{"id":53647,"date":"2024-05-07T08:10:19","date_gmt":"2024-05-07T14:10:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=53647"},"modified":"2024-05-29T00:44:22","modified_gmt":"2024-05-29T06:44:22","slug":"telkwa-microwave-mountain-hazelton-mountains-british-columbia-canada-7-27-23","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=53647","title":{"rendered":"Telkwa Microwave Mountain, Hazelton Mountains, British Columbia, Canada (7-27-23)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Day 5 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2023 Dingo Vacation to Canada & Alaska!<\/em><\/p>\n

7:58 AM, Aveling Coal Mine Road, SW of Telkwa – <\/em>Immediately after crossing the bridge over the Telkwa River, sure enough, there was a side road off to the R.\u00a0 Without driving down it, SPHP parked the RAV4.<\/p>\n

C’mon, Loopster!\u00a0 Let’s check this out.\u00a0 John Stolk<\/strong><\/span><\/a> says there are some nice campsites down along the river.\u00a0 Maybe we’ll stay here tonight?<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, I hope so, SPHP!\u00a0 The Telkwa River is gorgeous!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Telkwa River<\/strong> from the Aveling Coal Mine Road bridge<\/strong>. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Stolk was right – the primitive campsites along the N side of the river were secluded and very scenic.\u00a0 Returning to the RAV4 after a photo from the bridge, the drive along Aveling Coal Mine Road continued.\u00a0 Telkwa Microwave Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6,333 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was way out in the boonies.\u00a0 Even with Stolk’s directions, which were pretty good, it wasn’t always immediately clear where to go.<\/p>\n

5 miles past the bridge, a security guard in a white pickup was stationed at the start of Road No. 116, a R turn marked with a bright yellow sign.\u00a0 SPHP inquired.\u00a0 No, this wasn’t it.\u00a0 Microwave Road, also a R turn, was another 3 km, maybe more, according to the guard.<\/p>\n

Less than 2 miles beyond Road No. 116, Aveling Coal Mine Road forked at a large flat spot where it would have been easy to turn around.\u00a0 The road curving to the R as it started uphill almost had to be Microwave Road.\u00a0 John Stolk’s 7.5 mile estimate to the microwave tower on this sometimes bumpy, narrow affair was good.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the start of Microwave Road<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Parked near the microwave tower<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

10:05 AM, 51\u00baF, parked 100 feet from the microwave tower<\/em> –<\/p>\n

Gah!\u00a0 The mosquitoes are terrible, Looper!\u00a0 Stay inside while I get ready.\u00a0 Where the heck did I put the Deet?<\/em><\/p>\n

Finally remembering where it was after practically tearing the RAV4 apart, SPHP slathered 100% Deet on.\u00a0 Nasty stuff, but the mosquitoes hated it.\u00a0 Before long, the pack was ready.<\/p>\n

Alrighty, Loop.\u00a0 Show time!\u00a0 Onward!\u00a0 Puppy, ho!<\/em><\/p>\n

Going 150 meters back down the spur that led to the tower, a muddy side road headed off into the forest.<\/p>\n

Is this the way, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah.\u00a0 Supposed to go nearly all the way to Telkwa Microwave Mountain, too, Looper.\u00a0 Should be a long, but relatively easy romp, if we don’t get rained out.\u00a0 According to the topo map<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, none of it’s all that steep.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the start of the side road leading to Telkwa Microwave Mountain. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe was happy following the old jeep trail beneath a gray sky.\u00a0 The cool, humid air felt like rain.\u00a0 Marching straight through a series of big mud puddles, the American Dingo often paused for a drink of mineral water.\u00a0 Although many of these puddles covered the entire road, SPHP had no difficulty getting around them.<\/p>\n

Everything was green and lush.\u00a0 The forest looked extremely healthy.\u00a0 As long as Lupe kept going, mosquitoes really weren’t much of a problem for her.\u00a0 Climbing gradually, the road dipped twice, then began a steeper climb which soon leveled out at a fork.\u00a0 The branch to the L appeared to head right into a swamp.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching one of the dips. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The swamp route.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Naturally, the road to the R seemed the obvious choice.\u00a0 A short, initially steep, trudge on this road got Lupe to a plateau of stunted evergreens mixed in with some open ground.\u00a0 From here, the microwave tower was once again in view again back to the S.\u00a0 Near a lone patch of blue sky to the W, high mountains with snow and even glaciers were in sight on the horizon, their summits hidden in the clouds.<\/p>\n

Everywhere else, the sky remained an unbroken gray.<\/p>\n

Crossing to the NNE end of this gently rolling plateau, after going around a curve, 3 high ridges were in view off to the NW.\u00a0 Two of them had been visible from back at the microwave tower, but the middle one had not.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Crossing the rolling plateau<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
First view of Telkwa Microwave Mountain<\/strong> (Center), Peak 5980<\/span><\/strong> (R).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Which one is Telkwa Microwave Mountain, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Not entirely certain, Loop.\u00a0 The center one, I think.<\/em><\/p>\n

It’s a long way off, SPHP.\u00a0 Good thing this isn’t very rugged territory.<\/em><\/p>\n

The road went W from here.\u00a0 Following it, a yellow cabin with a green roof and a vehicle parked nearby promptly appeared directly ahead.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the cabin. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Someone’s in there, SPHP!\u00a0 I see movement by a window.<\/em><\/p>\n

Yup.\u00a0 I saw someone, too, Looper.\u00a0 This must be the local ski club hut that John Stolk referred to, except that he said it was up a short spur to the R from the way he went.\u00a0 Not sure how we got off track.<\/em><\/p>\n

Maybe Stolk took the swamp route, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

That would explain it.\u00a0 You’re probably right, Loop.\u00a0 Must have been a lot drier when John was here, if he went that way.\u00a0 If so, we ought to run into his route again somewhere not too far beyond the cabin.\u00a0 We’re going to have to go right past it, in any case.\u00a0 Act casual, and don’t bark if anyone comes out to ask what we’re doing here.<\/em><\/p>\n

Whoever was in there apparently didn’t notice the Carolina Dog trot on by.\u00a0 No one appeared.\u00a0 Immediately beyond the hut, the road descended NW into an enormous parklike region.\u00a0 Stands of healthy spruce stood among fields of wildflowers and tundra.\u00a0 Various small tarns decorated the landscape.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
View ahead from close to the ski club hut. Telkwa Microwave Mountain<\/strong> (Center), Peak 5980<\/span><\/strong> (R). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Near the bottom of the hill, Lupe rejoined what must have been the road from the swamp route.\u00a0 A few drops of rain had fallen.\u00a0 Forewarned, SPHP paused to don the red rain jacket.\u00a0 Following the jeep trail N from this junction, Lupe crossed a broad flat region before the road turned W.\u00a0 A climb into thicker forest ensued as a steady light rain began to fall.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The mud puppy in one of the many large puddles along the way. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Passing a tarn. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A damp climb. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The road leveled out again on another small plateau, then curved rather steeply down into a densely forested saddle.\u00a0 Near the low point, a huge, black turd was right in the middle of the road.<\/p>\n

Bear scat, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Looks mighty fresh, too, Loop.\u00a0 You’ve been kinda quiet.\u00a0 Bark a little now and then, would you, please?<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, I don’t know.\u00a0 No squirrels here, and the mist doesn’t really make me feel like barking.<\/em><\/p>\n

You’ll feel like it when this monstrous bear shows up!\u00a0 I’m sort of hoping to avoid all that kind of excitement.<\/em><\/p>\n

The road turned NW again as it resumed a long climb with minor dips along the way.\u00a0 Lupe made great progress.\u00a0 As she gained elevation, the forest thinned out, becoming stunted again as it gave way to tundra.<\/p>\n

After reaching 5,200 feet, the American Dingo came to a long stretch where a series of dips between minor climbs resulted in little, if any, net elevation gain.\u00a0 One of the big ridges Lupe had seen from near the ski club hut was in sight almost straight ahead, its summit now hidden in the clouds.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Entering the flatter, more open country at 5,200+ feet<\/strong>. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Approaching one of the minor, gradual dips. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Near a very small tarn. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

12:08 PM<\/em> – At one of the last high points in the 5,200+ foot region, Lupe was ready for a break.\u00a0 This was a particularly scenic spot.\u00a0 Clusters of pink wildflowers bloomed on the side of this little hill, and several tarns were visible in a shallow valley to the SW.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, while sharing a chocolate coconut bar, the quiet, general sullenness of the day turned to a deeper gloom.\u00a0 Fog swept in.\u00a0 Lupe’s world shrank to a only a few hundred feet, dimly seen, in all directions.\u00a0 Light rain continued to fall.\u00a0 It had been raining for quite a while now.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
View from the break spot. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Well, shucks, Loopster.\u00a0 This is gorgeous territory, but doesn’t look like we’re going to get to see much of it today.\u00a0 You’re all wet.\u00a0 Are you cold?<\/em><\/p>\n

I’m fine, but is it still a long way to Telkwa Microwave Mountain, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Sort of.\u00a0 A few miles yet to the summit.\u00a0 We’re more than halfway there.<\/em><\/p>\n

Hoping for the best, despite the disappointing weather, the American Dingo resumed her trek.\u00a0 Lupe soon came to a junction with another road coming up from the S.\u00a0 Turning N here, she started seeing bigger tarns.\u00a0 One of them was so full of water that it extended right over the road, spilling into a small stream.\u00a0 SPHP searched 50 feet downstream before finding a soggy spot narrow enough to leap over.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
By the overflowing tarn.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Climbing again as the road wound N, before too long, an unexpected and welcome development occurred.\u00a0 The fog was lifting!\u00a0 Coming around a curve, a wide valley was in sight.\u00a0 Ahead, a gradually descending stretch of road crossed this valley before climbing back into the fog.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The fog lifts, revealing the big ridge<\/strong> (L) Lupe had seen before, as well as the shallow valley<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What’s that black dot in the distance, SPHP?\u00a0 Do you see it?<\/em><\/p>\n

You mean the black dot on the road, Loop?\u00a0 I do see it.<\/em><\/p>\n

Close to the road, but not quite on it, SPHP.\u00a0 Maybe that’s the bear!<\/em><\/p>\n

Could be.\u00a0 Doesn’t seem to be moving, though.\u00a0 There’s another possibility.\u00a0 John Stolk mentions a unique large standing rock where he left the ATV track to head more directly for the Telkwa Microwave Mountain summit.\u00a0 That black dot might easily be his rock.<\/em><\/p>\n

As Lupe got closer, it became clear that the black dot was not a bear, and actually well off the road.\u00a0 It was unmistakably the rock Stolk must have been referring to.\u00a0 No other rock remotely like it was anywhere around.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching Stolk’s “unique standing rock”<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Part of what must have been Stolk’s off-road route to the summit<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

That rock’s quite a landmark, SPHP.\u00a0 Let’s go take a look at it.\u00a0 It’s such a spiffy rock that we really ought to give it a name, too!<\/em><\/p>\n

How about the Tablet of Doom, or Devil’s Thumb, Looper?<\/em><\/p>\n

My, my!\u00a0 A little rain and fog, and aren’t you the cheery one, SPHP?\u00a0 How do you ever manage to complete any adventures at all?\u00a0 How about calling it the Tablet of Hope?\u00a0 After all, the fog is lifting.\u00a0 Maybe the sun is going to <\/em>come out?<\/em><\/p>\n

It’s black, Loopster.\u00a0 That’s why I suggested gloomy names.\u00a0 Who knows what the weather will be like the next time someone sees it?\u00a0 Tablet of Hope might not fit at all.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, alright.\u00a0 We could call it Stolk Rock.\u00a0 John Stolk made it famous!<\/em><\/p>\n

Not sure I’d call it famous, Loop, but yeah, he’s probably the first one in the history of the world to ever mention it on the internet.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At major tourist attraction Stolk Rock<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Stolk Rock was 6 feet thick, 17 feet high, and stood magnificently upright according to SPHP’s very precisely calibrated eye.\u00a0 It’s color came from the black lichens adorning it.<\/p>\n

From Stolk Rock, the road headed NW, climbing yet again.\u00a0 Lupe stayed on it since the tundra was so wet.\u00a0 However, she did not make it back up into the fog.\u00a0 Tablet of Hope was a fitting name today!\u00a0 The rain quit, and the sky brightened as the clouds continued to rise.<\/p>\n

Tiny streams trickled down the sometimes mushy road.\u00a0 Frequent small stream crossings were never more than a few inches deep.\u00a0 Climbing out of the valley at an easy pace, the road turned N.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog was well above treeline now.\u00a0 Even the tundra was getting sparse.\u00a0 The big mountains on the horizon remained hidden among the clouds, but nearby ridges were in view.\u00a0 Lupe was already above most of them.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Climbing out of the Stolk Rock valley. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On an almost level stretch. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Starting to get some views. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Eventually a scenic level stretch led to a view of a very deep valley to the NNW and the barren highlands of another mountain beyond.\u00a0 Resuming its climb, the road turned NE.\u00a0 Soon another tall, dark figure loomed in the distance ahead.<\/p>\n

Look, SPHP!\u00a0 It’s one of those giant bowling pins!<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, not too much farther now, Loopster!\u00a0 That’s the summit tower.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Summit region<\/strong> (L). Giant bowling pin<\/strong> (L of Center). Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Beyond the tower lurked a couple of gnarly knobs that appeared to be higher.\u00a0 After nearly 7 miles of easy terrain, SPHP immediately felt a pang of trepidation.\u00a0 Could Lupe actually get to the true summit?\u00a0 Stolk had mentioned those high points.\u00a0 Supposedly no sweat.\u00a0 Class 2 at most.<\/em><\/p>\n

Continuing on, the summit region disappeared from view due to the lay of the land.\u00a0 Lupe soon came to the edge of a big ravine cutting E\/W clear across the mountain.\u00a0 From here, the road vanished under a snowbank as it turned sharply WNW and descended to a tarn nestled in the ravine.\u00a0 Reappearing from beneath the snow before it got there, after circling the tarn, it angled NE up the other side of the ravine.<\/p>\n

Closer, and a little farther E, another snowbank filled the bottom of a higher part of the ravine.<\/p>\n

Shoot, let’s skip the tarn and go that way, Looper.\u00a0 Won’t have to lose as much elevation.<\/em><\/p>\n

Glad to see the snow, Lupe had no objections either way.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Along the edge of the ravine<\/strong>. Tarn<\/strong> (R). Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Upper end of the ravine. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Utilizing the snowbank. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The snow was strong, holding even SPHP’s weight, which made crossing the ravine a cinch.\u00a0 After reaching the upper rim of the far side, the rest was easy.\u00a0 Lupe quickly reached the road again, which was fading, but went all the way to the bowling pin.\u00a0 Or obelisk, as John Stolk called it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
N of the ravine, heading for the summit region. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Nearly there! Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the obelisk<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

2:23 PM, 44\u00baF, Telkwa Microwave Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6,333 ft.)<\/span><\/strong><\/em> – Beneath the gray sky, Lupe stood in a 10-15 mph SE breeze on a small, conical hill just E of the obelisk, wisps of fog sailing by as clouds scraped the summit.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the hill near the obelisk<\/strong>, looking back the way Lupe came up. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A pity we don’t have a clear day, Loop.\u00a0 Hudson Bay Mountain is only 13 km NE.\u00a0 I’m sure we must have seen Telkwa Microwave Mountain from there last year.\u00a0 We ought to be seeing it, plus a line of glacier-clad peaks all along the W horizon, too.<\/em><\/p>\n

Hudson Bay Mountain<\/strong><\/span><\/a> was spectacular, SPHP, even if we couldn’t get anywhere near the true summit.\u00a0 You have to admit, though, we’re lucky to have any views at all today.\u00a0 Be thankful!<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, I know it.\u00a0 I am thankful, Loopster.\u00a0 For a while there, I thought we’d be totally socked in up here.<\/em><\/p>\n

Getting socked in was still a distinct possibility, and the American Dingo hadn’t reached the true summit yet.\u00a0 The two gnarly knobs previously seen from afar were now back in sight again strung out along Telkwa Microwave Mountain’s N ridge.\u00a0 The closest one appeared to be at least a little higher than the conical hill near the obelisk.<\/p>\n

The drops on both sides of the skinny N ridge were fearsome enough to cause concern as Lupe started toward an apparent drop-off leading to the closest knob.\u00a0 Happily, this drop was quickly revealed as an illusion.\u00a0 A minor dip, and a faint path on perfectly safe ground went right to the top of the S knob.\u00a0 An easy traipse, and Lupe was there!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The two knobs<\/strong> (L of Center) contending for the title of true summit. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Peak 6000<\/span><\/strong> (Center) from the S knob<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

So far, so good, but gazing N toward the next knob, SPHP was uncertain.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The N knob<\/strong> (R) from the S one<\/strong>. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Well, shoot!\u00a0 It’s just like Stolk said, Loopster.\u00a0 Both of these high points are so close to the same elevation, I can’t tell which is highest.\u00a0 Let’s creep a little closer, and see if there’s a safe way over there.<\/em><\/p>\n

Don’t do anything stupid, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, you know me, Looper.\u00a0 I do lots of stupid things.\u00a0 The trick is not being too stupid.\u00a0 C’mon!<\/em><\/p>\n

From the N end of the S knob, the news was good.\u00a0 The faint path went all the way to the S high point of the N knob, which hopefully would be far enough.\u00a0 Hard to say for certain, though.\u00a0 The N knob actually had at least a couple of high points along it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The N knob<\/strong> (Center) from the N end of the S one<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

OK, Loopster.\u00a0 We can do this.\u00a0 Onward!\u00a0 Puppy, ho!\u00a0 Be careful, though.\u00a0 That W edge is really steep.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
S knob<\/strong> (R) from the N one<\/strong>. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

2:30 PM, Telkwa Microwave Mountain, N summit<\/em> – Upon reaching the first high point of the N knob, SPHP felt instant relief.\u00a0 No need to go any farther.\u00a0 Clearly nothing any higher beyond this point.\u00a0 Good thing, too!\u00a0 This was it.\u00a0 The rest was beyond SPHP’s comfort zone.<\/p>\n

As things stood, joyfulness reigned!\u00a0 SPHP shook Lupe’s paw.<\/p>\n

Whew, a little more exciting here at the end than I would have ever thought, Loop!\u00a0 Anyway, congratulations on your successful ascent of Telkwa Microwave Mountain!<\/em><\/p>\n

Nothing to it, SPHP!\u00a0 A simple stroll along a skinny ridge.\u00a0 So what?\u00a0 Oh, wait.\u00a0 Yes, it was terrifying!\u00a0 A 2 chocolate coconut bar mountain at least!<\/em><\/p>\n

Ha!\u00a0 You already had one a while ago, crafty Dingo, and are going to have to wait for the next one.\u00a0 So little room up here that I don’t dare take off the pack.\u00a0 One accidental bump, and it will be 500 feet below us.<\/em><\/p>\n

Is this the true summit, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Hard to say, but you’ve been to it somewhere along the way.\u00a0 Actually tend to agree with Stolk.\u00a0 The S knob along this ridge is most likely the true summit.\u00a0 Glad we tagged this N high point, too, though!<\/em><\/p>\n

Laying down, Lupe waited as SPHP took a few photos.\u00a0 Due to the cramped quarters, SPHP couldn’t get her in any of them.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Telkwa Microwave Mountain true summit<\/strong> (L). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Aldrich Lake<\/strong> (far L), HP5868<\/span><\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking NNE with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

5 minutes sitting together in the breeze while relaxing and enjoying the views was it before SPHP started back S, leaving the Carolina Dog alone in splendid isolation atop her remote, lofty, northernmost perch.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the N knob<\/strong>. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

That’s good, Loopster!\u00a0 C’mon!<\/em><\/p>\n

Returning to the true summit – the S knob of the N ridge in both Stolk’s and SPHP’s opinions, or the middle high point, if you counted the conical hill near the obelisk – Lupe lingered surveying the views.\u00a0 SPHP shook her gently offered paw once more.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Returning to the S knob<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Back at the likely true summit<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A final glance back at the N summit<\/strong> (L of Center). Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Carolina Dog’s traditional summit hour was already waning as she returned to the conical hill near the obelisk, but SPHP decided the wind was too cold up there.\u00a0 Retreating S a little way, a soft patch of tundra was a better choice.<\/p>\n

After having some Taste of the Wild, and sharing the second chocolate coconut bar of the day, Lupe curled up on SPHP’s lap.\u00a0 At first, the views of the way she’d come up and the big, barren ridges nearby were clear, but as time ticked away, intermittent fog began obscuring the scene.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Back on the conical hill near the obelisk<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Relaxing S of the obelisk<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

By the time summit hour was up, the views were gone.\u00a0 Waiting a little longer produced no improvement.<\/p>\n

Fiddlesticks!\u00a0 Thought we’d return to the true summit one more time, Loopster.<\/em><\/p>\n

Not much point in it now, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

No, there wasn’t.\u00a0 A final glance back at the obelisk and the conical hill, and the American Dingo was on her way.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
About ready to go. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The fog and threat of rain ruined other plans as well.\u00a0 Would have been fun to explore the S ridge on the way back to Stolk Rock, but Lupe stuck to the road again under the circumstances.\u00a0 She wasn’t anywhere near the S ridge by the time she lost enough elevation to get below the clouds.<\/p>\n

Even the road route was incredibly scenic!\u00a0 Lupe displayed great energy and enthusiasm, often abandoning the road to race freely across the wet tundra before returning to check on SPHP’s progress.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Back below the clouds. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Tiny wildflowers of the tundra.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Don’t suppose we’ll ever see the Scottish Moors, SPHP, but this is what I’d image them to be like!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The Telkwa Microwave Mountain moors<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The sky brightened.\u00a0 Spirits soared!\u00a0 Reaching Stolk Rock, it seemed like the sun might break through the clouds at any moment.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Back at Stolk Rock<\/strong>. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It never did.\u00a0 Lupe had a blast, anyway!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The Winfield Creek drainage<\/strong> below Stolk Rock. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Exploring near one of the biggest tarns. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Resting on the tundra with a view of the region John Stolk explored. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
By a big tarn with an interesting shape.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

7:04 PM, 53\u00baF, back at the microwave tower off Microwave Road<\/em> – Well, it was over.\u00a0 Tired, Lupe hopped up onto her pink blanket in the RAV4.\u00a0 Her Telkwa Microwave Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6,333 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> adventure was complete.\u00a0 A slow, bumpy ride back to Aveling Coal Mine Road ensued.<\/p>\n

A little sunshine wouldn’t have hurt a thing, but still an awesome day, Looper!\u00a0 How does beef stew and Fritos sound for dinner back at one of the campsites Stolk recommended along the beautiful Telkwa River?<\/em><\/p>\n

Fabulous, SPHP!\u00a0 I’m famished!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Evening near the Aveling Coal Mine Road bridge<\/strong> over the Telkwa River<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Telkwa Microwave Mountain<\/strong>, Hazelton Mountains, British Columbia, Canada 7-27-23<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

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

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

John Stolk’s Trip Report (9-6-17)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Hudson Bay Mountain, Hazelton Mountains, British Columbia, Canada – The Crater Lake Trail & Beyond! (8-7-22)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Directions:<\/strong> <\/span>At the village of Telkwa turn W off Yellowhead Hwy No. 16 onto Harkin Road.\u00a0 Harkin Road goes 1 block, makes a 90\u00ba L turn running straight into Coal Mine Road, which immediately crosses a bridge over the Bulkley River.<\/em><\/p>\n

Proceed SW on paved Coal Mine Road for 4 miles to a fork.\u00a0 Take the R branch of the fork.\u00a0 You are now on Aveling Coal Mine Road.\u00a0 There is a green and white street sign in the bushes on the R after making this turn, but it parallels the road and is not visible before making the turn.<\/em><\/p>\n

The pavement ends 100 meters beyond this turn.\u00a0 After 6 miles, Aveling Coal Mine Road crosses the Telkwa River.\u00a0 (Campsites on the R.)\u00a0 5 miles beyond this bridge, Road No. 116 appears on the R.<\/em><\/p>\n

Do not take No. 116.\u00a0 Continue straight 2 miles to another fork at a flat spot with plenty of room to turn around.\u00a0 The road curving uphill to the R is Microwave Road.\u00a0 At various points Microwave Road becomes steep, narrow, rocky, full of potholes, switchbacks, etc.\u00a0 As per Stolk’s TR, any 2WD vehicle with decent clearance can make it.\u00a0 Follow Microwave Road 7.5 miles to a short spur on the L leading to the microwave tower.<\/em><\/p>\n

Welcome to your trailhead!\u00a0 <\/em>Distances given are +\/- one mile.<\/em><\/p>\n

Want more Lupe adve<\/em>ntures?\u00a0\u00a0Choose from Lupe’s Summer of 2023 Dingo Vacations to Colorado, New Mexico, Canada & Alaska Adventure Index<\/strong><\/span><\/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":"

Day 5 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2023 Dingo Vacation to Canada & Alaska! 7:58 AM, Aveling Coal Mine Road, SW of Telkwa – Immediately after crossing the bridge over the Telkwa River, sure enough, there was a side road off to the R.\u00a0 Without driving down it, SPHP parked the RAV4. C’mon, Loopster!\u00a0 Let’s … Continue reading Telkwa Microwave Mountain, Hazelton Mountains, British Columbia, Canada (7-27-23)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":53611,"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":[1659],"tags":[105,79,30,106,26,1697,104,1696],"class_list":["post-53647","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-1659","tag-american-dingo","tag-british-columbia","tag-canada","tag-carolina-dog","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-hazelton-mountains","tag-lupe","tag-telkwa-microwave-mountain"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/IMG_1588-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\/53647","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=53647"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/53647\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":54519,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/53647\/revisions\/54519"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/53611"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=53647"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=53647"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=53647"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}