{"id":42566,"date":"2022-12-19T08:10:24","date_gmt":"2022-12-19T15:10:24","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=42566"},"modified":"2023-01-08T10:27:07","modified_gmt":"2023-01-08T17:27:07","slug":"black-hills-sd-expedition-no-308-peak-5240-tetro-rock-12-4-22","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=42566","title":{"rendered":"Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 308 – Peak 5240 & Tetro Rock (12-4-22)"},"content":{"rendered":"

9:12 AM, 37\u00baF, junction of Maitland Road & USFS Road No. 195.2A<\/em> – Snow!\u00a0 Lupe was ecstatic, rolling enthusiastically in it as soon as SPHP let her out of the RAV4.\u00a0 Even though it was early December, it had been so dry for weeks that most of the Black Hills had scarcely any snow at all.\u00a0 The morning actually had a bit of a wintery feel to it here as the Carolina Dog set out.<\/p>\n

\"\"
At the start of USFS Road No. 195.2A.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

SPHP was surprised by how snow-packed and slick No. 195.2A was.\u00a0 Must get more traffic than expected.\u00a0 Following the road N up a gradual incline, the reason became clear once the road flattened out and curved SE.\u00a0 Lupe hadn’t reached the Black Hills National Forest yet.\u00a0 There were homes up here.<\/p>\n

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Coming to a private home (R). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Winding E for 0.25 mile beyond the first home, No. 195.2A gained a bit more elevation.\u00a0 A high forested ridge was now visible to the SE.\u00a0 Lupe left the road to get a better look at it.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Off-road for a better look at the high ridge on the R. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Pretty sure that must be Peak<\/span> 5240<\/span><\/a><\/strong>, Looper.<\/em><\/p>\n

I take it that’s where we’re going then, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes.\u00a0 It’s another Lists of John<\/strong><\/span><\/a> peak with at least 300 feet of prominence in the Black Hills that we haven’t been to yet.<\/em><\/p>\n

I thought we were running out of these Lists of John peaks, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

We are, Loop, but there are still a few left, and that’s one of them.<\/em><\/p>\n

Flat on top and heavily forested, Peak 5240 didn’t look all that exciting, but Loopster was going to check it out, anyway.\u00a0 Returning to the road, the American Dingo followed No. 195.2A as it wound SE, an easy trek with minimal elevation change.<\/p>\n

More than 0.5 mile from the viewpoint, the road curved sharply N after crossing a ravine.\u00a0 Another 0.25 mile brought Lupe to a junction where an old road split off heading E.\u00a0 A home was visible up in the pines on a small hill overlooking this road, but there didn’t seem to be any reason why Loop couldn’t follow it.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Approaching the sharp curve where No. 195.2A turned N. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
The road E. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Climbing gradually, the old road went E only a little way before turning SE up a snowy slope.\u00a0 Part of Peak 5240 was visible across a valley just ahead.\u00a0 The road curved SW here, which was the wrong way to go.<\/p>\n

We’ll to have to abandon the road, Loop.\u00a0 Head E!<\/em><\/p>\n

Down into the valley, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, we’ve got to cross it before we can climb Peak 5240.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"
About to descend into the Tetro Creek valley. Peak 5240<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe led the way down a snowy slope full of bushes that orange leaves still clung to.\u00a0 Crisp snow crunched, and twigs and branches snapped, as SPHP zig-zagged after her through the maze.\u00a0 The burning question was how big Tetro Creek would be when Loopster got down to it?<\/p>\n

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Heading down to Tetro Creek. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

SPHP needn’t have worried.\u00a0 Losing 200 feet of elevation, Lupe came to only a foot of snow where Tetro Creek was supposed to be, no running water at all.\u00a0 Crossing the snowy creekbed, Loop found herself at the S end of a spur off USFS Road No. 195.2A.<\/p>\n

\"\"
In the snow where Tetro Creek<\/strong> should have been. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
At the S end of a spur off USFS Road No. 195.2A. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

We took a shortcut, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, we did!\u00a0 Wasn’t too bad, was it?\u00a0 There’s another one ahead.\u00a0 Keep going E up this side valley.<\/em><\/p>\n

Before she could do that, Looper had to wait while SPHP gathered up pieces of an abandoned, disintegrating TracFone.\u00a0 Once she started up the valley, it quickly proved to be more V-shaped than anticipated.<\/p>\n

Staying toward the N where there was less snow, Lupe traversed a slope steep enough to cause minor traction issues for SPHP.<\/p>\n

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Heading up the side valley. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The valley eventually broadened out.\u00a0 Approaching a flat region at the upper end, Lupe encountered logs cut into sections left over from an old logging operation.<\/p>\n

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Easier terrain as the valley widens out. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Near the upper end of the valley. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Upon reaching the flat region, Lupe came across USFS Road No. 195.2A again.\u00a0 The road was much more primitive here than where she’d left it.\u00a0 Following No. 195.2A only far enough NE to get a look at the views in that direction, the top of Bear Butte<\/span><\/a> (4,422 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> could be seen off to the E, but trees prevented her from seeing much more than that.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Back on USFS Road No. 195.2A again. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

SPHP’s shortcuts had saved some distance, but whether any time had been saved versus simply following No. 195.2A was debatable.\u00a0 In any case, Lupe was now in position to start climbing Peak 5240’s N slope.\u00a0 Turning back, the American Dingo left the road and headed S.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Starting up Peak 5240’s N slope<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Close to a foot of snow was on this N slope, which was otherwise a fairly easy climb without many obstacles.\u00a0 Lupe’s first objective was a narrow, 5160 foot ridge shown on the topo map<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.\u00a0 The terrain steepened as she drew near it, but getting onto the ridge wasn’t difficult.<\/p>\n

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At the NE end of the 5160 foot ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The ridge remained nearly level as Lupe followed it SW.\u00a0 Having seen Peak 5240’s heavily-forested summit from a distance early on, chances were the Carolina Dog wouldn’t get to enjoy much in the way of views up there, so SPHP kept an eye out for any that might be had from this narrow ridge.<\/p>\n

Lupe came to a glimpse of a fairly high peak to the SE.\u00a0 SPHP suspected it might be Mount Theodore Roosevelt<\/span><\/a> (5,680 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Mount Theodore Roosevelt<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

There were no more clear views until Loop reached a dip at the W end of the ridge.\u00a0 Spearfish Peak<\/span><\/a> (5,800 ft.)<\/span> <\/strong>and Crow Peak<\/span><\/a> (5,787 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> were in sight from a couple of narrow gaps between the trees.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Continuing along the ridge. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Spearfish Peak<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Spearfish Peak<\/strong> (L) and Crow Peak<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At least, Lupe had seen something!\u00a0 Continuing SSW, a surprise was only a short distance ahead.\u00a0 Several limestone knobs provided perches along the edge of small cliffs.\u00a0 Terry Peak<\/span><\/a> (7,064 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was in sight.<\/p>\n

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Spearfish Peak<\/strong> (L). Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Terry Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

These knobs were right along the W edge of the mountain.\u00a0 Going SSE from here, Lupe ventured down a bigger dip, followed by a climb up to another rocky high point that wasn’t cliffy.\u00a0 Taking a short break, Loop enjoyed a more sweeping view of Spearfish Peak and Crow Peak than she’d had earlier.<\/p>\n

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Heading into the dip beyond the limestone knobs. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Spearfish Peak<\/strong> (Center) and Crow Peak<\/strong> (R of Center) from the next rocky high point. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

By now, Peak 5240’s true summit was only 125 feet higher, somewhere up the forested slope to the E.\u00a0 Lupe took off in search of it.<\/p>\n

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Approaching the final ascent. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The slope was an easy climb.\u00a0 The terrain soon leveled out.\u00a0 Loopster had reached a broad, forested summit region, from which it appeared quite certain she’d have no views as earlier surmised.\u00a0 The ground was clearly a little higher toward the N, so the Carolina Dog headed that way.<\/p>\n

\"\"
On Peak 5240<\/strong>. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

12:18 PM, 43\u00baF, Peak<\/span> 5240<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/em> – Beyond a big snowdrift, a fallen tree in a sunny clearing leaned over what appeared to be the true summit.\u00a0 A hop up onto the tree trunk, and Lupe claimed her peakbagging success!<\/p>\n

\"\"
At the true summit<\/strong>, or more accurately, a couple of feet above it. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Peak 5240 summit region<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
The dynamic Dingo scores another Lists of John Black Hills 300+ foot prominence peak! Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Congratulations were in order!\u00a0 After all, Peak<\/span> 6170<\/span><\/a><\/strong>, the last new Lists of John peak the American Dingo had attempted, had been a complete flop.\u00a0 By comparison, Peak 5240 was a glorious success!\u00a0 After retreating S to a snow-free spot beneath a tree, SPHP shook Loopster’s paw, then split a chocolate coconut bar with her.<\/p>\n

A W breeze sighed in the trees as Lupe had a little Taste of the Wild, too.<\/p>\n

Well, what now, SPHP?\u00a0 Peak 5240 was easy!\u00a0 Such a nice day, only lunch time, and I’m loving the snow.\u00a0 Anything else we can do around here?<\/em><\/p>\n

Been years since we’ve been to Tetro Rock<\/span><\/a> (5,562 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Loop.\u00a0 Wanna go there?\u00a0 Might be fun!\u00a0 We could make a big loop back to the RAV4.<\/em><\/p>\n

Fine with me, SPHP.\u00a0 What’s at Tetro Rock?\u00a0 I don’t really remember it.\u00a0 Sounds like there ought to be some big views!<\/em><\/p>\n

Scarcely remember Tetro Rock myself, Looper.\u00a0 Just another flat, forested summit, I think, but there was a view of Terry Peak.\u00a0 I seem to remember something big and red, too, but couldn’t tell you now what it was.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, a mystery!\u00a0 We ought to investigate.\u00a0 See if whatever it is, is still there!<\/em><\/p>\n

It was as good a plan as any.\u00a0 Half an hour after arriving at Peak 5240’s true summit, Lupe headed S, exploring the rest of the summit region as she began the journey to Tetro Rock.<\/p>\n

This led to an amazing discovery!\u00a0 Peak 5240’s summit region sloped down a fair amount, but was much more open toward the S end.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog had stumbled onto Peak 5240’s best viewpoint!<\/p>\n

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Tetro Rock<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Mount Theodore Roosevelt<\/strong> (L). Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Terry Peak<\/strong> (L) on the horizon, Tetro Rock<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Spearfish Peak<\/strong> (L), Crow Peak<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Good thing we’re going to Tetro Rock, SPHP!\u00a0 If we’d just gone back to the RAV4, we would have missed the best part of Peak 5240!<\/em><\/p>\n

Leaving the S end of Peak 5240’s summit region, Lupe ventured down a rocky escarpment.\u00a0 Below it, a long forested slope finally bottomed out at a wide, flat saddle.<\/p>\n

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Descending the escarpment at the S end of Peak 5240<\/strong>. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
At the saddle S of Peak 5240<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This quiet saddle seemed like a very remote place.\u00a0 A 200 foot high ridge now blocked further progress S.\u00a0 Decision time!\u00a0 Climb over, head W to Tetro Creek, or E into the Miller Creek drainage?<\/p>\n

Let’s go E, Loop.\u00a0 Probably easiest.<\/em><\/p>\n

The gradual descent into the Miller Creek drainage while searching for a way around the E end of the ridge was reminiscent of the earlier descent to cross Tetro Creek.\u00a0 In the shadow of the ridge, a foot of snow covered the ground.\u00a0 Lupe wandered a wilderness of bushes with orange leaves again, while twigs and branches snapped as SPHP brought up the rear.<\/p>\n

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Exploring the Miller Creek drainage. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This wandering was longer, though, the sense of seclusion stronger.\u00a0 Took a while before Lupe was able to turn the corner on the ridge to head S.\u00a0 By then she was slowly gaining elevation on a fairly steep slope.\u00a0 Pausing to check the map, SPHP looked down and saw a small clearing.<\/p>\n

Is that a road?\u00a0 Let’s go down there, Looper!<\/em><\/p>\n

The map didn’t show anything at all here, but there was an old road, a long forgotten lane through the snowy woods.\u00a0 Going the right way, too!\u00a0 Soon Lupe was around the E end of the 200 foot high ridge, apparently climbing toward a pass.<\/p>\n

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On the snowy road E of the blocking ridge. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Heading up to a pass. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

1:45 PM, Pass 4980<\/span><\/strong><\/em> – At the pass was another surprise, a junction with a better road, also not shown on the map.\u00a0 This pass was the dividing point between the Miller Creek and Tetro Creek drainages.\u00a0 Taking the better road W, Lupe went down to a curve in a shallow valley where the road crossed Tetro Creek.<\/p>\n

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At Pass 4980<\/span><\/strong>, about to descend to Tetro Creek<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Tetro Creek had no flow up here, either, but a Bush of Gold grew along its bank right at the curve.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP paused to admire it.<\/p>\n

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The Bush of Gold<\/strong> by Tetro Creek<\/strong>. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Beyond Tetro Creek, the road climbed SSW.\u00a0 Lupe soon went by another road on the R.\u00a0 This road went counter-clockwise 3\/4 of the way around Peak 5270<\/span><\/strong>, and actually was shown on the map, but that was the long way.\u00a0 Ignoring it, Loop stuck with the road she was on a while longer.\u00a0 However, it soon seemed destined to continue S, and Tetro Rock was W.<\/p>\n

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Leaving the Tetro Creek valley<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Abandoning all roads, the American Dingo climbed up onto a long, snowy ridge, following it SW.\u00a0 The ridge led to the same road around Peak 5270<\/span><\/strong> that Loop had by-passed.<\/p>\n

Third shortcut of the day.\u00a0 Clever, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Every now and then, something works, Looper.\u00a0 Even for me!<\/em><\/p>\n

Taking the road SW, Lupe trotted almost directly into the blazing sun, which was starting to get quite low.\u00a0 0.25 mile got her to a junction with Paradise Gulch Road, which was snow-packed and had been plowed.<\/p>\n

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On Paradise Gulch Road<\/strong>. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Paradise Gulch Road was the way to go!\u00a0 It swept N around the upper E end of Peak 5420<\/span><\/strong>, then turned WSW.\u00a0 Tetro Rock was now just to the NW across a deep valley.<\/p>\n

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Tetro Rock<\/strong> (R) from Paradise Gulch Road<\/strong>. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The saddle leading to Tetro Rock was farther W, so Lupe stuck with the road.\u00a0 As she got close to where she would have to cross the valley, a gated driveway with a big “P” appeared, evidently access to some fancy private home.\u00a0 The good news was that Paradise Gulch Road curved N.<\/p>\n

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Gated driveway<\/strong> (L), Paradise Gulch Road<\/strong> (R), and Tetro Rock<\/strong> (far R). Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Paradise Gulch Road went clear to the saddle leading to Tetro Rock.\u00a0 So much for any difficulty crossing the valley!\u00a0 Lupe passed equipment that looked like it had been here a while.\u00a0 It was sort of sad to see that the saddle was so torn up.<\/p>\n

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Approaching the saddle leading to Tetro Rock<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From the saddle, more primitive roads continued N into the forest.\u00a0 Lupe climbed along one of them a little way, then left it, veering NW through the trees.\u00a0 Passing through some deadfall, she reached a fairly flat area.\u00a0 Turning WNW, Loop soon discovered a road lined with pines leading W.<\/p>\n

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Following the pine-lined lane. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Late day sunlight filtered through the trees as Lupe entered a clearing covered with snow.\u00a0 A sense of deja vu immediately swept over SPHP.<\/p>\n

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Entering the clearing. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

3:05 PM – <\/em>How long had it been?\u00a0 SPHP couldn’t remember, but Lupe had been here before.<\/p>\n

This is it, Loop!\u00a0 Tetro Rock<\/span><\/a> (5,562 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 I haven’t recognized a single spot from our journey here years ago until now, but this place seems familiar.<\/em><\/p>\n

Seriously, SPHP?\u00a0 This shady clearing is “Tetro Rock”?\u00a0 How can that be?<\/em><\/p>\n

Nevertheless, we’ve arrived, Looper.<\/em><\/p>\n

Whoever named this place had a real sense of humor, SPHP!\u00a0 Or maybe they’d never been here?\u00a0 Not even a rock in sight!\u00a0 Or a tetro, either!\u00a0 By the way, what is a tetro, anyway?<\/em><\/p>\n

I suspect the mountain looks more impressive from the SW, Loop.\u00a0 A big cliff may give Tetro Rock its name.\u00a0 If not, I have no clue.\u00a0 Tetro is Italian, I believe, for gloomy, dark, dreary, dismal, that sort of thing.<\/em><\/p>\n

Sounds depressing!\u00a0 Speaking of things, let’s see if we can find the big red thing you were talking about earlier, SPHP.\u00a0 And there’s supposed to be a view of Terry Peak, too, right?<\/em><\/p>\n

Heading S from the clearing, 2 mounds less than 3 feet high appeared to be the only contenders for the title of true summit of Tetro Rock.\u00a0 Lupe got up on the first one she came to, just to make things official.<\/p>\n

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On the N “true summit”<\/strong> with the S one (L) in sight beyond. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Continuing S to the edge of the mountain, by golly, there it was!\u00a0 The big red thing was still here!\u00a0 Even looking right at it, SPHP still didn’t know what it was.\u00a0 The paint job had held up remarkably well, though.<\/p>\n

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The big red thingamajig of Tetro Rock<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A little lower, back to the NNW, was the viewpoint SPHP remembered.\u00a0 A limestone outcropping covered with low bushes and pine needles jutted 10 feet out toward the SW.\u00a0 That was enough to provide a great view of the deep False Bottom Creek valley that Maitland Road runs through, and Terry Peak<\/span><\/a> (7,064 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"
False Bottom Creek valley<\/strong> (L). Spearfish Peak<\/strong> (R) with Crow Peak<\/strong> in the distance. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Terry Peak<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

With the sun sinking into a bank of clouds to the SW, a colorful sunset clearly wasn’t in the cards.\u00a0 Lupe sat next to SPHP.\u00a0 She wasn’t going to have much time to enjoy this view she hadn’t seen in years.\u00a0 A paw shake to congratulate Loop on her return to Tetro Rock, and it was chocolate coconut bar and Taste of the Wild time.<\/p>\n

15 minutes, maybe 20.\u00a0 The sun wasn’t quite gone yet when the Carolina Dog left the viewpoint.\u00a0 Going past the big red thing one more time, Lupe went up to sit on the S mound of the true summit for a moment before returning to the snowy clearing.<\/p>\n

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On the S mound. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Heading N from the clearing, the American Dingo quickly came to a place SPHP had long forgotten.\u00a0 A collection of 4 foot high gray boulders covered with lichens and snow sat amid young aspens and deadfall.<\/p>\n

Oh, I remember these rocks, Loop!\u00a0 Hard to say for certain, but this might even be the true summit of Tetro Rock!<\/em><\/p>\n

Well, at least there are some rocks up here, after all, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Naturally, Loopster had to get up on the highest rock.<\/p>\n

\"\"
On the rocks N of the clearing. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Light was already fading as Lupe left the rocks and vanished N into the woods.\u00a0 For a long way, there was a foot of snow in the trackless forest.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog found an old road, but it ended soon after she reached it.\u00a0 A little W of the road’s end, a long, tetro<\/em> valley went N, forested until almost the very end.<\/p>\n

Stars were shining, and a nearly full moon cast the Dingo’s shadow on the hard-packed snow when Lupe finally reached USFS Road No. 195.2A again.\u00a0 Still a mile to go.\u00a0 Lupe led the way.\u00a0 It had been an interesting day.\u00a0 (End 5:20 PM, 28\u00baF)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"
Peak 5240<\/strong>, Black Hills of South Dakota 12-4-22<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

Next Black Hills Expedition<\/span><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Prior Black Hills Expedition<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 170 – Kirk Hill, Tetro Rock & Custer Peak (5-1-16)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Want more Lupe adventures?\u00a0 Check out Lupe’s Black Hills, SD & WY\u00a0Expeditions\u00a0Adventure Index<\/span><\/strong><\/a>, <\/em>Master Adventure Index<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/a>, or subscribe free to new Lupe adventures<\/span><\/strong><\/a>!<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

9:12 AM, 37\u00baF, junction of Maitland Road & USFS Road No. 195.2A – Snow!\u00a0 Lupe was ecstatic, rolling enthusiastically in it as soon as SPHP let her out of the RAV4.\u00a0 Even though it was early December, it had been so dry for weeks that most of the Black Hills had scarcely any snow at … Continue reading Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 308 – Peak 5240 & Tetro Rock (12-4-22)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":42549,"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":[6],"tags":[105,9,106,104,791,304,634],"class_list":["post-42566","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-black-hills","tag-american-dingo","tag-black-hills-expeditions","tag-carolina-dog","tag-lupe","tag-peak-5240","tag-south-dakota","tag-tetro-rock"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/IMG_0380-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\/42566","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=42566"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42566\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":43100,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42566\/revisions\/43100"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/42549"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=42566"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=42566"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=42566"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}