{"id":46213,"date":"2023-05-08T08:10:54","date_gmt":"2023-05-08T14:10:54","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=46213"},"modified":"2023-05-13T10:05:45","modified_gmt":"2023-05-13T16:05:45","slug":"table-mountain-brooks-range-alaska-8-24-22","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=46213","title":{"rendered":"Table Mountain, Brooks Range, Alaska (8-24-22)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Day 26 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2022 Dingo Vacation to Canada & Alaska!<\/em><\/p>\n

8:33 AM, Dalton Highway<\/strong><\/span><\/a> MP 237, Chandalar Shelf –<\/em><\/p>\n

I don’t know, Loop.\u00a0 Let’s wait and see what happens.<\/em><\/p>\n

SPHP sighed, and got to work on the trip journal.\u00a0 Anyone’s guess how this was going to turn out.<\/p>\n

Relaxing on her pink blanket, Lupe stared out the window of the RAV4.\u00a0 Plenty of blue sky to the SE, and the mountains to the E were all in view.\u00a0 Sunlight illuminated the golden tundra of the Chandalar Shelf near the highway, but most of the gently sloping plain was hidden by fog.\u00a0 A much higher, thicker layer of clouds hung over all, the sky 80% overcast.<\/p>\n

5 miles S, a dark mesa rose 600 feet above a region of highlands, only its lower slopes visible beneath the cloud deck, the upper portion shrouded in mystery.\u00a0 Somewhere near the W end, Shelley Rogers stood in frigid fog by a 6 foot tall cairn along the mesa’s N edge.\u00a0 She’d been waiting a very long time.<\/p>\n

After an encouraging evening yesterday, hopes had been dashed last night by the sound of rain on the RAV4.\u00a0 Then, in the wee hours, Lupe wanted out for a few minutes.\u00a0 SPHP had been shocked to see a clear night sky.\u00a0 Stars proved it was no illusion.<\/p>\n

The muddy morning drive up the Dietrich River valley past pavement’s end near MP 210 was a mixture of hope in the form of partially blue skies, and discouragement due to ground fogs and rapidly increasing cloudiness wherever sunlight warmed the damp tundra.<\/p>\n

Lupe had been to the Chandalar Shelf twice in 2017, but conditions had never been right.\u00a0 Once she’d actually set out across it.\u00a0 A cold rain had forced a retreat.\u00a0 Looked a little better today, although it was easy to see that happening again.\u00a0 Wouldn’t take much.<\/p>\n

9:18 AM, Dalton Highway MP 237, Chandalar Shelf<\/em> – Out for a sniff!\u00a0 The fog was gone, but so was the sunshine, any remaining blue sky to the SE beyond vision.\u00a0 The dark mesa, Table Mountain’s summit, was almost completely hidden.\u00a0 Except for a few patches of blue to the W, the entire sky was gray.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The Chandalar Shelf<\/strong> from the Dalton Highway pullout at MP 237. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Table Mountain<\/strong> (R of Center) beyond the Chandalar Shelf<\/strong>. Summit in the clouds. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It’s going the wrong way, SPHP.\u00a0 Cloudier now than when we arrived.<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah.\u00a0 Not looking good, Loop.\u00a0 Never know, though.\u00a0 Still have quite a bit to do on the trip journal.\u00a0 Might as well hang out here until it’s caught up.<\/em><\/p>\n

SPHP got the pack ready, just in case.<\/p>\n

12:07 PM, 38\u00baF, Dalton Highway MP 237, Chandalar Shelf<\/em> –<\/p>\n

Ready for another sniff, Loopster?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes!\u00a0 I’m bored, SPHP.\u00a0 Have you finished with the trip journal yet?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yup, pretty much.\u00a0 In any case, it’s decision time, Loop.\u00a0 Noon already.\u00a0 Any change?<\/em><\/p>\n

Minimal, but the clouds seem a little higher, SPHP.\u00a0 Most of the mesa is in sight.<\/em><\/p>\n

Really hadn’t been much of a change.\u00a0 A general gray gloom still hung over the Chandalar Shelf.\u00a0 Only a few patches of blue lingering off to the W prevented the day from being 100% overcast.\u00a0 Lupe was right, though.\u00a0 The cloud deck was a little higher now.<\/p>\n

SPHP grabbed the pack.<\/p>\n

Are we going, SPHP?\u00a0 Looks like a 50\/50 proposition, at best.<\/em><\/p>\n

I know it, Loop, if that!\u00a0 Ordinarily, I’d say no, but we’re a million miles from home.\u00a0 How many more chances are we going to get?\u00a0 One on the way back S, but things might easily be worse, and that could be it forever.\u00a0 Marginal, but the weather is the best we’ve ever seen it here.\u00a0 So, let’s try it.\u00a0 Like last time, if conditions take a turn for the worse, we’ll bail at the first sign of trouble.\u00a0 All we can do.<\/em><\/p>\n

Minutes later, the American Dingo was trotting across the golden tundra of the Chandalar Shelf bound for Table Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6,314 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Crossing the Chandalar Shelf.<\/strong> Table Mountain<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The tundra was soft and spongy, but this part of the Chandalar Shelf wasn’t as tussocky or boggy as SPHP had feared.\u00a0 Progress was decent.\u00a0 Lupe sniffed among beautiful, bright autumn foliage, roaming at will.<\/p>\n

From a distance, the Chandalar Shelf appeared almost completely flat, but 0.5 mile in, a dip appeared ahead.\u00a0 Nothing major, except that it did hold a surprise.\u00a0 A dirt road was ahead.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the dirt road. HP4286<\/span><\/strong> (L), Table Mountain<\/strong> (R). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Hang on a minute, Loop!<\/em><\/p>\n

What’s up, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Been playing around with the new iPhone on this trip, and recently figured out how to start a GPS track with the Peakbagger.com<\/strong><\/span><\/a> app.\u00a0 Forgot to start one before we set out.\u00a0 Just give me a minute here, Loopster.\u00a0 I’ll get one started, and we’ll be on our way again.<\/em><\/p>\n

Nothing like joining the new millennium almost a quarter century late!\u00a0 Do you see that road ahead, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah.\u00a0 That’s got to be the access road for the Alaska oil pipeline.\u00a0 Believe the pipeline is underground along in here.\u00a0 We can follow the road when we get to it for a little way, but it’s not going to take us up Table Mountain.\u00a0 As for millenniums, they aren’t all they’re cracked up to be, Loop.\u00a0 The last one up and died on me way before I was done with it.\u00a0 So much for their reputation for staying power!<\/em><\/p>\n

Reaching the buried pipeline service road, Lupe followed it nearly 0.5 mile SSW, before leaving it to head S again.\u00a0 Turned out she should have stuck with the road a little farther to the top of a rise.\u00a0 SPHP realized shortly after leaving it that the driest, firmest ground was over that way.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog got there, but the road would have been easier than the tundra traverse.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the buried Alaska oil pipeline right of way<\/strong>. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A stretch of light gray scree topping a gently rounded minor ridge ran S from the road to the edge of a deep valley.\u00a0 2 massive ridges extending N from Table Mountain cradled this valley between them.\u00a0 Lupe paused to take in the scene, which was really quite spectacular.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Table Mountain<\/strong> (Center), HP4907<\/span><\/strong> (L), HP4622<\/span><\/strong> (R). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Wow!\u00a0 That’s impressive sight, isn’t it, Loop?\u00a0 So far, so good, too!<\/em><\/p>\n

This is awesome, SPHP!\u00a0 And have you noticed?\u00a0 It’s getting sunnier!<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, suddenly looking much more promising, Looper.\u00a0 Onward!\u00a0 Puppy, ho!<\/em><\/p>\n

The nice, firm scree soon gave out as Lupe turned SE toward HP4286<\/span><\/strong>, the last high point at the toe of Table Mountain’s easternmost N ridge.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Near the end of the scree. HP4286<\/span><\/strong> (Center). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

HP4286<\/span><\/strong> was merely a big hill, emphasis on “big”.\u00a0 Nearly 800 feet to the top from where Lupe started her climb as she left the Chandalar Shelf, the squishy tundra made each step harder than it ought to have been.\u00a0 No other obstacles at all, though.\u00a0 The American Dingo climbed along the middle of a shallow drainage where the tundra was a brighter yellow, SPHP trudging along behind.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
In the shallow, yellow drainage. HP4286<\/span><\/strong> (Center). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Suddenly the sun came out, further brightening the yellow tundra.\u00a0 What had been a chilly start, was rapidly morphing into a warm day.\u00a0 After shedding multiple layers, SPHP burst into song.<\/p>\n

Follow the yellow tundra road!\u00a0 Follow the yellow tundra road!\u00a0 Follow, follow, follow, follow, follow the yellow tundra road!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the yellow tundra road. HP4286<\/span><\/strong> (Center). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Guess you aren’t in Kansas anymore, are you, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

No.\u00a0 Haven’t been in quite a while, Loop.\u00a0 I can assure you that Kansas doesn’t look much like this, though.<\/em><\/p>\n

Looking back, the shadows of clouds drifted across the sunlit Chandalar Shelf.\u00a0 That might have looked a little like Kansas, but the unspoiled mountains beyond did not.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking down on the Chandalar Shelf<\/strong>. Mountains of the Brooks Range<\/strong> beyond. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Toiling up the slope, which was only moderately steep, it seemed like a long way to HP4286<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 The sunny, optimistic time soon came to an end as clouds regrouped and another wave advanced.\u00a0 Blue sky vanished.\u00a0 Near the top, Lupe came to patches of bare ground, even a bit of rockiness.\u00a0 A light rain shower cooled the air considerably, and had SPHP reapplying those recently removed layers in a hurry.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Closing in on HP4286<\/span><\/strong> (L). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

2:17 PM – <\/em>HP4286<\/span><\/strong> was a gently rounded hilltop, a mix of small rocks and thin tundra, with ample space to move around.\u00a0 Magnificent views lent credence to the notion that it had already been quite a trek just getting to this point.<\/p>\n

Off to the N, Lupe looked down on the Chandalar Shelf far below.\u00a0 A pump station, or some sort of facility, was visible along the Dalton Highway.\u00a0 From this height, it was now easy to see the Chandalar River leaving the Chandalar Shelf heading SE down a long, broad valley.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Chandalar Shelf<\/strong> (Center), and pump station<\/strong> (Center) along the Dalton Highway<\/strong>, Chandalar Rive<\/strong>r (Center & R). Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Chandalar River<\/strong> from HP4286<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

To the NW, another section of the Dalton Highway was visible way down along the Dietrich River.\u00a0 Colorful mountains were on the opposite side of the valley.\u00a0 Steep slopes led from gray summits to reds, greens, and golds below.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Dalton Highway<\/strong> (Center) down in the Dietrich River valley<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

So far, Table Mountain’s dark summit mesa was still in view to the S, and a fair amount of blue sky remained to the SW.\u00a0 Lupe was soon bathed in weak sunlight again, although how long it would last was debatable.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Table Mountain<\/strong> (R), HP4980<\/span><\/strong> (Center). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Blue skies to the SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What’s this, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, that?\u00a0 We’ve seen those before in other places, Loop.\u00a0 You remember.<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, I do, but what is it, SPHP?\u00a0 What’s it for?<\/em><\/p>\n

Well, now.\u00a0 It’s a standard, run-of-the-mill, triangular whatchamadoody, Looper.\u00a0 Reflects light, provides a good electrical ground, and protects whatever is underneath it.<\/em><\/p>\n

What’s underneath it, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

HP4286<\/span><\/strong>, Loop.<\/em><\/p>\n

Shouldn’t it be a lot bigger then, SPHP?\u00a0 It’s only big enough to protect a few pebbles and tufts of tundra.<\/em><\/p>\n

You’re right, Loopster.\u00a0 Certainly appears some whatchamadoody engineer made a serious miscalculation.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
By HP4286<\/span><\/strong>‘s run-of-the-mill whatchamadoody<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A 25 minute break on HP4286<\/span><\/strong> was enough to recharge batteries before it was time to move on.\u00a0 Already in view more than a mile S, HP4980<\/span><\/strong> was the next objective ahead.\u00a0 To get there, Lupe followed a ridge going SE from HP4286<\/span><\/strong> that connected to the larger region leading to HP4980<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
About to leave HP4286<\/span><\/strong> along the ridge at far L for HP4980<\/span><\/strong> (R of Center). Photo Looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Progress was rapid along this SE ridge, which had some hilliness to it.\u00a0 SPHP enjoyed the downhill sections, even though it obviously meant having to regain all that lost elevation again real soon.\u00a0 Overall, it was another long climb, but a fun one, with lots of amazing territory for the Carolina Dog to explore.\u00a0 Loopster was soon across the SE ridge, and roaming higher SW toward HP4980<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the hilly<\/strong> ridge SE of HP4286<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Exploring on the way to HP4980<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
In the broad region leading SW to HP4980<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Heading higher! Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe was having a blast!\u00a0 For quite a while, HP4980<\/span><\/strong> was out of sight, but it eventually came back into view again after going through a little pass.\u00a0 By then, Lupe had already gained nearly all the elevation required to get there.\u00a0 Table Mountain<\/span> <\/a>(6,180 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was in back view again, too.\u00a0 Although closer than before, it still looked a long way off.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Table Mountain<\/strong> (L), HP4980<\/span><\/strong> (R). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Approaching HP4980<\/span><\/strong> (L of Center). Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

3:42 PM<\/em> – HP4980<\/span><\/strong> had a little more flair to it than HP4286<\/span><\/strong>‘s featureless top had to offer.\u00a0 Nothing too dramatic, but an 8 foot high rock formation toward the E end of a 60 foot long “summit” ridge served well as a spiffy Dingo Display Point.\u00a0 Another rock formation at the W end of this ridge was almost as high, but didn’t have much relief to it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Atop HP4980<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the W end of the HP4980<\/span> summit ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It was starting to look like Looper was getting up in the world!\u00a0 Back to the N, it was a long way down to the Chandalar Shelf now.\u00a0 HP4286<\/span><\/strong> was quite a bit closer, but not that impressive from here.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
HP4286<\/span><\/strong> (Center), Chandalar Shelf<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Amazing views were in all directions, but the most important one was to the SSW.\u00a0 Table Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6,314 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> didn’t look that far away anymore.\u00a0 Most of an enormous, gently sloping region leading to it was in sight.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
HP4986<\/span><\/strong> (Center). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Table Mountain<\/strong> (Center) from HP4980<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After a 15 minute break, Lupe left HP4980<\/span><\/strong> following a broad, rounded ridge S.\u00a0 Up here, even the tundra was starting to fade away, leaving only dirt and rock, but the American Dingo faced no obstacles.\u00a0 Progress was excellent on this easy terrain.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading for Table Mountain<\/strong> (R) after leaving HP4980<\/span>.<\/strong> Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Clouds sailed high overhead as Lupe trotted along, but patches of blue sky were around, too.\u00a0 The top of Table Mountain had been out of the clouds for quite a while now.\u00a0 SPHP had as much confidence as it was possible to have in this fickle clime that Loopster would soon arrive at the base of the 600 foot high summit mesa.<\/p>\n

That was where confidence ended.\u00a0 A sense of unease was growing.<\/p>\n

Looks mighty steep, Loop, especially along the upper rim.\u00a0 I sure hope we can actually get to the top.<\/em><\/p>\n

Shelley Rogers did it, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, but that doesn’t necessarily mean we can.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Getting closer. Table Mountain<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Another glance over toward HP4986<\/span><\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Getting to where she could turn SW, Lupe faced a wide plain of sparse tundra sloping gradually higher toward an upper plateau.\u00a0 The ground was soft with moisture, as the Carolina Dog headed straight for a steeper 200 foot high rise leading to the plateau.<\/p>\n

Odd mounds of tundra grew near trickles of surface water in this area.\u00a0 Even more strangely, upon reaching the base of the steeper climb, Lupe discovered a natural path higher bordered by the mounds.\u00a0 Where the mounds ended, a faint use trail continued on up to the plateau.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Among the mounds. Table Mountain<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On the tundra mound bordered path. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Above the lip of the steeper rise, the upper plateau still rose toward the SW.\u00a0 Table Mountain’s summit mesa was less than a mile away now, its high point toward the W, too.<\/p>\n

The plateau was a world of rock.\u00a0 Virtually no tundra at all.\u00a0 Taking the easiest route higher, Lupe made a long, sweeping arc N then W.<\/p>\n

Slowly turning due S again, the American Dingo seemed excited.\u00a0 Lupe roamed ahead, often pausing to gaze off in various directions, as though she detected, or expected, something out here.\u00a0 Focused on the mesa’s looming N face, SPHP never saw whatever she sensed.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The summit mesa<\/strong> (L & Center) upon reaching the upper plateau<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Approaching Table Mountain’s N face<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lupe staring off to the SSW. HP6260<\/span><\/strong> (R).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Whatever Lupe sensed out there, SPHP didn’t see it. HP6260<\/span><\/strong> (L). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Soon time to start the scramble!\u00a0 SPHP paused to study the precipitous rock bands extending along the upper rim of the mountain.\u00a0 Consulting Richard Carey’s trip report<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, it only confirmed that the route up was from the N on steep, loose scree.\u00a0 The entire N face fit that description.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching Table Mountain’s N face<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Criminy!\u00a0 Doesn’t look any better from here than it did from a distance, Loop.\u00a0 Don’t really know where to start.\u00a0 Nothing looks good along the top.<\/em><\/p>\n

Maybe we need to be closer where we can see more detail, SPHP?\u00a0 Pick a spot, and we’ll see how it goes.<\/em><\/p>\n

You might be right, Loopster.\u00a0 Once partway up, maybe it’ll be obvious where we ought to go?\u00a0 Don’t know what else to do.\u00a0 Let’s try the middle, then drift W.\u00a0 Looks like there might be some clefts in the rock bands in that area.\u00a0 That’s my best guess from down here.<\/em><\/p>\n

Nothing to it, at first.\u00a0 Lupe scrambled halfway up easy as pie on large scree that didn’t shift much.\u00a0 A confidence builder, but as the Carolina Dog continued higher, the scree became looser as the slope steepened.\u00a0 Rocks clattered down the mountain.\u00a0 What route might be best wasn’t clear at all.\u00a0 The upper rim still looked worryingly bad everywhere.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
So far, so good. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On a rare flat spot. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Maybe angling more to the E, where the upper rim was lower was the better choice?\u00a0 Climbing with increasing caution, SPHP slowly worked over that way.\u00a0 Approaching the upper rock bands, the grade became alarmingly steep.\u00a0 Virtually nothing was stable.\u00a0 Even exposed bedrock was rotten, often crumbling away after providing little or no support.\u00a0 There was firm bedrock in the mix, too, but everything had to be tested.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the rock bands. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Following SPHP, Lupe climbed and climbed, but very slowly.\u00a0 The last 150 vertical feet were just plain scary.\u00a0 Few decent pawholds, and those that did exist were tiny grips on safety.\u00a0 The climb wasn’t completely vertical, but was at the very limit of what SPHP could do.<\/p>\n

A trekking pole got away, sliding out of reach.\u00a0 Going down to retrieve it was a near impossibility.\u00a0 Barely able to hook the wrist strap with the other pole while clinging precariously to the mountain, SPHP managed to coax it back within reach.<\/p>\n

Shortly thereafter, just a little higher, Lupe made what should have been an easy leap, but the mountain crumbled beneath her.\u00a0 Clawing madly, desperate for control, SPHP watched in horror as the Carolina Dog fell 2 or 3 feet, then slid another 15 feet amid a clatter of small rocks before coming to a halt and regaining her balance.<\/p>\n

You OK, Loop?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, but this is crazy, SPHP!\u00a0 Come down!<\/em><\/p>\n

Near panic set in, as SPHP realized that retreat meant an almost certain fall.\u00a0 Hands were needed for support, and there was nothing stable to hold onto.\u00a0 Only way out was to continue higher.\u00a0 Even that was looking near impossible.\u00a0 Frozen with fear, SPHP tried to restore calm before continuing higher.<\/p>\n

How Lupe managed to follow, SPHP never saw, but she’d always had much better maneuverability, and was a fantastic scrambler.\u00a0 The very worst part of the climb was thankfully short.\u00a0 30 feet higher, things got better.\u00a0 Soon they were rapidly improving.\u00a0 Scrambling up loose scree in a 2 foot wide gap between a couple of small, steep snowbanks, suddenly it was over.\u00a0 SPHP could stand up and walk, Lupe right behind.<\/p>\n

An incredible feeling of relief flooded in.<\/p>\n

Worst route ever, SPHP!\u00a0 Are you trying to get us killed?<\/em><\/p>\n

No.\u00a0 You’re right, though, Loopster.\u00a0 Can’t remember anything we’ve ever done that was scarier.\u00a0 We’re lucky as H-E double toothpicks to be here in one piece.\u00a0 Guarantee you we’re not going back down that way.\u00a0 Got to be a better route somewhere.<\/em><\/p>\n

A vast, rocky, rumpled slope rose toward the W.\u00a0 The true summit was that way.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Safely up the N face with an easy trek higher ahead. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

C’mon, Loop!\u00a0 Let’s go meet Shelley Rogers!<\/em><\/p>\n

Where is she, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

She’s standing by a 6 foot high cairn somewhere W along the N edge.\u00a0 Onward!\u00a0 Puppy, ho!<\/em><\/p>\n

Angling SW away from the dangerous edge, Lupe started up the rocky slope in search of the true summit.\u00a0 60 or 70 feet higher, she reached an equally enormous level plain.\u00a0 It was nothing but rock, too.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading off in search of Shelley and the true summit. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

6:24 PM, 43\u00baF, Table Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6,314 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> true summit<\/em> – Lupe hadn’t seen any sign of Shelley Rogers yet, or the 6 foot tall cairn, either, when she arrived at the true summit at the W end of the summit mesa.\u00a0 She did find something SPHP expected to see here, though.\u00a0 A red can was tucked inside a pile of rocks.\u00a0 Yup, Richard Carey<\/strong><\/span><\/a> had been here alright!<\/p>\n

3 feet W of the red can, the “Table” survey benchmark was fastened to a little ridge of bedrock.\u00a0 15 or 20 feet farther N, at the very highest part of this ridge, 5 rocks laying next to each other served as a poor excuse for a true summit cairn.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Near Richard Carey’s signature red can<\/strong> (Center). Survey benchmark<\/strong> visible R of Lupe near her rear paw. HP6260<\/span><\/strong> (Center & R) in the background. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
“Table” survey benchmark.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Table Mountain true summit<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Congratulations, Loopster, on your daring ascent of Table Mountain!<\/em><\/p>\n

Lupe offered her paw so SPHP could shake it, but otherwise responded with little enthusiasm.\u00a0 Tired, hungry, and looking glum, she curled up at SPHP’s feet near Richard Carey’s red can.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog didn’t want water, but ate some Taste of the Wild.\u00a0 A chocolate coconut bar and beef jerky, both eagerly accepted, revived her spirits to some degree.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking ENE back across the summit plain<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Rest up, Loop, while I have a look at the registry Richard Carey left here.<\/em><\/p>\n

Sign me in, SPHP!\u00a0 Might be the last the world ever hears from us!<\/em><\/p>\n

The red can needed a new paint job, but, as usual at a Carey installation, the small green-covered notebook serving as the registry hidden within was in perfect condition.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Inside cover and first page of the registry.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Anything interesting in the registry, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, sort of.\u00a0 Richard Carey and Shelley Rogers were both here on 8-1-95, nearly 27 years ago!\u00a0 Next entry is by Shaun on 7-5-98, almost 3 years later.\u00a0 Shaun writes “Quit our jobs, hitchhiked to the Brooks Range with nice people.”\u00a0 Surprising number of entries since then.<\/em><\/p>\n

How long ago was the last one before my entry, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Also 3 years ago, Loop, on 8-18-19.\u00a0 Amy Helkenn and Kenny Lake, both of Alaska, wrote: “Achievement!\u00a0 Now to find a better way down …”<\/em><\/p>\n

A sentiment I wholeheartedly agree with, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Me, too, Looper!<\/em><\/p>\n

Richard and Shelly were here 27 years ago, SPHP?\u00a0 Thought you said Shelley was waiting over by the 6 foot tall cairn we haven’t seen yet.<\/em><\/p>\n

She is here, at least in my mind, she is.\u00a0 I’ve seen her picture standing next to that cairn so many times on Peakbagger.com<\/strong><\/span><\/a> that I just expect her to actually be here.<\/em><\/p>\n

In your mind, SPHP?\u00a0 So we risked our necks coming all this way to meet Shelley Rogers, and she hasn’t really been on Table Mountain for nearly 27 years?<\/em><\/p>\n

In a sense, some echo of Shelley’s presence is still here, Loop.\u00a0 In my head, I can see that photo of her likeness.\u00a0 Something of Richard Carey is here, too.\u00a0 The red can, the perfect registry, all convey his presence at another moment in time, thereby conferring some degree of reality to it again due to our awareness of their significance.<\/em><\/p>\n

You’re either a deep thinker, or deeply disturbed, SPHP.\u00a0 After that ascent route, I’m inclined to believe the latter.<\/em><\/p>\n

Lupe’s traditional summit hour raced quickly by.\u00a0 She spent much of it resting near the red can cairn and survey benchmark, but also joined SPHP in short tours of the views.\u00a0 Glories of the unspoiled Brooks Range were all around!\u00a0 Richard Carey’s trip report mentioned that the sharp spire of Mount Doonerak<\/span><\/a> (7,457 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> ought to be visible 26.5 miles W on a clear day.\u00a0 Lupe could see some big mountains out that way, but SPHP didn’t think any of them were Doonerak.<\/p>\n

The American Dingo actually maybe could see the only other named peak SPHP really knew anything at all about.\u00a0 Loopster’s long revered Mountain of the Midnight Sun<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, really Snowden Mountain<\/span> <\/a>(6,420 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, was visible 15 miles S.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 6450<\/span><\/strong> (L of Center), Snowden Mountain<\/strong> (R of Center) in the distance. Peak 6010<\/span><\/strong> (R). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Peak 6450<\/span><\/strong> (L), Snowden Mountain<\/strong> (L of Center), Peak 6410<\/span><\/strong> (Center). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Snowden Mountain<\/strong> (L), Peak 6010<\/span><\/strong> (L of Center), Peak 5310<\/span><\/strong> (R). Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Snowden Mountain<\/strong> (R in the distance), Peak 6010<\/span><\/strong> (far R). Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A journey over to the N edge to look for Shelley and the 6 foot tall cairn yielded no sign of either one.<\/p>\n

Can’t believe the cairn is gone, too, Loop!\u00a0 Always wanted to get a photo of you next to it, right where Shelley was standing.<\/em><\/p>\n

At 6 feet tall, the cairn would stick out like a sore thumb, SPHP.\u00a0 Face it, it’s not here.\u00a0 Only your delusions are.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Along the N edge<\/strong>. No sign of the 6 foot tall cairn. Kuyuktuvuk Creek valley<\/strong> (far L), HP4286<\/span><\/strong> and the Chandalar Shelf<\/strong> (R). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe enjoyed moments of sunshine on Table Mountain, but the sky was slowly clouding up.\u00a0 The air grew colder, and rain showers appeared off to the W.<\/p>\n

Getting late.\u00a0 We’re going to have to start thinking about finding a better route down pretty soon, Loop.\u00a0 Want to take a tour around the perimeter of this entire upper summit plateau?\u00a0 If we circle around the S end first, we can scout out descent route possibilities on our way back along the N edge before bidding the true summit a final farewell.<\/em><\/p>\n

Heading counter-clockwise around the summit plain, Lupe went far enough E to get a glimpse of the Chandalar River valley.\u00a0 The mountains were lower in this direction, and less distinct since a rain shower was passing through.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Table Mountain’s S ridge<\/strong> (Center & R), Peak 5660<\/span><\/strong> (L of Center) beyond. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Chandalar River valley<\/strong> (at base of reddish ridge). Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After enjoying the view, Lupe cut NNW across the summit plain.\u00a0 Upon reaching the N edge, she turned SW.\u00a0 Following her while peering over the edge, SPHP was horrified!\u00a0 Nothing but cliffs!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Along the N edge<\/strong>. HP4940<\/span><\/strong> (Center). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe got all the way back to the W end of the mountain.<\/p>\n

So what did you decide, SPHP?\u00a0 Find a good spot to start our descent?<\/em><\/p>\n

No.\u00a0 We’re in trouble, Loop.\u00a0 Might be deceptive, but I saw nothing that looked at all doable from up here.\u00a0 Let’s check out this saddle real quick.<\/em><\/p>\n

Just N of the true summit, a 10 or 15 foot dip led W to another massive rocky knob of high ground.\u00a0 Scrambling down into this saddle, SPHP peered N down a huge ravine.\u00a0 A snowbank filling part of the upper end could be avoided easily enough.\u00a0 Below it, bordered on the NE by a big spine of rock, a very long, steep chute of good-sized scree ran way down the mountain.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
HP6260<\/span><\/strong> (L of Center), the rocky knob beyond the dip<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking down on the saddle<\/strong> (L). Peak 5100<\/span><\/strong> (Center). Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
HP4286<\/span><\/strong> (Center) with the Chandalar Shelf<\/strong> beyond. HP4980<\/span><\/strong> (R). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This ravine is a possibility, Loopster, but I don’t like that I can’t see how it ends.<\/em><\/p>\n

Not like we have a million options, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

Believe me, I’m keenly aware of that, Looper.\u00a0 Let’s keep this in mind, but grab the pack and head for the lower E end of the summit mesa.\u00a0 Maybe there’s a better spot over there, E of where we came up?<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe at the true summit<\/strong> from the saddle. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

7:45 PM, Table Mountain true summit – <\/em>More than a full hour had fled up here!\u00a0 A final glance around, and SPHP grabbed the pack.<\/p>\n

Bye, Shelley!\u00a0 Bye, Richard!\u00a0 Onward!\u00a0 Puppy, ho!<\/em><\/p>\n

Heading E along the N rim, SPHP kept peering over the edge.\u00a0 Nothing!\u00a0 Still looked bad, as in impossible.\u00a0 Descending to the lower E portion of the mesa, Lupe finally came to a spot that looked better.\u00a0 Starting for it, SPHP quickly had a change of heart.<\/p>\n

Too dicey, Loop.\u00a0 Decent spot to go down here, but not sure I can get to it safely.\u00a0 Start to slide, and it’s curtains!<\/em><\/p>\n

Back to the W chute then, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

I don’t know.\u00a0 It’s 0.25 mile back, Looper.\u00a0 Let me think.<\/em><\/p>\n

The sun was low.\u00a0 Time was running out.\u00a0 Showers still hanging around, and cloudier than ever.\u00a0 Already chilly.\u00a0 No choice.\u00a0 Lupe absolutely had to get down.\u00a0 Staying unprepared up here overnight at 6,300 feet in the Brooks Range was unthinkable.<\/p>\n

Panic was rising again.\u00a0 How do you fight it when it’s justified?\u00a0 Must stay calm no matter what.\u00a0 Panic is the enemy, the voice of foolishness whispering, then screaming, in your ear.\u00a0 Everyone else that signed Richard Carey’s registry must have made it safely off the mountain.\u00a0 Lupe hadn’t found any skeletons.<\/p>\n

Let’s take another look at where we came up before resorting to the chute.<\/em><\/p>\n

No!\u00a0 You can’t seriously be considering going back that way, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Let’s look.\u00a0 Then decide.\u00a0 We have to do something, Loop.<\/em><\/p>\n

Lupe’s ascent route had to be somewhere nearby, but SPHP couldn’t find it.\u00a0 A zillion gray rocks up here all looked the same.\u00a0 Should have built a cairn to mark the spot!\u00a0 Panic rose another couple of notches.<\/p>\n

What about your new iPhone, SPHP?\u00a0 You started a GPS track, remember?<\/em><\/p>\n

Minutes later, the Carolina Dog was back above the 2 foot gap between the small, steep snowbanks.\u00a0 Yeah, this was the right place.<\/p>\n

Still looked horrendous!\u00a0 Sitting down, SPHP hugged Lupe, stroking her soft fur for a few minutes while gazing out at the Chandalar Shelf and all these splendid, remote peaks of the Brooks Range.\u00a0 Stupendous, truly magnificent!\u00a0 Kissing Lupe on the nose, SPHP gazed into those trusting brown eyes.<\/p>\n

Love you, Lupe, more than anything!\u00a0 This isn’t going to be pretty.\u00a0 We’ll go slow and easy.\u00a0 Stay behind me.\u00a0 If anything bad happens, go back to the RAV4 and stay there.<\/em><\/p>\n

Poles, feet, hands at the ready to break any momentum, despite a sense of foreboding, SPHP began sliding slowly down the mountain on wet, dirty scree.\u00a0 Little girl technique!\u00a0 Sliding on your butt.<\/p>\n

Showers of loose scree clattered down ahead of SPHP, some bounding a long way before coming to a halt.\u00a0 Completely silent, Lupe stayed right behind.\u00a0 Nerve-wracking, terrifying progress was achieved inch by inch, despite the paucity of reliable support.\u00a0 Below the 2 snowbanks, a chute angling E was better than drifting W back the way Lupe had come up.<\/p>\n

The chute featured minor drop-offs where SPHP had to help Lupe down.\u00a0 Staying super cautious for a long way, fear was turning to confidence.<\/p>\n

We’ve got this, Loop!<\/em><\/p>\n

9:26 PM<\/em> – Whew!\u00a0 Pants torn and filthy, SPHP could finally stand up and walk again.\u00a0 The sun was already down, dusk coming on as the Carolina Dog resumed her usual roaming.\u00a0 Uneventful, the long, pleasant return was exceedingly joyful.\u00a0 Marching beneath an otherwise overcast sky, a little light was still visible in rare gaps between clouds.<\/p>\n

The entire world was silent and empty as views gradually faded to black.<\/p>\n

Shortly before reaching HP4286<\/span><\/strong> again, Lupe took a break at a small hill along the ridge.\u00a0 SPHP sat petting her as the American Dingo relaxed on soft tundra.\u00a0 3 miles N, the lights of 2 trucks were creeping slowly along the Dalton Highway.\u00a0 Several more lights revealed the location of the pump station N of the Chandalar Shelf.<\/p>\n

Carrying on, the flashlight had to be deployed.\u00a0 Descending HP4286<\/span><\/strong>, the pump station lights helped keep SPHP oriented.\u00a0 Crossing the Chandalar Shelf, they weren’t in view.\u00a0 Lupe headed for a dark triangle against the night sky.\u00a0 That triangle was HP4292<\/span><\/strong> directly across the highway from the pullout where the RAV waited.<\/p>\n

8-25-22, 12:56 AM, Chandalar Shelf<\/em> – Raindrops, the first in many hours, began falling.\u00a0 No matter.\u00a0 5 minutes later, an exhausted Carolina Dog leapt up onto her pink blanket.\u00a0 A can of salmon and Ritz crackers served as dinner.<\/p>\n

Wow!\u00a0 Can’t believe it, Loopster.\u00a0 You made it to Table Mountain today!\u00a0 Guess we’ll remember this one for a while, aye?\u00a0 Unforgettable!<\/em><\/p>\n

Nothing like an hour or two of terror to spice up an otherwise wonderful day, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Eh, we lived to tell the tale, Loop.\u00a0 Everyone else whose been there must have, too.<\/em><\/p>\n

You weren’t sounding so cocky a few hours ago, SPHP.\u00a0 If you don’t mind, I hope our next adventure doesn’t feature so much drama.<\/em><\/p>\n

With that, Lupe closed her tired eyes and departed to Dingo Dreamland.\u00a0 Out in the black Arctic night, a steady rain poured down on the lonely Chandalar Shelf.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the way to Table Mountain<\/strong>, Brooks Range, Alaska 8-24-22<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

Next Adventure<\/span><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Prior Adventure<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Lupe’s Table Mountain GPS Track<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Richard Carey’s 8-2-95 Trip Report<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

BLM Dalton Highway Visitor Guide<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Want more Lupe adventures?\u00a0\u00a0Choose from Lupe’s Summer of 2022 Dingo<\/span> Vacations to Wyoming, Canada & Alaska Adventure Index<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/em>, Dingo Vacations Adventure Index<\/span><\/strong><\/a> or Master Adventure Index<\/span><\/strong><\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0Or subscribe free\u00a0to\u00a0new Lupe adventures<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Day 26 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2022 Dingo Vacation to Canada & Alaska! 8:33 AM, Dalton Highway MP 237, Chandalar Shelf – I don’t know, Loop.\u00a0 Let’s wait and see what happens. SPHP sighed, and got to work on the trip journal.\u00a0 Anyone’s guess how this was going to turn out. Relaxing on her … Continue reading Table Mountain, Brooks Range, Alaska (8-24-22)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":46178,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1585],"tags":[704,105,723,106,1631,26,104],"class_list":["post-46213","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-1585","tag-alaska","tag-american-dingo","tag-brooks-range","tag-carolina-dog","tag-chandalar-shelf","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-lupe"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_0105-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\/46213","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=46213"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/46213\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":48396,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/46213\/revisions\/48396"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/46178"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=46213"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=46213"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=46213"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}