{"id":36044,"date":"2021-12-24T08:10:26","date_gmt":"2021-12-24T15:10:26","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=36044"},"modified":"2022-12-24T13:10:52","modified_gmt":"2022-12-24T20:10:52","slug":"lupes-11th-birthday-12-14-21","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=36044","title":{"rendered":"Lupe’s 11th Birthday (12-14-21)"},"content":{"rendered":"

8:37 AM, 47\u00baF, USFS Road No. 216 about 0.7 mile SE of Custer Peak<\/em> – Better take the warm jacket!\u00a0 Sort of a surprise.\u00a0 With a high 20\u00baF above normal expected, SPHP had thought a light jacket would suffice.\u00a0 A 25 mph wind out of the W changed everything.\u00a0 Not exactly cold, but it did feel pretty cool out.<\/p>\n

The birthday girl was unfazed!\u00a0 For a mid-December birthday, conditions weren’t bad at all.\u00a0 Could be a lot worse.\u00a0 Thrilled at the chance to spend the day roaming the Black Hills, Lupe headed W on USFS Road No. 216.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Setting off for an 11th birthday romp in the hills. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The road went past a beautiful snowy field flanked by pine and aspen covered mountains.\u00a0 Beneath an overcast sky, the contrast between the white field and the dark pines made it easy to see how well the Black Hills live up to their name.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Pausing to admire the snowy field and Black Hills. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This stretch of USFS Road No. 216 was familiar territory.\u00a0 As the road gradually turned NW, Peak<\/span> 6600<\/span><\/a><\/strong> came into view.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching Peak 6600<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Are we going to Custer Peak<\/span><\/a> (6,804 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Sort of intended to, Loop, but with it so windy right now, maybe it would be better to wait until later in the day?\u00a0 Hoped it would be sunnier than this, too.\u00a0 How about we hit it on the way back, if there’s still time?<\/em><\/p>\n

Fine with me, SPHP, but on the way back from where?<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, remember back in February when we climbed both Custer Peak and Peak 6600, then went on to try to climb Peak<\/span> 6480<\/span><\/a><\/strong>, but never got very far because it got so foggy and started to snow?<\/em><\/p>\n

Of course, I do!\u00a0 Is Peak 6480 where we’re going now?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yup, if we can find it.<\/em><\/p>\n

No. 216 began climbing more steeply.\u00a0 A little shy of the saddle between Custer Peak and Peak 6600, Lupe reached the junction with No. 216.1A, the spur to Custer Peak.\u00a0 No. 216 leveled out as it made a big sweeping curve around to the SSE.\u00a0 Since conditions hadn’t improved, Lupe stuck with No. 216, foregoing any attempt on Custer Peak.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the junction with USFS Road No. 216.1A where No. 216 makes the big curve. Lupe came up from the L, and kept going to the R. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Beyond the big curve, No. 216 soon began angling S along the lower E slopes of Peak 6600.\u00a0 The road provided a nice view of Custer Peak from along in here.\u00a0 A bit farther on, No. 216 started gaining elevation again as it curved W around the S end of Peak 6600.\u00a0 A decent view to the SE began to appear as Lupe got higher.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Custer Peak<\/strong> (R of Center) from USFS Road No. 216. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The road went past the end of Peak 6600’s S ridge.\u00a0 Still windy, but the sky had brightened.\u00a0 Weak sunshine cast shadows on the snow.<\/p>\n

Loopster!\u00a0 Want to go up Peak 6600 while we’re so close?\u00a0 Won’t take long.\u00a0 At least it’s kind of sunny now.\u00a0 Might not be on the way back.<\/em><\/p>\n

The American Dingo was all for it!\u00a0 Leaving No. 216, she headed N.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Starting up Peak 6600<\/strong>. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At first there was quite a bit of deadfall to contend with, but Lupe had no trouble getting past it.\u00a0 By the time the S ridge started getting rocky, she was already close to the top.\u00a0 Peak 6600’s true summit was along a line of rocks next to a small clearing at the SE end of a long summit ridge.\u00a0 The clearing provided excellent views toward the S.<\/p>\n

Shaking the birthday girl’s paw while she stood on the highest rocks, SPHP congratulated Lupe on her first mountain ascent as an 11 year old.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Getting a little rocky near the summit. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
View from the clearing by the true summit. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On the true summit of Peak 6600<\/strong>! Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Custer Peak<\/span><\/a> (6,804 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was visible from the true summit region, but the best, most open viewpoint was 700 or 800 feet away over at the opposite NW end of Peak 6600’s long summit ridge.\u00a0 The still powerful SW wind shook the pines, as Lupe wound her way through the forest to get there.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the NW viewpoint. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking back toward the true summit<\/strong> (L). Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Custer Peak<\/strong> (L) from the NW viewpoint. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Since the NW viewpoint was a favorite spot on Peak<\/span> 6600<\/span><\/a><\/strong>, a short break was taken to share a chocolate coconut bar while enjoying the views.<\/p>\n

The cool, gusty SW wind prevented a prolonged stay.\u00a0 Before departing, SPHP surveyed the territory off to the NW.\u00a0 A snowy ridge seen several miles away had to be Peak<\/span> 6480<\/span><\/a><\/strong>, Lupe’s next objective.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Contemplating Custer Peak<\/strong> during the chocolate coconut bar break. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Peak 6480<\/strong> (Center) is the long snowy ridge in the foreground. Photo looks NW with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Soon the American Dingo was on her way back to the true summit.\u00a0 She briefly got up on the highest rocks again before heading back down Peak 6600’s S ridge.\u00a0 Reaching USFS Road No. 216 where she’d left it, Loopster followed it SW to a cattle guard where the road topped out near HP6427<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Back at Peak 6600’s true summit<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Heading down the S ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Back on USFS Road No. 216 at the cattle guard near HP6427<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Ahead the road dipped a little.\u00a0 Lupe soon reached an intersection where a snowmobile trail system sign was posted.\u00a0 This sign was as far as she’d gotten on Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 265 before being forced to turn back due to snow and fog.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the snowmobile trail system sign. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The sign was interesting, but on such a large scale that it wasn’t much help.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Continuing on past the intersection, the terrain rose a bit then flattened out.\u00a0 A long march ensued along the snowy road as it gradually turned W, then NW, while staying up on fairly high ground.\u00a0 Despite the balmy temperature, the SW wind still made it feel quite cool.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Beyond the intersection, continuing W along USFS Road No. 216. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The snowy road went on and on. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Do you remember any of this, Looper?\u00a0 I’m sure we’ve been in this region before, but I must have it confused with somewhere else.\u00a0 It’s not like what I thought I remembered.<\/em><\/p>\n

Pleasant enough here, SPHP, but kind of non-descript.\u00a0 Looks like a lot of places in the Black Hills.\u00a0 Nothing stands out as familiar to me, either.\u00a0 What does your topo map<\/strong><\/span><\/a> say?<\/em><\/p>\n

Doesn’t even show a road here, just a trail, but I’m almost certain we’re still going the right way.<\/em><\/p>\n

A brief glimpse of Terry Peak<\/span><\/a> (7,064 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> came into sight just before the road reached the end of the high ground and began to drop.\u00a0 After losing more than 100 feet of elevation, music could be heard.\u00a0 At an unmarked intersection, the music seemed to be coming from off in the forest to the NE.\u00a0 Peering over in that direction, Lupe saw what appeared to be a set of large, rusty wind chimes.\u00a0 They were just hanging there in the forest, not close to any visible structure.<\/p>\n

That’s kind of weird, SPHP!\u00a0 But the chimes do sound good!<\/em><\/p>\n

I like them, too, Loop!\u00a0 Never have known they were there without this wind.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the intersection near the wind chimes. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The road curved WSW here, still heading gradually downhill.\u00a0 A quick check of the map revealed that this was likely USFS Road No. 561.1C.\u00a0 Lupe followed it for more than 0.33 mile to where it curved SW.<\/p>\n

SW was the wrong way.\u00a0 Peak 6480 still had to be NW.\u00a0 Leaving the road, Lupe plunged N into the forest.\u00a0 A short descent quickly leveled out at sort of a magical place full of Christmassy little spruce trees among tall white-barked aspens.<\/p>\n

Just beyond the little spruce trees, Lupe came to an open lane that went a short distance E to a clearing.\u00a0 Turning N again here, the terrain led up to the corner of a huge snowy field surrounded by a wooden pole fence.\u00a0 Crossing a small corner of this field, Lupe returned to the forest.\u00a0 A brief climb led to a big gravel road, clearly USFS Road No. 561 on the map.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading down USFS Road No. 561.1C. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Among the little Christmassy spruce trees. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the clearing. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The huge snowy field. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On USFS Road No. 561. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Crossing No. 561, Lupe headed NW right back into the forest.\u00a0 At first, the terrain sloped gently, but soon she was climbing much more steeply.\u00a0 Another pole fence was encountered.\u00a0 A small power line ran along it.\u00a0 Ducking under the fence, Loop kept climbing.\u00a0 Before long she reached flatter terrain.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Continuing NW after crossing USFS Road No. 561. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
By the wooden pole fence. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe was now up on the SE end of the 6,400 foot ridge SE of Peak 6480.\u00a0 Glancing back, both Custer Peak and Peak 6600 were visible 2 miles E.\u00a0 This broad ridge ran NW\/SE, so Loop followed it 0.2 mile to its high point at the far NW end.\u00a0 From here, a big power line could be seen 0.5 mile farther NW atop a small cliff.\u00a0 That was the S end of Peak 6480!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the SE end of the 6,400 foot ridge<\/strong>. Custer Peak<\/strong> (L) and Peak 6600<\/strong> (beyond Lupe) in the distance. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the high point at the NW end of the 6,400 foot ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking back from the high point of the 6,400 foot ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A gradual, mostly open slope led down to the broad saddle connecting to Peak 6480.\u00a0 This region looked like it had been logged at some point.\u00a0 Once across the saddle, Loopster began climbing as she continued NW, eventually reaching a region of young pines and large bushes where the terrain began to level out.\u00a0 Lupe was already quite close to the big power line above the small cliff by the time she saw it again.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Crossing the saddle leading to Peak 6480<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
View back to the S on the way up. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the power lines on Peak 6480<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Turned out there were 2 big power lines running parallel to each other.\u00a0 The cliff the higher one stood on wasn’t very tall.\u00a0 Finding a route up was a cinch, but Lupe scrambled to the top rather reluctantly.<\/p>\n

The wind had been blowing all day long.\u00a0 Back in the forest and down in the valleys, it hadn’t been bad at all, often more heard in the treetops than felt.\u00a0 This exposed limestone platform was another matter entirely.\u00a0 The wind was stronger than ever here, a 35 to 40 mph gale out of the W.\u00a0 Not much fun to a Carolina Dog’s way of thinking!<\/p>\n

Although this was a good viewpoint, Lupe stayed only long enough for a quick look around.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
By the power lines. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On the limestone platform above the small cliffs. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Custer Peak<\/strong> (far L) and Peak 6600<\/strong> (L). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The upper power line. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The power lines weren’t at the true summit.\u00a0 Lupe was happy to leave the exposed platform to look for it.\u00a0 Continuing NNW partially protected by the forest again, a rock outcropping appeared ahead.\u00a0 Clearly higher than anything else around, that had to be it!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the true summit of Peak 6480<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

2:04 PM<\/em> –\u00a0 As Lupe approached the true summit of Peak<\/span> 6480<\/span><\/a><\/strong>, tall pines swayed wildly with each new violent blast out of the W.\u00a0 Getting worse!\u00a0 40 to 50 mph!\u00a0 A short climb led to two boulders perched on a small flat platform.\u00a0 Despite the crazy wind, the American Dingo leapt up onto the highest one.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Custer Peak<\/strong> (far L) and Peak 6600<\/strong> (L) from the true summit of Peak 6480<\/strong>. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A couple of quick photos, and that was it.<\/p>\n

That’s good, Loop!\u00a0 Get off that rock before you get blown off!<\/em><\/p>\n

Only a few feet below the top, the Carolina Dog tried to find a place to get comfortable.\u00a0 SPHP sat so awkwardly on a rock, that SPHP’s lap was soon rejected.\u00a0 Laying on a little patch of snow, Lupe stared up at SPHP somewhat accusingly.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Attempting to relax on Peak 6480<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

You sure know how to show a birthday Dingo a good time, don’t you, SPHP?\u00a0 What a hurricane!<\/em><\/p>\n

Heh!\u00a0 Yeah, this is going to be a birthday peak to remember isn’t it, Loop?<\/em><\/p>\n

Or forgotten!\u00a0 What do you have against palm trees, SPHP?\u00a0 I’ve never even seen one!\u00a0 Couldn’t we go somewhere with palm trees on my birthday for a change?<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, well, I didn’t know you were even interested in palm trees, Looper!<\/em><\/p>\n

I am now!<\/em><\/p>\n

Attempting to relax and simply enjoy being on Peak 6480 while watching the trees sway alarmingly was only partially successful.\u00a0 At any moment one might snap off entirely, a sobering thought considering the millions of beetle-killed trees that were now deadfall in the Black Hills.<\/p>\n

After 20 minutes, an exceptionally powerful gust put an end to Lupe’s stay.\u00a0 Ripping SPHP’s stocking cap off, the wind flung it off into space.\u00a0 Peering over the edge, there it was, caught on a short dead tree branch only a few feet away, but unfortunately 20 feet above the ground.<\/p>\n

OK, that’s it!\u00a0 A few more photos, Loop, then let’s get out of here!<\/em><\/p>\n

Despite the disappointing lack of palm trees, the birthday girl complied, returning to the summit rock for the last time.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
By the highest rock again. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A precarious perch in the gale.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Final moments atop Peak 6480<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Circling around to the E side of the summit block before departing, Lupe took shelter from the wind, while SPHP saw to retrieving the stocking cap.\u00a0 Turned out that it had already blown off the tree branch, and was now caught in a bush only a couple of feet above ground level.\u00a0 Grabbing it before the cap could launch off on new adventures, SPHP restored it to its rightful place.<\/p>\n

At least that was easy!\u00a0 C’mon, Looper!\u00a0 Let’s go!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Well protected from the wild W wind on the E side of the summit block. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A last look back at Peak 6480’s summit<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
About to depart. Photo look SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

On the way back to the power lines Lupe stayed a little to the W, below the line of small cliffs.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading back to the power lines. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Below the cliffs. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A scenic spot near the power lines. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The rest of the return was virtually identical to the route taken to Peak 6480.\u00a0 The journey seemed to go faster on the way back.\u00a0 Lupe arrived at the lower end of Peak 6600’s S ridge again while it was still light out.<\/p>\n

Let’s climb Peak<\/span> 6600<\/span><\/a><\/strong> again, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Really?\u00a0 Would you like to, Loop?<\/em><\/p>\n

Sure!\u00a0 The wind isn’t so bad now!\u00a0 We can even go on to climb Custer Peak, can’t we?\u00a0 You said we could this morning, remember?<\/em><\/p>\n

Sounds like a plan, Looper!\u00a0 Let’s do it!<\/em><\/p>\n

Lupe returned to Peak 6600’s summit.\u00a0 However, by the time she got to the NW viewpoint, it was too late to go on to Custer Peak.\u00a0 The sky had been overcast or nearly so all day, but was now clear to the NW.\u00a0 Far to the SW, the sun suddenly dipped below the remaining cloud cover.\u00a0 For the first time, the American Dingo stood in brilliant sunshine.<\/p>\n

Wouldn’t last!\u00a0 The sun was already hovering barely above the horizon.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Custer Peak<\/strong> (R) from Peak 6600’s NW ridge for the 2nd time today. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
In the alpenglow. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
End of a long day.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

10 minutes, and the sun vanished.\u00a0 Looper headed down the N ridge.\u00a0 Although short, this route was snowy and very steep at first, and full of deadfall lower down.\u00a0 Light was fading fast when Lupe finally reached USFS Road No. 216.1A.\u00a0 Didn’t matter.\u00a0 A pleasant, downhill road trek the rest of the way.<\/p>\n

5:09 PM, 47\u00baF –\u00a0 <\/em>Dark and still breezy.\u00a0 SPHP turned the key and the RAV4 sprang to life. \u00a0<\/em>Time to head home, but not for long!<\/p>\n

7:00 PM – <\/em>Let the festivities begin!\u00a0 Barking excitedly, decked out in her hat and birthday girl ribbon, the party animal rushed into Grandma’s apartment.\u00a0 Oh, there were guests!\u00a0 The more, the merrier!\u00a0 Xochitl, Steve, Felix and Asher were all here, too.<\/p>\n

SPHP wasted no time getting things underway, giving Lupe a Busy Rib Hide as an initial treat.\u00a0 Felix petted Lupe while she chomped away, then helped SPHP stick 11 candles into the fabulous 11th birthday cake.\u00a0 Soon Lupe was on Grandma’s white couch, surrounded by presents and an 11 alarm fire!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Felix and Lupe. The party began with a Busy Rib Hide treat and gentle pats.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The 11th birthday cake appears!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
With Felix and the fire hazard.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Everyone sang “Happy Birthday” to Lupe, then cake and ice cream was served.\u00a0 Felix declared the cake “delicious” and almost as good as the shark cake he had on his birthday.\u00a0 Lupe didn’t touch the cake or ice cream she was offered, evidently hoping and holding out for something even better.<\/p>\n

Once everyone had their fill, it was time to open presents.\u00a0 Felix and Asher helped Lupe out.\u00a0 The lucky Dingo got plenty of birthday loot!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Zuke’s Hip Action<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Ol’ Roy Rawhide Rolls<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Kong Squeaker Ball<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Purina Busy Rib Hides<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Golden Rewards Chicken Jerky<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

All that and more!\u00a0 The Carolina Dog wasn’t disappointed.\u00a0 The grand prize she’d been waiting for was included, too.\u00a0 A T-bone steak!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe’s traditional birthday T-bone!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

While the steak was broiling in the oven, SPHP got everyone together for a group photo.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe’s 11th birthday guests L to R: Xochitl, Asher, Steve, Felix & Grandma.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Organizing the group photo took so long that when SPHP opened the oven afterwards to check on Lupe’s T-bone, a thick cloud of smoke came billowing out!\u00a0 Soon Grandma’s apartment was a smoky haze.\u00a0 Windows had to be opened to air the joint out.<\/p>\n

Grandma’s fire alarm didn’t go off, but every other one in the complex did.\u00a0 Suddenly there were knocks on the door!\u00a0 Out in the hallway, a crowd of anxious people wondered what was going on?<\/p>\n

Apparently, when you turn 11, it’s a really big deal!\u00a0 Lupe tried to look innocent.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Who, me? Oh, no! Everything’s fine!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Fortunately, the T-bone steak was perfect.\u00a0 Nice and pink in the middle, and not burned a bit.\u00a0 How it had produced such a vast cloud of smoke was a mystery.\u00a0 A full investigation would have been conducted, but a certain American Dingo promptly devoured the evidence!<\/p>\n

And, oh girl!\u00a0 Was it ever good!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
11 years old, December 14, 2021<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

Double Digit Dingo! – Lupe’s 10th Birthday (12-14-20)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Lupe’s 12th Birthday! (12-14-22)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 265 – Custer Peak & Peak 6600 (2-3-21)<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Want more Lupe adventures?\u00a0\u00a0Choose\u00a0from\u00a0Lupe’s\u00a0<\/span>Dingo Tales\u00a0Index<\/span><\/strong><\/a> or Master Adventure Index<\/span><\/strong><\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0Or subscribe free\u00a0to\u00a0new Lupe Adventures<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

8:37 AM, 47\u00baF, USFS Road No. 216 about 0.7 mile SE of Custer Peak – Better take the warm jacket!\u00a0 Sort of a surprise.\u00a0 With a high 20\u00baF above normal expected, SPHP had thought a light jacket would suffice.\u00a0 A 25 mph wind out of the W changed everything.\u00a0 Not exactly cold, but it did … Continue reading Lupe’s 11th Birthday (12-14-21)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":36035,"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":[47],"tags":[1470,105,1472,106,884,1206,104,1471,582,304,1138,596],"class_list":["post-36044","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-dingo-tales","tag-11th-birthday","tag-american-dingo","tag-asher","tag-carolina-dog","tag-felix","tag-grandma","tag-lupe","tag-peak-6480","tag-peak-6600","tag-south-dakota","tag-steve","tag-xochitl"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_3461.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\/36044","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=36044"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36044\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":42817,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36044\/revisions\/42817"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/36035"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=36044"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=36044"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=36044"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}