{"id":47852,"date":"2023-07-02T08:10:28","date_gmt":"2023-07-02T14:10:28","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=47852"},"modified":"2023-07-08T00:36:06","modified_gmt":"2023-07-08T06:36:06","slug":"the-burwash-creek-reconnaissance-mission-yukon-territory-canada-9-5-22","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=47852","title":{"rendered":"The Burwash Creek Reconnaissance Mission, Yukon Territory, Canada (9-5-22)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Days 37-39 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2022 Dingo Vacation to Canada & Alaska!<\/em><\/p>\n

9-4-22, 12:07 PM, 57\u00baF, Fairbanks, Alaska<\/em> – Refueled and resupplied, but that was where the good news ended.<\/p>\n

We’re leaving, SPHP?\u00a0 Why?\u00a0 I thought we had another week in Alaska!<\/em><\/p>\n

So did I, Loopster.\u00a0 That was the plan.\u00a0 We’ve got the time and money, but I’ve checked and rechecked the forecast on the iPhone.\u00a0 No matter what part of Alaska I look at, there are at most only 1 or 2 relatively dry days in the next 5 or 6.\u00a0 Other than that, it’s rain, rain, and more rain.\u00a0 And you know how Alaska is!\u00a0 If there’s a reasonable chance of rain, it’s going to happen, and for most of the day, too.<\/em><\/p>\n

Disappointing to say the least, but the forecast seemed to be accurate.\u00a0 Although it wasn’t raining as Lupe left Fairbanks, it soon started right in again, and rained all afternoon.\u00a0 It wasn’t until the American Dingo was already past Tetlin Junction SE of Tok that skies turned blue.<\/p>\n

Wow!\u00a0 Actual brilliant sunshine, SPHP.\u00a0 I’d almost forgotten what it’s like.\u00a0 Doesn’t seem right!<\/em><\/p>\n

Figures!\u00a0 That’s the way it’s been on this Dingo Vacation.\u00a0 Only really sunny place in Alaska is the road back to Canada.<\/em><\/p>\n

Can’t complain too much, SPHP.\u00a0 We had some marvelous adventures in Alaska again this year!<\/em><\/p>\n

True enough, but nevertheless, at 8:00 PM PDT, Lupe was once again crossing the Canadian border.\u00a0 Sadly, Alaska 2022 was already in the rearview mirror.\u00a0 By 8:47 PM, she’d made it to the White River, and the familiar view of Horsecamp Hill (4,600 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Evening near the White River<\/strong>. Horsecamp Hill<\/strong> (L). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

9-5-22, 8:25 AM, 44\u00baF, Donjek River<\/em> – So much for blue skies!\u00a0 The clouds were back, along with light rain.\u00a0 Lupe was still glad to stop at this long favorite place, but others had beaten her to the punch.\u00a0 People were camping in all the best spots, and who could blame them?\u00a0 The Donjek River is awesome!<\/p>\n

At least the American Dingo got to sniff around for 20 minutes before moving on.\u00a0 A lovely time, although it didn’t begin to compare with the day she’d climbed Donjek Crossing Mountain<\/strong><\/span><\/a> back in 2019.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Back at the Donjek River<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Alaska Highway bridge over the Donjek River<\/strong>. Donjek Crossing Mountain<\/strong> in the background. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Along the muddy riverbank. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Someone already had a tent (far R) set up at Lupe’s favorite spot. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

9-5-22, 9:28 AM, 44\u00baF, Alaska Highway, Kluane River rest area<\/em> – S of the Donjek River, the clouds began breaking up.\u00a0 Blue sky was reappearing!\u00a0 New snow was visible up on the mountains to the W.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
New snow on the mountains from the Kluane River rest area<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

So beautiful!\u00a0 The mountains always look better with snow on them, don’t they, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

They do, Looper!\u00a0 And you know what?\u00a0 These are the same mountains I was daydreaming about climbing someday when we were on our way to Alaska.\u00a0 Want to see what we can do?<\/em><\/p>\n

Sure, SPHP, but how are we even going to get to them?\u00a0 They’re back pretty far from the highway, and it’s all forested territory.\u00a0 Might be a tough slog.<\/em><\/p>\n

I know, Loop, but I remember we crossed a bridge over Burwash Creek where it looked like we might be able to follow the floodplain a long way toward the mountains.\u00a0 If we watch for it, I bet we’ll see it again before we get too much farther.<\/em><\/p>\n

Let’s try that then, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

9-5-22, 10:14 AM, 45\u00baF –<\/em> Sure enough, a few miles S of the rest area, the Alaska Highway crossed Burwash Creek.\u00a0 Fortunately, there was a nice, roomy flat spot to park on the W side of the highway.\u00a0 It was on the S side of the creek, which was the wrong side, but that was OK.\u00a0 Traffic was light.\u00a0 Lupe could just cross the bridge.<\/p>\n

Excitement was in the air following this spur of the moment decision.\u00a0 These mountains weren’t even on the Carolina Dog’s list of possibilities, so SPHP didn’t have any maps of the area.<\/p>\n

What mountain are we going to be climbing, SPHP?\u00a0 Does it have a name?<\/em><\/p>\n

I have no idea, Loop.\u00a0 Was thinking we’d just call it Burwash Mountain, if we manage to get to the highest peak.<\/em><\/p>\n

The highest one?\u00a0 You sure are optimistic, SPHP!\u00a0 Amazing what a little sunshine can do.<\/em><\/p>\n

Maybe more like delusional, but we might as well think big, Looper.\u00a0 In any case, it’s an adventure!\u00a0 We’ll do what we can.<\/em><\/p>\n

As soon as SPHP had the pack ready, the American Dingo was on her way.\u00a0 Crossing the Alaska Highway bridge to get over to the N side of Burwash Creek, she then scrambled down a bank to the floodplain.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The lovely parking area S of Burwash Creek<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Alaska Highway<\/strong> from the N side of the creek<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Burwash Creek had decent flow, but occupied only a small portion of a huge floodplain that must have been 300 feet wide.\u00a0 Lupe could roam at will across a vast region of rounded stones as she headed upstream.\u00a0 Most of the time she preferred staying close to the scenic creek.<\/p>\n

Even SPHP’s progress was excellent on this super easy terrain.\u00a0 Clouds had already reformed over the mountains, which was disappointing, but there was still plenty of blue sky around, and the clouds didn’t seem threatening at all.\u00a0 Maybe they would burn off again before too long?<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the Burwash Creek floodplain<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It soon became evident that the floodplain wasn’t entirely natural.\u00a0 Giant Caterpillar tracks clearly demonstrated that the entire region had been extensively rearranged by heavy machinery.\u00a0 What had appeared to be moraines along each side were actually levees.\u00a0 Why anyone considered levees necessary wasn’t clear.\u00a0 What harm would a flood do here?<\/p>\n

Loopster didn’t care.\u00a0 It was all still very beautiful, and she was rapidly closing in on the mountains.\u00a0 Really an excellent route!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Along beautiful Burwash Creek<\/strong>. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After going a mile or more, the floodplain started to narrow down.\u00a0 The creek meandered from one side to the other.\u00a0 To avoid it, Lupe climbed 10 feet up onto some perfectly flat terrain above the N bank.\u00a0 Small trees, many of which were starting to turn yellow, dotted this region, along with countless little plants sporting white pom poms.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Among the young trees. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Burwash Creek had turned SSW, so Lupe kept going that way too.\u00a0 SPHP was surprised when she came to an ancient 2 track road.\u00a0 Even more surprising, this faint road soon led to a fairly decent gravel one.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Amid the pom pom plants on the old 2 track road. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Following the gravel road. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Huh.\u00a0 This gravel road must leave the Alaska Highway somewhere, Loop.\u00a0 I’ve never noticed it, though.<\/em><\/p>\n

Well, it’s going our way, SPHP.\u00a0 Makes life easy!\u00a0 We’re definitely going to get to the mountains now.<\/em><\/p>\n

The gravel road continued SSW toward the same gap in the mountains that Burwash Creek was coming from.\u00a0 Lupe was getting to the foothills when a small clearing appeared on the R.\u00a0 Long-abandoned equipment sat rusting away here, a process that was going to take eons based on the size of it.\u00a0 A gigantic metal box with an attached framework was laying upside down.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
By the big metal contraption in the small clearing.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What is this, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, that’s a metal contraption, Loopster.<\/em><\/p>\n

A contraption?\u00a0 What does it do, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Hard to say exactly, Looper, mostly because I don’t know.\u00a0 Don’t think it does much of anything any more, but I bet it had something to do with a mining operation somewhere around here.<\/em><\/p>\n

A mine?\u00a0 What would they be mining for?\u00a0 Gold?<\/em><\/p>\n

Quite likely, Loop.\u00a0 Sometimes there’s gold in mountain streams, or deep inside the mountains.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, that’s right!\u00a0 There used to be gold rushes in the Yukon, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, that’s true, Looper.\u00a0 We’re personally running late as far as getting in on any gold rush action ourselves, though.<\/em><\/p>\n

Keep an eye out all the same, SPHP.\u00a0 If you happen to see a big chunk of gold laying around, I want you to add it to my rock collection.<\/em><\/p>\n

Rest assured I’ll do that, Loop.\u00a0 A big chunk of gold would certainly be a worthy addition.\u00a0 Your collection is sorely lacking in them at the moment.<\/em><\/p>\n

Just past the small clearing, a tiny tributary of Burwash Creek crossed the road.\u00a0 SPHP easily stepped right over it.\u00a0 Lupe soon reached a larger clearing.\u00a0 She was getting close to the mountains now, and over on the S side of the creek, 2 white campers were parked up on a hill.\u00a0 An orange excavator was over there, too, next to a spot where a tremendous chunk of another hill had been dug out.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the large clearing. Burwash Creek<\/strong> (L). Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The 2 campers (L) across Burwash Creek<\/strong>. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After passing this apparently abandoned small mining operation, the gravel road continued into the mountains, barely gaining any elevation at all, as it followed the course of Burwash Creek.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Following Burwash Creek<\/strong> into the mountains. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

We’re never going to get to the top of anything this way, SPHP!\u00a0 Where do we leave the road?<\/em><\/p>\n

Not sure, Loop.\u00a0 Start looking for a good place.<\/em><\/p>\n

The sides of the valley were very steep and heavily forested.\u00a0 After going around a couple of bends, a small, but very rocky, hill appeared ahead.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the rocky hill (Center). Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Once past the hill, the back side appeared to be a feasible spot to start climbing.\u00a0 Turning N, Lupe scrambled up a steep bank into the forest.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
About to leave the road. Back side of the rocky hill<\/strong> (R). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Which way, SPHP?\u00a0 To the top of the rocky hill?<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, I don’t know that we need to do that, Loop.\u00a0 Let’s aim for the ridge W of it, and see what the situation is there.<\/em><\/p>\n

The forest was thick, but not impassable, as Lupe sniffed her way N up a fairly steep slope.\u00a0 After gaining 150 feet, she managed to reach a narrow ridge W of the rocky hill.\u00a0 Steep-sided valleys were on both sides.\u00a0 It was hard to see much due to all the trees.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Up on the ridge. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Let’s skip the hill, and just follow this ridge W, Loop.\u00a0 We’ll have to climb a long way to get above tree line.\u00a0 Onward!\u00a0 Puppy, ho!<\/em><\/p>\n

Following the ridgeline, Lupe climbed and climbed while having a grand time playing ferocious wild Dingo in the mossy forest.\u00a0 Where the forest was thickest, the ridge was really slow going for SPHP.\u00a0 In a few places, the Carolina Dog came to small openings where it was possible to get a glimpse of what was out there beyond the forest.<\/p>\n

Burwash Creek eventually came into view.\u00a0 Lupe was already far above it.\u00a0 Higher yet, the N end of Kluane Lake was in sight.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
A happy wild Dingo of the Yukon forests.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A glimpse (Center) of much higher ground ahead. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Burwash Creek<\/strong> far below. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
N end of Kluane Lake<\/strong>, Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The ridge finally broadened out, becoming a gentler slope.\u00a0 This region was wet and more open.\u00a0 Low bushes, tussocks, and thick spongy tundra dominated, although there were still plenty of trees.\u00a0 All this vegetation remained soaking wet from earlier rains.\u00a0 Progress was slow, and both Lupe and SPHP got mighty wet, too.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Among the tussocks. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At last, Lupe caught sight of a ridge to the W that was at least several hundred feet higher.<\/p>\n

We’re heading right for it, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Good!\u00a0 Keep going, Looper.\u00a0 Looks like there might be some much more open ground up there.<\/em><\/p>\n

Beyond the tussocks, the slope steepened considerably.\u00a0 The tundra was incredibly thick and mossy, as Lupe battled her way through dense trees, tall bushes, and even some alders.\u00a0 The American Dingo started pawing the back of SPHP’s legs.<\/p>\n

This is ridiculous, SPHP!\u00a0 \u00a0We can scarcely move.\u00a0 It’s exhausting!<\/em><\/p>\n

I know.\u00a0 Let’s take a short break, Loop.\u00a0 Once we get up to that ridge, I’m hoping we’ll find a much easier situation.<\/em><\/p>\n

Cleverly taking the break at a spot where there were wild blueberries, SPHP sampled some.\u00a0 Past their prime this late in the season, but still mighty good!\u00a0 The break lasted a little longer than anticipated, but the Carolina Dog raised no objections.<\/p>\n

Had enough yet, SPHP?\u00a0 You’re starting to turn purple!<\/em><\/p>\n

Of wild blueberries, Loopster?\u00a0 Impossible!\u00a0 I never get enough, but we can keep going, if you’re ready.<\/em><\/p>\n

Resuming the struggle higher, Lupe finally managed to reach firmer ground along a minor ridgeline.\u00a0 The ridge she was trying to get to was now in sight again, much closer than before, but still somewhat higher beyond a ravine chock full of colorful bushes.<\/p>\n

Following game trails, the Carolina Dog circled around the N end of this drainage, before turning SW to gain the ridge that was her objective.<\/p>\n

9-5-22, 1:45 PM<\/em> – So much for this being open ground!\u00a0 That had been mere illusion.\u00a0 Although close to tree line, nearly the entire ridge was densely covered with bushes waist high on SPHP, the ground beneath them still covered with spongy tundra.\u00a0 Even on the game trails, it wasn’t easy to push through this tightly-packed thicket.\u00a0 Down among bushes beautifully decked out in red, gold, and orange, the American Dingo was sunk in an absolute jungle where she couldn’t see a thing.<\/p>\n

Exploring the ridge, which wasn’t all that big, SPHP soon found a couple of places where Lupe could get a look around.\u00a0 One was a spot very close to the high point where the bushes weren’t so thick.\u00a0 Both the N end of Kluane Lake, and many snow-capped peaks far to the E across the vast Kluane River valley were in sight.\u00a0 Burwash Creek and its floodplain were in view, too.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
N end of Kluane Lake<\/strong> from close to the high point. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Similar view with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Burwash Creek and its floodplain<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Snow-capped peaks beyond the Kluane River valley<\/strong>. Photo looks NE with lots of help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Looking N, the Carolina Dog could see Peak<\/span> 6158<\/span><\/a><\/strong>, as yet unattempted, but which actually was on her list of possibilities.<\/p>\n

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Peak 6158<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The most interesting and crucial view, as far as today’s adventure was concerned, though, was from a small clearing on the W side of the ridge.\u00a0 Here, Lupe had enough space to relax, and there was a view W toward the mountains she was attempting to climb.<\/p>\n

At first glance, this view was encouraging.\u00a0 The mountains extended a lot higher, but looked like easy terrain, just big rounded hills.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Big, but nicely rounded slopes ahead. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Deceptively easy, I’m afraid, Loop.\u00a0 Hardly any trees up there, so we would have some fantastic views, but looks to me like those hills are one gigantic thicket of these same types of bushes for a long way.<\/em><\/p>\n

What happened to all the snow we saw from the Kluane River rest area, SPHP?\u00a0 Did it all melt already?<\/em><\/p>\n

No, I can’t imagine that’s the case.\u00a0 The snow is still up there, we just aren’t seeing the top of the range from here, Looper.<\/em><\/p>\n

How much higher do we need to go, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

No telling, dear Dingo, but almost certainly quite a bit higher than what we can see from here.<\/em><\/p>\n

If those hills really are covered with bushes, it will take us forever just to get to what we can see, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah.\u00a0 Maybe we better take a break while pondering our situation?<\/em><\/p>\n

SPHP produced some beef jerky, which Lupe eagerly accepted, then sat munching on honey roasted peanuts.\u00a0 It had turned into a gorgeous day, but it was already nearly mid-afternoon, and there was a sizeable drop ahead just to get to the base of those hills to the W.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Relaxing at the small clearing on the W side of the ridge. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Checking the iPhone, SPHP was in for a surprise.<\/p>\n

Hey, Loop!\u00a0 Guess what?\u00a0 We’ve got cell phone service here!\u00a0 Even though I don’t have any maps of this region uploaded, the Peakbagger app that’s recording your GPS track has generated a topo map.<\/em><\/p>\n

Really?\u00a0 What does it say, SPHP?\u00a0 How far have we gone, and how high are we?<\/em><\/p>\n

Says we’ve gone 5.8 miles, Looper, but that can’t be right.\u00a0 I checked the GPS track right before we left the road, and it said 2.7 miles then, which seemed reasonable.\u00a0 We haven’t gone any 3+ miles since leaving the road, though, not even close.\u00a0 As far as how high we are, we’re at about 3,925 feet, a gain of about 1,190 feet from where we started.<\/em><\/p>\n

And how much farther is it to Burwash Mountain, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

It’s still a long way NW of us, Loopster.\u00a0 We aren’t even close to halfway to it, yet.\u00a0 I see a small 6,600 foot contour, so the summit must be somewhere around 2,700 feet higher than where we are now.<\/em><\/p>\n

Sounds impossible, SPHP!\u00a0 We’ll never get that far or high today!<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, and there’s a long skinny lake hidden in the valley just W of this ridge, Loop.\u00a0 We could go around the N end of it easily enough, if we want to keep climbing.<\/em><\/p>\n

Not going to happen, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

I know it.\u00a0 Guess this was just a reconnaissance mission, Looper.<\/em><\/p>\n

If Lupe had continued up to the top of the big hills already in sight to the W, there was a Peak 6342<\/span><\/strong> up there less than 3 miles away, but even that seemed beyond reason.<\/p>\n

Now that I’ve got a topo map to look at, it seems clear that our best course of action would have been to follow Burwash Creek to Tatamagouche Creek, then up the back side of the range to where we could make a much closer attempt on Burwash Mountain.\u00a0 That’s a backpacking trip for us.<\/em><\/p>\n

Maybe someday, SPHP.\u00a0 It does sound like fun!<\/em><\/p>\n

9-5-22, 2:23 PM<\/em> – Live and learn!\u00a0 Maybe Lupe actually would return some fine day to climb Burwash Mountain via Tatamagouche Creek?\u00a0 In any case, today’s reconnaissance mission up Burwash Creek had served its purpose.\u00a0 Might as well head back.\u00a0 After a last glance at those big hills she was never going to get to climb, Lupe was on her way.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Oh, to be able to go on forever!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The return was beautiful, and much easier going downhill.\u00a0 With the help of the GPS track, Lupe kept to the same general route back through the forest, although she did do some more exploring along the way.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading down. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Snow-capped peaks to the S with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The steepest part of the descent began once Burwash Creek came back into view again.\u00a0 It all went well.\u00a0 Soon Lupe was scrambling down the embankment leading to the gravel road.\u00a0 Once there, the rest was cake.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Burwash Creek<\/strong> comes back into view. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Back on the gravel road again. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Shades of Christmas! A ptarmigan in a pear tree.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On the faint road leading back to the Burwash Creek floodplain. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Back at Burwash Creek<\/strong>. Alaska Highway bridge<\/strong> (R) in the distance. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Good-bye for now, beautiful Burwash Creek<\/strong>! Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Almost back to the Alaska Highway. Where was all the snow on the mountains, though? Was SPHP wrong? Maybe it had melted! Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

9-5-22, 5:21 PM, 55\u00baF<\/em> – The Carolina Dog arrived back at the RAV4 happy with her Burwash Creek reconnaissance mission, despite the lack of any peakbagging success.\u00a0 It had been quite the romp, neither too short, nor too long, on the sunniest, most beautiful day in weeks.\u00a0 Furthermore, the possibility yet remained of returning some day to complete the mission to climb Burwash Mountain.<\/p>\n

The rest of the evening was spent continuing S on the Alaska Highway.\u00a0 Various stops along magnificent Kluane Lake were featured on the way.\u00a0 Decoeli<\/strong><\/span><\/a> was visible from the first stop, and mud flats extending up the Slims River valley were in view from the next.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mount Decoeli<\/strong> (far L) beyond the S end of Kluane Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Mount Decoeli<\/strong> (L). Photo looks SSE with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Mud flats<\/strong> at the SW end of Kluane Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The mud flats were much more extensive now than before the level of Kluane Lake dropped in 2016.\u00a0 That was the year meltwaters from the Kaskawulsh Glacier broke through an ancient ice dam, causing a change in course that directed flow from the glacier down the Kaskawulsh River instead of into Kluane Lake via the Slims River.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mouth of the Slims River valley<\/strong>. The Slims River is a mere trickle these days compared to what it was prior to 2016. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

9-5-22, 6:34 PM<\/em> – By the time Lupe reached the big pullout along the Alaska Highway at the S end of Kluane Lake, SPHP was ready to call it a day.\u00a0 This had been a favorite spot for years.\u00a0 Lupe could spend the rest of the evening right here!\u00a0 The Slims River valley, Sheep Mountain<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, and a long line of peaks marching away to the N were all in view.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Along the S shore of Kluane Lake<\/strong> looking SW toward the Slims River valley.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Sheep Mountain<\/strong> from Kluane Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Magnificent Kluane Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Dinner and barepaw walks along the beach as the sun sank in the W were all part of the plan.<\/p>\n

9-6-22, 7:04 AM, 30\u00baF<\/em> – Nights were fast getting longer and colder.\u00a0 In the wee hours, Lupe had seen both Polaris and the Big Dipper N over Kluane Lake.\u00a0 Orion, too, off to the SE.\u00a0 Light out now, but the sun wasn’t up yet.\u00a0 This was going to be mostly a driving and resupply day, but Lupe could enjoy a last romp along Kluane Lake while the morning alpenglow was still on the mountains.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Morning at Kluane Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The drive S along the Alaska Highway was beautiful, but SPHP became sleepy and pulled over at a rest stop for a 2 hour nap.\u00a0 At Whitehorse, SPHP fueled up the RAV4, and bought a roasted chicken, orange juice, and crackers.\u00a0 By mid-afternoon, Lupe was standing on Highway No. 7 with the W subpeak of massive Mount White<\/span><\/a> (5,016 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> in view.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mount White<\/strong> (L) from Hwy 7 to Atlin. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Highway No. 7!\u00a0 Are we going back to Atlin, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, we are, Loop, but first we’ll stop for lunch at our favorite ridge with the grand view of Mount Minto<\/span><\/a> (6,913 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and the N end of Atlin Lake.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
N end of Atlin Lake<\/strong> with Mount Hitchcock<\/strong> (L) and Mount Minto<\/strong> (R). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The roasted chicken and Ritz crackers for lunch were tasty.\u00a0 Twice, Lupe got to roam through the forest on the ridge with the big view looking for squirrels.\u00a0 She even went on another reconnaissance mission to discover whether or not there was an easy way to get to Mount Minto, with strange and disappointing results.<\/p>\n

9-6-22, 8:36 AM<\/em> – Back in Atlin again, Lupe stood next to the Tarahne<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.\u00a0 Birch Mountain<\/strong><\/span><\/a> (6,765 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Atlin Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6.722 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and were stirring sights across the lake, but the sky was gloomily overcast now, and the little town seemed practically dead.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
By the Tarahne<\/strong> (R). Birch Mountain<\/strong> (L). Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Atlin Mountain<\/strong> (Center) across Atlin Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Birch Mountain<\/span><\/strong><\/a> wasn’t that long ago!\u00a0 Wish we were going there again, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Me too, Loop!\u00a0 Birch was fantastic!<\/em><\/p>\n

The sky isn’t very encouraging, SPHP.\u00a0 What are we going to do here?\u00a0 What’s the next big thing?\u00a0 Atlin Mountain?<\/em><\/p>\n

Atlin Mountain would be awesome, Loop, but your next big adventure awaits down Warm Bay Road.\u00a0 Weather permitting, of course.<\/em><\/p>\n

Shortly thereafter, as dusk continued to deepen, the American Dingo headed S out of town.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
By beautiful Burwash Creek<\/strong>, Yukon Territory, Canada 9-5-22<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

Next Adventure<\/a><\/span>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Prior Adventure<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Donjek Crossing Mountain, Yukon Territory, Canada (9-9-19)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Decoeli, Kluane National Park, Yukon Territory, Canada (8-9-16)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Sheep Mountain, Kluane National Park, Yukon Territory, Canada (8-13-17)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Birch Mountain, Skagway Ranges, British Columbia, Canada – Part 1: Across Atlin Lake to Teresa Island (8-12-22)<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Want more Lupe adve<\/em>ntures?\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":"

Days 37-39 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2022 Dingo Vacation to Canada & Alaska! 9-4-22, 12:07 PM, 57\u00baF, Fairbanks, Alaska – Refueled and resupplied, but that was where the good news ended. We’re leaving, SPHP?\u00a0 Why?\u00a0 I thought we had another week in Alaska! So did I, Loopster.\u00a0 That was the plan.\u00a0 We’ve got the … Continue reading The Burwash Creek Reconnaissance Mission, Yukon Territory, Canada (9-5-22)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":47819,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1585],"tags":[105,1643,106,26,775,712,104,1623,708],"class_list":["post-47852","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-1585","tag-american-dingo","tag-burwash-creek","tag-carolina-dog","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-donjek-river","tag-kluane-lake","tag-lupe","tag-white-river","tag-yukon"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/IMG_6587-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\/47852","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=47852"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47852\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":49381,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47852\/revisions\/49381"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/47819"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=47852"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=47852"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=47852"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}