{"id":55105,"date":"2024-10-12T08:10:11","date_gmt":"2024-10-12T14:10:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=55105"},"modified":"2024-10-24T12:35:45","modified_gmt":"2024-10-24T18:35:45","slug":"mount-fairplay-alaska-8-2-23","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=55105","title":{"rendered":"Mount Fairplay, Alaska (8-2-23)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Part 2 of Day 11 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2023 Dingo Vacation to Canada & Alaska!<\/em><\/p>\n

2:37 PM, Taylor Highway at the Mount Fairplay Wayside<\/em> – Discouraging!\u00a0 That’s what the first faint view of Mount Fairplay<\/span><\/a> (5,541 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> dimly seen in the distance amid a sea of smoke had been, but the mountain was considerably closer now.<\/p>\n

The smoke doesn’t look that bad from here, SPHP.\u00a0 Let’s go for it!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mount Fairplay<\/strong> (R of Center) from the Taylor Highway<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Taylor Highway information<\/strong> posted at the Mount Fairplay Wayside.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Oh, we’re going to, Loopster!\u00a0 The way this Dingo Vacation has been going, we’re climbing anything that’s even marginal, unless and until we can find clearer skies.\u00a0 Besides, it’s been nearly 4 years since we’ve been up on Mount Fairplay, and I’m really looking forward to it.<\/em><\/p>\n

3:40 PM, 69\u00baF, Taylor Highway, MP 32.8<\/em> – SPHP nearly had the backpack ready to go when a caribou suddenly emerged from the bushes on the opposite side of the road, and began trotting N.\u00a0 Still relaxing on her pink blanket in the RAV4, Lupe didn’t see the caribou until SPHP pointed it out.\u00a0 An immediate, enthusiastic barking fit ensued, spurring the caribou to pick up its pace before once again vanishing among the bushes.<\/p>\n

Let me out, SPHP!\u00a0 A caribou!<\/em><\/p>\n

I know, it was awesome, Loop!\u00a0 Trotted right past me.\u00a0 Gone now, though, so forget it.\u00a0 You know, if you’re interested in wildlife, maybe being a bit more subtle would help.\u00a0 In any case, we’ve got a mountain to climb!<\/em><\/p>\n

SPHP opened the door, and Lupe hopped out.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mount Fairplay<\/strong> (L) from the pullout at milepost 32.8. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I’ve never seen Mount Fairplay looking so green before, SPHP.\u00a0 Usually it’s a mountain of gold!<\/em><\/p>\n

That’s because we’ve never been here this early in the season before.\u00a0 Another 2 or 3 weeks, and it won’t look like summer anymore.\u00a0 A month, and the colors will be amazing.\u00a0 Actually better then, Looper, but it is what it is, and we’re here now.\u00a0 So, onward!\u00a0 Puppy ho!<\/em><\/p>\n

SPHP crossed the highway and started up into the bushes, but the American Dingo hung back near the RAV4.\u00a0 In full sun and a fur coat on a warm day, suddenly Lupe wasn’t nearly as motivated as she’d been only moments ago when the caribou had been here.<\/p>\n

You coming, Loopster?\u00a0 Or are you suffering from PCDS?<\/em><\/p>\n

PCDS?\u00a0 What’s that, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Post-Caribou Depression Syndrome.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, I see.\u00a0 Yes, I think I’ve got some PCDS, SPHP, but mainly I’m just kind of hot.<\/em><\/p>\n

We’ll take it slow and easy, Looper, so you don’t get overheated.\u00a0 As far as the PCDS goes, who knows?\u00a0 We might see more caribou during the trek up Mount Fairplay.\u00a0 That would be a surefire cure, wouldn’t it?<\/em><\/p>\n

Somewhat encouraged, Lupe followed at a distance while playing her stalking game.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog repeatedly sat in whatever shade she could find, semi-hidden among the bushes until SPHP was out of sight, before pursuing and catching up.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Setting out for Mount Fairplay<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Although it didn’t look like much, a mildly steep slope forming the first part of the ascent was actually the most difficult.\u00a0 The bushes down near the highway were taller and thicker, and a band of alders above them presented even more challenges.\u00a0 Lupe enjoyed the shade and had no problem slinking between them, but SPHP had to force a way through.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Enjoying the shade of the alders.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Fortunately, the alders weren’t that big yet, and didn’t extend too far up the slope.\u00a0 SPHP managed to get past them, and progress improved as Lupe headed for the toe of a vast, gentler slope extending ESE toward a saddle on Mount Fairplay’s broad, gently rounded S ridge.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Above and beyond the alders looking back at the RAV4 (L of Center) down at the pullout along the Taylor Highway. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On the lower end of the gentle slope leading to the saddle on the S ridge<\/strong> (Center). Mount Fairplay<\/strong> (L). Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The bushes were quite a bit smaller up on the long, gentle slope, which looked like an easy stroll.\u00a0 However, prior experience had shown that the march higher wasn’t going to be as easy as it appeared.\u00a0 The tundra was very thick and spongy, making each step much more of an effort than it should have been.\u00a0 Walking on the giant slope was like taking a trek on an enormous marshmallow.\u00a0 Furthermore, although Lupe had never run into mosquitoes on Mount Fairplay before, they were here in such numbers today that SPHP finally had to break out the Deet.<\/p>\n

The most significant obstacle, though, grew in great abundance.\u00a0 Wild blueberries were everywhere!\u00a0 Juicy, but their tartness this early in the season helped SPHP avoid becoming ensnarled in the blueberry trap for too long, although SPHP wouldn’t have objected to such an outcome in the least, if they’d been a little sweeter.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Wild blueberries.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The long trudge higher went on with frequent short breaks, mostly due to the amount of effort required by the sponginess of the tundra.\u00a0 This slope usually had some nice water holes Lupe could take advantage of on it, but they were nearly all dry today.\u00a0 Didn’t really matter, since SPHP had brought plenty of water along.\u00a0 Just another indication of how hot and dry this summer had been in the far N.<\/p>\n

Lupe eventually gave up on her stalking game.\u00a0 Hard to stay hidden on such an open slope!\u00a0 As the American Dingo gained elevation, the sky above looked quite blue, but smoke marred the views in all directions, especially toward the W.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Glancing back down the long, gentle slope. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The terrain eventually began to steepen.\u00a0 Lupe came to firmer ground amid collections of rocks.\u00a0 For a while, big cumulus clouds boiling up E of the mountain caused some concern.\u00a0 SPHP kept an eye on them as Lupe continued higher.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On somewhat steeper, rockier terrain. Mount Fairplay<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Soon Mount Fairplay’s S ridge was directly ahead.\u00a0 This was the steepest part of the climb.\u00a0 Nothing to it, really.\u00a0 With many lanes of tundra to chose from, Lupe easily avoided most of the rocks.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the S ridge<\/strong> (Center). Mount Fairplay<\/strong> (L). Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Starting the S ridge ascent. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Mount Fairplay<\/strong> (Center) from partway up. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A smoky glance back at the Taylor Highway<\/strong>, dimly seen below, from the top of the steepest part of the climb. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Once the rate of climb started to diminish, the American Dingo could have angled NE more directly toward Mount Fairplay.\u00a0 Instead, Lupe stuck with tradition and kept climbing E onto the S ridge.\u00a0 This region was all a mix of fairly rocky terrain and thinner, much firmer tundra, which made progress significantly easier than down below.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mount Fairplay<\/strong> (Center) as seen from rockier terrain while still on the way up to the S ridge<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Upon reaching the crest of the ridge, Mount Fairplay’s summit was less than 0.33 mile N.\u00a0 To the S, the broad ridge led to a rough rock formation Lupe had once explored after her 2018 ascent<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.\u00a0 Unfortunately, with such a late start, that bit of fun wasn’t going to be in the cards again today.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mount Fairplay<\/strong> (Center) from the S ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The dark, rugged rock formation<\/strong> (R of Center) Lupe had once explored. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Of the slightly more than 2000 feet of elevation gain required to reach the top of Mount Fairplay, less than 300 feet remained.\u00a0 Even though this final ascent was the rockiest part of the entire trek, it wasn’t difficult at all.\u00a0 Faint use trails ran among the rocks, often following narrow lanes of tundra that existed even this far up the mountain.<\/p>\n

For most of the climb, Lupe stayed toward the E edge of the slope.\u00a0 Once near the top, she entered the summit region from the SW, her traditional approach which had always seemed easiest.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Starting the final ascent. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Getting close to the top along the E edge<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the towers of the summit region from along the W edge. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

6:54 PM, 66\u00b0F, Mount Fairplay<\/span><\/a> (5,541 ft.)<\/span><\/strong><\/em> – Lupe stood atop a low wall of rock just N of the collection of towers and a metal shed near the S end of the rocky, but otherwise flat plain comprising the summit region.\u00a0 A white wooden pole jutted up from her back.\u00a0 This low wall, although not natural, had always seemed like the highest point despite a number of boulders near the E edge that were very close to the same elevation.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the low rock wall about the highest point on Mount Fairplay<\/strong>. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Great to be back on Mount Fairplay again, isn’t it, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Sure is, Loopster!\u00a0 Congratulations on your 4th ascent here!\u00a0 Even though Mount Fairplay is just a big hill, I’ve always liked it ever since we first saw it way off in the distance back in 2017.\u00a0 From this angle, though, it looks like you’ve been skewered on a stick.<\/em><\/p>\n

I suppose so, SPHP.\u00a0 What happened to the tower that used to be over by that pole?<\/em><\/p>\n

Apparently someone removed it, Loop, but I have no idea why, or exactly what purpose it served in the first place.<\/em><\/p>\n

After a glance at the smoky views to the SE, Lupe headed over to the white wooden pole.\u00a0 About a foot in diameter and 9 feet tall, it was firmly cemented into the ground.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The smoky view to the SE from the same rock wall.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
By the white, wooden pole. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Any idea what this is for, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Uh, no.\u00a0 That’s even less clear than the reason the former tower was here, Loopster.\u00a0 The tower probably had something to do with communications or the weather.<\/em><\/p>\n

Stumped by the tall, skinny stump then, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

You might say that.\u00a0 Have to admit that nothing that makes any sense comes to mind, Looper.\u00a0 Shall we go see if the Mount Fairplay survey marker is still over near the N end of the summit region?<\/em><\/p>\n

Sure enough, the survey marker, a directional one pointing toward a benchmark that SPHP had never been able to find, was still there.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe standing next to the brass survey marker<\/strong>. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The “Mt. Fairplay” directional marker<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Near the survey marker was a view of distant hills and ridges to the N, smoky like in all other directions.\u00a0 The last time Lupe had been here in 2019, she’d gone down the mountain this way, a considerably longer route, but also leading to another fun exploration.\u00a0 Suddenly that day seemed simultaneously like only yesterday and a very long time ago.<\/p>\n

The self-conflicted thought produced a wave of melancholy that swept over SPHP.\u00a0 Would have been nice to sit here along the N edge of the summit region pondering the view, but the air was dead calm.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The view to the N as Lupe stands directly over the survey marker. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

About time for a chocolate coconut bar, isn’t it, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yup!\u00a0 But the bugs are kind of bad here.\u00a0 Let’s go over to the W edge where there’s more of a breeze, Looper.\u00a0 We’ll split one over there.<\/em><\/p>\n

Midway along the W edge, a patch of tundra provided a soft spot where Lupe could lay down in comfort.\u00a0 The chocolate coconut bar, the only food SPHP had brought along, turned out to be half melted.\u00a0 After the sticky mess was consumed, Lupe eagerly licked soft chocolate off the empty wrapper as SPHP held it open for her.<\/p>\n

The light breeze out of the W actually did help to some extent.\u00a0 The bugs weren’t as bad here.\u00a0 Sitting together, the long green slope the Carolina Dog had come up was in sight far below.\u00a0 Once familiar hills and long ridges to the W were only dimly seen in the distance as if in a dream, and higher mountains that should have been visible far to the SW were completely hidden in the murk.<\/p>\n

Overhead, the big cumulus clouds that had been building up during the ascent had shriveled away and sailed off to the E, no longer posing even a theoretical threat.\u00a0 Once upon a time, a squirrel that had mysteriously found it’s way up here had eluded Lupe by scrambling to the top of a pole over by the towers at the S end of the summit region, but nothing stirred today.<\/p>\n

As if sedated by chocolate, Lupe’s eyes grew heavy.\u00a0 She put her head down and closed them.\u00a0 SPHP wrapped the purple Columbia pullover around her so she could doze in comfort.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Napping along the W edge<\/strong>. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For a long time, SPHP sat there staring off into the haze while cradling Lupe’s head, stroking her soft fur and ears, and occasionally kissing her sweet nose, all the while speaking quietly of prior grand adventures both here at Mount Fairplay and elsewhere.<\/p>\n

Had coming here been a mistake?\u00a0 The air quality seemed barely any better in Alaska than it had been back in the Yukon.\u00a0 Didn’t matter, the die was cast.\u00a0 The decision had been made.\u00a0 Lupe’s search for clear blue, or at least smoke-free, skies would continue.\u00a0 Whatever happened, being here on Mount Fairplay again was no mistake.\u00a0 Quite the contrary!\u00a0 This fleeting moment in time was both rare and precious.\u00a0 Best to relax and simply enjoy being here together again for as long as possible.<\/p>\n

SPHP remembered the golden tundra, explorations in various directions, and brilliant fall colors of prior visits.\u00a0 On Lupe’s first night down along the Taylor Highway, an orange then yellow then white moon had come sneaking up over the S ridge in the middle of the night.\u00a0 For the first time ever, Lupe had seen an impressive display of the ghostly green aurora borealis dance among the stars.<\/p>\n

8:21 PM<\/em> –\u00a0 Gosh!\u00a0 Guess I dozed off, SPHP.\u00a0 What’s going on?<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, not too much, Loopster.\u00a0 Just been sitting here enjoying what can be seen of the views.\u00a0 You’ve had quite the snooze!<\/em><\/p>\n

I had some of the most beautiful dreams, SPHP!\u00a0 Mount Fairplay is sort of a magical place, isn’t it?<\/em><\/p>\n

Couldn’t agree more, Looper!<\/em><\/p>\n

That Dingo nap did me some good.\u00a0 I’m feeling more energetic, SPHP.\u00a0 How much longer until our traditional summit hour is over?<\/em><\/p>\n

Almost half an hour ago, Loop.<\/em><\/p>\n

Half an hour ago?\u00a0 I must really have been zonked, SPHP.\u00a0 Guess it’s time to go, isn’t it?<\/em><\/p>\n

Afraid so, sweet puppy.\u00a0 Before we depart, though, mind if we take a stroll around the perimeter of the summit region, just for a final look?<\/em><\/p>\n

The Carolina Dog had no objections – wouldn’t take that long.\u00a0 In fact, Lupe seemed to enjoy her clockwise summit tour along the W edge back to the N end, then past the boulders along the E edge, and back to the towers near the S end as much as SPHP did.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mount Fairplay’s S ridge<\/strong> (L) from the NE edge<\/strong>. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Near the towers at the S end of the summit region<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On one of the highest boulders at the S end. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A final glance back before beginning the descent. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

8:37 PM – Lupe stood on a boulder mottled black, gray, green, and white in becoming fashion by various types of lichens.\u00a0 Beyond and below the American Dingo were the dark rock formation along Mount Fairplay’s S ridge, a vast open region of rolling hills, and the long green slope leading back to the highway.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Final moments in the summit region. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Hate to say it, but I guess this is it for Mount Fairplay in 2023, Loopster.\u00a0 No telling how long it might be before we’re back here again, if ever.\u00a0 You ready to head down?<\/em><\/p>\n

Mount Fairplay is awesome, and will always be a favorite place, but I am ready, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Starting down. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The descent was a joyful, easy romp made exciting by the discovery of another caribou that Lupe detected long before SPHP did.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Back down on the S ridge. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Near the end of what suddenly seemed a perfect day despite the smoke, an American Dingo still roamed happy and free across the verdant lower slopes of Mount Fairplay as a yellow orange sun sank toward the wild blue gray hills on the WNW horizon.\u00a0 (End 10:07 PM, 60\u00baF)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mount Fairplay<\/strong>, Alaska 8-2-23<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

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

Lupe’s Scrollable GPS Track<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/a> (ascent only)<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Lost Chicken Hill & Mount Fairplay (8-19-19)<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Mount Fairplay near Chicken, Alaska (8-25-18)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Mount Fairplay & Chicken, Alaska to the Top of the World Highway & Dawson City, Yukon Territory (9-2-17 & 9-3-17)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/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":"

Part 2 of Day 11 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2023 Dingo Vacation to Canada & Alaska! 2:37 PM, Taylor Highway at the Mount Fairplay Wayside – Discouraging!\u00a0 That’s what the first faint view of Mount Fairplay (5,541 ft.) dimly seen in the distance amid a sea of smoke had been, but the mountain was … Continue reading Mount Fairplay, Alaska (8-2-23)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":55093,"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":[704,105,106,26,104,959,960],"class_list":["post-55105","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-1659","tag-alaska","tag-american-dingo","tag-carolina-dog","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-lupe","tag-mount-fairplay","tag-taylor-highway"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_1801-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\/55105","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=55105"}],"version-history":[{"count":20,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/55105\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":55792,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/55105\/revisions\/55792"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/55093"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=55105"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=55105"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=55105"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}