{"id":38777,"date":"2022-04-23T08:10:38","date_gmt":"2022-04-23T14:10:38","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=38777"},"modified":"2022-05-04T20:22:18","modified_gmt":"2022-05-05T02:22:18","slug":"black-hills-sd-expedition-no-295-centennial-trail-no-89-badger-hole-to-french-creek-beyond-to-peak-5120-2-7-22","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=38777","title":{"rendered":"Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 295 – Centennial Trail No. 89: Badger Hole to French Creek & Beyond to Peak 5120 (2-7-22)"},"content":{"rendered":"

2-7-22, 9:42 AM, Custer State Park<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, Badger Hole trailhead<\/em> –<\/p>\n

Badger Hole!\u00a0 SPHP, we aren’t going to …<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, yes we are, Loopster!\u00a0 Centennial Trail No. 89<\/strong><\/span><\/a> S from Badger Hole!\u00a0 But don’t worry, not going to let it become a fiasco like last time.<\/em><\/p>\n

Badger Hole near Legion Lake is locally famous as the former home of Charles Badger Clark (1883 – 1957), Poet Laureate, author, and one of early South Dakota’s best known citizens.\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Yes, but that’s not what I remember Badger Hole for, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

No!\u00a0 Indeed not!\u00a0 For Lupe, Badger Hole was infamous as her starting point nearly 10 years ago way back on Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 20, when she’d taken Centennial Trail No. 89 all the way to the Highland Creek trailhead near Wind Cave National Park<\/strong><\/span><\/a> and back, a distance of 29 miles round trip.\u00a0 A decent day hike by most any standards, and that was if one didn’t get lost like SPHP had, tacking on who knows how much more mileage stumbling around off-trail for hours in the dark.<\/p>\n

No. 20 had been an expedition of many wonderful adventures, but had turned into a grueling, 19+ hour ordeal that hadn’t ended until dawn the next day.\u00a0 By then, young Lupe had been injured, somehow slicing one of the pads on a paw wide open during the night.<\/p>\n

So, today, a more modest goal.<\/p>\n

We’ll just go as far as the French Creek Horse Camp, this time, Looper.\u00a0 Only 4.2 miles one way.<\/em><\/p>\n

That sounds much better, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

Might tack on a jaunt to Peak<\/span> 5120<\/span><\/a><\/strong>, too, if we’re still feeling up to it once we reach French Creek.<\/em><\/p>\n

Knew there’d be a catch!\u00a0 I’m CinderDingo, though!\u00a0 We better be back to Badger Hole before midnight!<\/em><\/p>\n

A much earlier return that that was the plan as the American Dingo set out on Centennial Trail No. 89, heading S from Badger Hole.\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Leaving Badger Hole<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A little up and down, and the trail turned SW up a shallow valley.\u00a0 This was actually just a spur leading from the Badger Creek trailhead to the main Centennial Trail No. 89 N\/S route.\u00a0 Upon reaching the main trail, Lupe turned L, which was the way to French Creek.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Following the Badger Hole spur up the shallow valley. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the main trail, French Creek bound!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Climbing more steeply now, Centennial Trail No. 89 continued SW up the same valley.\u00a0 Lupe soon reached the more open upper end.\u00a0 Curving S, the trail left the valley, bringing her up to Pass 5180<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Entering the upper valley. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At Pass 5180<\/span><\/strong>, 0.67 mile SW of Badger Hole<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Beyond the pass, the trail dipped only slightly at first.\u00a0 There was a nice view of a big wall of granite and a mountain off to the NE.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 5440<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

That’s a sweet mountain!\u00a0 We ought to climb it someday, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Think we will before too long, Looper.\u00a0 That’s Peak<\/span> 5440<\/span><\/a><\/strong> , a Lists of John<\/strong><\/span><\/a> peak with 400 feet of prominence!<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, are we still doing the Lists of John mini-blitz<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

No, not really, since you’ve already completed your achievement.\u00a0 At least, not on a mini-blitz basis.\u00a0 But we’ll still be visiting Lists of John peaks as we get the chance, just to see what’s out there.\u00a0 Might as well!\u00a0 Something new and different.\u00a0 If we get to Peak<\/span> 5120<\/span><\/a><\/strong> today, that’s another Lists of John peak.<\/em><\/p>\n

A fork in the trail was just ahead.\u00a0 The branch to the L was marked with a Centennial Trail No. 89 wand.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the fork. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Hmm.\u00a0 Seems like we went to the R here back on Expedition No. 20, Loop, but I just don’t remember for sure.<\/em><\/p>\n

Better stay L, SPHP!\u00a0 It’s clearly marked.<\/em><\/p>\n

I know, but part of our problem last time was that my Black Hills National Forest map showed Centennial Trail No. 89 dividing somewhere along in here with both E and W routes for a little way.\u00a0 I remember we took the W route going S, which went fine, but then we somehow got off on the E route on the way back and got lost.<\/em><\/p>\n

That’s because we went clear to Highland Creek, and it got dark.\u00a0 So you missed the turn onto the W route without realizing it, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, and then we lost the E route entirely.<\/em><\/p>\n

Don’t overthink this, SPHP!\u00a0 That was long ago.\u00a0 Let’s stick with the clearly marked trail.<\/em><\/p>\n

Probably good advice.\u00a0 Taking the marked trail L, Lupe went SE a little way along a flat region featuring a few rock formations before the trail turned S, descending into the next valley.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Near the minor rock formations. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Starting down into the next valley. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Upon reaching the floor of the valley, Lupe came upon more signage.\u00a0 All the arrows pointed N, back where she’d just been, which wasn’t terribly helpful.\u00a0 Marked with not one, but two wands, Centennial Trail No. 89 turned E here, heading down the valley.\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
This way, SPHP!<\/em> Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Gosh, I’m really confused now, Loopster.\u00a0 Remember this spot, but just about 100% certain that we did not go E here.\u00a0 We crossed this valley still going S, eventually winding up at Pass 5437<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 Would bet money on it!<\/em><\/p>\n

Well, fine.\u00a0 Want to do that again, SPHP?\u00a0 Just point out the trail that goes that way, ’cause I’m not sniffing it!<\/em><\/p>\n

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

SPHP spent several minutes looking for a trail going S across the valley, but finding none, conceded the point.\u00a0 Lupe headed E.<\/p>\n

The trek E was super easy.\u00a0 Nearly flat, the trail soon became a two track road.\u00a0 Lupe eventually crossed a tiny frozen creek.\u00a0 After crossing it, the trail made a big jog to the SW, but soon looped back E again.\u00a0 None of this seemed even faintly familiar to SPHP, but every now and then a Centennial Trail No. 89 wand confirmed that Lupe was still on track.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the 2 track road. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
About to cross the tiny frozen creek (R). Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On the loop SW. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After turning E again, the valley widened out.\u00a0 Another wand appeared, marking a R turn off the two track road.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Centennial Trail No. 89 leaves the road here, heading off to the R. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As a single track, the trail once again doubled back to the SW, starting up a forested slope.\u00a0 After gaining some elevation, it then suddenly turned E.\u00a0 Still climbing at an easy pace, Lupe had to dodge some deadfall before the trail broke out of the forest, angling SE up a grassy slope.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading up the grassy slope after leaving the valley. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The trail leveled out as Lupe crossed a field, then slowly lost elevation curving E again.\u00a0 Down in the valley ahead, a road came into view that led to a metal building.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Crossing the field. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking back. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The road (Center) to the metal building comes into view. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Loop!\u00a0 I think we went past that building when we were lost on Expedition No. 20!<\/em><\/p>\n

Good to know, SPHP!\u00a0 Fortunately, we don’t have to go that way today.\u00a0 Stick with the program!<\/em><\/p>\n

Centennial Trail No. 89 did not go down to the road.\u00a0 Instead it now swung SW, apparently destined for another valley.\u00a0 A trail map was posted near the start.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading for the next valley. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

What does it say, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Shows a lot more trails in this area than I would have thought, Looper.<\/em><\/p>\n

Does it show your E and W routes of Centennial Trail No. 89?<\/em><\/p>\n

No.\u00a0 At least, not both of them.\u00a0 Pretty sure we’re on what used to be the E route.\u00a0 No sign of the W route on this map.<\/em><\/p>\n

And where do we go from here, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Just keep heading SW up this next valley, Loop.<\/em><\/p>\n

The valley was broad.\u00a0 The trail nearly level.\u00a0 That gradually changed.\u00a0 Centennial Trail No. 89 eventually linked up with a road.\u00a0 Lupe came to a spot where it looked like the trail was about to top out, but it didn’t.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
In the lower valley. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Climbing faster now as the valley narrows. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Getting close to a top? Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Nope. Still heading higher. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Roughly 0.75 mile SW of the posted map, Centennial Trail No. 89 finally did top out.<\/p>\n

Recognize this place, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

No, but I know where we are.\u00a0 We’re at Pass 5140<\/span><\/strong>, just W of Peak 5396<\/span><\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

Were we here on Expedition No. 20?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, we must have been, Loop, but it was dark as pitch by then.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Pass 5140<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

How much farther to French Creek from here, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

About another mile, Looper.\u00a0 Downhill all the way!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
This way to French Creek!<\/em> Leaving Pass 5140<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Heading S from Pass 5140<\/span><\/strong>, Centennial Trail No. 89 quickly became steep and rocky as it dropped into the final valley leading to French Creek.\u00a0 After losing 300 feet of elevation, the rate of descent diminished.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Beginning the steep, rocky part of the descent. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
300 feet lower. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

SPHP soon spotted a side valley to the R (W).<\/p>\n

Hang on, Looper!\u00a0 Let’s check this out.\u00a0 Think this is where the W route came down from Pass 5437<\/span><\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

Hard to say with complete certainty, but it did look like some kind of an old trail went up the side valley.\u00a0 However, this region had burned since Loopster had been here nearly 10 years ago.\u00a0 Whatever remained of Centennial Trail No. 89’s W route was choked with uncleared deadfall.<\/p>\n

Lupe continued on.\u00a0 The trail wound down the narrow valley.\u00a0 Loopster came to a tiny creek with a teeny weeny cattail pond.\u00a0 At the lower end of the valley, a boardwalk went past a wall of rock.\u00a0 An intersection near French Creek was just around the next bend.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
By the teeny weeny cattail pond.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the boardwalk. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the trail junction near French Creek.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

Still another mile to the French Creek Horse Camp trailhead, but it was an easy, scenic, upstream trek.\u00a0 Two fords, but they were frozen stiff in early February.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog sauntered across both without a care in the world.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Following Centennial Trail No. 89 upstream to the French Creek Horse Camp. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The first frozen ford. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Second ford. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Standing on French Creek<\/strong>. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Beyond the second ford, Centennial Trail No. 89 followed French Creek SE to the next bend before leaving it to head W across an open field.\u00a0 The trail soon turned SW.\u00a0 By then it wasn’t much farther to the French Creek Horse Camp.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Beyond the second ford. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A sunlit forest. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Crossing the field after leaving French Creek. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Near the French Creek Horse Camp. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Made it!<\/em> At the French Creek Horse Camp<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

12:49 PM, French Creek Horse Camp<\/em> –<\/p>\n

Well, here we are Loop!\u00a0 The French Creek Horse Camp!\u00a0 Haven’t been here in nearly 10 years.\u00a0 Was a nice hike, wasn’t it?<\/em><\/p>\n

Just think, SPHP!\u00a0 Last time we were here on Expedition No. 20, we were just getting started.\u00a0 4 miles down, with 25+ to go!<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes and no, Looper.\u00a0 Actually the very last time we were here, we were on our way back from Highland Creek that same day.\u00a0 It was getting mighty dark, and we were already famished and about worn out.\u00a0 Which brings up another subject.\u00a0 What do you think?\u00a0 Do you feel up to going on to Peak<\/span> 5120<\/span><\/a><\/strong>?\u00a0 It will likely get dark on us on the way back.<\/em><\/p>\n

As long as you aren’t going to make it a tradition to get us lost in the dark so that we have to stay out all night, I’m all in, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

SPHP wasn’t about to let that happen, especially not in February!\u00a0 So, rather than return to Badger Hole, Lupe headed S on CSP Road No. 4.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Leaving the French Creek Horse Camp<\/strong>. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After crossing a bridge over French Creek, CSP Road No. 4 wound SE for 0.33 mile up to Pass 4780<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 A faint trail beyond a red sign that said “No Vehicles” went ENE from here toward grassy hills where the old forest had burned.<\/p>\n

ENE was the way to Peak<\/span> 5120<\/span><\/a><\/strong>.\u00a0 However, the original plan had been to stick with CSP No. 4, going over this pass down to the next valley before turning NE.\u00a0 Yet staying up on the open ground held some appeal, too.<\/p>\n

Doesn’t say “No Dingoes”, SPHP!\u00a0 Want to try it?<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Pass 4780<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Sure, Loop!\u00a0 Why not?<\/em><\/p>\n

Should have known better.\u00a0 That burnt forest was why not.\u00a0 At first, it all went fine.\u00a0 Loopster trotted through the tall grass, taking aim generally toward HP5080<\/span><\/strong>, the highest hill visible from the pass.\u00a0 The terrain soon forced her NNE along the ridgeline, which was where the trouble began.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
In the tall grass, heading for HP5080<\/span><\/strong> (R). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lots of deadfall along the ridge!<\/p>\n

Ignoring this early warning, SPHP led Lupe up to a rock formation with a nice view to the NW.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the rock with a view. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From this viewpoint, Lupe continued on over the S shoulder of the next hill to the E, dodging deadfall to the extent possible.\u00a0 However, getting past the shoulder provided no relief at all.\u00a0 A winding, deadfall-laden mess the rest of the way to HP5080<\/span><\/strong>!<\/p>\n

Criminitly, Loop!\u00a0 I never learn, do I?<\/em><\/p>\n

No comment, SPHP.\u00a0 C’mon, let’s get there!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the S shoulder (R) of the next hill. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Closing (slowly!) in on HP5080<\/span><\/strong> (L). Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A wretched trek through the deadfall finally got Looper up to HP5080<\/span><\/strong>, which was just as big a mess as the rest of this icky ridge route.\u00a0 Once again, no relief in sight.\u00a0 More burnt forest between here and a second HP5080<\/span><\/strong>, a mere 0.25 mile to the ENE.\u00a0 140 feet of elevation loss would be required before heading up its steep W slope, thrashing amid deadfall every step of the way.<\/p>\n

And after the second HP5080<\/span><\/strong>, presumably a rinse and repeat yet again before Lupe would arrive at Peak<\/span> 5120<\/span><\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the W HP5080<\/span><\/strong> looking ENE toward the E one. Peak 5120<\/strong> is partially visible beyond it.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Think I need a pick-me-upper, SPHP!\u00a0 Must be chocolate coconut bar time by now!<\/em><\/p>\n

You’ve got that right, sweet puppy!<\/em><\/p>\n

Unfortunately, chocolate coconut bars have such a short half-life that the ordeal soon had to be resumed.\u00a0 For a while now, a road had been visible in the valleys to the S.\u00a0 By the time Lupe managed to get down close to the saddle leading to the second HP5080<\/span><\/strong>, SPHP was done.<\/p>\n

Forget this ghastly ridge route, Loopster!\u00a0 Head for the road!<\/em><\/p>\n

And lose all this elevation we’ve been struggling to maintain, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, absolutely!\u00a0 This is taking forever and a day!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
About to escape the deadfall and head down to the road. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What a relief to be able to move again!\u00a0 The valley route was the way to go!\u00a0 Following the road around the S end of the second HP5080<\/span><\/strong>, the SW slopes of Peak 5120 came into view.\u00a0 The road wound right on up to them.\u00a0 A short grassy climb ended with another brief deadfall battle.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Going around the S end of the E HP5080<\/span><\/strong> (L). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
SW slopes of Peak 5120<\/strong> dead ahead! Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Success! On Peak 5120<\/strong>. HP4971<\/span><\/strong> (far L). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

2:55 PM, 53\u00baF, Peak<\/span> 5120<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/em> – Wow!\u00a0 This could have been so much easier!\u00a0 A valley road hike all the way back to CSP Road No. 4 was clearly in the Carolina Dog’s future, but that could wait.\u00a0 Time for a break!\u00a0 As usual, today’s menu included the last chocolate coconut bar, Taste of the Wild, water, and for SPHP, an apple.<\/p>\n

Peak 5120’s summit ridge looked like every other hill on the way here, a complete mess.\u00a0 Further exploration hardly seemed worth the effort.\u00a0 Curling up on SPHP’s lap, facing into a cool 10-15 mph NW breeze, Lupe relaxed while trying to enjoy the burnt tree-broken views.<\/p>\n

Mount Coolidge<\/span><\/a> (6,023 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was the closest real high point.\u00a0 Much farther away, and more to the NNW, Little Devils Tower<\/span><\/a> (6,960 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Cathedral Spires<\/span><\/a> (6,840 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Black Elk Peak<\/span><\/a> (7,231 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, and Peak<\/span> 6735<\/span><\/a><\/strong> could all be glimpsed from well chosen spots.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mount Coolidge<\/strong> (R of Center, beyond Lupe). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Little Devils Tower<\/strong> (far L), Cathedral Spires<\/strong> (L), Black Elk Peak<\/strong> (R), and Peak 6735<\/strong> (far R). Photo looks NNW with lots of help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Although the views were interesting, nothing to the E or S was as high as Peak 5120, and higher hills to the W were harder to positively identify through all the dead trees.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lower terrain all the way to the South Dakota prairies on the horizon. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Despite the sunny openness of the burnt forest, as the late afternoon sun sank in the SW, Peak<\/span> 5120<\/a><\/span><\/strong> felt isolated, remote.<\/p>\n

Probably doesn’t get many visitors, Loop, but Jerry Brekhus<\/strong><\/span><\/a> was here once, a few years back.\u00a0 Betty, too.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, do you suppose they built a cairn somewhere up here, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Hmm.\u00a0 Maybe.\u00a0 Want to look around for one?<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Exploring a little way along the summit ridge. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A check of the highest portion of the summit ridge revealed no obvious cairns.\u00a0 40 minutes after arriving, Lupe left Peak 5120, sniffing her way first to a slightly lower SW shoulder, before ultimately taking the S ridge down to the road’s high point.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Leaving Peak 5120<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A little open knob W of the road offered a great view of Peak 5120 back to the N.\u00a0 As the American Dingo started down the road, a clear view of Mount Coolidge was dead ahead, too.\u00a0 Lupe would pass E of it again on the way back to Badger Hole.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mount Coolidge<\/strong> (L of Center). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The valley road route back to CSP Road No. 4 was a brilliant success!\u00a0 So much easier!\u00a0 Then it was N up to Pass 4780<\/span><\/strong> again before heading down to the French Creek Horse Camp.<\/p>\n

Got dark well before Loopster made it back to Badger Hole.\u00a0 Silver stars twinkled above when SPHP stopped to put new batteries into the little flashlight.\u00a0 But, as promised, the Carolina Dog suffered no repeat of the ever so long ago Expedition No. 20 fiasco.<\/p>\n

No losing Centennial Trail No. 89 this time around!\u00a0 (7:09 PM, 44\u00baF)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
S of Peak 5120<\/strong>, Black Hills of South Dakota, 2-7-22<\/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<\/span>Prior Black Hills Expedition<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Next Trail Section N<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 272 – Centennial Trail No. 89 – Iron Creek Horse Camp to Badger Hole (4-1-21)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Centennial Trail No. 89 Brochure & Map<\/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><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

2-7-22, 9:42 AM, Custer State Park, Badger Hole trailhead – Badger Hole!\u00a0 SPHP, we aren’t going to … Oh, yes we are, Loopster!\u00a0 Centennial Trail No. 89 S from Badger Hole!\u00a0 But don’t worry, not going to let it become a fiasco like last time. Badger Hole near Legion Lake is locally famous as the … Continue reading Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 295 – Centennial Trail No. 89: Badger Hole to French Creek & Beyond to Peak 5120 (2-7-22)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":38742,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[6],"tags":[105,1401,9,106,527,1534,1535,104,1533],"class_list":["post-38777","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-black-hills","tag-american-dingo","tag-badger-hole","tag-black-hills-expeditions","tag-carolina-dog","tag-centennial-trail-no-89","tag-french-creek","tag-horse-camp","tag-lupe","tag-peak-5120"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/IMG_4113-scaled.jpg?fit=1651%2C1238&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38777","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=38777"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38777\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":40146,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38777\/revisions\/40146"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/38742"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=38777"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=38777"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=38777"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}