{"id":40249,"date":"2022-08-16T08:10:55","date_gmt":"2022-08-16T14:10:55","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=40249"},"modified":"2022-10-01T20:39:31","modified_gmt":"2022-10-02T02:39:31","slug":"mount-bailey-cascade-range-oregon-9-3-21","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=40249","title":{"rendered":"Mount Bailey, Cascade Range, Oregon (9-3-21)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Days 29 – 33 of Lupe’s 3rd Summer of 2021 Dingo Vacation to the West Coast!<\/em><\/p>\n

9-3-21, morning, Medford, Oregon –<\/em><\/p>\n

I thought we were going to California, SPHP!\u00a0 I’ve never been to California.<\/em><\/p>\n

Intended to, Loop, in fact, we’re almost there, but you see how it is.\u00a0 The smoke is worse than ever!\u00a0 I give up!\u00a0 We’ve been gone nearly a month, and have scarcely seen a drop of rain the entire time.\u00a0 Never gets any better.\u00a0 It’s over.\u00a0 Might as well go home!<\/em><\/p>\n

Over!\u00a0 My Dingo Vacation is over?<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, I don’t know, Loopster.\u00a0 Maybe not, maybe Canada is shipping clean air into Wyoming or Montana?\u00a0 We might find blue skies somewhere along the way back.\u00a0 If we do, we’ll climb some more mountains.<\/em><\/p>\n

Promise, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Sure, but don’t get your hopes up, sweet puppy.\u00a0 The way this summer has gone, I’m really not all that optimistic.\u00a0 Might not be anything other than 1,500 miles of smoke between here and the Black Hills.<\/em><\/p>\n

9-3-21, 10:57 AM, Diamond Lake<\/em> –<\/p>\n

What do you think, SPHP?\u00a0 Looks pretty good doesn’t it?<\/em><\/p>\n

Standing on a dock along the E shore of Diamond Lake, the American Dingo was smiling.\u00a0 Beyond the big lake, Mount Bailey<\/span><\/a> (8,368 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was backed by a surprisingly blue sky.\u00a0 Not perfect, still some smoky haze present, but vastly improved from choking white sky not so far away back at Medford.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mount Bailey<\/strong> from Diamond Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What can I say, Loop?\u00a0 I’m shocked, amazed!\u00a0 Who would have believed it just a couple of hours ago?\u00a0 Want to climb Mount Bailey?<\/em><\/p>\n

Of course!\u00a0 Sky looks blue to me, SPHP!\u00a0 You promised we could!<\/em><\/p>\n

9-3-22, 12:52 PM, Mount Bailey trailhead<\/em> – After a lunch of chicken and dumplings shared with the Carolina Dog at the South Shore Picnic Area, SPHP had driven W along the loop road around Diamond Lake to a turn onto USFS Road No. 300 near the lake’s SW end.\u00a0 Less than 0.5 mile SW through the forest on the dusty, unmarked road got Lupe to the lower Mount Bailey trailhead.<\/p>\n

Plenty of parking, but only one other vehicle, a white pickup, was here when SPHP parked the RAV4.\u00a0 No amenities, other than a sign for Mount Bailey Trail No. 1451, and another one prohibiting campfires.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
About to set out for Mount Bailey on Trail No. 1451. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe had barely gotten started, when the trail dipped twice, the first time crossing a bridge over a minor bone-dry ravine.\u00a0 The trail then headed WNW climbing slowly through the forest.<\/p>\n

For a long way, there was nothing to see except trees, which wouldn’t have been disappointing at all, except that there didn’t seem to be any squirrels.\u00a0 In excellent condition, No. 1451 eventually steepened, twice climbing more aggressively only to reach much flatter terrain again.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mount Bailey Trail No. 1451, half an hour from the lower trailhead.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Climbing more steeply.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Switchbacks eased the way up to the second flat region.\u00a0 Upon reaching this area, Loopster enjoyed glimpses of Diamond Lake and the dramatic spire of Mount Thielsen<\/span><\/a> (9,182 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> off to the NE.\u00a0 Both were quickly lost from sight as the trail continued NW.<\/p>\n

The second flats went on for more than 0.5 mile.\u00a0 No. 1451 even dipped slightly.\u00a0 The sky still looked blue when Looper caught sight of Mount Bailey again.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Traveling the flats.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A rare glimpse of Mount Bailey<\/strong> from the forest. Photo looks NW with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The flats were incredibly easy going.\u00a0 Progress was great, but, of course, that couldn’t last.\u00a0 Not while climbing a mountain!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
A sunny clearing. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
In the beautiful forest.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

More than 2 miles from the lower trailhead, Lupe reached some old logs next to a sandy road that went by the upper trailhead.\u00a0 Once again, no amenities at all, other than plenty of parking here, too, but this time, not even a single vehicle around.\u00a0 The whole place was deserted.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the upper trailhead where Trail No. 1451 crosses USFS Road No. 380.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After a short break, Lupe continued on.\u00a0 The upper trailhead marked the end of the last flat region.\u00a0 After leaving it, Trail No. 1451 climbed steeply for a little way, then eased up somewhat.\u00a0 That didn’t last, though.\u00a0 For the better part of an hour, SPHP trudged higher after Lupe before the best view yet of Mount Thielsen and Diamond Lake appeared.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mount Thielsen<\/strong> beyond Diamond Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The climb continued at a fairly aggressive pace.\u00a0 Every now and then, part of Mount Bailey’s NE ridge came back into sight.\u00a0 At first, it still looked a lot higher, but Lupe was steadily gaining on it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mount Bailey<\/strong> (R) again. Still a long way up! Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Heading higher! Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Much more disturbing was a change in the smoke situation.\u00a0 Lupe had caught sight of Mount McLoughlin<\/span><\/a> (9,495 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> far to the S, back when the forest first began thinning out.\u00a0 Should have taken a photo then, but didn’t.\u00a0 Suddenly, smoke was pouring in out of the SW.\u00a0 Half an hour, and the smoke obliterated not only Mount McLoughlin, but all distant views.<\/p>\n

Just when things were getting interesting, too!\u00a0 With fewer and fewer trees around, Lupe should have enjoyed some wonderful views, but no.\u00a0 Mount Bailey was all the remained of the world.\u00a0 As the Carolina Dog pressed on, the terrain became increasingly rocky.\u00a0 Happily, the rocks weren’t large, and Trail No. 1451 remained in good shape.<\/p>\n

The ding dong smoke was discouraging, dismaying, but nothing to be done about it.\u00a0 Loop was already 2\/3 of the way up the mountain.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mount Bailey’s NE ridge<\/strong> (Center) as visibility begins to deteriorate. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Starting to get rocky as the trees thin out.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Rockier and smokier by the minute!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A high point came into view off to the NW.\u00a0 Instead of going directly to it, which appeared perfectly possible, No. 1451 turned W.\u00a0 Soon it became apparent that the trail was destined to sweep around the S and W sides of a huge crater.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
A high point<\/strong> (R) appears off to the NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Near the SW edge of the crater. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Oh, I know where we are now, Looper!\u00a0 Read about this crater.\u00a0 It’s just S of Mount Bailey’s summit ridge.\u00a0 We’re only 0.5 mile from the top now!<\/em><\/p>\n

0.5 mile to go?\u00a0 That’s great!\u00a0 We’ve made a lot of progress, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Yup.\u00a0 Still a bit of a climb, though, sweet puppy.\u00a0 Say, want to go take a peek into the crater?\u00a0 It’s supposed to be full of snow.<\/em><\/p>\n

Snow!\u00a0 You know I’d love a romp in the snow, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Briefly leaving the trail, Lupe went over to the rim of the crater.\u00a0 Nada.\u00a0 Although the crater was a cool feature, not only was it not full of snow, there wasn’t even a flake.\u00a0 Loopster was crushed.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peering into the crater. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Fake news!\u00a0 Why am I not surprised, SPHP?\u00a0 Except for the coast, Oregon is a land of fire and smoke.<\/em><\/p>\n

Land of global, or at least local, melting, Loop.\u00a0 Sorry about that.\u00a0 Guess a crater full of snow in early September is just too good to be true.<\/em><\/p>\n

After getting around the W side of the crater, Trail No. 1451 turned NE, finally on its way up to the high point.\u00a0 Before Lupe even got there, the long ridge leading N to Mount Bailey’s summit came into view.\u00a0 A large chunk of the middle looked rugged enough to be a problem.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
About to leave the crater behind. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Mount Bailey<\/strong> (L of Center). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Mount Bailey summit<\/strong> (Center), and the S ridge<\/strong> leading to it. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

By the time Lupe reached the high point at the S end of the nearly 0.4 mile long ridge, a better break than SPHP’s usual short breathers was in order.\u00a0 After briefly getting up on the highest rocks, Lupe tried to doze on the gritty soil immediately below them.<\/p>\n

Through the haze, Mount Bailey’s summit was now in view.\u00a0 Smoothly contoured, it appeared pretty much featureless, an easy walk-up, but getting that far might be an issue.\u00a0 From the S high point, Trail No. 1451 headed gradually down a gently rounded pumice ridge toward a jagged central volcanic section that Lupe would have to get past.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the S high point<\/strong>. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Taking a break after a long climb.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Mount Bailey summit<\/strong> ahead! Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

10 minutes, and the Carolina Dog was underway again.\u00a0 The cinder ridge was a fun, easy downhill stroll.\u00a0 Upon reaching the volcanic spine of the mountain, Loop passed through a break between rock formations.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Leaving the high point at the end of the S ridge<\/strong> behind. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
About to pass through the gap at the start of the volcanic spine. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Trail No. 1451 didn’t bottom out until after passing through the gap.\u00a0 By then, Lupe had lost nearly 100 feet of elevation.\u00a0 A short steep climb was now immediately ahead.\u00a0 Hugging the W side of the volcanic spine of the mountain, the trail became a steep trench worn in loose, gray soil.<\/p>\n

Regaining at least half of the elevation she’d just lost, Lupe passed a big hole in the wall.\u00a0 Should have been a window with a spectacular view E toward Diamond Lake and Mount Thielsen, but the smoke was too bad see what was out there.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Going up the steep trench. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the window. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Beyond the window, the trail climbed a little more before leveling out.\u00a0 Still heading N right along the W side of the wall, Lupe traveled along a bit of a ledge that wasn’t quite as steep as the rest of the slope below.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Following the spine of the mountain. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Traveling the ledge. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Crossing a minor rock slide. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For hundreds of feet, both the rocky spine of the mountain and the ledge below it were unbroken, but all the while, suspense was building.<\/p>\n

So far, so good, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, most encouraging, but somewhere ahead there’s trouble waiting, Loop.<\/em><\/p>\n

Trouble?\u00a0 What kind of trouble, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

I’ve read there’s some kind of a scramble move required.\u00a0 Not supposed to be all that big of a deal, and only at one critical spot, but who knows if it’s something we can manage, or not?<\/em><\/p>\n

Loop was almost all the way to the N end of the wall when the ledge she was following and Trail No. 1451 both appeared to come to an abrupt end.\u00a0 This was it!\u00a0 The Mount Bailey moment of truth!\u00a0 Pass the scramble test, or be denied.<\/p>\n

At the end of the ledge where the trail seemed to end, looking up, a notch was visible in the wall of rock.\u00a0 The moment SPHP saw it, the answer was clear.<\/p>\n

I can’t see from down here, SPHP!\u00a0 What’s it look like?\u00a0 Can we get up there?<\/em><\/p>\n

Can you leap 3 times your height?\u00a0 No way Lupe could make that jump.\u00a0 However, although the rock wall was still vertical, it was only 5 or 6 feet up to the bottom of the narrow notch.\u00a0 Plenty of decent pawholds, too!<\/p>\n

Luck of the Dingo!\u00a0 You’re golden, sweet puppy!<\/em><\/p>\n

Hoisting the Carolina Dog in a mighty Flying Dingo move, SPHP got Lupe up to the bottom of the notch, then scrambled up after her.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Loopster above the notch. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Once above the notch, it was clear that the rock wall had veered away from the ridgeline, but no matter.\u00a0 Trail No. 1451 continued higher from here.\u00a0 One complete switchback, and Lupe actually was up on the ridge.<\/p>\n

And that was it!\u00a0 The worst was over.\u00a0 Still a bit of a trudge higher, but no more ledges, rock walls, or super rocky spine to contend with.\u00a0 The trail easily swung around, or went right over, scattered rock formations that presented no further difficulties at all.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Up on the ridgeline. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Easy as pie! Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Almost there! Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

5:09 PM, 70\u00baF, Mount Bailey<\/span><\/a> (8,368 ft.)<\/span><\/strong><\/em> – A gently rounded summit 30 feet in diameter was as featureless as it had appeared from a distance.\u00a0 Small clumps of diminutive vegetation along the S and W rim scarcely broke the dusty monotony of gray pebbles and soil.\u00a0 Near the center of this forlorn region, Lupe stood on a flat rock at the base of a cairn.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mount Bailey summit<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Made it!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

All around her, the American Dingo enjoyed completely unobstructed 360 degree views of smoke.\u00a0 No distant views at all.<\/p>\n

Sadly, the entire world still consisted of Mount Bailey, and little else.\u00a0 Lupe did have a hazy view of the high point she’d been to at the far end of the S ridge she’d come up.\u00a0 Toward the W, the mountain sloped more gently along a rounded bulge too short to be considered a ridge.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking back along the S ridge<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Another angle. S ridge S high point<\/strong> (Center) in the distance. Photo looks S with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking down the W bulge<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A much larger region extended NE toward a high point 0.25 mile away.\u00a0 In fact, that end of the mountain connected with grasslands sloping away to the NW that looked like an easier route up Mount Bailey than the way Lupe had come.\u00a0 The trail actually continued NE.\u00a0 Looked like it would be fun and easy to explore those relatively nearby highlands, too.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The trail continued on toward the NE highlands. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Another look showing more of the grasslands. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
These grasslands (L & Center) would have been easy to get to as well. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe didn’t, though.\u00a0 Not under these conditions!\u00a0 Wouldn’t see much more even if she did.\u00a0 Besides, it had been a long trek up the mountain, with only a few short breaks.\u00a0 Time to rest!\u00a0 Attempting to relax on the barren ground, the Carolina Dog found it a bit rocky for true comfort.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Resting on Mount Bailey<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Catching a few winks. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In the meantime, while trying not to think about all the particulate being inhaled with every breath, SPHP had a look around.\u00a0 The cairn harbored a rusty cannister, which might well have contained a registry.\u00a0 Getting at it, though, would have required disassembling so much of the cairn that SPHP didn’t bother.<\/p>\n

20 feet NE of the cairn, a bent metal rod stuck 6″ up above the ground.\u00a0 Only half of a survey benchmark attached to the top remained.\u00a0 The part that might have once been stamped “Bailey” was missing.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
What was left of the survey benchmark.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Unsurprisingly, that was about it for summit highlights.\u00a0 SPHP sat down next to Lupe, stroking her soft ears.<\/p>\n

Too bad we didn’t get here a couple of hours earlier, Loop.\u00a0 Might have had a fabulous view of Diamond Lake, Mount Thielsen, Mount McLoughlin, and even Crater Lake.<\/em><\/p>\n

Keeps happening, SPHP.\u00a0 Looks promising when we set out, but before we can get to the top, the wind shifts and we get smoked out.\u00a0 Remember how blue the sky was down by Diamond Lake?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yup.\u00a0 Guess there are just too many big fires around, Looper.\u00a0 Wind needs to be perfect to avoid all this smoke.<\/em><\/p>\n

A chocolate coconut bar had been shared as a morale booster on the way up the mountain.\u00a0 After congratulating Lupe on her successful ascent of Mount Bailey, SPHP now split the second and final one with her.<\/p>\n

Despite the annoying smoke, Lupe remained on Mount Bailey for her traditional full summit hour.\u00a0 Mostly she wanted to rest, but whenever SPHP left her side to stroll about, Loop dutifully got up, too.<\/p>\n

You know, Loop, there’s a good chance that this ascent of Mount Bailey will be the last summit of all your Summer of 2021 Dingo Vacations.\u00a0 Kind of a sad thought, isn’t it?<\/em><\/p>\n

Hope there’s more to come, SPHP, but we’ve had a wonderful time, haven’t we?\u00a0 And we did find some blue sky along the West Coast, and a few other places as well!<\/em><\/p>\n

True enough, but summit hour had fled.\u00a0 A last look around.\u00a0 It was time.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Ready to go. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Final moments on Mount Bailey<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Starting down. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As Lupe started back down the S ridge, the smoke seemed a little better.\u00a0 A bluish tinge was discernable in the sky, and evening light piercing the haze began bringing out the colors of the rocks.<\/p>\n

The return was fun!\u00a0 Especially the scenic trek down to the notch, and thence along the ledge next to the volcanic spine of the mountain on the way back to the pumice ridge and S high point.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading back down to the notch. S ridge high point<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Safely below the notch, following the ledge along the wall of rock again. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A particularly impressive section of the wall. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
About to head down the trench. S ridge high point<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

By the time Lupe reached the window, its rocky frame was on fire with a diffuse smoke-enhanced orange alpenglow.\u00a0 Visibility really was better!\u00a0 Nothing so grand as a view of Diamond Lake or Mount Thielsen, but at least Loop could see Mount Bailey’s steep E slopes.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Back at the window. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The sun set, light faded, and night arrived.\u00a0 At the upper trailhead, it was so dark that the little flashlight came out.\u00a0 Still 2 miles to go.\u00a0 No worries, though.\u00a0 Even at night the trail was easy to follow, but the smoke must have been getting worse again.\u00a0 By the time Lupe arrived back at the RAV4, the smell of burnt wood permeated the gloom.\u00a0 (8:53 PM, 52\u00baF)<\/em><\/p>\n

9-4-21<\/em> – Mount Bailey was it, as far as Lupe’s 2021 adventures in Oregon were concerned.\u00a0 Morning dawned exceptionally smoky.\u00a0 Time to get out of here!\u00a0 Maybe skies were blue elsewhere?<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Out of the Cascades, heading N to Bend on Hwy 97 before turning E. Smoke, not fog.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

If so, Lupe never saw them.\u00a0 Despite gradual improvement, smoke was everywhere on the long drive E.\u00a0 Mountain after mountain had to be dropped from the American Dingo’s list of peakbagging possibilities.\u00a0 At day’s end near Jerome, Idaho, a red sun sank into the murk before even reaching the horizon.<\/p>\n

9-5-21, predawn, Hwy 34, Caribou Mountain pullout, E Idaho<\/em> – Low in the E, Orion was shining brightly as Lupe headed W along the highway.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog was far more interested in cows heard mooing nervously, but otherwise still cloaked by darkness up the hillside to the N.<\/p>\n

Those stars promised a clearer sky, and W of the Wyoming Range after daylight arrived, skies actually were blue.\u00a0 However, as SPHP drove on, it became apparent that this was only an isolated smoke-free pocket.\u00a0 Dense smoke visible both N and S.\u00a0 The blue skies weren’t likely to last long enough to climb any of these big peaks.<\/p>\n

S of Bondurant, the Kilgore Creek trailhead near Hoback Peak<\/strong><\/span><\/a> turned out to be occupied.\u00a0 No hanging out here!\u00a0 At least bison seen along the way in had provided some excitement.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
A somewhat encouraging sky over the Wyoming Range.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Bison S of Bondurant, Wyoming.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

9-5-21, 2:00 PM, Lander city park<\/em> – Relative clarity over the Wyoming Range had inspired hopes that air quality at the nearby Wind River Range might be even better, but those hopes had been quickly dashed.\u00a0 The Winds were entirely enveloped in smoke.<\/p>\n

A stroll along Pine Creek in Pinedale had been a nice break, and after yet another long drive, Lupe was thrilled to be back at the Lander city park, long a favorite with its soft green grass and big shade trees harboring squirrels.\u00a0 She’d get to spend the rest of the day here, while SPHP caught up the trip journal and fretted over what few options remained.<\/p>\n

9-6-21, 1:48 PM, 69\u00baF, High Park Lookout<\/span><\/a> (9,477 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Bighorn Mountains<\/em> – The great debate was just about over.\u00a0 This is it, last chance!\u00a0 Either the Bighorns panned out, or Lupe’s grand Summer of 2021 Dingo Vacation to the West Coast was done.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the 15 minute trail to High Park Lookout.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

W of the Bighorns, hope had pretty much been lost, but during the drive up Tensleep Canyon, air quality had improved.\u00a0 Lupe now stood on the highest rock gazing N toward the spine of the Bighorns.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Bighorn Mountains<\/strong> from High Park Lookout<\/strong>. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Doesn’t look too bad, does it, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Better than I expected, Looper.\u00a0 At least we can see the mountains!\u00a0 Still a long shot, though.\u00a0 Mather Peaks<\/span><\/a> (12,400 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> is a 3-day backpacking trip for us.\u00a0 Not eager to take that on unless we’re pretty certain smoke won’t move in while we’re on our way up, and you saw how things were down on the prairie.<\/em><\/p>\n

So, what are we going to do?<\/em><\/p>\n

I don’t know, Loop.\u00a0 We should probably call it, but I guess we can wait and take another look this evening.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Exploring rocks on the way down.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

9-6-21, 6:43 PM, High Park Lookout<\/em> – Back once more.\u00a0 Maybe a little smokier?\u00a0 Certainly no better.\u00a0 Situation still borderline, inconclusive.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Evening patrol, High Park Lookout<\/strong>. Meadowlark Lake<\/strong> (L). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Not much different, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Nope.\u00a0 If I knew it wouldn’t get any worse, I’d be willing to try it, Loop.<\/em><\/p>\n

Can we at least stay to see what things look like in the morning, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah.\u00a0 We can come back up and decide then.\u00a0 Going to be our absolutely last chance, though.\u00a0 Not going to stick around dithering forever.<\/em><\/p>\n

9-7-21, 6:46 AM, High Park Lookout trailhead<\/em> – Excited by a horse, Lupe wanted out of the RAV4 shortly before sunrise.\u00a0 No need to take the trail back up to High Park Lookout.\u00a0 Within minutes, a pink sun told the tale.\u00a0 Some things aren’t meant to be.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Smoky sunrise, Bighorn Mountains<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Definitely worse.\u00a0 It was over.\u00a0 Dragging the trip home out for 3 days hoping for a miracle hadn’t accomplished a thing.\u00a0 No truly blue skies since Lupe had left Ophir Beach along the Oregon coast.<\/p>\n

Mount Bailey had been the last great peak of Lupe’s month long Summer of 2021 Dingo Vacation to the West Coast.\u00a0 What a terrific journey it had been!\u00a0 Yet it was time for the American Dingo to return to the Black Hills, and start dreaming of 2022.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
What? Homeward bound already? But it’s still summer! Do we really have to?<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Mount Bailey<\/strong>, Cascade Range, OR 9-3-21<\/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 Prior Adventure<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

The Way<\/span><\/a> by Fastball<\/span><\/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><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Days 29 – 33 of Lupe’s 3rd Summer of 2021 Dingo Vacation to the West Coast! 9-3-21, morning, Medford, Oregon – I thought we were going to California, SPHP!\u00a0 I’ve never been to California. Intended to, Loop, in fact, we’re almost there, but you see how it is.\u00a0 The smoke is worse than ever!\u00a0 I … Continue reading Mount Bailey, Cascade Range, Oregon (9-3-21)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":40239,"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":[105,106,1515,1314,26,104,1570,524],"class_list":["post-40249","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-1416","tag-american-dingo","tag-carolina-dog","tag-cascade-range","tag-diamond-lake","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-lupe","tag-mount-bailey","tag-oregon"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/IMG_2752-scaled.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\/40249","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=40249"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40249\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":41332,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40249\/revisions\/41332"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/40239"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=40249"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=40249"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=40249"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}