{"id":40567,"date":"2022-08-31T08:10:56","date_gmt":"2022-08-31T14:10:56","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=40567"},"modified":"2022-10-01T20:48:07","modified_gmt":"2022-10-02T02:48:07","slug":"peak-12328-the-florence-pass-gamble-bighorn-mountains-wyoming-9-28-21","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=40567","title":{"rendered":"Peak 12328 & the Florence Pass Gamble, Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming 9-28-21"},"content":{"rendered":"

Day 4 of Lupe’s 4th Summer of 2021 Dingo Vacation to the Bighorns!<\/em><\/p>\n

8:14 AM, 0.6 mile SSE of Peak<\/span> 12328<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/em> – Lupe stood gazing off to the WSW.<\/p>\n

Not too bad, but kind of smoky again today, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, I don’t know what it will take to put out all the wildfires out W, Loop.\u00a0 Fire season just goes on forever these days.<\/em><\/p>\n

November should do it!\u00a0 You ready yet, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

10 minutes, Loop, and we’ll be on our way.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
HP11791<\/span><\/strong> (L), Peak<\/span> 11100<\/span><\/a><\/strong> (R), HP11565<\/span><\/strong> (far R). Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

SPHP finished packing up the tiny house.\u00a0 If all went well, last night was the final time Lupe would be using it in 2021.\u00a0 0.6 mile NNW, Peak <\/strong><\/span>12328<\/span><\/strong><\/a>, her next objective, was all lit up by the morning sun.\u00a0 Plenty of talus to contend with again, but otherwise a straightforward proposition.<\/p>\n

Alrighty, Looper!\u00a0 Think we’re ready.\u00a0 Head NE toward the low part of the ridge.\u00a0 Looks like the easiest route.<\/em><\/p>\n

Maybe this time we’ll get to see something from the edge, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Hope so!\u00a0 We’ll get to the top of this ridge.\u00a0 Really isn’t that far from here.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 12328<\/strong> (L), the ridge Lupe was about to set out for (R). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Once again, a more daunting prospect than it appeared from afar.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog had to scramble up several big talus benches to gain the ridgeline.\u00a0 Slow going, but she made it, and was immediately rewarded with a sweet view of the E end of Bomber Mountain<\/span><\/a> (12,840 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> beyond Florence Canyon.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Scrambling toward the ridgeline. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Bomber Mountain<\/strong> (Center), true summit<\/strong> (L of Center) in the distance. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Having gained the ridgeline, the plan was to simply follow it NW to Peak 12328’s summit.\u00a0 It was all quite rocky, but not as big a deal as expected.\u00a0 Instead of endless piles of large talus to scramble through, most of the rocks were of more moderate size, and in quite a few places there was a bit of tundra, making those sections relatively easy walk ups.<\/p>\n

Climbing toward a light-colored high point, clearly not the summit, but well up the mountain, Lupe enjoyed tremendous views from the edge of Peak 12328’s SE ridge overlooking Florence Canyon.\u00a0 Quite smoky to the E, where Ant Hill (10,980 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was in sight, but skies were much clearer N toward Bomber Mountain and Cloud Peak<\/span><\/a> (13,167 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Climbing Peak 12328’s SE ridge<\/strong>. Light-colored high point<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking down Florence Canyon<\/strong>. Ant Hill<\/strong> (L) in the distance. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Cloud Peak<\/strong> (R of Center), Bomber Mountain<\/strong> (R). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Closing in on the light-colored high point<\/strong> (R). Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe got close to the light-colored high point, but didn’t go all the way to the top.\u00a0 No need to, since it wasn’t Peak 12328’s summit, and doing so would have involved expending a lot of unnecessary effort due to the amount of large talus in this region.\u00a0 Staying S of the light-colored high point, Lupe headed directly for a darker, more distant one to the WNW.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Below the light-colored high point<\/strong> (R) on the way to the darker one<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Getting close to the dark high point<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The dark high point didn’t prove to be Peak 12328’s true summit, either, but it wasn’t much farther.\u00a0 A 5 minute stroll, and Lupe was there!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching Peak 12328’s true summit<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

10:30 AM, 53\u00baF, Peak<\/span> 12328<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/em> – Air quality was deteriorating, with smoke pouring in from out of the SW on a 10-15 mph breeze, as Lupe arrived at Peak 12328’s true summit.\u00a0 Wasn’t too bad yet, especially toward the N.<\/p>\n

Practically October, Loop, and still all this smoke!\u00a0 Kind of fitting, though, for the last peak of your Summer of 2021 Dingo Vacations<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.<\/em>\u00a0 Been that kind of a summer!<\/em><\/p>\n

This is my last peak this summer, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Well, yes and no, Looper!\u00a0 Technically Mount Bailey was.\u00a0 We’re past the equinox now, so it isn’t even really summer any more.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, so we’ve snuck a couple of peaks in after the deadline, aye, SPHP?\u00a0 Somehow makes me feel a little better about it, like we’re getting away with something!<\/em><\/p>\n

That we are, Loop!\u00a0 Don’t think we’ve ever been on a mountain this high so late in the season before.\u00a0 Anyway, congratulations on climbing Peak 12328!\u00a0 May I shake your paw?<\/em><\/p>\n

Of, course, SPHP!\u00a0 And a chocolate coconut bar, if you have one, would add a nice finishing touch to this little formality.<\/em><\/p>\n

SPHP did have a chocolate coconut bar, but that changed quickly enough.\u00a0 As the American Dingo finished smacking her lips, it was time for a look around before it got any smokier.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Loopster still licking with the dark high point<\/strong> (R of Center) visible at the E end of Peak 12328’s summit region<\/strong>. Ant Hill<\/strong> (L) in the distance. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

There was lots to see!\u00a0 The true summit of Mather Peaks<\/span><\/a> (12,400 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, where Lupe had been only yesterday, was only 1.25 miles SE.\u00a0 Mather Peak’s W summit, which Loop had run out of sufficient daylight to visit, was even closer.\u00a0 It was clearly lower than the E summit, but actually 20 feet higher than where the American Dingo was now on Peak 12328.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mather Peaks true summit<\/strong> (L) and W summit<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Elk Mountain<\/span><\/a> (11,321 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was 5 miles due W, and the standout peak in that direction.\u00a0 Interestingly, there was a small lake not shown on the topo map<\/strong><\/span><\/a> deep in the canyon to the SW.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the true summit of Peak 12328<\/strong>. Elk Mountain<\/strong> (L). Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Peering down on the little lake<\/strong> (Center) not shown on the topo map. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The most stunning view, of course, was of Cloud Peak<\/span><\/a> (13,167 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0and Bomber Mountain<\/span><\/a> (12,840 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> to the N.\u00a0 Monument Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,473 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was also readily identifiable farther NW.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Cloud Peak<\/strong> (L), Bomber Mountain<\/strong> (Center & R), with it’s true summit<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Monument Peak<\/strong> (L of Center), Cloud Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A green metal box, virtually identical to the one on Mather Peaks, was tucked away inside the cairn at the true summit.\u00a0 While Lupe relaxed, SPHP had a look at the registry contained within.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The green metal box in its hiding place.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Unlike the registry at Mather Peaks, which had been damp, Peak 12328’s registry was in perfect condition.\u00a0 Russ and Bob Hamilton had placed it back on August 14th, 2009, more than 12 years ago.\u00a0 SPHP added Lupe’s name to the honor roll.\u00a0 Hers was only the 5th entry since Russ and Bob had been here.<\/p>\n

Hey, Loop!\u00a0 Listen to this!\u00a0 Russ and Bob Hamilton’s entry is interesting.\u00a0 They came all the way from Powder River Pass climbing Loaf, Bighorn, Darton, Half-A-Day, and both Mather Peaks summits before coming here.<\/em><\/p>\n

Wow, all in one trip?\u00a0 That’s amazing, SPHP!\u00a0 But which peak is Half-A-Day?\u00a0 You’ve never mentioned it before.<\/em><\/p>\n

Dunno, Loop.\u00a0 I’ve never seen a Half-A-Day on any maps of this region. \u00a0If I had to guess, since they mention it after Darton and before Mather Peaks, maybe they’re referring to Peak 12089<\/span><\/strong> just N of Darton?\u00a0 It’s easily the most significant high point between Darton and Mathers.<\/em><\/p>\n

That would make sense, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

Here’s the kicker, though, Loopster, and what’s really interesting.\u00a0 Russ and Bob planned on going down to Florence Pass from here, intending to camp at Gunboat Lake!<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, so they gambled on Florence Pass just like we’re going to!<\/em><\/p>\n

Or maybe they knew the route would work, whereas I only suspect it will based on what we saw when you climbed Bomber Mountain<\/strong><\/span><\/a> from Florence Pass back in 2018?\u00a0 Anyway, I think this encouraging news!<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, indeed, SPHP!\u00a0 Unless we find Russ and Bob’s skeletons along the way!<\/em><\/p>\n

Heh.\u00a0 That wouldn’t be such a great sign, now would it?\u00a0 Really hope that doesn’t happen, Loop.\u00a0 One other item of interest in what they wrote, too.<\/em><\/p>\n

And what’s that, SPHP?\u00a0 Do tell!<\/em><\/p>\n

They refer to Peak 12328, where we’re at now, as Scharazad Peak, which isn’t on any maps I’ve seen, either.<\/em><\/p>\n

Scharazad?\u00a0 Strange name.\u00a0 Where did they come up with that?<\/em><\/p>\n

Says here that Scharazad was the name of the B-17F bomber that crashed into Bomber Mountain, which is how it got its name.\u00a0 Everyone died.<\/em><\/p>\n

You can stop reading now, SPHP, before you creep me out!<\/em><\/p>\n

Creep you out?\u00a0 Why, what’s wrong?<\/em><\/p>\n

Well, let’s see.\u00a0 First we see a blood-sucking vampire on the first evening of this adventure.\u00a0 Remember that, SPHP?\u00a0 It magically transforms itself into a rock before we can attack it just before sunset while it’s still weak.\u00a0 Then yesterday, shortly before we reach Mather Peaks, we see another rock that looks suspiciously similar.\u00a0 Everyone dies when their plane smashes into Bomber Mountain, and now we’re going to stumble across Russ and Bob Hamilton’s skeletons while searching for a safe route down to Florence Pass.\u00a0 These mountains are full of deadly dangers, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Courage, sweet puppy!\u00a0 I’m feeling confident!<\/em><\/p>\n

Of course you are, but what about me, SPHP?\u00a0 You’re traveling with an American Dingo to protect you.\u00a0 No wonder you’re feeling sassy!\u00a0 But all I’ve got is you!<\/em><\/p>\n

Good point, Looper.\u00a0 Yeah, you’re pretty much doomed!\"\"<\/a>\"\"<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Hard to believe, but nearly an entire hour had already flown by!\u00a0 Even if the Florence Pass route worked without a hitch, the Carolina Dog had an extremely long trek ahead of her in order to get back to the RAV4 at the West Tensleep Lake trailhead tonight.<\/p>\n

Loopster posed for a final photo of that splendid view of Cloud Peak and Bomber Mountain from Scharazad, or Peak<\/span> 12328<\/span><\/a><\/strong>.\u00a0 Once the last minute of her traditional summit hour ticked away, it was time to start down.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Cloud Peak<\/strong> (L) and Bomber Mountain<\/strong> (Center & R) as seen from Peak 12328 near the end of Loop’s summit hour. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Leaving Peak 12328, the plan was to find a way down to Florence Pass.\u00a0 If successful, Lupe would have it made.\u00a0 Well-maintained trails went the rest of the way back to the West Tensleep trailhead.\u00a0 It was a big gamble, though.\u00a0 Failure likely meant another long day at elevation, basically out of supplies.<\/p>\n

Heading down Peak 12328’s W face, a long slope of huge talus dropped nearly 300 feet toward an almost level plain where the rocks appeared to be much smaller.\u00a0 SPHP’s progress was extremely slow.\u00a0 A much better scrambler, Lupe frequently forged on ahead, then had to wait for SPHP to catch up.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking W from Peak 12328’s summit<\/strong> down toward the plain (Center) Lupe needed to get to before turning N toward Florence Pass. Peak 11100<\/strong> (L), Elk Mountain<\/strong> (R) in the distance.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Still a little way to go, but getting close to the plain where Lupe would turn N (R). Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Took a while to get there, but once down to the plain, travel actually was significantly easier.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog promptly turned N, intent upon finding a route down to Florence Pass.\u00a0 Able to move freely now, SPHP did a better job keeping up.<\/p>\n

The plain was extremely broad.\u00a0 Since Florence Pass wasn’t in view yet, it was a little hard to tell exactly how far E or W Loop needed to be, but the terrain across the pass over at Bomber Mountain provided a general guide.\u00a0 As Lupe continued N, the plain started dropping away.<\/p>\n

Florence Lake, located right at the pass, soon came into view, removing all uncertainty over exactly where Lupe needed to go.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Destination in sight! Florence Lake<\/strong> (Center) is located right at Florence Pass<\/strong>. Cloud Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking back toward Peak 12328<\/strong> (L). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The slope steepened further, yet fortunately not enough to be an issue.\u00a0 Lupe was somewhat farther E than SPHP expected, but that turned out to be a good thing.\u00a0 The slope wasn’t quite as rocky here, and it quickly became clear that Loop was rapidly descending toward some big grassy stretches quite a bit farther down the mountain.\u00a0 Didn’t look difficult at all to get down to them.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
So far, so good! Making excellent progress down to the grassy stretches directly ahead. Part of Bomber Mountain<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The descent became easier and easier.\u00a0 Lanes of vegetation led down to the main grassy regions, which were essentially obstacle-free.\u00a0 Lupe had already lost the vast majority of the elevation she needed to in order to get down to Florence Pass when she reached the end of the grass.<\/p>\n

A steep, but fairly short descent on large talus was ahead.\u00a0 A big gray stone shaped like a pyramid was near the start of this descent.\u00a0 Passing very close to it, requiring only minimal help from SPHP, Lupe discovered that this route down through the talus was about as short as it could be, and not that difficult.\u00a0 Proceeding more cautiously, even SPHP managed the descent without much trouble.<\/p>\n

Large enough to be easily visible from both above and below, the gray pyramid rock turned out to be a great landmark for anyone wanting to travel between Peak 12328 and Florence Pass with minimal difficulty.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Getting close to Florence Pass<\/strong>. The gray pyramid rock<\/strong> is L of Center.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Pyramid rock<\/strong> beyond Lupe. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Elk Mountain<\/strong> (Center) as seen during the descent. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Below the worst of the talus, success assured!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking back up at the pyramid rock<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The pyramid rock<\/strong> (L just below the ridge) is visible even from down here. Easiest way up or down! Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Gambling on Florence Pass had paid off!\u00a0 Lupe wasn’t quite there yet, but beyond the last potentially serious obstacle.\u00a0 In fact, she didn’t need to go all the way to Florence Pass, but could take a shortcut W down to Solitude Trail No. 038, which would take her past Gunboat Lake and the Fortress Lakes.\u00a0 They were already in sight down the valley to the SW.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak<\/span> 10860<\/span><\/a><\/strong> (Center) near Gunboat Lake<\/strong> (L). Fortress Lakes<\/strong> (R), Elk Mountain<\/strong> (far R). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Continuing toward Florence Lake<\/strong> and Florence Pass<\/strong> before taking a shortcut down to the L. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Shortcutting to Solitude Trail No. 063. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

2:38 PM –<\/em> Roughly 0.2 mile S of Florence Pass, the American Dingo reached Solitude Trail No. 038.<\/p>\n

Made it, SPHP!\u00a0 Our Florence Pass route gamble worked!<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah!\u00a0 Happy to say it went even better than I thought it would, Looper.\u00a0 Really nothing to it!\u00a0 Getting down Peak 12328’s W slope was the worst of it, and even that was just a tedious scramble.<\/em><\/p>\n

Well, I’m glad it all worked out, SPHP.\u00a0 But I do have a question.\u00a0 What would we have done if we’d cliffed out?<\/em><\/p>\n

Ugh!\u00a0 Don’t even think about it, Loop.\u00a0 We would have had to climb back up to the plain W of Peak 12328, then tried to head down the SW ridge all the way to Lake Helen, where we would have had to ford West Tensleep Creek to get to Mistymoon Trail No. 063.\u00a0 That’s actually a considerable shortcut we could have taken to begin with, but we would have missed out on seeing all these wonderful wilderness lakes.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Solitude Trail No. 038 where Lupe reached it S of Florence Pass<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A real treat was now in store for the Carolina Dog!\u00a0 Although the miles of trails leading back to the West Tensleep Lake trailhead passed through familiar, beloved territory of the Cloud Peak Wilderness<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, it had been a few years since Lupe had been here.\u00a0 The lucky Dingo was going to get to see many beautiful lakes and favorite places scattered among some of the most majestic settings in the entire Bighorn Mountain range.<\/p>\n

Despite knowing the area well, both mood and scene were far different from what Looper had ever experienced here before as she headed SW toward Gunboat and the Fortress Lakes, first in line along the route.\u00a0 The sky had clouded up, and there was a bit of smoke in the air, creating the impression of a thin, veil-like surrealness.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading down to Gunboat Lake<\/strong> (Center), Peak 10860<\/strong> (R of Center), and the E most of the Fortress Lakes<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Gunboat Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Florence Pass<\/strong> (L) from Gunboat Lake<\/strong>. Lupe came down from the R. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Normally here during the bright hot days of July or August, the current morose browns of autumn and washed out grays of the mountains lacked the cheerful brilliance of summer wildflowers.\u00a0 Even the lakes possessed only a silver sheen devoid of color, depth, and sparkle.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Near the E most Fortress Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the largest of the Fortress Lakes<\/strong>. Elk Mountain<\/strong> (L of Center). Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Near the largest Fortress Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The trail itself was empty, with no hint of its normal summer popularity, although this was a welcome change that only served to emphasize the remote vastness of the surroundings.<\/p>\n

After passing the Fortress Lakes, Mistymoon Lake was next.\u00a0 Solitude Trail No. 038 dropped down to it, crossed West Tensleep Creek’s outlet, then came to a junction with Mistymoon Trail No. 063, the last trail Lupe would need to take.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
About to head down to Mistymoon Lake<\/strong>. Elk Mountain<\/strong> (L). Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Mistymoon Lake<\/strong> from West Tensleep Creek’s outlet<\/strong>. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Cloud Peak<\/strong> (Center) from Mistymoon Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Still 6+ miles to go when Lupe turned S on Mistymoon Trail No. 063.\u00a0 Two more lakes remained to add to the scenic splendor.\u00a0 Lake Marion came first, followed by Lake Helen, which was easily twice as large.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lake Marion<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Right along Lake Marion’s shore<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Approaching Lake Helen<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Cloud Peak<\/strong> (Center) from Lake Helen<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Despite the beauty of the surroundings, weariness was setting in.\u00a0 Going past the lakes, there had been more energy-depleting uphill stretches than SPHP remembered.\u00a0 The long march continued.<\/p>\n

Beyond Lake Helen, 4 miles remained, mostly through silent forests, but Lupe eventually made it to large meadows.\u00a0 Passing a sign at the edge of the Cloud Peak Wilderness, a ford of West Tensleep Creek was less than 0.25 mile ahead.<\/p>\n

The unseen sun had set, and dusk was deepening when the Carolina Dog’s ears perked up in response to a yipping chorus of coyotes, the wild dogs of the mountains.\u00a0 Re-entering the forest near West Tensleep Lake’s E shore, the little flashlight had to come out for the final stretch.<\/p>\n

8:08 PM, West Tensleep Lake trailhead<\/em> – What an adventure it had been!\u00a0 The Lost Twin Lakes Trail, base camp, Mather Peaks<\/span><\/a> (12,400 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, camp again, Peak<\/span> 12328<\/span><\/a><\/strong>, the Florence Pass gamble, then all the way back.\u00a0 All a grand and glorious success!\u00a0 Yet it was a very tired and hungry American Dingo that curled up high on her pink blanket prior to a bite to eat and the long drive home.<\/p>\n

9-29-21, 1:29 AM, 70\u00baF<\/em> – A light rain was falling as Lupe arrived home.\u00a0 She laid on the lawn watching, as SPHP immediately began unloading the RAV4 and lugging everything back into the house.\u00a0 46.5 hours, and it would be October!\u00a0 Undeniably autumn now.\u00a0 No doubt about it, Lupe’s Summer of 2021 was completely and finally kaput.<\/p>\n

Sad.\u00a0 Tragic.\u00a0 But summer would come again, 8 long months from now.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mather Peaks<\/strong> from Peak 12328<\/strong>, Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming 9-28-21<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

Next Adventure\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Prior 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 4th Summer of 2021 Dingo Vacation to the Bighorns! 8:14 AM, 0.6 mile SSE of Peak 12328 – Lupe stood gazing off to the WSW. Not too bad, but kind of smoky again today, SPHP! Yeah, I don’t know what it will take to put out all the wildfires out W, … Continue reading Peak 12328 & the Florence Pass Gamble, Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming 9-28-21<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":40532,"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":[105,185,106,1576,26,1039,104,1575,275],"class_list":["post-40567","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-1416","tag-american-dingo","tag-bighorn-mountains","tag-carolina-dog","tag-cloud-peak-wilderness","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-florence-pass","tag-lupe","tag-peak-12328","tag-wyoming"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/IMG_2894-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\/40567","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=40567"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40567\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":41335,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40567\/revisions\/41335"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/40532"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=40567"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=40567"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=40567"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}