{"id":49608,"date":"2024-01-01T08:10:51","date_gmt":"2024-01-01T15:10:51","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=49608"},"modified":"2024-12-29T10:37:02","modified_gmt":"2024-12-29T17:37:02","slug":"lupes-13th-birthday-black-hills-sd-expedition-no-321-crooks-tower-12-14-23","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=49608","title":{"rendered":"Lupe’s 13th Birthday & Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 321 – Crooks Tower (12-14-23)"},"content":{"rendered":"

12-13-23, 2:00 PM<\/em> – C’mon, Loop!\u00a0 We’ve got to get this party underway.\u00a0 Hop up onto this chair next to your birthday cake!<\/em><\/p>\n

Lupe didn’t feel like it.\u00a0 SPHP had to lift her onto the chair more than once to get her to stay put.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog looked back questioningly at SPHP.\u00a0 So soon after this morning’s terrible sadness?\u00a0 It wasn’t even her real birthday yet!\u00a0 That wasn’t until tomorrow.\u00a0 Lupe was still 12.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The Dingo of Honor<\/strong> and her13th birthday cake<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

No matter.\u00a0 Everyone was here!\u00a0 The champagne was flowing!\u00a0 This was Lupe’s best attended birthday party ever by far!\u00a0 People she hadn’t seen in years were here, but not for long.\u00a0 Erik needed to leave for the airport in just a little while.\u00a0 With time of the essence, SPHP lit the candles.\u00a0 The resulting conflagration was more fearsome than ever, making Loopster nervous while the gathered throng sang “Happy Birthday” to her.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Loopster<\/strong> enduring the Trial by Fire<\/strong>! Owen<\/strong> & Emery<\/strong> at R.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe didn’t even have time to make a wish.\u00a0 The instant Happy Birthday concluded, Owen and Felix blew all the candles out in one mighty joint blast!\u00a0 Cake and ice cream were served, subject to SPHP’s rule.\u00a0 No one qualified for cake or ice cream until they appeared in at least one photo with the birthday girl.\u00a0 Children were granted the opportunity to meet this draconian requirement first.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
L to R: Asher<\/strong>, Emery<\/strong>, Lupe<\/strong>, Owen<\/strong> & Felix<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Women were next, followed by the men.\u00a0 SPHP made certain everyone had to squint into the low December sun.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
L to R:<\/strong> Cake & ice cream qualifiers Cassie<\/strong>, Yvonne<\/strong>, Xochitl<\/strong>, Andrea<\/strong> & Mush<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
L to R:<\/strong> Last, and no doubt least – Lanis<\/strong>, Joe<\/strong>, Steve<\/strong>, David<\/strong>, Erik<\/strong> & Matt<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

SPHP stayed busy scooping ice cream and serving champagne.\u00a0 Someone else must have served cake.\u00a0 Yvonne brought out presents from her and Lanis.\u00a0 The party was so busy that they, and Lupe, got more or less lost in the shuffle.\u00a0 The time flew!\u00a0 Erik needed to go.\u00a0 A final group photo was in order before he got away!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The whole gang! L to R standing: Steve<\/strong>, Lanis<\/strong>, Erik<\/strong>, Xochitl<\/strong>, Matt<\/strong>, Joe<\/strong>, Andrea<\/strong>, David<\/strong>, Mush<\/strong>. Kneeling and sitting: Yvonne<\/strong>, Felix<\/strong>, Asher<\/strong>, Cassie<\/strong>. Emery<\/strong> & Owen<\/strong> next to Lupe<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Leaving her own 13th birthday party, which was still going strong, Lupe went with SPHP and Erik to the airport.\u00a0 By the time the American Dingo got back, her party was over.\u00a0 Uncle Joe, Aunt Andrea, and new Cousin Dixie were still here, but by early tomorrow morning they’d be gone, too.<\/p>\n

12-14-23, 8:00 AM<\/em> – Back down to just you and me, Loopster.\u00a0 By the way, Happy Birthday!\u00a0 You really are 13 now!\u00a0 So, what did you think of that birthday party yesterday?\u00a0 Sort of fast and furious, wasn’t it?\u00a0 More like a blowout celebration of your last day of being 12.<\/em><\/p>\n

It was fine, SPHP, except for one thing.\u00a0 I wish Grandma could have been there.\u00a0 She’s been at every one of my birthdays until this one.<\/em><\/p>\n

I know, Loop.\u00a0 Grandma would have loved to be here for you.\u00a0 Almost made it, too, but we tried practically ever since we got back from Canada & Alaska and couldn’t save her.\u00a0 Thought she was going to be fine when we had Thanksgiving dinner together.\u00a0 She was the best she’d been in weeks, and in good spirits.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Maybe I shouldn’t have eaten so much of her turkey, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

And all of mine to boot, Looper!\u00a0 But no, that wasn’t the problem.\u00a0 She was glad you enjoyed the turkey, and came to see her.<\/em><\/p>\n

We won’t be seeing Grandma ever again, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

No, not in this world, Loop.<\/em><\/p>\n

It’s hard to have your birthday party right after you bury your Grandma, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

I know, but you’re a source of joy to all of us, Lupe, and everyone was here.\u00a0 If we’d had your party today, I would have been your only guest.<\/em><\/p>\n

Promise me you’ll always be at all of my birthdays, SPHP!\u00a0 And that you’ll stick with me every other day, too!<\/em><\/p>\n

Silly Dingo!\u00a0 You couldn’t get rid of me if you tried!<\/em><\/p>\n

So now what, SPHP?\u00a0 It’s my real birthday!\u00a0 Is anything going to happen, or is the fun already all over and done with?<\/em><\/p>\n

Well, I haven’t written a new post for your blog in months, and I’m way, way behind on countless other tasks, given all the adverse events we’ve run into this fall.<\/em><\/p>\n

So you’re just going to work, while I stare out the window all day, SPHP?\u00a0 Sounds like being 13 is going to get off to a crummy start.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, no!\u00a0 We’re not going to let that happen!\u00a0 We’ve got the whole day.\u00a0 How about a Black Hills expedition?<\/em><\/p>\n

Now you’re talking, SPHP!\u00a0 Where to?<\/em><\/p>\n

It’s been super warm.\u00a0 No snow at all around here.\u00a0 Bet we can still get up into the high country.\u00a0 How about Crooks Tower<\/span><\/a> (7,137 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>?<\/em><\/p>\n

Seems like forever since we’ve been to Crooks Tower, SPHP.\u00a0 Let’s do it!<\/em><\/p>\n

12-14-23, 10:17 AM, 38\u00b0F, Besant Park Road (USFS Road No. 206) – <\/em>Well, there was a little snow here, but not an awful lot, an inch or two at best.\u00a0 Lupe was thrilled to see it, and rolled in the frosty snow as soon as she leapt out of the RAV4 despite a chilly SW breeze.\u00a0 The sullen gray clouds and cold air created a subdued wintry atmosphere, partially relieved by a large patch of blue to the S.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Parked just off Besant Park Road<\/strong> ready to set out for Crooks Tower. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

You ready yet, SPHP?\u00a0 Which way we going?<\/em><\/p>\n

In a moment, Looper.\u00a0 Crooks Tower is a few miles SW of here.\u00a0 Rapid Creek Road (USFS Road No. 231) is just ahead.\u00a0 We’ll take a L there.<\/em><\/p>\n

Minutes later, SPHP was ready.\u00a0 Onward!\u00a0 Puppy, ho!<\/em> time.\u00a0 Reaching the junction with Rapid Creek Road, Lupe followed it SSW through a big field, trotting merrily along.\u00a0 At the far end of the field, the road began losing elevation at a little faster clip as it curved SW into the forest.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the intersection. Lupe followed Rapid Creek Road<\/strong> to the far end of the field. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On Rapid Creek Road<\/strong> as it winds into the forest. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The gradual downhill road trek was super easy.\u00a0 Didn’t take long for Lupe to reach an intersection with USFS Road No. 631.<\/p>\n

Hang a R here Loop, and just keep going until we get to No. 631.1C.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the start of USFS Road No. 631<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

No. 631 led WNW up the upper South Fork of Rapid Creek valley, but there wasn’t any surface water to be seen here.\u00a0 Regaining lost elevation, Lupe passed both No. 631.1A and No. 631.1B on the R before reaching the spot where No. 631.1C split off about a mile from where she’d left Rapid Creek Road.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading up USFS Road No. 631<\/strong>. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the junction with USFS Road No. 631.1B<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the start of No. 631.1C<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Go R on No. 631.1C, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yup!\u00a0 This is the start of the big loop we’re going to make, Loopster.\u00a0 Later on we’ll be coming back to this point from the L.<\/em><\/p>\n

No. 631.1C was a much more primitive route than Rapid Creek Road had been.\u00a0 The clouds overhead were starting to break up.\u00a0 Lupe was often in sunshine.\u00a0 There seemed to be more potential for excitement here, but other than a soft breeze, the forest was quiet.\u00a0 Nothing stirred.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Exploring USFS Road No. 631.1C<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After roughly 0.33 mile, a long, 20-30 foot high limestone escarpment was visible ahead on the R.\u00a0 USFS Road No. 631.1C angled toward it, but by the time Lupe got to the escarpment, it and the road had pretty much vanished.\u00a0 A tiny climb led up to a flat region.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the limestone escarpment<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Entering the flat region up on top. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The roads gone, SPHP.\u00a0 Now we’re in for some real exploring!<\/em><\/p>\n

Been a very long time since we’ve been here, Loop, but if I remember right, there’s an old road somewhere nearby that’s not shown on the maps.\u00a0 Let’s angle W.<\/em><\/p>\n

Sure enough, Lupe ran into another road almost immediately.\u00a0 Following it W, SPHP called a halt upon reaching a clearing.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the edge of the clearing. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

OK, Loop.\u00a0 I believe there’s a viewpoint we’ve been to at least a couple of times before off to the NW from here.\u00a0 Nothing too magnificent, but we can head over to it for a look around, if you like, and take a little break.\u00a0 Not too far away.\u00a0 What do you think?\u00a0 Want to do that?<\/em><\/p>\n

Sure, SPHP!\u00a0 Might as well, if we’re already close.\u00a0 Leave the road here?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes.\u00a0 Angle off to the R, Looper.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading off in search of the viewpoint. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Exploring happily, Lupe sniffed her way through a maze of trees, bushes, and open lanes.\u00a0 Roughly 600 feet from the road, she came to the edge of a limestone escarpment.\u00a0 Miles N, the top of Terry Peak<\/span><\/a> (7,064 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was in sight.\u00a0 On the NW horizon, a forested ridge rose above others nearby.<\/p>\n

Is that Cement Ridge<\/span><\/a> (6,674 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> in Wyoming, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

I’ve sometimes thought so, Loop.\u00a0 You can see that ridge from Crooks Tower, too.\u00a0 Seems too far away to be Laird Peak<\/span><\/a> (6,906 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, and too close to be Warren Peaks<\/span><\/a> (6,650 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, but I just don’t know.\u00a0 I’ve never been able to figure it out.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the viewpoint 1.33 miles N of Crooks Tower<\/strong>. Mystery Ridge<\/strong> (Center) on the horizon. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Well, it didn’t really matter.\u00a0 For 15 minutes, SPHP sat there enjoying the view while munching an apple.\u00a0 Meanwhile, Lupe gobbled down some Taste of the Wild.\u00a0 Checking the Carolina Dog’s GPS track on the iPhone, it said she’d gone 3.3 miles already.<\/p>\n

Wandering farther W along the edge of the escarpment, Lupe discovered a stone fire ring.\u00a0 Piles of gray branches nearby would have provided plenty of fuel for another fire.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
By the stone fire ring. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

SPHP fished several Lupe treasures out of the fire ring.<\/p>\n

Nice spot.\u00a0 Wish people would pack out what they bring in.<\/em><\/p>\n

Many do, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Many don’t, too.\u00a0 Well, we better keep going.\u00a0 Back to the road, Loopster!<\/em><\/p>\n

Returning to the road, Lupe followed it S.\u00a0 When it turned W and started losing elevation, she left it to wander through clearings full of tall, brown grass.\u00a0 Soon a forested ridge was visible ahead.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Back at the unmarked road. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
In one of the grassy clearings. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the ridge. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

That’s the N end of Crooks Tower, Loop.\u00a0 We’re getting close!<\/em><\/p>\n

The forested ridge was the steepest climb of the entire journey, but other than a fair amount of deadfall scattered across the slope, the ridge really wasn’t that much of an obstacle.\u00a0 Before long, Lupe was standing below the N face of a 25 foot high rock formation.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Crossing USFS Road No. 189.4F<\/strong> on the way to the ridge. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Steepest part of the ridge. Not bad at all! Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Below the 25 foot tall knob of rock. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Is this Crooks Tower, SPHP?\u00a0 It’s not the way I remember it.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, we’ve been here at least once before, Loop.\u00a0 Looks like we’re at Crooks Tower’s NNE summit.\u00a0 The generally accepted true summit is a bit farther.<\/em><\/p>\n

Scooting around the W side of the big rock formation, the American Dingo found a relatively easy way to scramble up to the top, where a loose pile of rocks apparently served as a cairn.<\/p>\n

So this is the NNE summit, SPHP?\u00a0 Can’t really see anything except trees.<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, this is it.\u00a0 Get up on those rocks, Looper, so I can get a picture.\u00a0 I sort of remember this cairn, and that we couldn’t see much last time we were here, either.\u00a0 Might even be worse now that the trees have grown.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On Crooks Tower’s NNE summit<\/strong>. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Five minutes was about as long as Lupe lingered.\u00a0 Tree-broken glimpses of distant views were all the cramped NNE summit had to offer.\u00a0 Not even a hint of the true summit, even though it really wasn’t far off at all.<\/p>\n

Continuing on, Lupe made her way first S, then SW, through thick forest and deadfall.\u00a0 Breaking out into the open, she reached the big field SE of the Crooks Tower summit block.\u00a0 A quick stroll around to the SW, and a short, familiar path led to a 40 foot diameter top covered with scattered big pines, pine needles, and exposed rock.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Part of the field SE of the summit. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On Crooks Tower<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

12-14-23, 1:18 PM, 41\u00b0F, Crooks Tower<\/span><\/a> (7,137 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> –<\/em> Clear skies now!\u00a0 The clouds were gone, but it hadn’t warmed up much at all.\u00a0 A 10 mph SSW breeze still made it feel rather chilly.\u00a0 After polishing off most of the rest of her Taste of the Wild, Lupe curled up on SPHP’s lap.<\/p>\n

I do remember this place, SPHP.\u00a0 We used to come here almost every year.<\/em><\/p>\n

That’s right, Loop!\u00a0 Even though the views are limited, Crooks Tower is one of the highest peaks in the Black Hills and long been a favorite.\u00a0 This is your 11th ascent, and on your 13th birthday, too!\u00a0 Makes it even more special.<\/em><\/p>\n

I’m glad to be back, SPHP!\u00a0 Seems like an awfully long time since the last time we were here.<\/em><\/p>\n

SPHP smiled.<\/p>\n

I looked it up before we came, sweet puppy.\u00a0 Last time we were here was more than 4 years ago – on my birthday.\u00a0 And now we’re here on yours<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Although still early afternoon, shadows cast by the sunlight filtering through the pines were already lengthening.\u00a0 Not even mid-afternoon yet, and it already felt late.\u00a0 As SPHP sat there stroking Lupe’s soft ears while gazing at the old familiar views, a certain sadness crept in.\u00a0 Did Lupe feel it, too?\u00a0 She was mighty quiet.<\/p>\n

Dusty<\/span><\/a><\/strong>, Laddie<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, and now Grandma, all in less than 15 months.\u00a0 Our world’s grown colder lately, hasn’t it, Loop?<\/em><\/p>\n

It’s filling up with ghosts, SPHP.\u00a0 I wish it weren’t!<\/em><\/p>\n

Me, too, Looper.\u00a0 Me, too.<\/em><\/p>\n

The Crooks Tower region had another summit candidate more than a mile SW, plus a 7130 High Point nearly a mile S of that.\u00a0 Now that Lupe was here for the first time in over 4 years, though, it seemed better to simply stay put and enjoy it rather than dash off.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog had already traveled 4.7 miles, and going much farther would mean getting back to the RAV4 well after dark.<\/p>\n

In any case, congratulations were in order!\u00a0 Without getting up, SPHP shook Lupe’s paw, praising her for her 13th birthday ascent of Crooks Tower, then split an eagerly received chocolate coconut bar with her.<\/p>\n

After that, no one moved.\u00a0 SPHP wrapped the red rain jacket around Lupe to help hold in some warmth.\u00a0 Minutes lost in thought ticked away.\u00a0 Ghosts and days gone by!\u00a0 Mere memories now, yet still so vivid, and seemingly perfectly real, it felt as if they could return anew even after long absence as easily as Lupe had returned to lay here on SPHP’s lap on Crooks Tower again today.<\/p>\n

Gosh, look at the sun!\u00a0 Can’t sit here too long, Loop!\u00a0 Your summit hour is getting close to an end.\u00a0 Let’s get some pictures before it’s time to go.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Upper end of the summit region. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Near the N edge. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Black Elk Peak<\/strong> (Center) from Crooks Tower. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A little below the summit. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
View to the ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the summit. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
New teenager Lupe<\/strong> on Crooks Tower<\/strong>. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking SSW from the summit.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The best views were of Black Elk Peak<\/span><\/a>\u00a0(7,231 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> far to the SE.\u00a0 Swinging toward the S, Green Mountain<\/span><\/a> (7,164 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> stood out.\u00a0 The only other real views were N in the general direction of the Mystery Ridge.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Black Elk Peak<\/strong> (L), Green Mountain<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Mystery Ridge<\/strong> (L) on the horizon. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

So how was that, SPHP?\u00a0 Get enough pictures?<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, I think so.\u00a0 Well done, Loopster!<\/em><\/p>\n

After a more than 4 year absence, an hour on Crooks Tower didn’t seem like nearly enough.\u00a0 Nevertheless, at 2:18 PM, precisely an hour after she arrived, Lupe headed back down the short path to the SW.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Leaving Crooks Tower. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Instead of going back the way she’d come, though, just for fun, it was time to make the big loop SPHP had mentioned earlier.\u00a0 Less than 0.5 mile WSW on USFS Road No. 189.4A got the American Dingo over to a big intersection with No. 189, the closest really good road to Crooks Tower, and No. 631.2C.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
About to set out along USFS Road No. 631.2C<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A longer route than Lupe’s ascent, the return was otherwise even easier.\u00a0 In brilliant sunshine, at first, Loopster enjoyed the long gradual descent along No. 631.2C.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Part of the easy trek along USFS Road No. 631.2C<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Loopster enjoying the romp. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

By the time Lupe got back to No. 631, the sun was behind the mountains.\u00a0 A bit farther on, Lupe passed the turn she had once taken into Trebor Draw<\/strong><\/span><\/a> where she’d been injured years ago.\u00a0 Continuing N beyond this point, another ancient memory stirred in SPHP’s mind.<\/p>\n

You know, Loop, I seem to remember a fairly well-formed arch up on one of these hillsides to the L somewhere along this road.\u00a0 Help me keep an eye out for it, would you?<\/em><\/p>\n

Sure thing, SPHP!\u00a0 Arches are rare in the Black Hills.\u00a0 I’ll let you know if I see one.<\/em><\/p>\n

It wasn’t until Lupe was well past a junction with USFS Road No. 631.1E that there it was, an arch up on the hillside to the L!\u00a0 The Carolina Dog went up to it for a closer look.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
It’s an arch alright, SPHP!<\/em> Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Well, I’ll be!\u00a0 The arch really is here, Looper.\u00a0 My memory of it was so faint that I wasn’t even sure this was the right road.<\/em><\/p>\n

You were right, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Imagine that!\u00a0 Does happen now and then.<\/em><\/p>\n

The sun was down, but it was still light out when Lupe reached Rapid Creek Road again.\u00a0 No traffic at all.\u00a0 In fact, Lupe hadn’t seen anyone, not even any animals, other than a few small birds, all day long.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the final stretch near day’s end. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

12-14-23, 4:50 PM, 30\u00baF<\/em> – The light was fading fast when Lupe’s 11.4 mile 13th birthday round trip journey to Crooks Tower came to an end.\u00a0 She’d had a great day up in the high country of the western Black Hills, and as it turned out, more excitement and festivities were still ahead.<\/p>\n

During the dark drive home, a herd of nearly 20 giant deers suddenly ran across the road right in front of the RAV4, provoking a hysterical barking attack.\u00a0 Once home, SPHP suggested another photo session with Lupe’s presents, the two that Lanis and Yvonne had given her yesterday during all the commotion of the big birthday bash, plus one that SPHP had been holding out on.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Loopster with her presents from Yvonne & Lanis.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Biscuit Bistro all-natural gingerbread dog treats<\/strong>. One turned out to be a snowman, the other was Santa.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A big roll of Red Barn grain-free, beef recipe rolled dog food<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Loop with her T-bone steak<\/strong> from SPHP.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
1.41 pounds of delicious!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Oh, you did remember, SPHP!\u00a0 My birthday T-bone steak!\u00a0 Can I have it now?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, ma’am!\u00a0 Right after I broil it for you.<\/em><\/p>\n

Then hop to it, SPHP!\u00a0 I’m starving after spending all day roaming around up at Crooks Tower.<\/em><\/p>\n

You’re wish is my command, Teeny-Bopper, Dingo!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe on her 13th birthday<\/strong> at Crooks Tower<\/strong>, Black Hills of South Dakota 12-14-23<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
With Grandma<\/strong> on Lupe’s 1st birthday<\/strong>. 12-14-11.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

Lupe’s 14th Birthday<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Lupe’s 12th Birthday<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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

Want more Lupe adventures?\u00a0 Check out Lupe’s Dingo Tales Adventure Index<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, 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":"

12-13-23, 2:00 PM – C’mon, Loop!\u00a0 We’ve got to get this party underway.\u00a0 Hop up onto this chair next to your birthday cake! Lupe didn’t feel like it.\u00a0 SPHP had to lift her onto the chair more than once to get her to stay put.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog looked back questioningly at SPHP.\u00a0 So soon … Continue reading Lupe’s 13th Birthday & Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 321 – Crooks Tower (12-14-23)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":49551,"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":[1661,105,9,106,206,50,104,304],"class_list":["post-49608","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-black-hills","tag-13th-birthday","tag-american-dingo","tag-black-hills-expeditions","tag-carolina-dog","tag-crooks-tower","tag-dingo-tales","tag-lupe","tag-south-dakota"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_3394-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\/49608","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=49608"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49608\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":57864,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49608\/revisions\/57864"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/49551"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=49608"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=49608"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=49608"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}