{"id":4568,"date":"2016-02-16T08:10:15","date_gmt":"2016-02-16T15:10:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=4568"},"modified":"2020-09-22T11:05:48","modified_gmt":"2020-09-22T17:05:48","slug":"black-hills-sd-expedition-no-156-commissary-point-buzzards-roost-2-11-16","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=4568","title":{"rendered":"Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 156 &#8211; Commissary Point &#038; Buzzard&#8217;s Roost (2-11-16)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>February 11, 2016 was Lupe and SPHP&#8217;s 5th anniversary!\u00a0 Lupe first arrived to live with SPHP the evening of\u00a0February 11, 2011\u00a0as a tiny\u00a0almost 2 month old puppy.\u00a0 She made friends with SPHP that very first night, and a life of fun and adventures together began.\u00a0 When SPHP suggested a Black Hills Expedition to celebrate this 5th anniversary, Lupe was totally in favor.\u00a0 In fact, she was in a big rush to get going!<\/p>\n<p>SPHP parked the G6 (8:27 AM, 48\u00b0F) at a little pullout along Victoria Lake Road not far from where it left Sheridan Lake Road.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP started out following an abandoned road heading NW.\u00a0 Before too long, the road divided.\u00a0 Lupe turned NE going up a\u00a0rather rocky route.\u00a0 The road was a little steep at first, but started leveling out.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP left the road, and climbed N up to a high point.<\/p>\n<p>Lupe had a couple of peakbagging goals for the day.\u00a0 The first one was <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.peakbagger.com\/peak.aspx?pid=66754\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Commissary Point<\/span><\/a> <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">(4,598 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, a little over 2 miles NNW of where the G6 was parked.\u00a0 SPHP hoped to get a glimpse of Commissary Point from this high point (High Point 4516 on the Peakbagger.com topo map), but no such luck.\u00a0 High Point 4516 was all forested.\u00a0 There weren&#8217;t views in any direction.<\/p>\n<p>Lupe and SPHP continued N from High Point 4516, gradually losing elevation.\u00a0 SPHP hadn&#8217;t brought along any topo map of the area SE of Commissary Point where Lupe was, so it wasn&#8217;t real clear which way to go.\u00a0 As Lupe headed N, she began to get glimpses of another high hill up ahead.\u00a0 Lupe went toward it, but SPHP soon realized\u00a0Lupe\u00a0was rapidly approaching a deep intervening ravine.<\/p>\n<p>It looked like maybe it was possible to get over to the\u00a0high hill without losing elevation by circling around to the E of the ravine, and then turning NW.\u00a0 SPHP was doubtful.\u00a0 Lupe was in an area where the watersheds typically drain to the E.\u00a0 If the deep ravine ahead drained E, it would cut off any approach to the high hill from that direction.\u00a0 Better to try going W, even though that meant losing elevation.<\/p>\n<p>Lupe lost elevation.\u00a0 Lots of it, as in hundreds of feet.\u00a0 There was an old barbed wire fence in the forest that was falling over, which presented a danger to Lupe.\u00a0 SPHP tried to keep her well away from it, but\u00a0the fence went\u00a0W, too.\u00a0 SPHP lifted\u00a0Lupe over the vicious low-hanging barbed wire strands, to get her N of the fence.\u00a0 Lupe finally reached the bottom of a side\u00a0ravine coming down from the S.\u00a0 SPHP was surprised to find a good single track trail there.\u00a0 A short trek to the N on it led Lupe and SPHP to another trail that went E\/W.<\/p>\n<p>SPHP had guessed wrong.\u00a0 The trail going E was going UP the big ravine that had been blocking Lupe&#8217;s way to the N.\u00a0 The ravine drained to the W.\u00a0 There had been no need for Lupe to lose all this elevation.\u00a0 Oh, well.\u00a0 Nothing to do, but regain it.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP took the trail going E.<\/p>\n<p>The single track trail was a surprisingly good one.\u00a0 It headed up the ravine gaining elevation at a moderate pace.\u00a0 There were some big rock walls along the N side of the ravine.\u00a0 It was pretty scenic down here.\u00a0 The only problem with the trail was that it was quite icy for long stretches.\u00a0 The trail showed signs of recent use.\u00a0 There were footprints in the snow and ice.\u00a0 Maybe this was the way to Commissary Point?<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4535\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4535\" style=\"width: 660px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0207-e1554252906418.jpg\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4535\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0207-e1554252906418-768x1024.jpg?resize=660%2C880\" alt=\"\" width=\"660\" height=\"880\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0207-e1554252906418.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0207-e1554252906418.jpg?resize=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1 225w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0207-e1554252906418.jpg?w=1650&amp;ssl=1 1650w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0207-e1554252906418.jpg?w=1320&amp;ssl=1 1320w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4535\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Lupe on the trail down in the ravine.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>As the &#8220;Ice Trail&#8221; started nearing a saddle, SPHP noticed another trail branching off to the N.\u00a0 Since Commissary Point had to be N, and not any farther E, Lupe and SPHP took the branch trail.\u00a0 SPHP quickly became convinced this was the trail to Commissary Point.\u00a0\u00a0It remained a very good single track trail, and was going roughly in the right direction.\u00a0\u00a0The branch trail\u00a0went N up a big side gully.\u00a0 After gaining a fair amount\u00a0of elevation, it\u00a0then switchbacked up the W\u00a0side\u00a0of the gully\u00a0to arrive up on a relatively level bench area.<\/p>\n<p>The bench area was mostly meadow, but forested around the edges.\u00a0 To the N, there was higher ground.\u00a0 SPHP expected the trail would continue N\u00a0on up the slope, but instead it wound around to the S going back toward the N edge of the ravine where the Ice Trail had been.\u00a0 When the trail turned E and started losing elevation, SPHP concluded maybe it was just going to make a loop back down into the ravine somehow.<\/p>\n<p>Lupe didn&#8217;t need to go back down to the ravine.\u00a0 She needed to go N!\u00a0 SPHP had seen some cairns along the trail shortly after it reached the bench.\u00a0 Maybe SPHP had missed another branch of the trail going N on to Commissary Point?\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP returned to where the cairns were, and even went back beyond them, but there didn&#8217;t seem to be any other branch of the trail.\u00a0 Odd.<\/p>\n<p>Well, Lupe was going to go N on up the hill, trail or no trail.\u00a0 She went 100 feet N, gaining about 30 feet of elevation on the way, and\u00a0suddenly found\u00a0the trail again!\u00a0 Surprising, but very handy.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP continued N on the trail.\u00a0 It was clear that Lupe was getting close to the top of Commissary Point.\u00a0 The trail angled over toward the W side of the hill.\u00a0 There it continued N above some big cliffs just to the W.\u00a0 Some places there were big views between the trees to the W or N.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4536\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4536\" style=\"width: 660px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0208.jpg\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-4536\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4536\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0208-1024x768.jpg?resize=660%2C495\" alt=\"Miss Tasty Nose at a viewpoint along the trail. Lupe and SPHP ultimately wound up over on top of the cliffs seen beyond Lupe. Photo looks N.\" width=\"660\" height=\"495\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0208.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0208.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0208.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0208.jpg?w=1651&amp;ssl=1 1651w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0208.jpg?w=1320&amp;ssl=1 1320w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4536\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Miss Tasty Nose at a viewpoint along the trail. Lupe and SPHP ultimately wound up over on top of the cliffs seen beyond Lupe. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4537\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4537\" style=\"width: 660px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0209.jpg\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-4537\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4537\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0209-1024x768.jpg?resize=660%2C495\" alt=\"These small cliffs were just E of the trail. The top of the hill was just a little way above them. Photo looks N.\" width=\"660\" height=\"495\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0209.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0209.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0209.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0209.jpg?w=1651&amp;ssl=1 1651w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0209.jpg?w=1320&amp;ssl=1 1320w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4537\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">These small cliffs were just E of the trail. The top of the hill was just a little way above them. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Shortly after passing by some\u00a0small cliffs on the E side of the trail, Lupe and SPHP left the trail to climb up to the top of the hill.\u00a0\u00a0The top\u00a0wasn&#8217;t very far up above the small cliffs.\u00a0 The\u00a0summit was fairly level, open and grassy.\u00a0 SPHP wasn&#8217;t surprised to see there was a dirt road up here.\u00a0 There were great views in most directions.\u00a0 Lupe claimed her first peakbagging success of the day.\u00a0 She had made it to the top of Commissary Point!<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4538\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4538\" style=\"width: 660px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0210.jpg\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-4538\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4538\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0210-1024x768.jpg?resize=660%2C495\" alt=\"Looking SSW from the summit toward Boulder Hill (5,331 ft.) (L) and Harney Peak (7,242 ft.) (R).\" width=\"660\" height=\"495\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0210.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0210.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0210.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0210.jpg?w=1651&amp;ssl=1 1651w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0210.jpg?w=1320&amp;ssl=1 1320w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4538\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Looking SSW from the summit toward <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><strong><a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"http:\/\/peakbagger.com\/peak.aspx?pid=38380\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Boulder Hill<\/a><\/strong><\/span> <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>(5,331 ft.)<\/strong><\/span> (L) and <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><strong><a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"http:\/\/peakbagger.com\/peak.aspx?pid=6236\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Harney Peak<\/a><\/strong><\/span> <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>(7,242 ft.)<\/strong><\/span> (C).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>SPHP started looking around to the W and N to get oriented for Lupe&#8217;s next peakbagging goal, Tomaha Point.\u00a0 Funny, nothing that looked like it might be Tomaha Point was anywhere close.\u00a0 <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><strong><a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"http:\/\/peakbagger.com\/peak.aspx?pid=56341\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Buzzard&#8217;s Roost<\/a><\/strong><\/span> <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>(4,695 ft.)<\/strong><\/span> should have been rather prominent\u00a01.5 miles\u00a0to the NNW, but it didn&#8217;t seem to be there, either.\u00a0 <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"http:\/\/peakbagger.com\/peak.aspx?pid=56937\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Thrall Mountain<\/strong><\/a><\/span> <strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">(5,091 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was in sight, but looked pretty far away.<\/p>\n<p>SPHP glanced off to the NE.\u00a0 There was some forested land over there, part of this same hill,\u00a0that looked like it might be a little higher than where Lupe was.\u00a0 Something was wrong.\u00a0 Maybe Lupe wasn&#8217;t at the summit of Commissary Peak yet?\u00a0 Another problem &#8211; back to the S, High Point 4516 looked noticeably higher than where Lupe was.\u00a0 Something was definitely wrong.<\/p>\n<p>Looking back to the NW, suddenly SPHP knew exactly\u00a0what was wrong.\u00a0 That big forested hill over there, beyond a huge canyon and a barren ridge, was Commissary Point &#8211; the <strong><em>real<\/em><\/strong> Commissary Point.\u00a0 SPHP had led Lupe up the wrong mountain!\u00a0 This wasn&#8217;t Commissary Point at all!<\/p>\n<p>Scratch one peakbagging success.\u00a0 Lupe still had a long way to go to get to Commissary Point.\u00a0 Well, Lupe could still get there, but the chances of getting as far as Tomaha Point today, another 2 miles NW of Commissary Point through rugged terrain, had just gone down the tubes.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4539\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4539\" style=\"width: 660px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0211.jpg\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-4539\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4539\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0211-1024x768.jpg?resize=660%2C495\" alt=\"&quot;Ha, ha, ha! Oh, for Poodle's sake, SPHP! You mean to tell me that big hill way beyond the barren ridge is the REAL Commissary Point?&quot; Photo looks NW.\" width=\"660\" height=\"495\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0211.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0211.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0211.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0211.jpg?w=1651&amp;ssl=1 1651w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0211.jpg?w=1320&amp;ssl=1 1320w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4539\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">&#8220;Ha, ha, ha! Oh, for Poodle&#8217;s sake, SPHP! You mean to tell me that big hill way beyond the barren ridge is the REAL Commissary Point?&#8221; Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4540\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4540\" style=\"width: 660px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0212.jpg\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-4540\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4540\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0212-1024x768.jpg?resize=660%2C495\" alt=\"Commissary Point is the forested hill at the center of this photo connected to the barren ridge on the L. Buzzard's Roost is the high ridge on the R. Photo looks NW.\" width=\"660\" height=\"495\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0212.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0212.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0212.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0212.jpg?w=1651&amp;ssl=1 1651w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0212.jpg?w=1320&amp;ssl=1 1320w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4540\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Commissary Point is the forested hill at the center of this photo connected to the barren ridge on the L. Buzzard&#8217;s Roost is the high ridge on the R. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Lupe and SPHP returned to the trail.\u00a0 To get to Commissary Point, Lupe would have to go all the way back the way she had come clear down to where she first got on the Ice Trail.\u00a0 Before doing all that, though, since she was already way up here, SPHP thought Lupe may as well explore this mountain.\u00a0 It wasn&#8217;t too much\u00a0farther N to a big viewpoint jutting out to the W.<\/p>\n<p>The trail took Lupe almost all the way to the viewpoint.\u00a0 It\u00a0went N\u00a0to a road that Lupe and SPHP followed the rest of the way out to the W end of the prominence.\u00a0 The viewpoint was level and tens of feet wide, but surrounded on 3 sides by big cliffs.<\/p>\n<p>It had been breezy\u00a0all day long, except down in the ravines.\u00a0 Up here on this prominence totally exposed to the NW wind, it was nothing short of a\u00a0roaring gale.\u00a0 Trees swayed wildly with\u00a0each\u00a0gust.\u00a0 The\u00a0strong unpredictable wind was a\u00a0bit unnerving, even though Lupe and SPHP stayed far from the cliff\u00a0edges.<\/p>\n<p>There certainly was a tremendous view, though.\u00a0\u00a0Lupe and SPHP remained\u00a0out on the viewpoint for several minutes\u00a0trying to enjoy the impressive scene.\u00a0 Unfortunately, the wind was being just too much to contend with.\u00a0 Neither Lupe nor SPHP could\u00a0really relax and\u00a0appreciate the panorama.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4541\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4541\" style=\"width: 660px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0213.jpg\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-4541\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4541\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0213-1024x768.jpg?resize=660%2C495\" alt=\"Lupe on her way back down to the trail from the top of the &quot;fake Commissary Point&quot;.\" width=\"660\" height=\"495\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0213.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0213.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0213.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0213.jpg?w=1651&amp;ssl=1 1651w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0213.jpg?w=1320&amp;ssl=1 1320w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4541\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Lupe on her way back down to the trail from the top of the &#8220;fake Commissary Point&#8221;.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4542\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4542\" style=\"width: 660px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0214.jpg\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-4542\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4542\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0214-1024x768.jpg?resize=660%2C495\" alt=\"Looking NNE from the very windy viewpoint.\" width=\"660\" height=\"495\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0214.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0214.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0214.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0214.jpg?w=1651&amp;ssl=1 1651w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0214.jpg?w=1320&amp;ssl=1 1320w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4542\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Looking NNE from the very windy viewpoint.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4543\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4543\" style=\"width: 660px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0215.jpg\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-4543\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4543\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0215-1024x768.jpg?resize=660%2C495\" alt=\"Commissary Point (L), Thrall Mountain (more distant and slightly L of Center) and Buzzard's Roost (R) from the windy viewpoint. Photo looks NW.\" width=\"660\" height=\"495\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0215.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0215.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0215.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0215.jpg?w=1651&amp;ssl=1 1651w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0215.jpg?w=1320&amp;ssl=1 1320w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4543\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Commissary Point (L), Thrall Mountain (more distant and slightly L of Center) and Buzzard&#8217;s Roost (R) from the windy viewpoint. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Completely, 110% satisfied, with the amount of fresh air being shipped in from Canada, Lupe and SPHP retreated,\u00a0leaving the hurricane viewpoint behind.\u00a0 Lupe followed the road back to the trail, and turned\u00a0S.\u00a0 She followed\u00a0the trail\u00a0all the way back down to where she had first gotten on the Ice Trail.<\/p>\n<p>There was only one important variation along her route back.\u00a0 Instead of just taking the shortcut back down the bank N of the bench to reach the trail below, Lupe and SPHP stayed on the upper trail.\u00a0 SPHP wanted to see just where\u00a0the two trails\u00a0connected.\u00a0 The upper trail took off to the W, and then started winding around so crazily, SPHP began to wonder if the trails really did connect.<\/p>\n<p>In the end, the upper trail turned out to be the same trail as the lower one.\u00a0 However, it wound all around the perimeter of the\u00a0whole bench area near the edges of the cliffs.\u00a0 It took 0.5 mile to do what could have been accomplished\u00a0in 100 feet.\u00a0 Clearly, this trail was built to take advantage of the views, every last one of them!<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4544\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4544\" style=\"width: 660px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0217-e1554252985817.jpg\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4544\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0217-e1554252985817-768x1024.jpg?resize=660%2C880\" alt=\"\" width=\"660\" height=\"880\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0217-e1554252985817.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0217-e1554252985817.jpg?resize=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1 225w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0217-e1554252985817.jpg?w=1650&amp;ssl=1 1650w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0217-e1554252985817.jpg?w=1320&amp;ssl=1 1320w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4544\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Lupe sniffing around again on the Ice Trail back down in the ravine.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>When Lupe reached her original starting point on the Ice Trail, she continued on heading W.\u00a0 She soon came to Victoria Creek, or at least its creek bed.\u00a0 The creek was dry, except for puddles in some places.\u00a0 Just beyond the creek, Lupe reached a road.\u00a0 The road was icy, but Lupe and SPHP followed it NW.\u00a0 It soon led to a fence\u00a0on the border of\u00a0private property.<\/p>\n<p>Lupe and SPHP turned away from the fence and climbed a ridge to the SW.\u00a0 Once up on the ridge, Lupe found the trail again.\u00a0 SPHP remembered being here before, on another expedition with Lupe a long time ago.\u00a0 This was part of the Pink &amp; Black Checkered trail, wasn&#8217;t it?\u00a0 Maybe not, SPHP looked, but didn&#8217;t see any of the pink and black checkered markers along the way.<\/p>\n<p>The trail gained elevation as it headed generally W.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP followed it only\u00a0until it was\u00a0at the\u00a0S\u00a0end of the barren ridge leading to Commissary Point.\u00a0 There Lupe and SPHP turned N,\u00a0and started following\u00a0the barren ridge.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4545\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4545\" style=\"width: 660px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0219.jpg\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-4545\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4545\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0219-1024x768.jpg?resize=660%2C495\" alt=\"Lupe on the barren ridge SE of Commissary Point, seen beyond her.\" width=\"660\" height=\"495\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0219.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0219.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0219.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0219.jpg?w=1651&amp;ssl=1 1651w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0219.jpg?w=1320&amp;ssl=1 1320w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4545\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Lupe on the barren ridge SE of Commissary Point, seen beyond her.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4546\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4546\" style=\"width: 660px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0220.jpg\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-4546\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4546\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0220-1024x768.jpg?resize=660%2C495\" alt=\"Lupe and SPHP had been up on the highest part of the hill pictured here. Photo looks ESE.\" width=\"660\" height=\"495\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0220.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0220.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0220.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0220.jpg?w=1651&amp;ssl=1 1651w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0220.jpg?w=1320&amp;ssl=1 1320w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4546\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Lupe and SPHP had been up on the highest part of the hill pictured here. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4547\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4547\" style=\"width: 660px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0222.jpg\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-4547\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4547\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0222-1024x768.jpg?resize=660%2C495\" alt=\"The biggest rock prominence just R of center is the very windy viewpoint on the hill that is NOT Commissary Point. Photo looks ESE from the barren ridge.\" width=\"660\" height=\"495\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0222.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0222.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0222.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0222.jpg?w=1651&amp;ssl=1 1651w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0222.jpg?w=1320&amp;ssl=1 1320w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4547\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The biggest rock prominence just R of center is the very windy viewpoint on the hill that is NOT Commissary Point. Photo looks ESE from the barren ridge.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Up on the barren ridge, Lupe and SPHP were following an old dirt road that showed little sign of use.\u00a0 However, as Lupe started getting close to the forest at the NW end of the barren ridge,\u00a0she\u00a0found\u00a0a freshly graded road.\u00a0 Much of the E end of Commissary Point has been logged recently.\u00a0 The ground is all chewed up, and Lupe saw big stacks of dead pine trees.\u00a0 It was kind of a mess.<\/p>\n<p>Once Lupe had\u00a0a good start going\u00a0NW up Commissary Point, she went to the S rim of the mountain, reaching it at a place where there was a view toward Boulder Hill and Storm Hill.\u00a0 Beyond this point, the forest had not been logged near the rim.\u00a0 It was thick, overcrowded and dark.\u00a0 Lupe passed through the dense forest staying on the S shoulder of the mountain, before turning N for the final climb up to the summit.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4548\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4548\" style=\"width: 660px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0223-e1554253273242.jpg\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4548\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0223-e1554253273242-768x1024.jpg?resize=660%2C880\" alt=\"\" width=\"660\" height=\"880\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0223-e1554253273242.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0223-e1554253273242.jpg?resize=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1 225w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0223-e1554253273242.jpg?w=1650&amp;ssl=1 1650w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0223-e1554253273242.jpg?w=1320&amp;ssl=1 1320w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4548\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Near the S rim of Commissary Point. Of the 3 high points in the distance in the center of the photo, Storm Hill is on the L. Boulder Hill is the knob on the R. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The final climb was short and easy.\u00a0 Lupe reached the summit to claim her real, genuine\u00a0Commissary Point peakbagging success!\u00a0 Nothing could be seen from the summit except the surrounding dense forest, although it was pretty clear there was some very steep ground close by to the N.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP stopped for a break.\u00a0 Lupe had Taste of the Wild, water, and was most eager to help SPHP with a couple of chocolate-covered granola bars.\u00a0 SPHP had water and an apple, too.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4549\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4549\" style=\"width: 660px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0224.jpg\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-4549\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4549\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0224-1024x768.jpg?resize=660%2C495\" alt=\"This is it! The real deal! Lupe is on the summit of Commissary Point. Photo looks W.\" width=\"660\" height=\"495\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0224.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0224.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0224.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0224.jpg?w=1651&amp;ssl=1 1651w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0224.jpg?w=1320&amp;ssl=1 1320w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4549\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">This is it! The real deal! Lupe is on the summit of Commissary Point. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4550\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4550\" style=\"width: 660px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0225.jpg\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-4550\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4550\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0225-1024x768.jpg?resize=660%2C495\" alt=\"Loopster on Commissary Point, 5 years to the day after she came to live with SPHP.\" width=\"660\" height=\"495\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0225.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0225.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0225.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0225.jpg?w=1651&amp;ssl=1 1651w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0225.jpg?w=1320&amp;ssl=1 1320w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4550\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Loopster on Commissary Point, 5 years to the day after she came to live with SPHP.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4551\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4551\" style=\"width: 660px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0226.jpg\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-4551\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4551\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0226-1024x768.jpg?resize=660%2C495\" alt=\"Lupe on Commissary Point. This photo looks E. Note the huge difference in the view from the photo looking W.\" width=\"660\" height=\"495\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0226.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0226.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0226.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0226.jpg?w=1651&amp;ssl=1 1651w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0226.jpg?w=1320&amp;ssl=1 1320w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4551\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Lupe on Commissary Point. This photo looks E. Note the huge difference in the view from the photo looking W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Although the summit of Commissary Point offered no distant views, the topo map showed that there ought to be some from cliffs at\u00a0the slightly lower W end of the mountain.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP left the summit heading W through the forest.\u00a0 It was a pleasant stroll, and Lupe had fun running around exploring.\u00a0 It only took 5 or 10 minutes to reach the W end of the mountain.<\/p>\n<p>A nearly level\u00a0limestone platform was at the edge of high cliffs.\u00a0 There were only\u00a0a few trees close to the edge, providing a little strip of open ground where there were big 180\u00b0 views from the S around to the W and N.\u00a0 This exposed ground felt the full force of the NW wind, which was still very strong.\u00a0 Lupe didn&#8217;t like the wind, but she did like peering over the edge from\u00a0a safe distance.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4552\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4552\" style=\"width: 660px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0227.jpg\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-4552\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4552\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0227-1024x768.jpg?resize=660%2C495\" alt=\"Buzzard's Roost is the high ridge seen beyond Lupe. Photo looks NNW from the W end of Commissary Point.\" width=\"660\" height=\"495\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0227.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0227.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0227.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0227.jpg?w=1651&amp;ssl=1 1651w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0227.jpg?w=1320&amp;ssl=1 1320w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4552\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Buzzard&#8217;s Roost is the high ridge seen beyond Lupe. Photo looks NNW from the W end of Commissary Point.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4553\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4553\" style=\"width: 660px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0228-e1554253378124.jpg\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4553\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0228-e1554253378124-768x1024.jpg?resize=660%2C880\" alt=\"\" width=\"660\" height=\"880\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0228-e1554253378124.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0228-e1554253378124.jpg?resize=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1 225w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0228-e1554253378124.jpg?w=1650&amp;ssl=1 1650w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0228-e1554253378124.jpg?w=1320&amp;ssl=1 1320w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4553\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Strong gusts of the NW wind ruffled Lupe&#8217;s fur out on the exposed viewpoint. The wind was coming from behind her in this photo. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4554\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4554\" style=\"width: 660px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0230-e1554253452952.jpg\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4554\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0230-e1554253452952-768x1024.jpg?resize=660%2C880\" alt=\"\" width=\"660\" height=\"880\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0230-e1554253452952.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0230-e1554253452952.jpg?resize=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1 225w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0230-e1554253452952.jpg?w=1650&amp;ssl=1 1650w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0230-e1554253452952.jpg?w=1320&amp;ssl=1 1320w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4554\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Rapid Creek is seen below down in Dark Canyon. Buzzard&#8217;s Roost is way up above, just R of Center.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4555\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4555\" style=\"width: 660px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0231.jpg\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-4555\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4555\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0231-1024x768.jpg?resize=660%2C495\" alt=\"Looking W.\" width=\"660\" height=\"495\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0231.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0231.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0231.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0231.jpg?w=1651&amp;ssl=1 1651w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0231.jpg?w=1320&amp;ssl=1 1320w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4555\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Looking W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4556\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4556\" style=\"width: 660px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0233-e1554253554512.jpg\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4556\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0233-e1554253554512-768x1024.jpg?resize=660%2C880\" alt=\"\" width=\"660\" height=\"880\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0233-e1554253554512.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0233-e1554253554512.jpg?resize=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1 225w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0233-e1554253554512.jpg?w=1650&amp;ssl=1 1650w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0233-e1554253554512.jpg?w=1320&amp;ssl=1 1320w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4556\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Thrall Mountain near Johnson Siding is the highest distant point at Center. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Lupe and SPHP stayed for a little while at the W end of Commissary Point.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog would have stayed longer, if there hadn&#8217;t been such a roaring gale out of the NW.\u00a0 Lupe at least saw Tomaha Point, still 2 miles off the to NW, but there was no way Lupe and SPHP were going to make it clear over there today.\u00a0 There were big canyons between here and there.\u00a0 It was time to start heading back to the G6.<\/p>\n<p>Both Lupe and SPHP were\u00a0rather glad to go back into the dense\u00a0forest, where they were protected from the wind.\u00a0 Instead of returning to the summit of Commissary Point, Lupe explored the forest near the cliffs along the\u00a0S rim of the mountain.\u00a0 There were several places where the forest gave way to open spots with views to the S along the way.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4557\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4557\" style=\"width: 660px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0235.jpg\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-4557\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4557\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0235-1024x768.jpg?resize=660%2C495\" alt=\"Looking SSE from near the S rim of Commissary Point. The closest big patch of open ground in the distance is part of the barren ridge Lupe would go back over on her way to the G6. The G6 is parked near the more distant patch of open ground well beyond the ridge.\" width=\"660\" height=\"495\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0235.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0235.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0235.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0235.jpg?w=1651&amp;ssl=1 1651w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0235.jpg?w=1320&amp;ssl=1 1320w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4557\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Looking SSE from near the S rim of Commissary Point. The closest big patch of open ground in the distance is part of the barren ridge Lupe would go back over on her way to the G6. The G6 is parked near the more distant patch of open ground well beyond the ridge.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Lupe went back along the barren ridge SE of Commissary Point again.\u00a0 She was pretty excited when she heard a helicopter approaching from the S.\u00a0 It flew\u00a0by a bit to the S of Lupe.\u00a0 She barked and leaped\u00a0like a nut case, but it worked &#8211; the terrified helicopter flew away to the NNE.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4559\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4559\" style=\"width: 660px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0236.jpg\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-4559\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4559\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0236-1024x768.jpg?resize=660%2C495\" alt=\"The tiny black spec in the sky just L of Center is not dust on your screen. It is the helicopter that got Lupe so stirred up. Photo looks SE from the barren ridge.\" width=\"660\" height=\"495\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0236.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0236.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0236.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0236.jpg?w=1651&amp;ssl=1 1651w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0236.jpg?w=1320&amp;ssl=1 1320w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4559\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The tiny black spec in the sky just L of Center is not dust on your screen. It is the helicopter that got Lupe so stirred up. Photo looks SE from the barren ridge.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4560\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4560\" style=\"width: 660px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0237-e1554253651963.jpg\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4560\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0237-e1554253651963-768x1024.jpg?resize=660%2C880\" alt=\"\" width=\"660\" height=\"880\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0237-e1554253651963.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0237-e1554253651963.jpg?resize=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1 225w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0237-e1554253651963.jpg?w=1650&amp;ssl=1 1650w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0237-e1554253651963.jpg?w=1320&amp;ssl=1 1320w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4560\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Lupe on the barren ridge on her way back to the G6. Photo looks ESE toward the hill she had climbed earlier in the day &#8211; the one that turned out NOT to be Commissary Point!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Lupe returned to the single track\u00a0trail at the S end of the barren ridge.\u00a0 She turned E, and followed\u00a0the trail\u00a0all the way down to where it crossed the road down in the canyon, and then Victoria Creek.\u00a0 Now Lupe was back on the Ice Trail.\u00a0 When she reached the branch of the trail that went S up the side\u00a0ravine, she took it.<\/p>\n<p>The branch trail climbed for a little while, and then went up and down over a series of little hills and gullies.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP arrived back at the G6 at 3:20 PM (50\u00b0F).\u00a0 Lupe had succeeded in climbing Commissary Point, but had lost so much time doing it along SPHP&#8217;s very circuitous route, she didn&#8217;t get to climb Tomaha Point.<\/p>\n<p>No Tomaha Point to finish the day?\u00a0 No problem. \u00a0SPHP hatched another plan.\u00a0 There was still more than enough time left for Lupe and SPHP to drive over to the Buzzard&#8217;s Roost trailhead along Hwy 44W (Rimrock Hwy).\u00a0 The trail to the top of Buzzard&#8217;s Roost\u00a0wasn&#8217;t very long, maybe around 0.75 mile.\u00a0 Lupe could see the sunset from Buzzard&#8217;s Roost!\u00a0 She would also get a look back at Commissary Point from there.<\/p>\n<p>Lupe and SPHP spent 30 minutes in Rapid City, and then drove on out Hwy 44W to arrive at the Buzzard&#8217;s Roost trailhead on the S side of the Hwy at 4:29 PM (50\u00b0F).\u00a0 Lupe took the Sundown Trail up to the short Buzzard&#8217;s Roost trail that went to the high point at the end of the ridge.<\/p>\n<p><em>(Signs said the Sundown Trail was extremely difficult.\u00a0\u00a0The difficulty\u00a0was way overstated.\u00a0\u00a0The Sundown Trail\u00a0was just a normal hiking trail, a bit rocky in places, that gained\u00a0elevation gradually as it followed along the base of low cliffs.\u00a0 Easy to moderate\u00a0the whole way by Lupe standards.)<\/em><\/p>\n<p>The sun was already very low on the horizon when Lupe reached the\u00a0summit of Buzzard&#8217;s Roost, right at the very end of the ridge.\u00a0Big cliffs were close\u00a0at paw\u00a0on 3 sides.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP were both very glad that the fierce NW wind had by now almost completely subsided.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP sat together on the white limestone surveying the views, while waiting the last few minutes for sunset.\u00a0 Off to the SE, Lupe\u00a0and SPHP saw Commissary Point and much of the territory Lupe had spent the day exploring.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4561\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4561\" style=\"width: 660px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0238.jpg\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-4561\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4561\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0238-1024x768.jpg?resize=660%2C495\" alt=\"Lupe reaches the summit of Buzzard's Roost shortly before sundown. She had been to Buzzard's Roost once before, over 3.5 years ago. Kathy and Lanis had been with Lupe then.\" width=\"660\" height=\"495\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0238.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0238.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0238.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0238.jpg?w=1651&amp;ssl=1 1651w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0238.jpg?w=1320&amp;ssl=1 1320w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4561\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Lupe reaches the summit of Buzzard&#8217;s Roost shortly before sundown. She had been to Buzzard&#8217;s Roost once before, over 3.5 years ago. Kathy and Lanis had been with Lupe &amp; SPHP\u00a0then.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4562\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4562\" style=\"width: 660px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0239.jpg\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-4562\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4562\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0239-1024x768.jpg?resize=660%2C495\" alt=\"Looking SSE toward Commissary Point, the forested hill just L of Center near the top of the photo.\" width=\"660\" height=\"495\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0239.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0239.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0239.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0239.jpg?w=1651&amp;ssl=1 1651w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0239.jpg?w=1320&amp;ssl=1 1320w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4562\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Looking SSE toward Commissary Point, the forested hill just L of Center near the top of the photo.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4563\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4563\" style=\"width: 660px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0240.jpg\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-4563\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4563\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0240-1024x768.jpg?resize=660%2C495\" alt=\"The last rays of the sun illuminate the cliffs on the L, where Lupe had been early in the day. Commissary Point is on the R.\" width=\"660\" height=\"495\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0240.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0240.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0240.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0240.jpg?w=1651&amp;ssl=1 1651w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0240.jpg?w=1320&amp;ssl=1 1320w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4563\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The last rays of the sun illuminate the cliffs on the L, where Lupe had been early in the day. Commissary Point is on the R.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4564\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4564\" style=\"width: 660px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0241.jpg\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-4564\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4564\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0241-1024x768.jpg?resize=660%2C495\" alt=\"From Buzzard's Roost, Lupe could see the W side of Rapid City, SD (just in front of and below the most distant forested ridge). Photo looks E.\" width=\"660\" height=\"495\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0241.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0241.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0241.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0241.jpg?w=1651&amp;ssl=1 1651w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0241.jpg?w=1320&amp;ssl=1 1320w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4564\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">From Buzzard&#8217;s Roost, Lupe could see the W side of Rapid City, SD (just in front of and below the most distant forested ridge). Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>As Lupe and SPHP sat there, SPHP noticed that Lupe was staring intently\u00a0at the edge of the cliff just a few feet away.\u00a0 SPHP asked Lupe what she saw.\u00a0 Lupe growled, and looked ready to spring over there.\u00a0 No way!\u00a0 Don&#8217;t!\u00a0 SPHP hung on to Lupe, and talked to her.\u00a0 She kept staring, but calmed down.\u00a0 She must have heard something.\u00a0 SPHP\u00a0detected nothing unusual.<\/p>\n<p>Sunset arrived.\u00a0\u00a0The colors weren&#8217;t super spectacular, but they were pretty good &#8211; certainly worth seeing.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4565\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4565\" style=\"width: 660px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0242.jpg\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-4565\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4565\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0242-1024x768.jpg?resize=660%2C495\" alt=\"Sunset on Buzzard's Roost.\" width=\"660\" height=\"495\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0242.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0242.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0242.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0242.jpg?w=1651&amp;ssl=1 1651w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0242.jpg?w=1320&amp;ssl=1 1320w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4565\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sunset on Buzzard&#8217;s Roost.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4566\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4566\" style=\"width: 660px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0243-e1554253727925.jpg\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4566\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0243-e1554253727925-768x1024.jpg?resize=660%2C880\" alt=\"\" width=\"660\" height=\"880\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0243-e1554253727925.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0243-e1554253727925.jpg?resize=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1 225w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0243-e1554253727925.jpg?w=1650&amp;ssl=1 1650w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0243-e1554253727925.jpg?w=1320&amp;ssl=1 1320w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4566\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">5 years spent with Lupe fade into history.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>On the way back to the G6, Lupe took the Buzzard&#8217;s Roost\/Jack&#8217;s trails.\u00a0 Jack&#8217;s trail should have been even easier than the Sundown Trail, but it was icy, and wet, and a sea of mud.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP tried to stay on the grass near the edge of the trail whenever possible.<\/p>\n<p>Lupe reached the G6 at 5:59 PM (46\u00b0F).\u00a0 It was almost dark out.\u00a0 Another long February night was here.\u00a0 This one would soon start like the first one SPHP spent with tiny puppy Lupe 5 years ago, snuggled together to get some sleep.\u00a0 Except, maybe this time Lupe would be tired enough to actually sleep.\u00a0 No more 10,000 licks from a\u00a0lonely, scared little Carolina Dog\u00a0excited to just to\u00a0have a new\u00a0friend, any friend,\u00a0after being torn away from her mother and siblings a few hours earlier.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">It was going to be a good night, but really, that one 5 years ago was better.<a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0244.jpg\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-4567\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-4567\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0244-1024x768.jpg?resize=660%2C495\" alt=\"Sunset at Buzzard's Roost, 2-11-16\" width=\"660\" height=\"495\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0244.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0244.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0244.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0244.jpg?w=1651&amp;ssl=1 1651w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0244.jpg?w=1320&amp;ssl=1 1320w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px\" \/><\/a><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><strong>Links:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=4645\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\">Next Black Hills Expedition<\/span><\/a>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <a href=\"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=4409\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\">Prior Black Hills Expedition<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\">Want more Lupe adventures?\u00a0\u00a0Choose\u00a0from\u00a0Lupe&#8217;s <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?page_id=3964\">Black Hills Expeditions Adventure Index<\/a><\/strong><\/span>, <a href=\"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?page_id=138\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Dingo Vacations Adventure Index<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, or <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?page_id=18\">Master Adventure Index<\/a><\/strong><\/span>.\u00a0\u00a0Or subscribe free\u00a0to\u00a0<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?page_id=18\"><span style=\"color: #000080;\">new Lupe adventures<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/span>.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>February 11, 2016 was Lupe and SPHP&#8217;s 5th anniversary!\u00a0 Lupe first arrived to live with SPHP the evening of\u00a0February 11, 2011\u00a0as a tiny\u00a0almost 2 month old puppy.\u00a0 She made friends with SPHP that very first night, and a life of fun and adventures together began.\u00a0 When SPHP suggested a Black Hills Expedition to celebrate this &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=4568\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 156 &#8211; Commissary Point &#038; Buzzard&#8217;s Roost (2-11-16)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4561,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":true,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[105,9,569,106,568,104,304],"class_list":["post-4568","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-black-hills","tag-american-dingo","tag-black-hills-expeditions","tag-buzzards-roost","tag-carolina-dog","tag-commissary-point","tag-lupe","tag-south-dakota"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/IMG_0238.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\/4568","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=4568"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4568\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":28276,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4568\/revisions\/28276"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/4561"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=4568"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=4568"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=4568"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}