{"id":48933,"date":"2023-07-22T08:10:37","date_gmt":"2023-07-22T14:10:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=48933"},"modified":"2024-02-16T21:29:38","modified_gmt":"2024-02-17T04:29:38","slug":"racing-peak-muskwa-ranges-british-columbia-canada-9-12-22","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=48933","title":{"rendered":"Racing Peak, Muskwa Ranges, British Columbia, Canada (9-12-22)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Days 44 to 48 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2022 Dingo Vacation to Canada & Alaska!<\/em><\/p>\n

9-11-22, 7:02 AM, 31\u00baF<\/em> – First night below freezing of this entire Dingo Vacation.\u00a0 The R side of SPHP’s face and neck were a swollen mass of gnat bite upon gnat bite.\u00a0 After taking 2 Benadryl, SPHP fired up the RAV4, then began driving slowly S on the Alaska Highway, turning up the heater when Lupe began trembling, shaking like a leaf.<\/p>\n

You OK, Loop?\u00a0 Are you cold, or is it something else?\u00a0 Should warm up in just a few minutes.<\/em><\/p>\n

Both, SPHP.\u00a0 I’m cold, and not well.\u00a0 Not sure what’s wrong with me.<\/em><\/p>\n

Probably those hundreds of horrid gnat bites on your abdomen.\u00a0 Wish I had some Dingo anti-histamines to give you, but you’ll just have to tough it out.\u00a0 It’ll get better, but may take a while.<\/em><\/p>\n

Two caribou near the road sent the Carolina Dog into a sudden frenzy, her cares temporarily forgotten.\u00a0 Lupe continued to tremble for a long way, though, until the RAV4 warmed up, a process that took considerably longer than it should have, because she insisted on riding with her head out an open window facing directly into the cold wind.<\/p>\n

The drive down the Toad River valley was gorgeous, but the highway eventually abandoned the scenic river for the next valley SE.\u00a0 A favorite spot was just ahead.\u00a0 After crossing the Alaska Highway bridge over the Racing River, SPHP turned into a pullout where there were dispersed camping sites hidden among the trees near the icy blue river.<\/p>\n

The Racing River!\u00a0 I remember this place, SPHP!\u00a0 So incredibly beautiful!\u00a0 Are we going to do our usual upstream romp again?<\/em><\/p>\n

Later on, Loop.\u00a0 Just going to hang out here for a while until we feel better.<\/em><\/p>\n

9-11-22, 11:28 AM<\/em> – SPHP wasn’t really much better yet, but it did feel good to be on the move again.\u00a0 After driving back across the bridge, and parking the RAV4 at the start of another dispersed camping region, Lupe led the way to a familiar low bank overlooking the Racing River.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Alaska Highway bridge<\/strong> over the Racing River<\/strong>. Photo looks NE (downstream).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Carolina Dog wasn’t healed up yet, either, but Lupe was enthusiastic during a 20+ minute romp upstream, sometimes roaming up on the bank sniffing her way through stands of young aspens just beginning to turn yellow, at other times roaming the sandbars and rounded, white stones of the exposed riverbed.<\/p>\n

At the turnaround point, Lupe enjoyed a tantalizing view of Peak<\/span> 7203<\/span><\/a><\/strong> in the distance.\u00a0 Highlands in front of it had always looked like a fun place to explore, but even they were a long way off, and the forest got thick only a little farther upstream.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 7203<\/span><\/strong> (R of Center) in the distance. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

By the time Lupe was back close to the Alaska Highway bridge again, blue sky was beginning to appear.<\/p>\n

Turning sunny, SPHP!\u00a0 There’s that little mountain we were always going to climb some day to get a view of the Racing River from on high.\u00a0 We’re here now!\u00a0 Are we ever actually going to do it?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, but not today.\u00a0 Racing Peak<\/span><\/a> (4,409 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> is bigger than it looks.\u00a0 More than 2,000 feet of prominence.\u00a0 In any case, at the moment we’re too beat up from your Mount Peterson<\/span><\/a> (7,021 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> adventure yesterday to take it on.\u00a0 That’s the plan for tomorrow, though, if the weather stays decent.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Racing Peak<\/strong> (L) and Peak 5212<\/span><\/strong> (R) from the Racing River<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

9-12-22, 7:05 AM<\/em> – Frosty this morning, a hard freeze.\u00a0 Good!\u00a0 Maybe the past couple of cold nights had put a sudden, permanent end to the gnats.<\/p>\n

You didn’t OD on anti-histamines last night, SPHP?\u00a0 You know, you really shouldn’t be taking the max dosage of more than one drug at a time.<\/em><\/p>\n

True, but not taking them might have done me in even quicker.\u00a0 Anyway, don’t worry about it.\u00a0 I’m still here, and the swelling has gone down a lot.\u00a0 Besides, I can’t keep my ODing attempt up much longer, even if I want to.\u00a0 About to run out of Benadryl and everything else.\u00a0 How’s your abdomen faring, Loop?\u00a0 Any better?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, thank you, SPHP.\u00a0 And without taking a single anti-histamine.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, that’s great news, Loopster, but you aren’t allergic to the world like I am.\u00a0 That’s the difference.\u00a0 I’ve got to have them.<\/em><\/p>\n

Whatever.\u00a0 Anyway, kind of cloudy today, but it doesn’t look threatening at all.\u00a0 Are we still going to climb Racing Peak, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yup.\u00a0 Let’s have some breakfast first, and let it warm up a bit, then we’ll be on our way.<\/em><\/p>\n

9-12-22, 9:50 AM, 37\u00baF<\/em> – After crossing the Alaska Highway, Lupe headed down a steep bank.\u00a0 An opening in a fence line let her slip through down to the stoney, exposed riverbed.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Setting out for Racing Peak from the Alaska Highway.<\/strong> Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On the exposed riverbed near the Alaska Highway bridge<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

First time we’ll ever have explored downstream here, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Yup, I know it!\u00a0 Should be a blast, Looper!\u00a0 Flat and easy start, although a bit bumpy, for a long way.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Following the Racing River<\/strong> downstream. Racing Peak<\/strong> (L), Peak 5212<\/span><\/strong> (Center). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe followed the Racing River only a relatively short distance before starting to angle away from it in the general direction of Racing Peak.\u00a0 Vegetation was springing up along abandoned channels, some of which still had a little water in them.\u00a0 No doubt the entire region still flooded now and then.<\/p>\n

The floodplain was huge, but as Lupe got farther from the river, it was clear that most of it seldom saw significant flow.\u00a0 Scattered stands of young trees were gradually taking over.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading for Racing Peak<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
S end of Racing Peak<\/strong> (L of Center) from an open lane. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Crossing a channel that had a little flow. Racing Peak<\/strong> (L), Peak 5212<\/span><\/strong> (R).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Still on the floodplain, enjoying swift, easy progress. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Well away from the river, Lupe came to a stagnant pool the size of a small pond.\u00a0 A 20 foot high vertical bank marking the NW edge of the floodplain was visible beyond it.\u00a0 Following a broad, stoney channel NE from the pool, a trickle of water quickly became a substantial stream emerging from underground.\u00a0 It soon got so big that crossing it was clearly going to be an issue.<\/p>\n

Huh.\u00a0 I’d hoped we could get closer to Racing Peak before having to leave the floodplain, Looper, but we better go back, if we don’t want to get wet.<\/em><\/p>\n

Returning to the dry area near the stagnant pool, Lupe headed over to the 20 foot vertical bank.\u00a0 A brief search revealed a break where it was possible to scramble up.<\/p>\n

A vast region above the bank was flat, having also once been part of the floodplain eons ago.\u00a0 Since the Racing River no longer flooded this area, the forest was mature and full of thick grass.\u00a0 Fortunately, a network of game trails ran through it all.\u00a0 Lupe had a fabulous time exploring, while still making good progress in the general direction of Racing Peak, which was no longer in view.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Exploring a game trail in the forest.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe wandered N, trying this trail, or that, through various twists, turns, and intersections.\u00a0 Of course, many soon simply vanished in the forest, requiring some bushwhacking to find another path.\u00a0 At times, the forest got rather intense.\u00a0 On the other paw, every now and then, the American Dingo ran into what amounted to a super highway.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
This is awesome! Hardly any vicious gnats today, either, after the frost!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Searching for another path through the wilderness.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On a Dingo super highway.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As Lupe got deeper into the forest, the terrain wasn’t as flat.\u00a0 The map<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/a> showed a stream that would have to be crossed, but the Carolina Dog hadn’t come to it.\u00a0 After half an hour, a shallow, dry ravine appeared.\u00a0 N of the ravine, another trail led up a high bank to a region of tall aspens.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading up the next bank, which was bigger, but wasn’t so vertical.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This upper region was also fairly flat, but trails were scarcer here, which slowed progress somewhat.\u00a0 That didn’t bother the American Dingo in the least.\u00a0 Lupe was still having a grand time roaming at will.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On a faint trail along the edge of the upper flat region.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Farther on, off trail again among the tall aspens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Loopster had been wandering the woods for an hour when she came to the first big slope.\u00a0 Time to start climbing!\u00a0 As she gained elevation, the trees began to thin out.\u00a0 Glimpses of the S end of Racing Peak appeared ahead.\u00a0 A good initial climb led to a beautiful sunlit forest thick with tall grass where the terrain wasn’t as steep.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Ascending the first big slope. S end of Racing Peak<\/strong> (R) visible between the trees. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
In the sunlit, deep grass forest.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The flatter regions were much smaller now, but Lupe still came to some every now and then.\u00a0 Most of the time, though, she was climbing rather steep slopes.\u00a0 The steepest was a surprisingly treeless slope covered with bushes that she had to face fairly early on.<\/p>\n

Still suffering the effects of the Mount Peterson adventure 2 days ago, SPHP toiled slowly higher, often pausing to gasp for air, or grab bushes for support.\u00a0 An unexpected use trail with switchbacks helped make this super steep slope easier to get up than it otherwise would have been.<\/p>\n

When Lupe finally reached the top, a short break was taken on a flat, roomy, grassy area.\u00a0 Trees provided some shade, but this spot was open enough to permit initial views, too.<\/p>\n

There’s what we came to see, SPHP!\u00a0 The Racing River from on high!\u00a0 Seems farther away than I thought it would be.<\/em><\/p>\n

Pretty nice view, though, wouldn’t you say, Loop?\u00a0 Should get even better as we keep climbing.<\/em><\/p>\n

What’s that big mountain beyond the river, SPHP?\u00a0 Does it have a name?<\/em><\/p>\n

Not that I know of, Looper.\u00a0 Elevation of 1,815 meters according to the topo map.\u00a0 That would make it Peak 5955<\/span><\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 5955<\/span><\/strong> (L) beyond the Racing River<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Plenty of mountain yet to climb!\u00a0 In fact, more than it appeared from this first break spot.\u00a0 After a short rest, Lupe resumed her ascent.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The climb ahead from the first break spot. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Most of the time, Lupe ventured through open forest, but there were meadows, too.\u00a0 The rate of climb remained aggressive enough to keep SPHP grinding slowly higher, but wasn’t as steep as before.\u00a0 Sticking near the S edge of the mountain, intermittent views kept improving.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
In a meadow, approaching another flat spot. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Peak 5955<\/span><\/strong> (far L), Racing River<\/strong> (Center), Peak 7203<\/span><\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On another grassy bench. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A fabulous view of the Racing River<\/strong>. Peak 5955<\/span><\/strong> (R). Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Racing Peak wasn’t all that big, but it seemed to be taking an incredibly long time merely to get to the high point at the S end of the mountain.\u00a0 SPHP finally just sat down in the forest.\u00a0 Lupe took a seat, too.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Relaxing in the forest.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Whew!\u00a0 Let’s take a longer break, Loop.\u00a0 Keep thinking we’re going to top out at any moment, but we don’t.\u00a0 How much farther can it be?<\/em><\/p>\n

You feeling OK, SPHP?\u00a0 You’ve really been dragging on this one.\u00a0 Maybe it’s all that Benadryl you’ve been taking?\u00a0 Makes you drowsy, doesn’t it?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, but I don’t feel sleepy now, Looper.\u00a0 My gnat bites are actually quite a bit better.\u00a0 Just tired.\u00a0 Surprised you’re so perky.\u00a0 Your gnat bites must be considerably better, too.<\/em><\/p>\n

I’m healing up fast, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

Really glad you’re doing so well, Loopster.\u00a0 Give me a few more minutes, and we’ll carry on.<\/em><\/p>\n

No big rush, SPHP.\u00a0 We’ll get there!<\/em><\/p>\n

The Carolina Dog was soon leading the way again, frequently glancing back to make sure SPHP was still coming.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Keep coming, SPHP! You can do it!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Got pretty steep again, but really nothing difficult about it, just a hike up a big hill.\u00a0 SPHP summoned the energy from somewhere to keep at it.<\/p>\n

3:44 PM<\/em> –\u00a0 The main reason for climbing Racing Peak<\/span><\/a> (4,409 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> had been to see the beautiful Racing River from on high.\u00a0 Mission complete!\u00a0 Lupe now stood near the edge of towering SE facing cliffs at the S end of the mountain, enjoying a tremendous view of the Racing River more than 1,700 feet below.<\/p>\n

The panorama included everything she’d been seeing earlier, including the Alaska Highway bridge where she’d started out from, Peak 5955<\/span><\/strong>, plus McDonald Creek, which was now in sight to the E.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The grand view from the S end of Racing Peak<\/strong>. Peak<\/strong> 5955<\/strong><\/span> (L of Center), Racing River<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Alaska Highway<\/strong> (L). McDonald Creek<\/strong> lies in the valley beyond it. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Well, we’ve seen what we came to see, SPHP!\u00a0 The icy blue Racing River amid all these fabulous, unspoiled mountains.\u00a0 Magnificent, isn’t it?<\/em><\/p>\n

Absolutely!\u00a0 Thrilled we finally did this, Loopster, but our adventure isn’t over yet.\u00a0 As we’ve seen before from down by the river, this may be the best viewpoint, but it isn’t the true summit of Racing Peak.\u00a0 Not even close.<\/em><\/p>\n

Let’s complete our ascent then, SPHP.\u00a0 Gotta make it official, you know!<\/em><\/p>\n

Racing Peak’s summit was still nearly a mile NNW, and close to 500 feet higher.\u00a0 After bidding the long dreamed of grand panorama farewell, Lupe headed that way.<\/p>\n

The first part of this journey involved a short stretch through the forest on the W side of a long ridge.\u00a0 Following a newly discovered path, Lupe gained 100 feet of elevation fairly quickly, reaching the rocky top of a long line of E facing cliffs.\u00a0 From here it was possible to see more of the Racing River, all the way NE to its confluence with McDonald Creek.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Getting close to the top of the ridge. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
More of the Racing River<\/strong>. Confluence with McDonald Creek<\/strong> (L). Peak 5212<\/span><\/strong> beyond. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Confluence of the Racing River and McDonald Creek<\/strong> (far L). Photo looks ENE with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Returning to the path, Lupe continued NNW along the ridge, gaining only a little more elevation before coming to a drop.\u00a0 A series of higher hills was now visible ahead.\u00a0 Apparently, the most distant one was the summit of Racing Peak.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Continuing NNW along the ridgeline. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the N end of the S ridge<\/strong>. Racing Peak summit<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The descent to the saddle leading to the next hill was a little steep, but not difficult.\u00a0 Lupe was soon climbing again on an easier slope.\u00a0 The top of this second high point proved to be choked with deadfall, part of the forest having previously burned, which considerably slowed progress while crossing the large, flat top.<\/p>\n

In a pattern that would be repeated, each of the hills Lupe came to were higher than the previous ones, except for the 3rd and 4th, which were essentially the same elevation.\u00a0 In each case, the W slopes were sunnier and more open, while the E sides were all forested.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the top of the next hill (2nd high point<\/strong>). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Racing River<\/strong> (Center) from the 2nd high point<\/strong>. Peak 5955<\/span><\/strong> (L). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Racing Peak had 4 false summits in all, including the first ridge near the S end of the mountain.\u00a0 The 3 hills past the ridge all had large, flat tops.\u00a0 The dips after the third and fourth high points were relatively minor, their N slopes full of densely packed bushes waist high on SPHP.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
View of the 3rd high point ahead<\/strong> (Center) after crossing the 2nd. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Heading up the 2nd hill (3rd high point<\/strong>). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Crossing the 3rd high point<\/strong>. True summit<\/strong> (R). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The 250 foot ascent from the last saddle was the biggest and steepest of the journey NNW.\u00a0 SPHP clung to trees and bushes during the first part, before reaching an open, gentler slope leading to a rounded top.<\/p>\n

5:44 PM, 61\u00baF, Racing Peak<\/span><\/a> (4,409 ft.)<\/span><\/strong><\/em> – A survey benchmark was shown on the topo map, but SPHP couldn’t find it.\u00a0 Amid trees, bushes, and tall grass, it wasn’t even possible to positively identify an exact true summit.\u00a0 A fairly large area toward the N end was nearly all the same elevation.\u00a0 Lupe had clearly made it, though, all the way to the top of the mountain.<\/p>\n

Happy, the Carolina Dog sat smiling in the evening sun.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the true<\/strong> summit of Racing Peak<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Congratulations, Loopster!\u00a0 Took way longer than I thought it would, but here we are.<\/em><\/p>\n

A dream come true, SPHP!\u00a0 Been on my to do list for years.\u00a0 It’s actually been fun, wandering the river’s floodplain, then the long, leisurely amble sniffing our way through the forest, and up the mountain.\u00a0 Loved it!<\/em><\/p>\n

Me too, Loop, but there’s not much to see right here.\u00a0 Let me shake your paw, then why don’t we go take a nice, long break back at that last open slope with a view?<\/em><\/p>\n

Great idea, SPHP!\u00a0 Getting to be chocolate coconut bar time, isn’t it?\u00a0 You did bring one, didn’t you?<\/em><\/p>\n

Ah, you’re in luck, sweet Dingo!\u00a0 Brought 2 to celebrate the occasion.<\/em><\/p>\n

Retreating SW after sharing in the dispatch of the chocolate coconut bars, Lupe relaxed on a grassy slope where the Racing River was in view.\u00a0 A gorgeous evening!\u00a0 Comfortably cool, no wind, only a few clouds.\u00a0 Surrounded by glory in far N British Columbia, Lupe watched the sun sink slowly toward the mountains until her eyes grew heavy.<\/p>\n

The American Dingo may have dozed, as SPHP sat stroking her soft fur while admiring the scene.\u00a0 A short section of the Toad River was in sight to the NW, and everywhere a host of unnamed, inaccessible wilderness mountains stretched to the horizon and beyond.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Relaxing on Racing Peak<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking back toward the summit<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A glimpse of the Toad River<\/strong> (L of Center). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
End of a fabulous, late summer day. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Nearly an hour flew by.<\/p>\n

Hate to say it, but it’s about time, Looper.<\/em><\/p>\n

Already, SPHP?\u00a0 Can we revisit the true summit before we go?<\/em><\/p>\n

But of course!<\/em><\/p>\n

Back at the true summit, SPHP made a last brief effort to find the survey benchmark, but once again concluded that it was either long gone, or that finding it would be next to impossible.\u00a0 In any case, exactly an hour after arriving, the Carolina Dog stood poised on Racing Peak’s SW slope ready to head down the mountain.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Back at the true summit<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Starting the descent. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

During the steep descent to the first saddle leading back to the 4 false summits, Lupe spotted a ptarmigan among the bushes, the only wildlife she’d seen, other than a little white and gray bird that had come flitting by while she’d been relaxing.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the way down to the false summits<\/strong> (Center). Peak 5955<\/span><\/strong> (R of Center), Racing River<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The ptarmigan. Apparent lone ruler of a vast wilderness.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Once down to the first saddle, SPHP made an admittedly questionable decision.\u00a0 Instead of a second journey over all the false summits again, why not head down right here?\u00a0 The W slope didn’t look too bad, and Lupe could get down quicker this way.\u00a0 Besides, a loop is almost always more fun, isn’t it?<\/p>\n

Despite deadfall complicating Lupe’s descent of the upper W slope, it proved quite manageable.\u00a0 The real issues began lower.\u00a0 Still descending steeply, the American Dingo entered a vast, unavoidable region of dense bushes chest high, sometimes head high, on SPHP.<\/p>\n

Progress was still possible, but, wow, was it ever slow going!<\/p>\n

Hours ticked away.\u00a0 Even twilight was gone, by the time Lupe managed to escape the bushes, and reach a creek she hadn’t seen before.\u00a0 Flowing SE, SPHP knew it must ultimately vanish underground somewhere on its way to the Racing River.\u00a0 Attempting to follow the creek downstream in the weak beam of the little flashlight, the valley was a dreadfully dark, steep-sided, confusing jumble of trees, branches, and deadfall.<\/p>\n

SPHP kept hoping and expecting that this valley would broaden out into one of the flat regions Lupe had crossed this morning.\u00a0 Didn’t happen.\u00a0 The world is a very big place on paw.<\/p>\n

Something had to be done!\u00a0 SPHP had created a GPS track during Lupe’s ascent of Racing Peak, but had turned the iPhone off once she got there, because the battery was just about dead.\u00a0 Although no maps at all of this region had been preloaded into the iPhone, at least Lupe could head for the GPS track.\u00a0 Turning the iPhone back on, the track’s closest point was due E.<\/p>\n

Can’t be too far, Loop.\u00a0 0.5 km?\u00a0 Let’s try to get to it.\u00a0 At least we’ll be in the right area.<\/em><\/p>\n

Climbing out of the narrow valley, Lupe reached easier terrain with far fewer obstacles.\u00a0 Eventually working her way over to the ascent GPS track, she followed it SSW.\u00a0 The iPhone’s battery ultimately went kaput, but not until she’d reached the 20 foot high vertical bank overlooking the Racing River’s floodplain.<\/p>\n

9-13-22, the witching hour<\/em> – A nearly full moon, just beginning to wane, had crept above the mountains illuminating the stoney floodplain of the Racing River when SPHP called a halt.\u00a0 The night air was cold and still.\u00a0 Lupe could see her breath.\u00a0 All around loomed the dark shadows of the mountains.\u00a0 The Racing River was close by, its icy blue waters now black, singing softly of the far N.<\/p>\n

Lupe’s Racing Peak adventure would soon be over.\u00a0 Weary, needing it to end, it was both a sad and happy thought.\u00a0 Alone together at this magical moment, Lupe and SPHP relished the night, rejoicing in this amazing place, and all the day had brought.<\/p>\n

Magic never lasts, but the spell was strong here, persisting all the way back to the RAV4.\u00a0 (9-13-22, 1:37 AM, 31\u00baF)<\/em><\/p>\n

9-13-22, 8:39 AM, Summit Lake, Stone Mountain Provincial Park<\/strong><\/span><\/a> –<\/em> A travel and rest day, but adventure was still in the air the next morning when Lupe dropped by the campground at Summit Lake to see Mount Saint George<\/span><\/a> (7,402 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 She’d nearly gotten to the top of it once, when sudden fog and an electrical storm had forced a retreat.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mount Saint George<\/strong> (L) from Summit Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As it turned out, Racing Peak was the Carolina Dog’s last adventure of this final Dingo Vacation of the Summer of 2022.\u00a0 Late in the afternoon coming into Fort John, the sky had been smoky ever since leaving Fort Nelson.\u00a0 Highway 29 up the Peace River valley back into mountainous territory was unexpectedly closed due to wildfires.<\/p>\n

Nearly mid-September.\u00a0 Summer was about shot, and Lupe was already back into the smoke.\u00a0 Oh, well.\u00a0 Probably time to head home, anyway.<\/p>\n

The long drive continued the next 2 days.\u00a0 Lupe saw mountains, but didn’t climb any.\u00a0 All outings were brief.<\/p>\n

9-15-22, 5:53 PM, 64\u00baF<\/em> – A light rain was falling as Lupe arrived home.\u00a0 Her Summer of 2022 Dingo Vacations had been awesome!\u00a0 She’d climbed fabulous peaks from Wyoming to Alaska’s North Slope.\u00a0 For the first time in 3 years, the Most High Exalted Dingo of the Arctic Sisterhood<\/strong><\/span><\/a> had returned to the far N, venturing all the way to Deadhorse near Prudhoe Bay of the Arctic Ocean.<\/p>\n

Good to be home again, but depressing to think that these precious long days of summer glory were all in the rear view mirror now.<\/p>\n

Making matters worse, when SPHP checked email, there was a message from Uncle Joe and Aunt Andrea saying that Cousin Dusty had died early this very morning while Lupe had been crossing Montana.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On Racing Peak<\/strong>. Muskwa Ranges, British Columbia, Canada 9-12-22<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

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

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

Remembering Cousin Dusty<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Summit Peak & Mount Saint Paul, Stone Mountain Provincial Park, British Columbia, Canada (8-4-17)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Mount Saint George, Stone Mountain Provincial Park, British Columbia, Canada (8-5-17)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/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 44 to 48 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2022 Dingo Vacation to Canada & Alaska! 9-11-22, 7:02 AM, 31\u00baF – First night below freezing of this entire Dingo Vacation.\u00a0 The R side of SPHP’s face and neck were a swollen mass of gnat bite upon gnat bite.\u00a0 After taking 2 Benadryl, SPHP fired up … Continue reading Racing Peak, Muskwa Ranges, British Columbia, Canada (9-12-22)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":48927,"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":[105,79,30,106,26,104,1655,1656,1165],"class_list":["post-48933","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-1585","tag-american-dingo","tag-british-columbia","tag-canada","tag-carolina-dog","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-lupe","tag-muskwa-ranges","tag-racing-peak","tag-racing-river"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/IMG_0202-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\/48933","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=48933"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/48933\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":51281,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/48933\/revisions\/51281"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/48927"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=48933"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=48933"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=48933"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}