{"id":44633,"date":"2023-02-27T08:10:36","date_gmt":"2023-02-27T15:10:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=44633"},"modified":"2023-03-04T14:54:05","modified_gmt":"2023-03-04T21:54:05","slug":"black-hills-sd-expedition-no-312-centennial-trail-no-89-north-from-fort-meade-with-cousin-laddie-2-11-23","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=44633","title":{"rendered":"Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 312 – Centennial Trail No. 89: North from Fort Meade with Cousin Laddie (2-11-23)"},"content":{"rendered":"

2-10-23, mid-afternoon at home<\/em> – Lupe was going berserk!\u00a0 Despite being delayed due to a super icy hill, Cousin Laddie, Aunt Andrea, and Uncle Joe were here from Colorado!\u00a0 Wild with joy, the Carolina Dog greeted them all to Hotel Lupe with enormous enthusiasm.\u00a0 Chocolate bars were on their pillows, and SPHP was cooking tonight!<\/p>\n

In the evening, even Grandma came over for the feast.\u00a0 Cousin Laddie was hoping for SPHP’s “Sheltie delight” spaghetti, but got chili instead.\u00a0 Once it cooled off enough, Laddie decided the chili wasn’t bad, either, stuffing himself with 2 big bowls of it.\u00a0 Not to be outdone, Lupe had 3.<\/p>\n

2-11-23, 10:27 AM, 44\u00baF, junction of USFS Roads No. 144 & No. 144.1A<\/em> – As Lupe hoped and expected, Cousin Laddie’s arrival meant adventures in the Black Hills were in store!\u00a0 SPHP had selected Peak<\/span> 5321<\/span><\/a><\/strong> near Nemo as a good objective to start with.<\/p>\n

Seemed like a perfect choice!\u00a0 USFS Road No. 144.1A went nearly all the way to the top with less than 300 feet of elevation gain, passing scenic Ash Point just before getting there.\u00a0 Another great viewpoint was a short distance beyond the summit, too, if everyone felt a bit more ambitious.<\/p>\n

However, there was a lot more snow than SPHP anticipated at the start of USFS Road No. 144.1A.\u00a0 So much snow that Uncle Joe was wishing he’d brought snowshoes!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the start of USFS Road No. 144.1A. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Well, this was a N slope.\u00a0 SPHP promoted the notion that once the road got up to where it enjoyed a more S-facing exposure, the snow wouldn’t be nearly so deep.\u00a0 There might not even be any snow at all.\u00a0 Uncle Joe was willing to play along with that idea, at least for a little way.<\/p>\n

After passing a barricade near the start, No. 144.1A angled SE.\u00a0 The snow made what should have been an easy, gradual ascent quite a workout.\u00a0 Cousin Laddie with his short Sheltie legs had the hardest time of it, but didn’t complain at all, bounding through chest deep snow like a trooper, trying to keep up with Uncle Joe.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
By the barricade near the start. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The snowy initial climb. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After gaining 100 feet of elevation, the road curved SW and started to level out in a sunnier region.\u00a0 As expected, there was less snow here.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Joe and Laddie lead the way on a still mostly snowy road. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Before long, No. 144.1A curved SE again.\u00a0 With the snow just as deep as it was earlier, SPHP had to concede that maybe Peak 5321 wasn’t actually such a great idea today.\u00a0 A new plan was hatched.\u00a0 If it was too snowy in the hills, maybe Joe and Laddie would be interested in a prairie hike at much lower elevations?<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Joe and Lupe as far as the snow trek went, a little over 0.4 mile in. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

When SPHP suggested taking Centennial Trail No. 89 N from Fort Meade, Joe was all for it.\u00a0 He liked the Fort Meade area, in fact, Joe and Cousin Dusty had often been with Loopster on Centennial Trail No. 89 N of the Alkali Creek trailhead, just S of Fort Meade.\u00a0 Joe called that section of the trail the “Ponderosa hike”, and it had always been one of their favorites in the entire Black Hills region.<\/p>\n

With this new plan in mind, everyone headed back to the RAV4.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Returning to the RAV4 on a still too wintery USFS Road No. 144.1A. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

2-11-23, 11:54 AM, 52\u00baF, Centennial Trail No. 89<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, Fort Meade trailhead<\/em> – Oh, yeah!\u00a0 Much better!\u00a0 Cousin Laddie was going to have an easier time of it here.\u00a0 Some snow around, but not much, and only in a few spots.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the Fort Meade trailhead<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After crossing Hwy 34\/79 just W of Fort Meade, everyone went through a gate N of the highway, then continued N through a field of tall, dry grass toward oaks and cottonwoods over by Bear Butte Creek.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
About to head through the gate after crossing Hwy 34\/79. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Reaching the trees near Bear Butte Creek. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A surprise was waiting at Bear Butte Creek.\u00a0 The bridge that used to be here was gone!\u00a0 No sign of it!\u00a0 Fortunately, the creek was running low.\u00a0 Joe wandered W along the near bank, looking for a place to cross.\u00a0 He found a suitable spot 200 feet upstream.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Cousin Laddie had ventured into Bear Butte Creek.\u00a0 Finding it deeper than he expected, Laddie tried to get out, but each time he leapt up onto a shelf of ice along the edge of the stream, a big chunk would collapse beneath him, plunging the Sheltie right back into the water.<\/p>\n

Laddie kept trying, though, finally managing to escape.\u00a0 Laddie, Lupe, and SPHP all headed for the area where Uncle Joe had made it across, and had success, too.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Joe already up on the N bank, waiting for Laddie. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Bear Butte Creek<\/strong>. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After crossing Bear Butte Creek and finding the trail again, it headed NE across a huge field.\u00a0 A long ridge more than 150 feet high was just to the N.\u00a0 The top of Bear Butte<\/span><\/a> (4,422 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was visible beyond it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Entering the field. Bear Butte<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The trail went NE all the way to a fence line where it turned N.\u00a0 Warning whistles revealed the presence of a small prairie dog town near the base of the ridge.\u00a0 All excited, the American Dingo dashed off to stick her nose down some prairie dog holes and enjoy some serious sniffing.<\/p>\n

Either Shelties don’t give a fig about prairie dogs, or Laddie didn’t hear them due to his partial deafness.\u00a0 In any case, he displayed absolutely no interest, preferring to follow Uncle Joe up the 2 track dirt road the trail now followed up the ridge.\u00a0 When SPHP went that way, too, Lupe quickly abandoned her prairie dog investigations.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Beyond the prairie dog village, starting up the ridge. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After getting up the first rise, the dirt road flattened out.\u00a0 The top of the ridge was still somewhat higher.\u00a0 A second minor push required to get to the upper plateau didn’t take long.\u00a0 Once on top, a lone boulder was seen resting 30 feet E of the road near the S rim.<\/p>\n

The boulder looked like a good spot to take a break.\u00a0 A couple of ponds were in sight a mile E, and Bear Butte was in view again, too.\u00a0 Sitting on the grass, SPHP let Laddie and Lupe split a chocolate coconut bar, and gave them as much Taste of the Wild as they wanted.\u00a0 Joe and SPHP each had a Kirkland bar that Joe provided, plus an apple.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the big grassy bench below the top of the ridge. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Relaxing near the lone boulder. Bear Butte<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The ponds<\/strong> (Center) from the boulder near the S edge of the ridge. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The view back toward Fort Meade<\/strong> and Bear Butte Creek<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After the pleasant rest break, following the dirt road just a little farther N led to an intersection.\u00a0 Centennial Trail No. 89 turned NE (R) here in the general direction of Bear Butte, remaining on top of the broad ridge.<\/p>\n

This flat stroll was about as easy as it gets, and views of the surrounding prairie were terrific.\u00a0 Conditions were fabulous for February, mid 50’s \u00baF, with scarcely a breeze.\u00a0 Joe and SPHP chatted about what a great place to camp this ridge would be on a starry night.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The western South Dakota prairie<\/strong>. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Laddie and Lupe didn’t find all that much to sniff up here other than an empty water trough in a wooden fence, but still seemed to be enjoying themselves.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
By the dry water trough. Bear Butte<\/strong> (L). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After going NE for more than a mile, the road curved E toward a gap in the ridge.\u00a0 Before heading down into the gap, a few moments were taken to appreciate the view of Bear Butte from up here.\u00a0 Bear Butte Lake was just coming into sight at the base of the mountain.<\/p>\n

A long, long time ago, Cousin Dusty<\/strong><\/span><\/a> had been up here with Lupe.\u00a0 It was sad to think that Cousin Dusty was gone now, but, of course, nice to have Cousin Laddie’s company.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Laddie and Lupe together before descending into the gap. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Bear Butte Lake<\/strong> at the base of Bear Butte<\/strong> with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Descending into the gap, Uncle Joe scanned the ground for artifacts as he turned N, venturing farther down into the prairie.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Below the ridge after going through the gap. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Joe and Laddie head farther out into the prairie. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Bear Butte’s summit is the N end of 111 mile long Centennial Trail No. 89, but Laddie and Lupe weren’t going that far today.\u00a0 Now 2.5 miles from the Fort Meade trailhead, Uncle Joe was ready to turn back.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
About ready to head back up onto the ridge. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Cousin Laddie<\/strong> at trail’s end for the day.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Bear Butte<\/strong> from the turnaround point. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The return was beautiful, half of it way up on the ridge with the big prairie views, this time heading toward the Black Hills.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Joe and Laddie returning to the ridge. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Heading for the Black Hills<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

2-11-23, 3:00 PM, Fort Meade trailhead<\/em> – Nearly the entire return route was identical, except near the very end.\u00a0 By going farther W through the huge field and a picnic ground, a lovely bridge over Bear Butte Creek had been discovered along a bike path.\u00a0 Happily, Laddie hadn’t had to brave the icy waters a second time.<\/p>\n

Later on in the evening, Cousin Laddie had another reason to celebrate.\u00a0 Joe and Andrea brought Grandma over to Hotel Lupe again, and SPHP didn’t disappoint.\u00a0 Tonight’s chef’s special was “Sheltie delight” spaghetti, a Laddie favorite even American Dingoes were partial to.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Cousin Laddie<\/strong> on Centennial Trail No. 89<\/strong> between Fort Meade & Bear Butte 2-11-23<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

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

Lupe & Laddie’s GPS Track<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Centennial Trail No. 89 Brochure & Map<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 149 – Centennial Trail No. 89: Fort Meade to Bear Butte Lake (12-19-15)<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 129 – Centennial Trail No. 89 near Fort Meade (5-22-15)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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

2-10-23, mid-afternoon at home – Lupe was going berserk!\u00a0 Despite being delayed due to a super icy hill, Cousin Laddie, Aunt Andrea, and Uncle Joe were here from Colorado!\u00a0 Wild with joy, the Carolina Dog greeted them all to Hotel Lupe with enormous enthusiasm.\u00a0 Chocolate bars were on their pillows, and SPHP was cooking tonight! … Continue reading Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 312 – Centennial Trail No. 89: North from Fort Meade with Cousin Laddie (2-11-23)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":44638,"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":[105,9,106,527,451,1464,104],"class_list":["post-44633","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-centennial-trail-no-89","tag-joe","tag-laddie","tag-lupe"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/IMG_0577-1-scaled-e1676848304736.jpg?fit=1650%2C1273&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44633","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=44633"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44633\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":45169,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44633\/revisions\/45169"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/44638"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=44633"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=44633"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=44633"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}