{"id":51655,"date":"2024-03-07T08:10:52","date_gmt":"2024-03-07T15:10:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=51655"},"modified":"2024-03-25T13:59:01","modified_gmt":"2024-03-25T19:59:01","slug":"black-hills-sd-expedition-no-316-peak-5321-10-6-23","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=51655","title":{"rendered":"Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 316 – Peak 5321 (10-6-23)"},"content":{"rendered":"

10-5-23, 3:30 PM<\/em> – Oh, happy day!\u00a0 Uncle Joe, Aunt Andrea, and new Cousin Dixie were here, newly arrived from Colorado, and destined to spend the next few days at Hotel Lupe!\u00a0 The American Dingo greeted them all with great enthusiasm, then sort of played with Dixie, mostly watching as her Aussie Shepherd cousin tore around the living room.<\/p>\n

Lupe was astounded by new Cousin Dixie’s appearance!\u00a0 Only 3 months ago, Dixie had been a mere puppy – cute and fuzzy, and with an already over-developed and rather annoying herding instinct.\u00a0 Since then, Dixie had been completely transformed!\u00a0 Now she was nearly as big as Lupe, and a whirlwind of energy.<\/p>\n

All that new Cousin Dixie energy had to go somewhere!\u00a0 Fortunately, this evening it suddenly dawned on Dixie how her Carolina Dog cousin was able to pass through walls like magic.\u00a0 A doggie door!\u00a0 Once Dixie caught on to how it worked, she was as bad as a cat, letting herself in and out at will to race around the back yard whenever she pleased.\u00a0 Best idea ever!<\/p>\n

10-6-23, 10:06 AM, USFS Road No. 144.1A<\/em> –\u00a0 The Hotel Lupe doggie door to the back yard served as a release for some of Dixie’s hyper-activity, but wasn’t a complete solution by any means.\u00a0 However, a Black Hills, SD expedition might do the trick!<\/p>\n

The morning air was clean, clear, and on the crisp side when everyone, minus Aunt Andrea, who had gone to spend the day with Grandma, piled out of the RAV4 at the start of USFS Road No. 144.1A.\u00a0 Lupe and Dixie were both excited, and couldn’t wait to get started.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Start of USFS Road No. 144.1A<\/strong>, about a mile NE of Nemo. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

During Dixie’s first ever visit to the Black Hills at the end of June, she’d had fun on 3 mini-expeditions with Lupe.\u00a0 Now that Dixie was 5 months old, Lupe figured she ought to give her energetic cousin an introduction to peakbagging.<\/p>\n

SPHP had suggested Peak<\/span> 5321<\/span><\/a><\/strong> as an easy objective.\u00a0 With less than 300 feet of elevation gain required during a mere 1.4 mile, mostly road hike, approach, Dixie’s first ascent attempt would be a guaranteed success!\u00a0 The journey began with a 0.5 mile romp along USFS Road No. 144.1A.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Off to a good start on USFS Road No. 144.1A<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This easy jaunt got Dixie to a broad minor pass.\u00a0 USFS Road No. 144.1A veered off to the SE here.\u00a0 An unmarked road not shown on the maps that branched off to the R was actually the way to go.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the broad, flat pass where USFS Road No. 144.1A heads off to the L. The road angling R was the way to go. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Joe and Dixie continuing along the unmarked road. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Traversing the W slopes of HP5243<\/span><\/strong>, the road gradually gained elevation before turning SW and flattening out.\u00a0 Much to Lupe’s dismay, by now it was clear that Dixie hadn’t gotten over her annoying herding instincts at all.\u00a0 The American Dingo did her best to try not to let it get to her.\u00a0 Most of the time, everyone was in fine spirits on this beautiful early autumn day, but with some regularity, Lupe couldn’t help growling or snapping at her bossy new cousin.<\/p>\n

Dixie, of course, was completely unfazed.\u00a0 The herding went on.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the curve where the road turned SW. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From the turn SW, Ash Point, established by the “Yogi Clan” in memory of Shirley and Sonya at the edge of a cliff, was only another 0.33 mile.<\/p>\n

10-6-23, 10:34 AM – <\/em>In addition to a terrific view of Nemo hundreds of feet below, Ash Point featured views of both Green Top<\/a><\/span> (5,360 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and White Mansion<\/span><\/strong><\/a> (5,340 ft.)<\/strong><\/span> 3 miles NW, with Custer Peak<\/span><\/a> (6,804 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Terry Peak<\/span><\/a> (7,064 ft<\/span>.<\/span>)<\/span><\/strong> on the horizon.<\/p>\n

Not trusting Dixie’s puppy exuberance near a cliff, Joe prudently kept her leashed up.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Dingo’s eye view of Nemo<\/strong> from Ash Point<\/strong>. Custer Peak<\/strong> (far R). Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Terry Peak<\/strong> (L), Green Top<\/strong> (R), White Mansion<\/strong> (far R). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
White Mansion<\/strong> (L) from Ash Point<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Yogi Clan had thoughtfully provided a bench so visitors can relax while enjoying the lovely Ash Point views.\u00a0 However, the Carolina Dog merely stood on it for a minute or two before leaping off.\u00a0 Joe and Dixie then demonstrated how to make better use of a bench.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe on the Ash Point bench<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Joe and Dixie show Lupe how it’s done.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Peak 5321’s summit was only 0.25 mile SSE of Ash Point.\u00a0 However, the road soon curved way E of it on its way S, so Lupe led everyone off into the forest, taking a direct route up a gentle slope.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading straight through the forest in search of the summit. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

10-6-23, 10:50 AM, 47\u00baF, Peak<\/span> 5321<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/em> – A large flat region buried in trees and full of deadfall, Peak 5321 admittedly wasn’t all that scintillating as summits go.\u00a0 At least there was a sunny semi-clearing, the deadfall made reasonably good seats, and there was no edge nearby that Dixie might inadvertently hurtle herself over.<\/p>\n

Dixie was bummed that she didn’t get to share in the chocolate coconut bars that Joe, Lupe, and SPHP all enjoyed in honor of her first official Black Hills peak ascent, but she readily accepted Taste of the Wild and water as a consolation prize.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Blinking in the sun on Peak 5321’s flat, deadfall-strewn summit<\/strong>. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Taking a break on Peak 5321<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

With no summit views, there wasn’t much reason to linger after a short break.\u00a0 However, Ash Point wasn’t the only viewpoint in this general vicinity.\u00a0 On a prior expedition, Lupe had discovered that American Point<\/span><\/strong><\/a> was less than another 0.25 mile SW along the same line of cliffs.<\/p>\n

Dixie and Joe were both willing to check it out.\u00a0 Heading S to pick up the unmarked road again, it led right to American Point.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the way to American Point. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

10-6-23, 11:27 AM, American Point<\/em> – Oh, yeah!\u00a0 The cheerful American Flag was still here, waving all red, white and blue in the breeze.\u00a0 From a larger limestone platform above the cliffs than the one at Ash Point, the views were similar here, although oriented more toward the SW.\u00a0 It was now possible to see Black Elk Peak<\/span><\/a> (7,231 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> far to the S.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At American Point<\/strong>. Black Elk Peak<\/strong> (L) on the horizon. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Nemo<\/strong> from American Point<\/strong>. Custer Peak<\/strong> (L) and Terry Peak<\/strong> (R) of the flag. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Joe<\/strong>, Dixie<\/strong>, and Lupe<\/strong> at American Point<\/strong>. White Mansion<\/strong> (Center). Photo look NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Together by the flag. Custer Peak<\/strong> (R of Center), Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After hanging out near the American flag admiring the views, that was about it for Cousin Dixie’s first ever Black Hills peakbagging experience.\u00a0 The return involved only a pleasant march back along the unmarked road to USFS Road No. 144.1A, and thence on to the RAV4.<\/p>\n

Peak 5321 with its nearby Ash Point and American Peak viewpoints had been a nice outing.\u00a0 Even better, with Uncle Joe and Cousin Dixie still checked in at Hotel Lupe, another Black Hills adventure was sure to be on the agenda tomorrow!\u00a0 (End 10-6-23, 12:23 PM)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Final moments at American Point<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Back at the start, enjoying the fall colors with Uncle Joe<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Dixie & Lupe’s Peak 5321 GPS track<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

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

Dixie & Lupe’s Scrollable Peak 5321 GPS Track<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 291 – Peak 4980, Peak 5361 & Peak 5321 (1-17-21)<\/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":"

10-5-23, 3:30 PM – Oh, happy day!\u00a0 Uncle Joe, Aunt Andrea, and new Cousin Dixie were here, newly arrived from Colorado, and destined to spend the next few days at Hotel Lupe!\u00a0 The American Dingo greeted them all with great enthusiasm, then sort of played with Dixie, mostly watching as her Aussie Shepherd cousin tore … Continue reading Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 316 – Peak 5321 (10-6-23)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":51648,"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":[105,9,106,1683,451,104,1507,304],"class_list":["post-51655","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-dixie","tag-joe","tag-lupe","tag-peak-5321","tag-south-dakota"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_3175-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\/51655","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=51655"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51655\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":52343,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51655\/revisions\/52343"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/51648"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=51655"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=51655"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=51655"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}