{"id":41695,"date":"2022-11-14T08:10:46","date_gmt":"2022-11-14T15:10:46","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=41695"},"modified":"2023-03-29T09:20:32","modified_gmt":"2023-03-29T15:20:32","slug":"sublette-mountain-sublette-range-wyoming-6-19-22-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=41695","title":{"rendered":"Sublette Mountain, Sublette Range, Wyoming (6-19-22)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Days 3 & 4 of Lupe’s 2022 Dingo Vacation to Wyoming!<\/em><\/p>\n

6-18-22, nearly noon – <\/em>Lander City Park!\u00a0 Recognizing it instantly, Lupe was enthused!\u00a0 A favorite stop, Lander City Park meant soft green grass beneath the shade of big old cottonwood trees, complete with 2 little streams where the Carolina Dog could get a drink, or simply cool her paws off.\u00a0 Free squirrel watching and camping, too!\u00a0 Even at mid-day, quite a few tents were set up.<\/p>\n

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Lander City Park<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

First thing Loop wanted to do was cross the gently arching bridge over the Middle Popo Agie River to explore McManus Park, a smaller, wilder area.\u00a0 Weeds bearing little yellow flowers were blooming profusely.<\/p>\n

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McManus Park<\/strong> across the Middle Popo Agie River from Lander City Park.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Was that ragweed?\u00a0 SPHP already felt a little allergic, no doubt due to all the exposure to sage over the past couple of days.\u00a0 Loopster didn’t have allergies.\u00a0 Sniffing happily along dirt paths, she soon came to the river.\u00a0 Plenty of flow in early summer.\u00a0 Loop helped herself to a drink.<\/p>\n

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Getting a drink from the Middle Popo Agie River<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After her tour of McManus Park, Lupe relaxed while SPHP worked on the trip journal.\u00a0 The squirrel watching was a little slow.\u00a0 Still recovering from yesterday’s big adventure up Giant Deer Mountain<\/span><\/a> (11,321 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> in the Bighorns, the American Dingo soon fell asleep.<\/p>\n

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A lazy afternoon snooze.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Saturday!\u00a0 By early evening, there was live music.\u00a0 A band was playing Johnny Cash hits.\u00a0 Loopster revisited McManus Park and took a couple of strolls through the city park, enjoying sniffs with other dogs.\u00a0 As the sun sank toward the Wind River Range, Country & Western was replaced by wedding music.\u00a0 A happy couple was getting married.\u00a0 How romantic!<\/p>\n

6-19-22, 11:33 AM<\/em> –\u00a0 Only 0.25 mile E of the Idaho border, SPHP turned R off Hwy 89 a little over 4 miles N of Border Junction.\u00a0 A green and white street sign said Raymond, and there was a Lincoln County Road No. 200 sign, too.\u00a0 A gap in the mountains was visible only a mile E.\u00a0 Must be the lower W end of Raymond Canyon.\u00a0 Supposed to be a trailhead there, or at least a place to park.<\/p>\n

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Just off Hwy 89 near the Idaho border. W end of Raymond Canyon<\/strong> (L). Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

County Road No. 200 went due E for half a mile, then angled NE a little way.\u00a0 Sure enough, there was a big turnaround spot at the foot of the mountains.\u00a0 Plenty of parking for half a dozen vehicles if need be, but the RAV4 was alone when Lupe leapt out.<\/p>\n

Instead of a trail, a narrow gravel road left this “trailhead” heading up a gradual incline leading into Raymond Canyon.\u00a0 A sign insisted there was no parking beyond this point, which seemed a bit odd.<\/p>\n

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Raymond Canyon<\/strong> from the trailhead. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

6-19-22, 11:57 AM<\/em> – It had rained earlier this morning while driving through the sagebrush prairie SW of Farson.\u00a0 No rain now, but the sky was cloudy as Lupe left for Sublette Mountain<\/span><\/a> (9,313 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Trotting E up the incline, the road soon leveled out.\u00a0 Lupe quickly came to a clearing partially shaded by big trees between towering rock walls.\u00a0 There was a stone campfire ring, and Raymond Creek ran along the S side of the clearing down among the bushes.<\/p>\n

What a cool campsite, Looper!\u00a0 Feels amazingly secluded despite being so close to the trailhead, although I don’t see any reason why we couldn’t have parked here just as easily.<\/em><\/p>\n

We aren’t camping, are we, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Nope.\u00a0 Sublette’s a day hike.\u00a0 I like this spot, though.<\/em><\/p>\n

Me, too, SPHP!\u00a0 Now, if you don’t mind, think I’ll check out the creek.<\/em><\/p>\n

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Entering Raymond Canyon<\/strong> as the road levels out. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Approaching the clearing. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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At the clearing. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Wading in Raymond Creek<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The road ended here, but a nice, flat single track trail continued farther into the canyon.\u00a0 After 0.25 mile, it curved SE, dipping down to a ford of Raymond Creek.\u00a0 Not a big stream, but much too wide to leap over, and not enough rocks to rock-hop it.\u00a0 Loathe to get wet boots and socks so early on, SPHP decided to wade it barepaw.<\/p>\n

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On the excellent single track trail beyond the clearing. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Fording Raymond Creek<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Immediately beyond the ford, the trail curved E again.\u00a0 For 300 feet, a tiny stream trickling along it made the going a bit mucky, but beyond that one short stretch, the trail was dry again.\u00a0 Modest elevation gain made progress fast and easy.\u00a0 Raymond Creek was seldom seen, but could always be heard among the willows and bushes N of the trail.<\/p>\n

The day turned sunny.\u00a0 Birds chirped.\u00a0 Butterflies, among them a large yellow Swallowtail, danced in the sunshine.\u00a0 Lupe enjoyed views of long lines of craggy rock formations running up the mountainsides.<\/p>\n

After about a mile, the trail passed between a line of 4 metal posts.\u00a0 10 or 15 minutes beyond them, the American Dingo came to a couple of large gray-green ponds.\u00a0 She paused for a look.<\/p>\n

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Following Raymond Creek<\/strong> upstream. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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At the 4 metal posts. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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By the beaver ponds. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Awesome!\u00a0 Not very often that we get to see beaver ponds, is it, Loop?<\/em><\/p>\n

How do you know they’re beaver ponds, SPHP?\u00a0 See any beavers?\u00a0 I don’t.<\/em><\/p>\n

Me either, Looper, or even any beaver lodges, but the stick dams are a dead give-away.<\/em><\/p>\n

Beyond the best beaver pond viewpoint, the trail curved SE for 30 feet, then promptly vanished at the edge of another, smaller beaver pond.<\/p>\n

What on earth?\u00a0 Where does the trail go, Loop?\u00a0 Can you sniff it out?<\/em><\/p>\n

This seems to be the end, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

No way!\u00a0 Can’t be!<\/em><\/p>\n

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By the smallest beaver pond where the trail appeared to dead-end. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Searching for a way around the pond, SPHP soon realized that it would be next to impossible to push through the willow thickets bordering it.\u00a0 No sign of any trail anywhere, until looking E across the pond along the dam, yes!\u00a0 A narrow lane continued between the bushes on the far side.<\/p>\n

Aha!\u00a0 There it is, Looper!<\/em><\/p>\n

You sure, SPHP?\u00a0 Even if that’s the trail, how are we supposed to get over there?<\/em><\/p>\n

Obviously, we’re going to have to ford the beaver pond!<\/em><\/p>\n

What?\u00a0 Are you crazy?\u00a0 Might not be that deep to you, SPHP, but I’ll have to swim.\u00a0 And while Carolina Dogs don’t mind wading, we hate swimming!<\/em><\/p>\n

Be that as it may, you know you can swim, Loop.\u00a0 I’ve seen you do it.<\/em><\/p>\n

Well, that was then, and this is now.\u00a0 Not doing it, SPHP!\u00a0 You’ll have to carry me.<\/em><\/p>\n

Not sure that’s a good idea, Loop.\u00a0 Lost my balance and dropped you once before while trying to ford a stream, and I’d rather not fall into this pond full of ooze.\u00a0 Tell you what.\u00a0 Stay here.\u00a0 I’ll go first.\u00a0 Show ya how it’s done!<\/em><\/p>\n

Shedding boots and socks again, SPHP waded in, staying right along the edge of the beaver dam.\u00a0 The pond was 40 or 50 feet across, and away from the dam looked to be mid-thigh deep, maybe more, with a mucky bottom.\u00a0 Who knew how far one might sink into the mire?<\/p>\n

Eh, not that bad.\u00a0 A little over SPHP’s knees was about as deep as it got.\u00a0 Meanwhile, Lupe was in a panic at being left behind, running back and forth along the edge of the pond, afraid to cross such a large expanse of water.\u00a0 She tried wading in, but stopped when it quickly got chest deep.<\/p>\n

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Chest deep in the beaver pond. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Don’t go across the middle, Loopster, that’s the deepest part!\u00a0 Stay close to the beaver dam, like I did.\u00a0 C’mon!\u00a0 You can do it!<\/em><\/p>\n

Following SPHP’s example, Lupe did stay near the dam.\u00a0 A lot deeper on her than it had been on SPHP, of course, but if she had to swim at all, she didn’t have to Dingo paddle far.\u00a0 Soon she was across, spraying SPHP as she shook herself off.\u00a0 Once SPHP managed to get reassembled with boots, socks, and the pack, it was Onward!\u00a0 Puppy ho!<\/em><\/p>\n

The journey E up Raymond Canyon continued.<\/p>\n

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Success! Already past the deepest part. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

2 miles from the trailhead, the trail forked as the canyon divided.<\/p>\n

Which way, SPHP?\u00a0 L branch, or R?<\/em><\/p>\n

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At the fork in the trail. Peak 7620<\/span><\/strong> dead ahead. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Neither, Loop.\u00a0 Think this is where we need to turn S, but let’s check out both branches of the trail to make sure.<\/em><\/p>\n

The trail that angled ENE quickly led to a view of another gray, murky little beaver pond down in a ditch.\u00a0 Returning to the R branch, it seemed destined to continue nearly due E.<\/p>\n

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Overlooking the beaver pond in a ditch. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

So, does this look like where you think we are, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yup!\u00a0 Almost certain we’re at Raymond Basin on the topo map<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, Looper.\u00a0 Time to abandon these trails, and go up the side canyon to the S.<\/em><\/p>\n

We don’t have to cross this beaver pond?<\/em><\/p>\n

No, not this one, Loop.<\/em><\/p>\n

Best news so far today, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Only 400 feet of elevation had been gained during the entire 2 mile trek to Raymond Basin.\u00a0 As Lupe headed S up the sagebrush-covered alluvial plain leading to the side canyon, the rate of climb was noticeably steeper, but still wasn’t bad.<\/p>\n

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Starting up into the side canyon. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The side canyon quickly narrowed to an almost V-shaped bottom.\u00a0 By the time Lupe got that far, she’d found a trail going this way, too.\u00a0 The map showed a tributary of Raymond Creek here, but the valley was dry.<\/p>\n

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In the V-shaped valley. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Before long, the trail began climbing the E side of the canyon above the valley floor.\u00a0 On a steep slope, Loop came to a short switchback to the E (L) then back to the W (R), which got her up to a flatter region.\u00a0 The trail turned S again, but was now beginning to fade away.<\/p>\n

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On the E side of the valley as the trail begins to fade. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A steady climb along increasingly intermittent trails resumed, as Lupe traversed the lower W slopes of HP7762<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 This region was fairly open, dotted with trees and wildflowers.\u00a0 Sublette Mountain’s NNE ridge was just across the valley.<\/p>\n

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Traversing the lower W slopes of HP7762<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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A few Indian Paintbrush.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Sublette Mountain’s NNE ridge<\/strong> (R). Saddle leading to HP7762<\/span><\/strong> (L). Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

According to this GPS track by Sam Grant<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, that’s the way he went up, Loop.<\/em><\/p>\n

Over there?\u00a0 Really, SPHP?\u00a0 That slope looks mighty steep, and for a long way, too!\u00a0 Looks to me like we’re better off on this side of the canyon.<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, Sam’s a beast!\u00a0 Think we’ll skip Mr. Grant’s route, and stay over here, even if it is a bit longer.\u00a0 Appears there may be an easier route up from PASS7540<\/span><\/strong>, the saddle W of HP7762<\/span><\/strong> at the upper end of this canyon.<\/em><\/p>\n

Approaching PASS7540<\/span><\/strong>, the lower canyon became heavily forested.\u00a0 Meadows full of yellow wildflowers visible farther up the slope Lupe was on appeared much easier than plunging into the trees.\u00a0 Turning SE, the Carolina Dog climbed more aggressively.\u00a0 SPHP huffed and puffed, stopping frequently to gasp for air, but this slope really wasn’t that bad.\u00a0 Not compared to what Sam Grant had suffered through over on the W side of the canyon!<\/p>\n

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Among the yellow wildflowers.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As she closed in on PASS<\/strong>7<\/strong>540<\/strong><\/span>, Lupe still had to explore short sections of forest, but way up here, other than minor deadfall, they were relatively open.\u00a0 Loop finally emerged on the E side of the saddle, a bit higher than the low point.\u00a0 PASS7540<\/span><\/strong> proved to be an easy trek W over open ground.\u00a0 Once across it, Lupe began an 1,100+ foot ascent of Sublette Mountain’s NNE ridge.<\/p>\n

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At Pass 7540<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The terrain quickly steepened.\u00a0 It wasn’t as steep here as where Sam Grant had gone up a little farther N, but it was still plenty steep.\u00a0 Lupe had time to wander and sniff as SPHP trudged slowly higher.\u00a0 Other than the steepness, which was tiring, but not scary, there were no significant obstacles.\u00a0 Plenty of open ground covered with small, loose scree.<\/p>\n

After gaining several hundred feet of elevation, a minor, almost vertical escarpment of finely layered crumbling rock was ahead.\u00a0 Looked like a short, but potentially tricky, scramble might be required to get above it.\u00a0 However, as Lupe reached the base of this little cliff, a clear path went around the N side, easily getting her up top.\u00a0 No scrambling required!<\/p>\n

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Approaching the crumbling escarpment. A good path easily switchbacked above it from the N (R). Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Above the escarpment. Huff Lake Peak<\/span><\/a> (9,080 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (L). Peak 9023<\/span><\/strong> (far L). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Once above the escarpment, Lupe entered a region featuring exposed bedrock that wasn’t as steep, resulting in a spurt of progress.\u00a0 However, the terrain soon steepened again.\u00a0 Meanwhile, sunny skies vanished.\u00a0 Rain showers swept over the mountain.\u00a0 Twice the Carolina Dog sought shelter beneath big pine trees while waiting for the rain to quit.<\/p>\n

Fortunately, no real downpours.\u00a0 Delays were only 10 or 15 minutes each before the slow grind higher resumed.<\/p>\n

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In the easier region above the escarpment. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Near the end, Looper came to a very steep slope.\u00a0 The N side was heavily forested, but most of it was open.\u00a0 The deceptive slope kept looking like easier terrain was only 50 feet higher.\u00a0 However, Lupe had to climb 200 feet before the grade actually diminished.\u00a0 A much gentler open slope now led toward a line of trees along the ridgeline.<\/p>\n

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Approaching the ridgeline. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe reached Sublette Mountain’s NNE ridgeline at about 8,700 feet.\u00a0 Upon entering the trees, she made an unexpected discovery.\u00a0 A bright red cooler with a white top sat next to a partially collapsed light green tent near a stone fire ring.<\/p>\n

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On Sublette Mountain’s NNE ridge<\/strong>. Huff Lake Peak<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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The abandoned campsite.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Sam Grant’s tent, SPHP!\u00a0 Why would he just leave it up here?<\/em><\/p>\n

Silly Dingo!\u00a0 That’s not Sam Grant’s tent.<\/em><\/p>\n

Are you sure, SPHP?\u00a0 How do you know it isn’t?<\/em><\/p>\n

100% certain.\u00a0 Sam did Sublette Mountain as a day hike, just like we are, Loop.\u00a0 He didn’t camp out.\u00a0 Must be someone else’s tent.\u00a0 Why they would leave it up here, I have no idea.\u00a0 Maybe whoever it was got turned around and couldn’t find it again, or had an emergency?\u00a0 In any case, it makes a great landmark showing us where to leave this ridge on the way back.<\/em><\/p>\n

More mountain to climb!\u00a0 Abandoning the newly discovered campsite, Lupe turned S, gaining another 50 or 60 feet among the trees before emerging on a broad, relatively flat meadow leading to a forested hill a good 300+ feet high.\u00a0 Should have been some great views both E and W from this open region, but even though the rain showers had dissipated, the sky was still overcast, the air murky.<\/p>\n

By now, even Lupe was getting tired.\u00a0 Discouragingly, the topo map showed that this next hill still wasn’t the top of Sublette Mountain, but there was no choice but to carry on.\u00a0 Somewhere beyond that hill, the summit was now less than 0.75 mile away.<\/p>\n

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In the meadow, approaching the next hill along the ridge. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Looking back along Sublette Mountain’s NNE ridge<\/strong>. Peak 9023<\/span><\/strong> (L), double-topped Huff Lake Peak<\/strong> (L of Center). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At the upper end of the meadow, a faint trail entered the forest toward the E side of the ridge.\u00a0 Lupe followed it a little way before it seemed to vanish amid some deadfall.\u00a0 There was a ravine toward the W separating this part of the ridge Loop was on from the highest part of the hill, which was now SW.\u00a0 Climbing gradually the whole time, the American Dingo continued S, paralleling the ravine until she got to its upper end.<\/p>\n

It was now possible to turn W or SW without losing elevation.\u00a0 SPHP led the way as Lupe began to play her stalking game.\u00a0 The American Dingo hung back, only following once SPHP was completely out of sight.\u00a0 Tall aspen trees, bright green leaves just beginning to emerge high in the canopy overhead, stood in hidden openings in the conifer forest.<\/p>\n

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Entering the forest. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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In a clearing discovered after turning W. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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An open lane beneath the towering aspens. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A steeper slope was beyond the first clearing.\u00a0 Upon reaching the top of the 300+ foot hill, SPHP was surprised to find most of it was a meadow rimmed by trees.\u00a0 A second forested hill could now be seen to the S.\u00a0 This one wasn’t quite as big as the one just climbed.<\/p>\n

Not that much farther to go now!\u00a0 SPHP was anxious to get the ascent over and done with, but where was that Carolina Dog?\u00a0 Loop hadn’t made it to the meadow yet.\u00a0 SPHP went back to the edge of the forest, and peering down the slope, called her repeatedly.\u00a0 Slinking silently through the woods, Loopster finally appeared, climbing slowly.<\/p>\n

About time you got here, sweet puppy!\u00a0 What’s been keeping you?<\/em><\/p>\n

Giant Deer Mountain<\/span><\/a> (11,321 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> back in the Bighorns was only a couple of days ago, SPHP, and this is another big peak!\u00a0 I’m tired.\u00a0 Can’t we take a break?\u00a0 You must be tired, too, aren’t you?<\/em><\/p>\n

Of course I am, but we’re almost there, Loop!\u00a0 Let’s rest at the summit.<\/em><\/p>\n

The American Dingo knew who was boss.\u00a0 Lupe plopped herself down in the meadow and refused to budge.<\/p>\n

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Like it or not, taking a break on the first 300+ foot hill. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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The 2nd and final forested hill (R of Center) leading to the true summit. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

SPHP sat down next to Loop.\u00a0 Beef jerky, a chocolate coconut bar, and water were administered.\u00a0 15 minutes of blissful inactivity did the trick.<\/p>\n

Barely.\u00a0 Lupe followed reluctantly, as SPHP led the way, but at least she was on the move again.\u00a0 A stretch of sagebrush led to the next forest.\u00a0 Couldn’t be much farther to go now, but upon entering the forest, it was choked with deadfall.\u00a0 Took considerable thrashing around before SPHP realized that there was a semi-decent use trail a little more toward the E.\u00a0 Once on it, life was better.<\/p>\n

The trail ended as Lupe reached the narrow N end of a long grassy slope that widened out as it rose toward the S.\u00a0 A lone pine tree stood at the far upper end, and beyond it, a series of very small rises scarcely differing in elevation, all strung out along a completely open ridge.<\/p>\n

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Emerging once again from the forest where the trail ended. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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The grassy slope leading to the lone pine (Center). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Sublette Mountain’s summit region<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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The summit ridge<\/strong> from beneath the lone pine. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At the first rise beyond the lone pine, a directional survey marker was surrounded by stones.\u00a0 This marker bore an arrow pointing toward the next rise to to SSE.<\/p>\n

6-19-22, 6:15 PM<\/em> – Lupe was there in no time.\u00a0 Although scarcely any higher than the other rises, this second rise did appear to be the true summit of Sublette Mountain<\/span><\/a> (9,313 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 A loose collection of smooth, rounded stones capped the mountain.\u00a0 The “Sublette” survey benchmark was attached to a fairly large stone sunk down in the middle of this pile beneath a wooden stake and a tangle of rusty wire.<\/p>\n

There was something else, too!\u00a0 A coffee can painted red contained a jar with a green top.\u00a0 SPHP had no doubt that there was a registry inside, or who had placed it.<\/p>\n

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At the true summit of Sublette Mountain<\/strong>! Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Success! Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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The loosely assembled summit “cairn”. Survey benchmark visible at (Center).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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“Sublette” survey benchmark.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

My, my!\u00a0 What would Richard Carey<\/strong><\/span><\/a> say, Loop?<\/em><\/p>\n

He’d say that the coffee can is supposed to be upside down over the green jar to protect it, and the registry within, from the weather, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

Exactly right, Looper!\u00a0 Remind me leave it that way when we go.<\/em><\/p>\n

Shaking Looper’s paw, SPHP congratulated on her successful ascent of Sublette Mountain.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog was then happy to lay down and rest in a chilly 10 mph SW breeze.\u00a0 Big views in all directions except N, where trees blocked the line of sight.\u00a0 Unfortunately, the sky was still overcast, and the air disappointingly hazy.<\/p>\n

Long ridges, all lower than Sublette Mountain, were seen both E and W.\u00a0 Very little detail was evident.\u00a0 Several mountains at least as high were far to the NNE.\u00a0 The most interesting view was to the SW, where the Bear River and it’s Thompson Fork tributary meandered through the broad valley down by Border Junction where Highways No. 30 & 89 met.<\/p>\n

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Huff Lake Peak<\/strong> (far L), and dimly seen higher peaks<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Distant ridges to the NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Border Junction<\/strong> (L) and the Bear River.<\/strong> Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After sharing more beef jerky, water, and the last chocolate coconut bar, SPHP had a look at the registry, adding Lupe’s name, of course!<\/p>\n

Sure enough, the first entry was by Richard Carey and Shelley Rogers.<\/p>\n

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Inside cover of the registry.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Richard Carey and Shelley Roger’s first entries. The Rigbys showed up 2 days later, the only other entries in 2020.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Sam Grant entry 6-13-21. First of 2021.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Josh Super<\/strong><\/span><\/a>‘s entry on 9-4-21 was the last one prior to Lupe’s.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The sun eventually made several brief attempts to break through the cloud cover, but those few moments of cheeriness quickly faded.\u00a0 The sky grew darker again, and the SW breeze felt colder and stronger.\u00a0 A couple more small rises in close competition for the title of true summit of Sublette Mountain were a little farther SSE.\u00a0 It was clear from Sam Grant’s GPS track, that he’d visited both of them.<\/p>\n

Lupe did, too.\u00a0 The last rise was only 300 feet from the true summit, 600 feet from the lone pine.\u00a0 Would have been easy to go even farther along the open ridge, but it was clear that this was the last real high point.<\/p>\n

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At the last high point. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Looking back along the summit ridge. True summit<\/strong> (L). Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

6-19-22, 7:15 PM<\/em> – Exactly an hour after arriving, Lupe bid farewell to the open summit of Sublette Mountain<\/span><\/a> (9,313 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, and the chill breeze sweeping over it.\u00a0 Passing the lone pine for the last time, she began her descent.<\/p>\n

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Leaving Sublette Mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

An hour’s rest had certainly helped!\u00a0 Loopster clearly enjoyed the much easier downhill trek, displaying renewed energy.\u00a0 SPHP had an easier time seeing where the various game and use trails went through the forested sections, too.<\/p>\n

A short break was taken at the 8,700 foot abandoned camp on the NNE ridge so SPHP could pluck all the trash out of the stone fire ring, and clear the spoiled food out of the red cooler for proper disposal later.\u00a0 However, the tent and cooler had to be left behind.<\/p>\n

Look at this mess, Loop!\u00a0 I blame a Norwegian!<\/em><\/p>\n

A Norwegian is at fault, SPHP?\u00a0 What makes you think that?<\/em><\/p>\n

Who else would bring lefse and hot sauce?\u00a0 A telltale combination, if you ask me!<\/em><\/p>\n

Certainly weird enough, but I don’t know, SPHP.\u00a0 Might have been a Latin American with a taste for Scandinavian food!<\/em><\/p>\n

Maybe, but I doubt it.\u00a0 Wouldn’t think most Latin Americans would have ever even heard of lefse, but everyone knows about hot sauce.<\/em><\/p>\n

Hardly mattered either way.\u00a0 What did matter was the need for speed.\u00a0 SPHP wasn’t looking forward to fording the beaver pond in the dark, and suspected Lupe wouldn’t be all that thrilled about it, either.<\/p>\n

The sun was down, light already fading fast, by the time the American Dingo reached Raymond Basin.\u00a0 Turning W on the main trail going down Raymond Canyon, Lupe led the way.<\/p>\n

Suddenly, there was movement up on the slope to the S!\u00a0 150 feet away, something big was crashing and thrashing among the bushes, trying to head W.\u00a0 Barking and whining, Lupe raced ahead, staying on the trail.\u00a0 In the gloom, SPHP caught only a glimpse, but it was enough.<\/p>\n

A few seconds, and the noise stopped as quickly as it had begun.\u00a0 Panting hard, Lupe returned all excited, still whining.<\/p>\n

A bear, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, I saw it!\u00a0 Stay on the trail, and let’s get past it as fast as we can.\u00a0 Onward!\u00a0 Puppy, ho!<\/em><\/p>\n

A few minutes, and there was more thrashing around in the bushes S of the trail.<\/p>\n

Cripes!\u00a0 It’s a whole flock of bears, Loop!\u00a0 Don’t bark, just keep going!<\/em><\/p>\n

Two isn’t really a flock, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

Whatever!\u00a0 Close enough for me!\u00a0 Onward!<\/em><\/p>\n

Lupe made it to the beaver ponds.\u00a0 As soon as she got there, a loud crash came from over by the big pond just N of the trail.\u00a0 Sounded almost like a gunshot, or as if someone had thrown a huge rock into the pond.<\/p>\n

Happened again, twice, in the next minute or two.\u00a0 Getting the willies, SPHP was about ready to ford the small beaver pond when it happened a fourth time.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog wasn’t hanging back now!\u00a0 Without the slightest hesitation, staying near the dam again, Lupe plunged into the dimly lit pond.<\/p>\n

6-19-20, 10:18 PM, back at the RAV4 –<\/em><\/p>\n

Bears and beavers!\u00a0 Guess we’ll always remember Sublette Mountain for that exciting twilight zone return through Raymond Canyon, won’t we Loop?<\/em><\/p>\n

Bears and beavers, SPHP?\u00a0 Are you saying that beavers were making those loud crashes by the ponds?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yup, think so.\u00a0 Probably a beaver slapping the water with its tail.\u00a0 You know, as a warning of our approach.\u00a0 Never realized before that a beaver tail could possibly be that loud, though.\u00a0 About jumped out of my skin the first time, with bears already on the brain.<\/em><\/p>\n

So, about that lefse and hot sauce!\u00a0 Are they still any good, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Uh, no.\u00a0 I’ll get you some Alpo, though.\u00a0 A little past dinner time, isn’t it?<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"
On Sublette Mountain<\/strong>, Sublette Range, Wyoming 6-19-22<\/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

Sam Grant’s GPS Track 6-13-21<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Want more Lupe adventures?\u00a0\u00a0Choose from Lupe’s Summer of 2022<\/span> <\/strong>Dingo Vacations to Wyoming, Canada & Alaska Adventure Inde<\/strong><\/span>x<\/span><\/strong><\/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

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Days 3 & 4 of Lupe’s 2022 Dingo Vacation to Wyoming! 6-18-22, nearly noon – Lander City Park!\u00a0 Recognizing it instantly, Lupe was enthused!\u00a0 A favorite stop, Lander City Park meant soft green grass beneath the shade of big old cottonwood trees, complete with 2 little streams where the Carolina Dog could get a drink, … Continue reading Sublette Mountain, Sublette Range, Wyoming (6-19-22)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":41628,"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":[1585],"tags":[105,106,26,104,1589,1591,275],"class_list":["post-41695","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-1585","tag-american-dingo","tag-carolina-dog","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-lupe","tag-sublette-mountain","tag-sublette-range","tag-wyoming"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/IMG_0005-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\/41695","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=41695"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41695\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":46228,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41695\/revisions\/46228"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/41628"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=41695"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=41695"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=41695"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}