<\/span><\/a> (11,020 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>?\u00a0 I think they are.\u00a0 Almost certain of it!<\/em><\/p>\n

You’re right, Loop.\u00a0 That’s them alright.<\/em><\/p>\n

Is something wrong, SPHP?\u00a0 You don’t seem very enthusiastic.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, it’s all gorgeous, of course!\u00a0 It’s just that I was expecting to see the top of Bruce Mountain beyond this ridge, or at least the terrain leading up to it.\u00a0 Instead, the whole mountain drops away.\u00a0 Where the heck are we?<\/em><\/p>\n

What?\u00a0 Well, that’s just fabulous, SPHP!\u00a0 We’ve hardly started up, and we’re lost already?\u00a0 Tell ya what, Einstein.\u00a0 You’re the one with all the fancy maps, why don’t you take a look and figure it out?\u00a0 Better be quick about it, too!\u00a0 Fog is rolling in!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Upper Willet Creek drainage<\/strong>. Photo looks S from the rocky ridge.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Dome Peak<\/strong> (L) and the Sheridan County High Point<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe found a soft spot to lie down.\u00a0 She gobbled a bowl of Taste of the Wild, then dozed while waiting for SPHP to come to some resolution.\u00a0 Chilled as the sky darkened, SPHP layered up, then chomped an apple while studying the topo map<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, trying to make sense of it versus reality.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Awaiting SPHP’s verdict. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

To the N, across the broad slope Lupe had just come up were a couple of huge rock formations.\u00a0 The more distant one was easily 200 feet higher than this ridge where Loopster was now.\u00a0 Obviously, Bruce Mountain’s summit had to be somewhere in that direction, since everything to the S was much lower.\u00a0 SPHP had been so disoriented, though, that it took a few minutes to accept this truth.<\/p>\n

Ready, Looper?\u00a0 It’s Onward!\u00a0 Puppy, ho! time.<\/em><\/p>\n

Did you figure out where we are, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yup.\u00a0 We’re at the far S end of Bruce Mountain.\u00a0 Sort of self-evident, isn’t it?\u00a0 I was so incredulous at these views, because I had it in my head that we were coming up N of the summit.\u00a0 Instead, we’re actually well S of it.<\/em><\/p>\n

Lovely, I’m sure, to have such a keen innate sense of direction!\u00a0 So, at least you know which way we need to go now?<\/em><\/p>\n

I do.\u00a0 Head for that closest humongous rock formation.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe started her search for Bruce Mountain’s summit heading for the rock formation on the R. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Heading for the closest big rock formation to the NE essentially meant completing the trek up to the saddle Lupe had originally aimed for.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog lost a good 80 feet of elevation as she left the rocky ridge before starting to climb again.\u00a0 Expecting there wouldn’t be any problem going around the E side of this formation prior to angling toward the higher, more distant ridge, SPHP was once again surprised when that didn’t turn out to be the case.<\/p>\n

This first formation was bigger than it looked, extending much farther E than anticipated.\u00a0 A continuous wall of rock ran over and well beyond the saddle’s crest.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Starting back down to the green slope leading to the saddle on the R, intending to go around the far side of the rock formation on the L. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Near the first huge rock formation. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the saddle, with a continuous wall of rock (L) blocking the way N. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Tiny wildflowers of the alpine slope.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Arriving at the top of the saddle only to find that the wall of rock extends down the other side of the mountain. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Well, shoot, Loop!\u00a0 I can’t believe this!<\/em><\/p>\n

Why did we come up here in the first place, SPHP?\u00a0 We could have headed straight for the highest rock formation, if we’d stayed W of this one.\u00a0 There was an open route the whole way.\u00a0 Shorter, too!\u00a0 We both saw it!<\/em><\/p>\n

I know, but that way looked a lot steeper.\u00a0 Never dreamed we’d run into this situation.\u00a0 Guess we’ll have to go back down to the W, if we can’t find a way past this wall of rock.\u00a0 Hate to lose all the elevation we just gained, though.\u00a0 Before we do that, let’s have a look around.\u00a0 Maybe there actually is a way through?<\/em><\/p>\n

Luck of the Dingo!\u00a0 There was!\u00a0 Lupe had barely started searching, when she spied two green ramps leading to the top of the wall.\u00a0 Quite steep, but certainly doable.\u00a0 A short climb, and the Carolina Dog was up on top.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The green ramps leading to the top of the first huge rock formation. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In the time it took SPHP to stagger up behind Loop, fog swept over the region and a light rain set in.\u00a0 Ahead to the N was an unexpected sight, made all the more mysterious by the cold, damp, gray gloom.\u00a0 A higher, more formidable wall of rock appeared to run clear across the entire mountain, blocking all hope of further progress beyond it.<\/p>\n

Was that the same highest, most distant formation that had been visible from back down at the first rocky ridge?\u00a0 Sure seemed a lot closer than it should have been.<\/p>\n

We have to get past that, too, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Afraid so, Loop.<\/em><\/p>\n

But how?<\/em><\/p>\n

Search me!\u00a0 Doesn’t look at all possible, does it?\u00a0 Going to take a miracle this time.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Above the green ramps of the first rock formation, contemplating the forbidding next wall of rock ahead. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Spirits dampened in more ways than one, Lupe advanced toward the ghostly obstacle ahead.\u00a0 There were actually two separate walls of rock.\u00a0 Passing the smaller one, Loop entered a narrow channel heading ENE between it and the larger wall to the N.\u00a0 The high point of this gap was close by.\u00a0 Going to it, Lupe saw a hidden snowbank, beyond which the terrain dropped steeply.<\/p>\n

No help that way!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the top of the channel between the rock formations. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It was starting to rain harder.\u00a0 SPHP yanked the ancient, blue plastic rain poncho from the pack and put it on.\u00a0 Return of the Cookie Monster!<\/p>\n

Guess we’re stuck, SPHP.\u00a0 By the way, you look ridiculous!<\/em><\/p>\n

I don’t believe it!\u00a0 How can this mountain be so complicated, Loop?\u00a0 Doesn’t look bad at all on the topo map!\u00a0 Thought we were going to have an easy romp up here, maybe scramble up a few rocks at the very top to get to the true summit.\u00a0 Never occurred to me that we’d face anything like all these huge, long, vertical rock walls going clear across the top of the mountain to cut us off.<\/em><\/p>\n

Well, doesn’t look like we’re getting past this one.\u00a0 The weather is rotten, anyway.\u00a0 Maybe we should head back to the RAV4 and try again tomorrow from another direction?\u00a0 The mountain will still be here.\u00a0 Want to do that, SPHP? … SPHP? … Oh, no!\u00a0 Forget it!\u00a0 I’m not doing that!\u00a0 It’s practically straight up!<\/em><\/p>\n

It wasn’t really straight up, though.\u00a0 The rock wall SPHP was staring at, the big one to the N that Lupe needed to get to the top of, had some lean to it, not a lot, but some.\u00a0 Looked like there were quite a few possible pawholds, too.\u00a0 Furthermore, although the rock wall was 30 feet high, there seemed to be some incongruity about 20 feet up, like there was space to maneuver up there.<\/p>\n

Now, now, Loop!\u00a0 You know I’m no rock climber, but I think even I can manage to scramble up the first 20 feet to that cleft or whatever it is up there, provided I’m careful about it.\u00a0 I’m 100% certain you can, too.\u00a0 All you need is a boost to get you started!<\/em><\/p>\n

No!\u00a0 Stay away from me!\u00a0 You’re off your rocker, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the base of the scramble higher. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

SPHP grabbed Loopster, lifting her as high up the wall as possible.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog fought back, pushing away from the rock.<\/p>\n

No!\u00a0 No!\u00a0 Let me go, SPHP!\u00a0 I don’t want to.\u00a0 Let’s find an easier mountain!\u00a0 Put me down!\u00a0 Please!<\/em><\/p>\n

C’mon, Loop!\u00a0 Stop fighting it!\u00a0 You’ll be fine!\u00a0 Not that hard.\u00a0 Climb!\u00a0 You’ll be up there in a flash!\u00a0 I’ll be coming, too, right behind you.<\/em><\/p>\n

The struggle lasted only seconds.\u00a0 Suddenly Looper got the message, clawing her way up to the cleft.\u00a0 Slowly, carefully, SPHP followed.<\/p>\n

Made it!<\/p>\n

The last 10 feet turned out to be cake.\u00a0 Easy climb.\u00a0 Loop reached the top close to a big boulder at the absolute high point.\u00a0 A cairn sat right on top, calmly waiting to greet Lupe.<\/p>\n

The cairn waited in vain.\u00a0 No need to go to it.\u00a0 Could have, but off to the NW, beyond several smaller rock formations scattered over a green plain, was another big rock formation, an even higher one than where Lupe was now.\u00a0 This wasn’t the summit of Bruce Mountain.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Near the absolute top of this wall of rock, with an even higher one (R) ahead. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Contemplating the plain leading to the next summit candidate (L). Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For pity sake!<\/em><\/p>\n

We need to go over there, don’t we, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

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

At least it didn’t look hard to get over close to the latest, greatest, true summit candidate.\u00a0 Lupe headed down to the plain and trotted that way.<\/p>\n

Partway there, the rain started in harder yet.\u00a0 Poor Lupe was getting soaked.\u00a0 Despite the Cookie Monster outfit, SPHP was, too.\u00a0 An overhang at the closest rock formation beckoned.\u00a0 Time to take shelter.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
As far as Loop got before having to take shelter. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It rained off and on.\u00a0 Intermittent fog streamed by.\u00a0 Water dripped from the little overhang, which was barely adequate to provide protection.\u00a0 Lupe curled up on SPHP’s lap inside the Cookie Monster rain poncho, peering out now and then during lulls in the storm.\u00a0 Occasionally, Antelope Butte<\/span><\/a> (9,935 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was in sight.\u00a0 Under Lupe’s weight, SPHP’s lower paws slowly went numb.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Waiting for the storm to pass. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Seemed like a day it could rain forever.\u00a0 For variety, it eventually began to rain in sheets.\u00a0 This was followed by hail until the ground began to turn white.\u00a0 Nothing serious, just tiny ice particles.<\/p>\n

40 long minutes ticked away before the sky brightened.\u00a0 Antelope Butte reappeared as the fog swept away.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog decided that maybe the storm was all over and done with.\u00a0 No more sitting around!\u00a0 Looper got up.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking S back at the high point Lupe had come from.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Antelope Butte<\/strong> (Center) reappears. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

C’mon, SPHP!\u00a0 Let’s do this!<\/em><\/p>\n

Following the American Dingo over open ground on pins and needles as blood flow restored to SPHP’s lower paws, the journey NW toward Bruce Mountain’s next summit candidate resumed.<\/p>\n

Instead of heading directly to the imposing S face of the rock formation, Loop aimed E of it, completely avoiding not only another daunting or impossible scramble, but any rough terrain at all.\u00a0 Gaining elevation, Lupe soon got far enough N to view the formation from the E, where its appearance was much different.<\/p>\n

Beyond a snowbank, an easy green ramp of open ground rose between two parallel walls of rock to a crest between them.\u00a0 Most encouragingly, the walls didn’t look all that high from this angle.<\/p>\n

Ho-ho, Looper!\u00a0 This is more like it!\u00a0 If the summit is up there, we’re in business!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
E of the next Bruce Mountain summit candidate<\/strong> (Center) with a lovely green ramp providing access almost all the way to the top. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The weather was still questionable as Lupe headed W for the ramp.\u00a0 Now and then the clouds still spit a little light rain, or released a fine mist.\u00a0 The thoroughly dampened Dingo must not have been feeling too frigid, though.\u00a0 Passing the snowbank, she made a point of rolling on it, evidently enjoying the experience.<\/p>\n

Then it was on up the ramp, confident of a Bruce Mountain<\/span><\/a> (10,340 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> peakbagging success!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking back from the base of the snowbank. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Heading up the ramp. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Near the top of the ramp, looking back the way Loop came up. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Upon reaching the crest of the green ramp, it was readily apparent that Lupe would have no trouble getting to the top of the rock wall to the N.\u00a0 Unfortunately, the S wall was clearly higher and far more problematic.<\/p>\n

A promising mini green ramp led to the top of the W end of the S wall.\u00a0 Easy as pie, Lupe sauntered up for a look around.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
About to take the mini green ramp up onto the S wall. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Oh, good grief!\u00a0 How on earth are we going to get over there, Loop?<\/em><\/p>\n

As my personal representative, I’m looking at you, SPHP.\u00a0 Have at it!<\/em><\/p>\n

Looking E, the top of the S wall was surprisingly narrow, lumpy, and full of fissures.\u00a0 Significant vertical drops on both sides made scrambling, or more likely, crawling clear over to the apparent high point, which was quite some distance away, dicier than anything either Lupe or SPHP was willing to undertake.\u00a0 Climbing directly up to it from down below didn’t look possible, either.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking E along the S wall toward the high point (Center).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Hmm … well, let me see, Loop.\u00a0 Let’s start with what’s possible without risking our necks.<\/em><\/p>\n

SPHP headed E along the wall to the closest higher rocks, tagging their tops, which couldn’t have been more than a few feet lower than the more distant high point, with a front paw.\u00a0 Peering over these rocks – nope, not going any farther!<\/p>\n

Nicely done, SPHP!\u00a0 I’m claiming a peakbagging success!\u00a0 Close enough for Dingo work, even though that actually is Bruce Mountain’s true summit over there!<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, seems to be, Loop.\u00a0 We can see an awful lot of territory up here, and nothing else looks even close to being this high.<\/em><\/p>\n

I know I’m right, SPHP!\u00a0 I see a cairn, and a registry tube, too!<\/em><\/p>\n

You do?<\/em><\/p>\n

SPHP looked again.\u00a0 Lupe was right.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
True summit cairn and registry tube with help from the telephoto lens. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Well, I’ll be, Loop.\u00a0 Yet another reminder that the world is full of clever people bolder and more capable than me.\u00a0 Still, it sure would be nice to get your name on the registry in that tube.\u00a0 This is a pretty cool summit!\u00a0 Let’s go down and take a closer look from below.\u00a0 After all, somebody made it up there!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Glancing over at the N wall before heading down the mini ramp. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Directly below the true summit, with Loopster looking on, SPHP took off the Cookie Monster outfit, then gave it a go, attempting to scramble up a couple of cracks.\u00a0 Got real close, too, before stalling only 3-5 feet below the registry tube.\u00a0 SPHP clung to the cold rock, paws going numb, boots scraping away trying to find traction.\u00a0 One more paw hold would do it!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking up the cracks. The registry tube is just out of sight. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

You’re almost there, SPHP!\u00a0 Can you make it?<\/em><\/p>\n

Maybe, if I give it all I’ve got.\u00a0 Wish I was stronger!\u00a0 I can see the tube just above me!\u00a0 A few more feet and I can grab it.<\/em><\/p>\n

SPHP hung up there several minutes.\u00a0 Not to be.\u00a0 Too intimidating.\u00a0 Retreat!\u00a0 Oh, to be a genuine rock climber!<\/p>\n

As SPHP’s paws warmed up, further inspection revealed another route via a tiny ledge leading to a scramble to the top a bit E of the true summit.<\/p>\n

Second attempt.\u00a0 SPHP got onto the ledge, actually the narrow top of an almost vertical rock.\u00a0 This time Lupe tried to follow.\u00a0 Suddenly leaping onto the ledge, she found it too narrow to keep her balance.\u00a0 To avoid an uncontrolled fall, she bounded lower.\u00a0 Fortunately, there was something to bound to.\u00a0 No harm done.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Second attempt: L on top of the lowest big rock R of Center then straight up at Center. First route visible at R.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Another failure.\u00a0 SPHP again got close to the top, but the highest rocks were insurmountable.<\/p>\n

That’s it, Looper!\u00a0 Done!\u00a0 Not happening.\u00a0 Let the purists whine!<\/em><\/p>\n

Shall we check out the N wall, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Sure!<\/em><\/p>\n

Lupe needed a boost to get started, but the rest was easy.\u00a0 A couple of big rocks sat up at the high point.\u00a0 Loop went right up next to them and might easily have gotten on top, but they were pretty airy.\u00a0 Since they weren’t the summit, SPHP wouldn’t let her do it.\u00a0 No point.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Next to the 2 highest boulders of the N wall. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In any case, the views were wonderful!\u00a0 The Bruce Mountain highlands extended another 1.5 miles NW, a beautiful, broad rolling plain dotted with boulders, and edged with stony fortifications.\u00a0 Should have come up that way!\u00a0 Nothing to it!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
View from the W end of the N wall. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The rolling highlands of Bruce Mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Exploring the highlands looked like fun!\u00a0 Why not go back that way?\u00a0 Lupe concurred.\u00a0 First, though, she went back up the mini green ramp to revisit the highest point she’d reached on Bruce Mountain, up on the W end of the S wall.\u00a0 From here she could see not only the true summit with it’s cairn and white registry tube again, but the region she’d crossed during the stormy part of her adventures on the way here.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the W end of the S wall<\/strong>. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking back at Bruce Mountain’s true summit<\/strong> (Center), SPHP’s blue rain poncho (Center) still stashed below it. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The territory Lupe crossed on the way here. The wall of rock she unwillingly scrambled up (R), and the smaller one where she took shelter from the rain storm (Center) are both in view. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Final moments up on the S wall. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Time to move on!\u00a0 SPHP grabbed the pack and ancient blue rain poncho from where they were still stashed below the true summit.\u00a0 As Lupe left Bruce Mountain’s summit region, another rain shower struck.\u00a0 SPHP quickly donned the brilliant blue Cookie Monster costume again.\u00a0 Meanwhile, the not-so-fortunate Carolina Dog endured another soaking.<\/p>\n

Happily, the shower didn’t last long.\u00a0 Soon the sun was peeping through the clouds.\u00a0 Among yellow buttercups, Lupe headed down a gentle slope toward the enormous saddle connecting to the NW end of the highlands.<\/p>\n

Suddenly, SPHP managed to trip and fall, even though there wasn’t a thing to trip on.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading off to explore the NW highlands. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Buttercups.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Nice going, Grace!\u00a0 Are you alright?<\/em><\/p>\n

Perfectly fine, Looper.\u00a0 Thanks for asking.\u00a0 Not sure how I did that.<\/em><\/p>\n

You’re a companion of many … well, at least one or two … talents, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Thanks for the vote of confidence … I think.<\/em><\/p>\n

SPHP may have been fine, but the blue rain poncho SPHP still wore wasn’t.\u00a0 The brittle old plastic, which had already borne numerous scars, was now virtually ripped in half.<\/p>\n

Dang, Loop!\u00a0 Look at what I’ve done to my rain poncho!\u00a0 It’s in tatters!<\/em><\/p>\n

Horrors!\u00a0 I can’t believe it, SPHP!\u00a0 It’s the final blow!\u00a0 The ignoble end of your infamous Cookie Monster costume!<\/em><\/p>\n

It was true!\u00a0 The old blue plastic rain poncho that for countless years had made SPHP resemble the Cookie Monster every time it rained was now completely unusable.\u00a0 The bitter end had arrived.\u00a0 Nothing but garbage.\u00a0 Still in shock, SPHP removed the cracked remains flapping in the breeze before they ripped further and fell off all on their own.<\/p>\n

End of an era.\u00a0 Nothing to be done about it.\u00a0 Onward!\u00a0 Puppy, ho!<\/em><\/p>\n

Clouds threatened, but it never did rain or mist again.\u00a0 The rest of the long trek to Bruce Mountain’s NW highlands over the open plain was easy and enjoyable.\u00a0 Lupe arrived at the highest ground to find a cairn perched near the mountain’s edge overlooking and surrounded by many interesting and beautiful rock formations.\u00a0 This region was so scenic, that Looper took a break here.\u00a0 SPHP shared not one, but two, chocolate coconut bars with her.<\/p>\n

Chocolate coconut bars successfully dispatched, the Carolina Dog set about exploring the area.\u00a0 Far to the SE, Bruce Mountain’s true summit was still in sight.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
By the little cairn perched along the edge of the NW highlands<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Exploring Bruce Mountain’s scenic NW highlands<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Bruce Mountain’s true summit<\/strong> (R of Center) in the distance now. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
True summit<\/strong> (R) with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Along the edge. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The rest of the return was a downhill march.\u00a0 On open ground, Lupe continued exploring Bruce Mountain, descending its long NW ridge.\u00a0 Near the lower end, the ridge became forested.\u00a0 At a final big clearing, Loop was lucky enough to see 2 giant deers.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
About to head down the NW ridge. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
One of the giant deers.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The clearing was the start of a steeper, but still very manageable descent through a beautiful forest.\u00a0 At the bottom, Lupe reached the West Fork of the South Tongue River, which had to be forded.\u00a0 Fortunately, it was still just a stream here, not really a river yet.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Wandering SW down through the forest.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
By the West Fork of the South Tongue River<\/strong> prior to fording it. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Heading W up an easy slope, then a short distance through level forest, the American Dingo popped out onto USFS Road No. 277 again SE of the big mud puddles covering the entire road, which were now bigger than ever after all the rain.\u00a0 To avoid them, Loop paralleled the road heading NW through the forest until she got close to the gravel yard.<\/p>\n

No more obstacles!\u00a0 Only a road hike back to the RAV4 remained.\u00a0 Later on in the evening, Lupe did get to see 3 moose, which was very exciting, but her big Bruce Mountain adventure was over.\u00a0 (End 5:01 PM, 52\u00baF)<\/em><\/p>\n

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Bruce Mountain<\/strong>, Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming 6-25-21<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

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

Want more Lupe adventures?\u00a0\u00a0Choose from Lupe’s Summer of 2021<\/span> Dingo Vacations to New Mexico, Wyoming & the West Coast Adventure Inde<\/strong><\/span>x<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, Dingo 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":"

Day 4 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2021 Dingo Vacation to Wyoming! 8:19 AM, 46\u00baF, paved pullout on the E side of Hwy 14 at the start of USFS Road No. 277 – Sort of iffy, but the sky seemed to be clearing after last night’s showers.\u00a0 Loopster was anxious to go, and could always … Continue reading Bruce Mountain, Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming (6-25-21)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":35314,"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":[1416],"tags":[105,185,1463,106,26,104,275],"class_list":["post-35342","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-1416","tag-american-dingo","tag-bighorn-mountains","tag-bruce-mountain","tag-carolina-dog","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-lupe","tag-wyoming"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/IMG_0798.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\/35342","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=35342"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35342\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":39205,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35342\/revisions\/39205"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/35314"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=35342"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=35342"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=35342"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}