{"id":51139,"date":"2024-02-18T08:10:02","date_gmt":"2024-02-18T15:10:02","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=51139"},"modified":"2024-03-07T08:36:12","modified_gmt":"2024-03-07T15:36:12","slug":"new-cousin-dixie-6-29-23-to-7-2-23","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=51139","title":{"rendered":"New Cousin Dixie! (6-29-23 to 7-2-23)"},"content":{"rendered":"

6-29-23, 3:00 PM<\/em> – Lupe’s fabulous 1st Summer of 2023 Dingo Vacation to Colorado & New Mexico had ended only yesterday.\u00a0 So many chores to catch up on!\u00a0 SPHP was still mowing the back yard when Uncle Joe and Aunt Andrea arrived.<\/p>\n

Of course, Hotel Lupe’s long standing policy is that humans stay free as long as they are accompanied by a responsible canine.\u00a0 Uncle Joe and Aunt Andrea came fully prepared.\u00a0 For the first time ever, they’d brought new Cousin Dixie with them!\u00a0 An AKC registered Australian Shepherd, Dixie was only a little over 2 months old.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
New Cousin Dixie<\/strong> at home in Arvada, Colorado.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe was barking with joy at Uncle Joe and Aunt Andrea’s arrival, which initially scared Dixie a little.\u00a0 That didn’t last!\u00a0 Soon Dixie was trying to herd her big cousin and wanting to play.\u00a0 Lupe didn’t quite know what to make of this new pipsqueak interloper, sometimes growling a warning, or even snapping at Dixie.<\/p>\n

This is my new cousin, SPHP?\u00a0 She’s cute enough, but so small, and rather … what shall I say? … annoying!<\/em><\/p>\n

Dixie’s just a puppy, Loopster.<\/em><\/p>\n

I’m a puppy, too, SPHP, but I’m not so… so… hyper!<\/em><\/p>\n

Well, of course, you’re my Sweet Puppy, Loop, but Dixie is very young.\u00a0 The whole world is brand new to her.\u00a0 She’s full of energy and excited to learn all about everything, including you!\u00a0 So be nice to Dixie.\u00a0 She’ll grow up fast, and we’ll have lots of fun with her.<\/em><\/p>\n

Do you think Dixie will want to go on any Black Hills, SD expeditions, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, I’m sure of it!\u00a0 No doubt Uncle Joe will want to take Dixie up into the hills with us while they’re here for the next few days.\u00a0 Dixie’s too little to go very far yet, but we’ll have a good time.<\/em><\/p>\n

6-30-23 –<\/em> SPHP was right.\u00a0 New Cousin Dixie very much wanted to be an explorer, too!\u00a0 After the whole gang enjoyed an early morning stroll through the park on the Geyser Loop, Aunt Andrea had eventually gone to spend the day with Grandma.\u00a0 Uncle Joe and Dixie were free to head up into the hills, which was exactly what they wanted to do.<\/p>\n

Where to, though?\u00a0 Dixie’s first Black Hills, SD Mini-Expedition should be something quite easy.\u00a0 SPHP suggested Centennial Trail No. 89.\u00a0 The Deer Creek trailhead would be a good place to start.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the Deer Creek trailhead<\/strong> with new Cousin Dixie<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

6-30-23, 11:01 AM, Centennial Trail No. 89<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, Deer Creek trailhead<\/em>\u00a0– Upon arrival, Dixie was happy and enthusiastic, but at the same time seemed to realize she was about to embark on some serious business.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mentor and mentee, about to set out on the first of many adventures together.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The plan was simple.\u00a0 Everyone followed the spur trail leading from the Deer Creek trailhead up to the main Centennial Trail No. 89 route.\u00a0 Once there, Dixie could explore S or N.<\/p>\n

Dixie doing great, but soon began devoting most of her abundant energy toward herding Lupe.\u00a0 The American Dingo did her best to ignore the pesky Aussie, often growling a warning.<\/p>\n

Upon reaching the main trail, Dixie wound up going S.\u00a0 Centennial Trail No. 89 soon crossed the road to Silver City, then proceeded gradually up the side of a forested valley to the junction with Deerfield Trail No. 40.\u00a0 An unlikely new feature was here.\u00a0 A silver disco ball was hanging over the junction.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP had never seen it before.<\/p>\n

Sticking with Centennial Trail No. 89, Dixie continued S.\u00a0 The trail went down into Smoker Gulch.\u00a0 1.2 miles from the trailhead, Uncle Joe decided this was far enough for Dixie’s first Black Hills adventure.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Dixie on Centennial Trail No. 89.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Taking a break with Cousin Dixie<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The day was warm, the sky blue with puffy white clouds, and the grass, green and lush.\u00a0 During a short rest break, Dixie became interested in digging, while Lupe ventured out into the tall grass.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Amid the tall grass in Smoker Gulch<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

And that was it for Dixie’s first Black Hills, SD Mini-Expedition.\u00a0 On the way back to the Deer Creek trailhead, Uncle Joe showed off his funky disco dancing form at the intersection with Deerfield Trail No. 40.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading back on Centennial Trail No. 89<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Dancing fool Uncle Joe<\/strong> beneath the disco ball<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

7-1-23, 10:24 AM<\/em> – This morning’s activities were similar to yesterday’s.\u00a0 After an early morning group romp through the park, this time on the Downstream Loop, Aunt Andrea once again went to spend the day with Grandma.\u00a0 Dixie, Uncle Joe, Lupe, and SPHP were now at Centennial Trail No. 89’s Rapid Creek trailhead below the Pactola Reservoir dam.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
About to set out on Centennial Trail No. 89<\/strong> from the Rapid Creek trailhead<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Heading SE toward the Tamarack trailhead, Centennial Trail No. 89 was flat as a pancake and on the verge of being overgrown.\u00a0 Dixie displayed great courage crossing 2 bridges over Rapid Creek.\u00a0 The big stream was running high, and Joe was quite impressed by what a great trout stream Rapid Creek appeared to be.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Joe<\/strong> and Dixie<\/strong> already over the first bridge.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Rapid Creek<\/strong> was running high, full bank to bank.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Dixie made it past the Tamarack trailhead all the way to USFS Road No. 165.1D in Tamarack Gulch before reaching a spot near an ancient cabin.\u00a0 At this point, Uncle Joe said she’d gone far enough for a 2 month old puppy.\u00a0 After a short rest break, it was time to head back to the Rapid Creek trailhead, once again about 1.2 miles away.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Dixie<\/strong> crossing the Rapid Creek bridge<\/strong> near the Tamarack trailhead during the return.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Another beautiful day, but Uncle Joe may have been right.\u00a0 Constantly trying to herd your big Carolina Dog cousin is a lot of work.\u00a0 Near the end, Cousin Dixie was starting to get tired.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Wildflowers along the way.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Dixie<\/strong> starting to feel weary.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Not to worry, though.\u00a0 Uncle Joe to the rescue!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Dixie<\/strong> returning in style.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

7-2-23<\/em> – The next day was nearly the same routine.\u00a0 An early morning Geyser Loop stroll through the park, followed by another Black Hills, SD Mini-Expedition, this time from the end of Horse Creek Road to USFS Road No. 249.\u00a0 Incredibly, SPHP somehow forgot to bring the camera.\u00a0 Oops!\u00a0 Nevertheless, everyone had a great time.<\/p>\n

7-3-23, 6:55 AM – <\/em>Hard to believe, but it was already time for Dixie, Aunt Andrea, and Uncle Joe to head back home to Arvada, Colorado.\u00a0 While Uncle Joe was packing their car, Lupe and Dixie roamed the back yard, enjoying the soft green grass together.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Dixie<\/strong> and Lupe<\/strong> in the back yard.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

7-3-23, 7:07 AM<\/em> – Well, they’re off, Loopster, on the way back to Colorado!\u00a0 Thank you for not getting too snarly with Dixie.\u00a0 I know your patience was being sorely tested at times.\u00a0 So, what do you think of your new cousin?\u00a0 Isn’t she darling?<\/em><\/p>\n

No doubt Dixie means well, but she’s a herding fanatic, SPHP!\u00a0 Do you have any idea how trying puppies can be?<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, really?\u00a0 Tell me about it, Sweet Puppy!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
New Cousin Dixie<\/strong> at 5 weeks old<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

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

Centennial Trail No. 89 Brochure & Map<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/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":"

6-29-23, 3:00 PM – Lupe’s fabulous 1st Summer of 2023 Dingo Vacation to Colorado & New Mexico had ended only yesterday.\u00a0 So many chores to catch up on!\u00a0 SPHP was still mowing the back yard when Uncle Joe and Aunt Andrea arrived. Of course, Hotel Lupe’s long standing policy is that humans stay free as … Continue reading New Cousin Dixie! (6-29-23 to 7-2-23)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":51124,"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":[105,9,106,527,1675,1676,104,1413,304,1285],"class_list":["post-51139","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-cousin-dixie","tag-deer-creek","tag-lupe","tag-rapid-creek","tag-south-dakota","tag-uncle-joe"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_1393-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\/51139","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=51139"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51139\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":51897,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51139\/revisions\/51897"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/51124"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=51139"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=51139"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=51139"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}