{"id":49218,"date":"2023-06-07T08:10:11","date_gmt":"2023-06-07T14:10:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=49218"},"modified":"2024-03-07T08:37:23","modified_gmt":"2024-03-07T15:37:23","slug":"black-hills-sd-expedition-no-315-centennial-trail-no-89-french-creek-to-highland-creek-5-20-23","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=49218","title":{"rendered":"Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 315 – Centennial Trail No. 89 – French Creek to Highland Creek (5-20-23)"},"content":{"rendered":"

7:38 AM, 53\u00baF, Centennial Trail No. 89, at the French Creek Horse Camp in Custer State Park<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/em>\u00a0–<\/p>\n

Great to be out in the Black Hills again, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

It is!\u00a0 Good thing you’re enthusiastic, too.\u00a0 Going to be a long day, Loop.<\/em><\/p>\n

Terrific!\u00a0 Are we going to be climbing lots of mountains, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Nope.\u00a0 Probably none at all.\u00a0 This next section of Centennial Trail No. 89 is 10 miles long.\u00a0 Round trip we’ll be doing 20.\u00a0 That ought to be enough of a romp, even for a Carolina Dog!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Trailhead parking at the French Creek Horse Camp<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Thirsty, Looper?<\/em><\/p>\n

Not terribly, SPHP.\u00a0 We haven’t done anything yet.<\/em><\/p>\n

Well, let’s have a look at French Creek, anyway, before setting off.<\/em><\/p>\n

Down at the stream, Lupe did help herself to a small drink.\u00a0 Even though French Creek is one of the larger streams in the Black Hills, it isn’t all that big.\u00a0 The lovely stream had decent flow today, though.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
French Creek<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

All set, Loopster?\u00a0 The trail S starts at the opposite end of the horse camp.<\/em><\/p>\n

Lupe enjoyed the stroll SW through the horse camp.\u00a0 People, horses, dogs, and intriguing scents were here.\u00a0 At the far end, CSP Road No. 4 went over French Creek.\u00a0 A little farther on, Centennial Trail No. 89 left the road, continuing SW along a much more primitive route.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Covered stalls at the popular French Creek Horse Camp<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
French Creek<\/strong> again at the SW end of the horse camp. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Setting out for Highland Creek on Centennial Trail No. 89<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Flat at first, the dirt road the trail followed soon began a gradual ascent.\u00a0 Before long, it curved sharply E, starting to climb much more steeply up a side valley.\u00a0 Not a cloud in the sky!\u00a0 SPHP stopped briefly to shed a layer and apply sunscreen.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Going slowly uphill. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Starting up the steeper side valley. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This seems familiar, SPHP.\u00a0 We’ve been here not too long ago, haven’t we?<\/em><\/p>\n

That’s right, Loop.\u00a0 We came down this way 14 months ago after climbing Peak<\/span> 5213<\/span><\/a><\/strong> SE of here on Expedition No. 298<\/span><\/strong><\/a>.\u00a0 You’ll only remember this first part, though.\u00a0 It’s been a very long time since we’ve gone all the way to Highland Creek.<\/em><\/p>\n

Winding SW, the dirt road gained 300 feet of elevation before eventually flattening out beyond the part Lupe remembered.\u00a0 Splitting off toward the W as a single track here, Centennial Trail No. 89 soon curved NW, topping out near the head of another valley.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Entering the Pass No. 1 region<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Reaching the trail’s high point, Lupe paused to look S.\u00a0 Only May, yet the air was already smoky from forest fires raging more than 1,000 miles away in Alberta!\u00a0 The smoke was bad enough to mar distant views, but wasn’t terrible.\u00a0 Despite the haze, Peak 5080<\/span><\/strong> was still visible 2 miles S.\u00a0 She would be going past it in a little while.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 5080<\/span><\/strong> (R of Center) from Pass No. 1<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Although we won’t be climbing any mountains today, Looper, we will be going over a series of minor passes.\u00a0 This is the first, and highest, one.\u00a0 The Peakbagger app<\/strong><\/span><\/a> on the iPhone says we’re at 4,970 feet, 1.5 miles from the French Creek Horse Camp trailhead.<\/em><\/p>\n

Don’t remember this view at all, SPHP.\u00a0 Must really have been a long time since we were here before.<\/em><\/p>\n

11 years to the day, Loopster!\u00a0 You weren’t even 1.5 years old yet.\u00a0 Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 20, one of our most memorable ever!\u00a0 We actually started for Highland Creek from Badger Hole, a 28 mile round trip.\u00a0 Made it, too, but wound up getting lost after dark on the way back, wandering all night lost somewhere E of Mount Coolidge<\/span><\/a> (6,023 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 You cut a paw on something sharp, and I mistook a buffalo for a big rock until we were so close to it, you went nuts.\u00a0 Instead of running away, the buffalo came after you, while I stumbled around on logs cut into sections for firewood, trying to avoid getting charged.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, I remember that, SPHP!\u00a0 Good times!\u00a0 That still has to be our longest Black Hills expedition ever.\u00a0 You never did figure out where we were until we reached Hwy 16A as the sun came up.<\/em><\/p>\n

Not exactly true, Looper!\u00a0 I knew where we were all along, sort of, within a mile or two.\u00a0 Anyway, all that excitement happened miles N of here.\u00a0 All I remember about what’s S is a prairie dog town somewhere near the end, a pronghorn antelope, and Highland Creek.\u00a0 Other than that, just a grassy hill with a big tree on top that I’d always wished we’d climbed.<\/em><\/p>\n

If you see that hill again, maybe we can climb it today, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Hope so, Loop!\u00a0 Don’t know why, but I always wanted to see what was up there.<\/em><\/p>\n

Continuing past Pass No. 1, the trail curved S down into the next valley.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At Centennial Trail No. 89’s high point at Pass No. 1<\/strong>. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Heading down the next valley. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A long, gradual slope led back into another forest.\u00a0 Before long, Lupe reached a paved road in a bigger valley.\u00a0 This was the Custer State Park Wildlife Loop<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.\u00a0 After crossing the Wildlife Loop, the trail bottomed out in the ditch, then began a slow ascent as it curved W up another small, shallow valley.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Beside the parking area where Centennial Trail No. 89 crosses the Custer State Park Wildlife Loop<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Starting up the next valley. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The trail soon began turning S.\u00a0 Climbing much more aggressively near the end, Lupe regained 150 feet of elevation before reaching Pass No. 2.\u00a0 She was now at 4,900 feet, only 0.5 mile from the Wildlife Loop, or 2.5 miles from the French Creek trailhead.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At Pass No. 2<\/strong>. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

S of Pass No. 2, the trail lost scarcely any elevation at all.\u00a0 Instead, it ran SSE through open forest staying nearly flat as it traversed a gentle slope.\u00a0 After 0.5 mile, the forest gave way to a huge meadow.\u00a0 A lone bison stood warily watching the Carolina Dog 400 feet away up on a hill to the SW.<\/p>\n

A line of considerably higher hills where the forest had burned ran NW\/SE beyond a valley to the E.\u00a0 Peak<\/span> 5213<\/span><\/a><\/strong> was up there!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
S of Pass No. 2<\/strong>. Talk about a walk in the park!<\/em> Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Entering the vast meadow. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Peak 5213<\/span><\/strong> (R of Center) in the distance. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Peak 5080<\/span><\/strong> was also in sight again, now directly ahead.\u00a0 A much smaller, grassy hill was even closer off to the SSW.\u00a0 A big Ponderosa pine stood at the top with a collection of smaller ones near it.<\/p>\n

That’s the hill I remember, Loop!<\/em><\/p>\n

The one you always wished we’d climbed, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes!\u00a0 I’m sure of it!<\/em><\/p>\n

We can climb it right now then, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Let’s wait until we’re on our way back, Loopster, if it’s not too late.\u00a0 More important to make sure we get to Highland Creek first.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 5080<\/span><\/strong> (Center), the hill SPHP wanted to climb<\/strong> (far R). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Heading SE across the giant meadow, Centennial Trail No. 89 began a gradual descent.\u00a0 Near the next forest, the trail swung SW into it.\u00a0 This seemed a good spot to take a little break in the shade.\u00a0 SPHP took a seat on a log, while Lupe sniffed around, or sat nearby.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Taking a short break. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Getting warm out, SPHP!\u00a0 I’m thirsty.\u00a0 Nary a drop along the trail ever since we left French Creek.<\/em><\/p>\n

SPHP shared some water with Lupe, then sat munching honey-roasted peanuts.<\/p>\n

How far have we gone now, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Hmm.\u00a0 Let me check, Loop.\u00a0 iPhone says 3.5 miles, so we’re a third of the way to Highland Creek, maybe a bit more.<\/em><\/p>\n

So far, so good, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, this is pretty easy, Loopster.\u00a0 Excellent trail, no super steep terrain.\u00a0 Kind of nice not to have to face an ordeal for once.\u00a0 All we have to worry about is the distance.\u00a0 Since it’s so sunny, let me reapply some sunscreen, then we’ll keep going.<\/em><\/p>\n

From the break spot, the trail began a somewhat steeper descent.\u00a0 Lupe spotted bright yellow wildflowers on a hillside, and went over to them.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
By the yellow wildflowers.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Always remember to take time to sniff the roses, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Fairly certain these aren’t roses, Loop, but I agree with the sentiment.<\/em><\/p>\n

Not roses?\u00a0 No matter, they’ll do!\u00a0 Can’t be too picky in life, either, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

You’re a wise Dingo, sweet puppy!<\/em><\/p>\n

Continuing down this next valley, Lupe reached the first damp spots along the trail.\u00a0 Before long she came to a tiny, seasonal creek.\u00a0 The trail turned NE here, ultimately descending to a broad, grassy valley where the Wildlife Loop was in view again, but no actual wildlife.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Continuing down the valley. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Crossing the tiny seasonal creek. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the Wildlife Loop again. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Upon reaching the broad valley, Centennial Trail No. 89 did not continue across it toward the Wildlife Loop Road.\u00a0 Instead, it turned SE, hugging the edge of the forest while winding along the base of the hills.\u00a0 There was some minor, gentle up and down along in here that didn’t amount to much, until the trail veered S up a steeper drainage.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Across the broad valley from the Wildlife Loop Road. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Going over a gentle rise near the edge of the forest. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This drainage was the start of a nearly mile long ascent divided into two parts.\u00a0 After gaining 100 feet of elevation in the forested ravine, Lupe reached the edge of a gently sloping meadow.\u00a0 Two barren hills where the forest had burned were now in sight, with Pass No. 3 between them.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Pass No. 3<\/strong> (L) from the edge of the meadow. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Still slowly gaining elevation, Centennial Trail No. 89 turned WSW here, and didn’t top out until Lupe reached a stand of pines at the base of the nearest barren hill.\u00a0 A gradual descent SSE followed, with a couple more barren hills, Peak 4880<\/span><\/strong> and Peak 4840<\/span><\/strong>, temporarily directly ahead.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 4880<\/span><\/strong> (Center) and Peak 4840<\/span><\/strong> (R). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The gradual descent led to a shorter, steeper one, as the trail curved SW into the upper end of another ravine that drained E.\u00a0 From the bottom of this ravine, Lupe completed the final leg of the ascent to Pass No. 3.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching Pass No. 3<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

10:26 AM – <\/em>Although marred by smoke, Pass No. 3 offered first views of new territory ahead.\u00a0 A small peak of massive granite formations two miles SW stood out as having a more rugged appearance than the other hills Lupe had been traveling through.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At Pass No. 3<\/strong>. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Peakbagger app says we’re 5.1 miles from the start now, Loopster.\u00a0 Puts us about halfway to Highland Creek.\u00a0 Shall we take a break?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, please!\u00a0 I need another drink, SPHP.\u00a0 Wearing a fur coat, you know.<\/em><\/p>\n

After sharing water with the Carolina Dog, SPHP munched away again on honey-roasted peanuts, before applying another dose of sunscreen.<\/p>\n

Not a bad view, SPHP!\u00a0 How high are we here?<\/em><\/p>\n

4,775 feet, Loop.\u00a0 Not as high as the first 2 passes.\u00a0 Overall, we’re slowly going downhill as we head S, a trend that will continue all the way to Highland Creek.<\/em><\/p>\n

Exploring an arm of the pass that jutted out to the SW, CSP Road No. 7 was in view only 0.33 mile away.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
CSP Road No. 7<\/strong> (Center) from Pass No. 3<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Continuing on, Centennial Trail No. 89 wound S down to the road.\u00a0 Along the way, Lupe caught sight of the first significant wildlife so far today, a couple of pronghorn antelope.\u00a0 Unfortunately, they ran off before SPHP could get a photo.\u00a0 Nevertheless, seeing the pronghorns was exciting, and more excitement was just ahead.<\/p>\n

Reaching CSP Road No. 7 at the bottom of the hill, Lupe was happy to see Flynn Creek.\u00a0 The American Dingo ran ahead, anxious to take advantage of this rare opportunity to cool off.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Wading in Flynn Creek<\/strong> next to CSP Road No. 7<\/strong>. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After crossing CSP Road No. 7, Centennial Trail No. 89 began climbing SSW back up into a pine forest a little way before curving E.\u00a0 Continuing uphill, Pass No. 4 wasn’t much farther, or much higher, along a dirt road that the trail intersected.\u00a0 The elevation was only 4,590 feet here, nearly 200 feet lower than at Pass No. 3.<\/p>\n

Beyond Pass No. 4, the dirt road gradually lost elevation as it wound SE.\u00a0 Loss was minimal, though, no more than 100 feet, before Lupe reached a stretch of very flat terrain where the trail went due S.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading downhill again shortly after leaving Pass No. 4<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Another stroll through the park! Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
One of the trail markers. Brown wands were the most common markers, although quite a few were broken. Blue markers with arrows were often seen, too.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This flat stretch eventually led to another minor descent SE, after which Centennial Trail No. 89 turned SW, making its last significant elevation gain of roughly 225 feet before reaching Pass No. 5.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Arriving at Pass No. 5<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

11:42 AM, Pass No. 5 <\/em>–<\/p>\n

How about another short break, Looper?<\/em><\/p>\n

If there’s water involved, I’m all for it, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Sitting in the shade, the day’s now usual break time routine ensued.\u00a0 Lupe got a bowl of water.\u00a0 SPHP munched away on honey-roasted peanuts, and added another layer of sunscreen.<\/p>\n

Pretty sure the prairie dog village is down in the next valley we’re seeing ahead, Loop.\u00a0 If they’re still there, that is.<\/em><\/p>\n

Sounds exciting, SPHP!\u00a0 Does that mean we’re getting close to Highland Creek?\u00a0 Thought you said that the prairie dogs were near the end.<\/em><\/p>\n

The Peakbagger app says we’re at 4,710 feet here, and that we’ve gone 7.4 miles so far, or about 3\/4 of the way to Highland Creek.\u00a0 So, yeah.\u00a0 We’ve made a lot of progress.<\/em><\/p>\n

There was a view to the NW, featuring some considerably higher hills in the distance.\u00a0 Lupe had a look at it before lying down in the shade.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking NW from Pass No. 5.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The trail had followed a rather rocky road up to Pass No. 5.\u00a0 This same road was grassy as it continued S.\u00a0 SPHP assumed that was the way to go, once underway again, but a man suddenly appeared from out of a stand of young pines immediately to the E.\u00a0 He didn’t wave, nod, or say a thing, but turned N, and kept on going down the same road Lupe had come up.<\/p>\n

Hmm.\u00a0 That’s odd!\u00a0 We’re invisible!\u00a0 Does the trail go E from here, Loop?<\/em><\/p>\n

Maybe.\u00a0 How would I know, SPHP?\u00a0 You’ve got a map.\u00a0 What does it say?<\/em><\/p>\n

The map confirmed that the trail did jog ENE here.\u00a0 In fact, once Lupe got going again, Pass No. 5’s actual high point was a short distance that way.\u00a0 Beyond it was another barren hill where the forest had burned, plus the biggest rock formation the American Dingo had come to since leaving French Creek.<\/p>\n

Scrambling up onto the rocks, Mount Coolidge<\/span><\/a> (6,023 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was in sight through the smokey haze, now 6 or 7 miles back to the NNW.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Near Pass No. 5’s actual high point<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On the rocks. Peak 4830<\/span><\/strong> (L), Mount Coolidge<\/strong> (R) in the distance. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Beyond the rock formation, Centennial Trail No. 89 turned S again.\u00a0 Lupe trotted down an easy slope through an open forest of relatively young pines.\u00a0 As she emerged from the forest, a pancake flat plain was directly ahead.\u00a0 A whole lot of chirping began as the Carolina Dog approached.<\/p>\n

The prairie dogs were still here!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the prairie dog town<\/strong>. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
One of the town’s wary citizens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

There weren’t as many prairie dogs as the last time Lupe had been here 11 years go, but that might have had something to with the time of day.\u00a0 At any rate, quite a few of them whistled at her approach.\u00a0 Centennial Trail No. 89 went straight through the heart of the town.\u00a0 At the S end, a prairie dog marker was on the ground between two tall wooden posts.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Prairie dog town marker.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Once past the prairie dog town, the trail continued SSE following a dirt road down a long, flat valley.\u00a0 At the far end, the trail dropped more sharply to a low point.\u00a0 After bottoming out, a short, easy climb led to Pass No. 6 at the top of a gentle rise.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
In the flat valley S of the prairie dog town<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Heading down to the low point N of Pass No. 6. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The terrain was so gently rolling now, that Pass No. 6 wasn’t much of a pass at all, but Lupe stopped here along the edge of a flat, open forest for a short water and shade break, anyway.\u00a0 SPHP kept up the honey-roasted peanut habit, and had an orange, too.\u00a0 Lupe was now hungry enough to eagerly devour some Taste of the Wild.<\/p>\n

I know we haven’t reached Highland Creek yet, but it can’t be too much farther.\u00a0 Any any interest in splitting a chocolate coconut bar, Loop?<\/em><\/p>\n

You can always count on me when it comes to chocolate coconut bars, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

The end was near!\u00a0 The prairie dog town had been 7.8 miles from French Creek, and Lupe had already gone 8.9 miles at Pass No. 6.\u00a0 Another mile ought to about do it.<\/p>\n

As it turned out, one more gentle rise to what might be considered Pass No. 7 was ahead.\u00a0 Beyond it, the road began a gradual descent.\u00a0 When Lupe saw the top of a grassy ridge ahead, SPHP knew she was getting close to Highland Creek.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading for Pass No. 7<\/strong> (R). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
View to the W from the Pass No. 7 region<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The grassy ridge<\/strong> (Center) beyond Highland Creek. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At the very end, Centennial Trail No. 89 curved W as it dropped down to the Highland Creek valley.\u00a0 200 feet beyond the creek stood a tall fence with a gate in it.\u00a0 Wind Cave National Park<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, Service Road No. 5, and the Highland Creek trailhead were all just beyond the fence.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading down into the Highland Creek valley<\/strong>. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Highland Creek valley<\/strong> from a limestone outcropping. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Of course, before visiting the trailhead, the Carolina Dog insisted upon a careful examination of Highland Creek itself.\u00a0 Meanwhile, SPHP made use of the convenient plank bridge.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Wading in Highland Creek<\/strong>. Photo looks SE (downstream).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Near the fancy Centennial Trail No. 89 bridge<\/strong> over Highland Creek<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Leaving Custer State Park<\/strong>. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The Highland Creek trailhead<\/strong> just inside Wind Cave National Park<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

1:17 PM, 72\u00baF, Centennial Trail No. 89 at the Highland Creek trailhead in Wind Cave National Park<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/em> –<\/p>\n

Congratulations, Loop!\u00a0 We made it!\u00a0 Only took us 5 hours and 40 minutes.<\/em><\/p>\n

And how far was it, SPHP?\u00a0 What does the Peakbagger app<\/strong><\/span><\/a> say?<\/em><\/p>\n

9.9 miles total since we left the French Creek trailhead, Loopster.\u00a0 Let’s see, that means we averaged 1.85 miles per hour.<\/em><\/p>\n

A blistering pace for you, SPHP, but then it was mighty easy terrain almost the entire way.<\/em><\/p>\n

Gotta stop and sniff the roses, you know, Looper, or what’s the point?\u00a0 No one’s here handing out medals for fastest time.<\/em><\/p>\n

Might have been!\u00a0 They’d be long gone by the time you arrived, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

Hmm.\u00a0 Well, I suppose.\u00a0 Anyway, how about finding a shady spot to rest a bit before we head N to do it all over again, sweet Dingo of mine?<\/em><\/p>\n

Right after another session in Highland Creek, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Leaving the trailhead, Lupe crossed Park Service Road No. 5, and headed N back through the gate into Custer State Park.\u00a0 After revisiting Highland Creek, she followed Centennial Trail No. 89 over to the nearest hillside, then went most of the way up it to sit in the shade of a big pine.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Back in Custer State Park<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Cool paw Loop enjoying her required return to Highland Creek<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Relaxing while enjoying the view of the Highland Creek valley for the last time before heading N, suddenly there was movement.<\/p>\n

An enormous group of thirsty natives was proceeding down Centennial Trail No. 89 toward Highland Creek!\u00a0 However, as soon as they spotted Lupe, the entire group stopped, then ran back up the hill a little way.<\/p>\n

Uncertain what to do in the face of this unexpected threat, 80 bison stood pondering their chances of making it to the creek before being torn to shreds by an American Dingo.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
A fraction of the thirsty herd.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

80 bison to 1 Carolina Dog.\u00a0 Most of the herd soon decided that their odds of survival were pretty good.\u00a0 Advancing slowly at first, they then sped on by while Lupe whined and trembled with excitement.<\/p>\n

We can take ’em, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, I know, but it’s verboten, Loopster.\u00a0 Just watch.\u00a0 Pretty cool, aren’t they?\u00a0 Not many places you can see this!<\/em><\/p>\n

The bold buffalo enjoyed their drink from Highland Creek, then went back up the hill to rejoin their still parched friends.\u00a0 As soon as they all vanished into the woods, Lupe hit the trail again.<\/p>\n

Sticking to Centennial Trail No. 89, her return was along the exact same route almost the entire way.\u00a0 Seemed a little different going the opposite direction, but it was all quite familiar now.\u00a0 Lupe saw the prairie dogs again, and even spotted 2 pronghorn antelope N of Pass No. 3 that might have been the same ones that she’d seen earlier S of it.\u00a0 A snake was on the trail in this same area.\u00a0 Happily, not a rattler.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
One of two pronghorns hanging out in the Pass No. 3 vicinity.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The snake. Completely harmless, although Custer State Park does have prairie rattlers.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

4:57 PM, on the vast meadow leading back to Pass No. 2<\/em> –<\/p>\n

There’s your grassy hill with the big tree, SPHP!\u00a0 Still want to climb it?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, please!\u00a0 Let’s do it, Looper.\u00a0 Still plenty of daylight left.<\/em><\/p>\n

Leaving Centennial Trail No. 89, Lupe roamed ahead while SPHP trudged along behind.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading up the grassy hill. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A pleasantly cool 10-15 mph NE breeze was blowing up at the top when Lupe arrived.\u00a0 Hwy No. 87 was in sight down in the next valley to the W.\u00a0 A series of forested hills and ridges were beyond it, the otherwise lovely scene still marred by smoke.<\/p>\n

The big pine tree, which had stood out as somewhat of a loner on this hill 11 years ago, was now surrounded by a small forest.\u00a0 Really nothing unusual about this place, except that toward the S end Lupe discovered a plaque cemented to a large rock.<\/p>\n

What does it say, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

There’s a short poem by Dan Tyson, and at the end it says “In Memory of the Bentler Family, October 14, 2006.”<\/em><\/p>\n

Who are the Bentlers, and what happened to them, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

No idea, Loopster, except that they evidently died, and Dan Tyson knew them.\u00a0 Maybe they had some connection to this place, the Centennial Trail, or Custer State Park?<\/em><\/p>\n

Happen to have any more chocolate coconut bars, SPHP?\u00a0 We could have one in their honor!<\/em><\/p>\n

Conniving Dingo!\u00a0 Not sure the Bentlers would feel the least bit honored by us devouring a chocolate coconut bar, but on the other paw, no harm in it, either.\u00a0 And yes, I still have one.<\/em><\/p>\n

The last chocolate coconut bar went the way of the Bentlers.\u00a0 Lupe then polished off the last of the Taste of the Wild, too, and had a big drink of water.\u00a0 More peanuts for SPHP.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Relaxing by the Bentler family memorial plaque<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

11 years to the day since Loopster had first gone by this hill!\u00a0 Now the mystery was finally solved as to what was up here, only to be replaced by the new mystery of who were the Bentlers, and what happened to them?<\/p>\n

We’ll probably never know, Loop, but I’m glad we came.<\/em><\/p>\n

6:48 PM, 68\u00baF<\/em> – No getting lost and wandering around all night this time around!\u00a0 The sun was low, but still up, as the Carolina Dog quenched her thirst for the last time today in French Creek.\u00a0 She’d seen more buffalo on the way back, but overall, it had just been a peaceful evening.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Bison on the Wildlife Loop Road during the return.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Back at French Creek<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Fun day, SPHP!\u00a0 Glad we did this.\u00a0 Centennial Trail No. 89 is awesome!<\/em><\/p>\n

Absolutely!\u00a0 Always a good time, Looper.<\/em><\/p>\n

So what’s next on the agenda, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Nearly June, Loopster!\u00a0 The grand and glorious Summer of 2023 is almost upon us, and you know what that means.<\/em><\/p>\n

Dingo Vacations!<\/em><\/p>\n

That’s right, sweet puppy!\u00a0 Adventure is calling!\u00a0 C’mon.\u00a0 Let’s go home.\u00a0 We’ve got a lot to do to get ready.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Bentler Family memorial plaque W of Centennial Trail No. 89<\/strong>, Custer State Park, Black Hills of South Dakota 5-20-23<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

“May they stay where the river runs through<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

The range and the sky buckskin and blue<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

May they ride to the end<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

On the wings of the wind<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

‘Till they’re home and their circle is through”<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

– Dan Tyson<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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

Next Black Hills Expedition<\/span><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Prior Black Hills Expedition<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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

Next Trail Section N:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 295 – Centennial Trail No. 89: Badger Hole to to French Creek & Beyond to Peak 5120 (2-7-22)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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

7:38 AM, 53\u00baF, Centennial Trail No. 89, at the French Creek Horse Camp in Custer State Park\u00a0– Great to be out in the Black Hills again, SPHP! It is!\u00a0 Good thing you’re enthusiastic, too.\u00a0 Going to be a long day, Loop. Terrific!\u00a0 Are we going to be climbing lots of mountains, SPHP? Nope.\u00a0 Probably none … Continue reading Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 315 – Centennial Trail No. 89 – French Creek to Highland Creek (5-20-23)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":49150,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[105,9,106,527,1172,1658,1534,1657,104,304],"class_list":["post-49218","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-black-hills","tag-american-dingo","tag-black-hills-expeditions","tag-carolina-dog","tag-centennial-trail-no-89","tag-custer-state-park","tag-flynn-creek","tag-french-creek","tag-highland-creek","tag-lupe","tag-south-dakota"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/IMG_0741-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\/49218","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=49218"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49218\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":51898,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49218\/revisions\/51898"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/49150"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=49218"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=49218"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=49218"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}