{"id":55499,"date":"2024-10-24T08:10:17","date_gmt":"2024-10-24T14:10:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=55499"},"modified":"2024-11-05T12:15:02","modified_gmt":"2024-11-05T19:15:02","slug":"mastodon-dome-alaska-8-4-23","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=55499","title":{"rendered":"Mastodon Dome, Alaska (8-4-23)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Days 12 & 13 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2023 Dingo Vacation to Canada & Alaska!<\/em><\/p>\n

8-3-23, 8:31 PM, Eagle Summit Wayside<\/em> – After writing for nearly 2.5 hours, SPHP put the pen down.<\/p>\n

Trip journal’s caught up, Loopster.\u00a0 Want to take a sniff up to the first hill along the Pinnell Mountain National Recreation Trail<\/strong><\/a><\/span> for a look at tomorrow’s objective?<\/em><\/p>\n

Having been stuck in the RAV4 practically all day during the long drive from Mount Fairplay<\/strong><\/span><\/a> to Fairbanks, then E along the Steese Highway, the American Dingo responded enthusiastically.<\/p>\n

Thought you’d never ask, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
About to set off for the first hill<\/strong> (Center) along the Pinnell Mountain National Recreation Trail<\/strong>. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Didn’t take Lupe long to get up the first hill.\u00a0 The view toward the NW was the most interesting and encouraging.<\/p>\n

There’s Porcupine Dome<\/span><\/a> (4,915 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, SPHP!\u00a0 Remember being up there last year, and the spectacular sunset from Pinnell Mountain<\/span><\/a> (4,934 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> that evening?<\/em><\/p>\n

Sure do, Loop!\u00a0 You should have gotten to climb Porcupine Dome a second time the next day, if that frigid fog and rain hadn’t move in overnight while we snoozed in your tiny house.<\/em><\/p>\n

Don’t remind me!\u00a0 That was a miserable trek back, SPHP.\u00a0 I got soaked in that cold mist.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Pinnell Mountain<\/strong> (L), Peak 4350<\/strong> (L of Center), Porcupine Dome<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Despite this evening’s clouds, getting soaked seemed to be the least of Lupe’s worries this year.\u00a0 The far N was in a severe drought.\u00a0 Scarcely a drop of rain anywhere!\u00a0 Wildfire smoke first encountered in British Columbia had driven Lupe out of the Yukon only yesterday, and today’s drive in Alaska had been through smoke for hundreds of miles.<\/p>\n

This afternoon, the smoke had been especially bad near the Tanana River on the way to Fairbanks.\u00a0 Only once well E of Fairbanks along the Steese Highway had there been any relief.\u00a0 Happily, for the first time in many days, the air had been perfectly clear at Twelvemile Wayside.\u00a0 The clean air toward Porcupine Dome was truly a beautiful sight.<\/p>\n

However, there still hadn’t been a drop of rain, and smoke wasn’t all that far away.\u00a0 Even now, looking SE toward Mastodon Dome<\/span><\/a> (4,418 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, a certain amount of haze was present.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mastodon Dome<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Hope the smoke isn’t any worse tomorrow, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

Me too, Looper.\u00a0 Good chance it will be, though.\u00a0 The W wind’s supposed to push the smoke this way.\u00a0 Nothing we can do about it, except wait and see.\u00a0 Want to go a little farther?<\/em><\/p>\n

It’s a beautiful evening, SPHP.\u00a0 Let’s do it!<\/em><\/p>\n

Taking the short spur trail back down to the main one, Lupe then went as far as the next big, barren hill to the NW.\u00a0 This gently rounded hill was almost featureless other than a small rocky ridge just W of the trail.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog scrambled up for a look around before turning back.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 4350<\/strong> (Center), Porcupine Dome<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The sun still hadn’t set, so Lupe returned briefly to the first hill on the way back to the Eagle Summit Wayside.\u00a0 The RAV4 was visible as a tiny blue dot down at the parking lot.\u00a0 A big plateau was on the opposite side of the Steese Highway.\u00a0 That was Eagle Summit<\/span><\/a> (4,000 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, first objective along her journey to Mastodon Dome tomorrow, smoke permitting.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Back on the first hill shortly before sunset. Pinnell Mountain<\/strong> (L), Peak 4350<\/strong> (L of Center), Porcupine Dome<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Eagle Summit Wayside<\/strong> (L of Center), Eagle Summit<\/strong> (R). Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

8-4-23, 6:34 AM, Eagle Summit Wayside<\/em> – Incredible!\u00a0 A darkly overcast sky, especially to the S & W, and mist on the windshield.\u00a0 Lupe left the RAV4 to sniff the air, SPHP following.<\/p>\n

Sheesh!\u00a0 Looks like rain!\u00a0 Last thing I was expecting, Loop.\u00a0 I was afraid the air would be thick with smoke again this morning.<\/em><\/p>\n

This is great news, SPHP!\u00a0 Let’s hope for a monsoon to put the fires out.<\/em><\/p>\n

One extreme to the next, aye, Loopster?\u00a0 No, you’re right, rain would be a real blessing.\u00a0 Can use all we can get at the moment.<\/em><\/p>\n

As if on command, a light rain commenced.\u00a0 Lupe leapt back into the RAV4.<\/p>\n

Mastodon Dome will have to wait, SPHP.\u00a0 I’m going back to sleep.<\/em><\/p>\n

I’ll meet you in Dingo Dreamland, Looper.<\/em><\/p>\n

8-4-23, 8:26 AM, 55\u00baF, Eagle Summit Wayside<\/em> – A big patch of blue sky was over by Porcupine Dome.\u00a0 Still overcast and gray elsewhere, but not as darkly as before.\u00a0 Sadly, the rain hadn’t amounted to much.<\/p>\n

Mastodon Dome time, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

So it is, Sweet Puppy!\u00a0 Let me finish getting the pack ready, and we’ll be off.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Eagle Summit<\/strong> (L) and Mastodon Dome<\/strong> (far R) from the Eagle Summit Wayside<\/strong>. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Near the end of the short hike down to the Steese Highway from the Eagle Summit Wayside, an odd white metal shed sat off to the L.\u00a0 Very sturdy, it appeared to be some sort of refrigeration or cold storage unit.\u00a0 Curious, SPHP turned the handle and looked inside.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
By the odd, white shed.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What’s in there, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Only a few scraps of lumber, and graffiti on the walls, Loopster.<\/em><\/p>\n

That’s it?\u00a0 Nothing worthwhile?<\/em><\/p>\n

Actually, there is, Loop.\u00a0 The graffiti includes a poem called “Windy Trail”.<\/em><\/p>\n

Let’s hear it, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

Windy Trail<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Scat scattered on a windy trail.<\/span><\/p>\n

A yellow flower from a rainy vale.<\/span><\/p>\n

The alpine ridge proves life frail.<\/span><\/p>\n

Summits seem to sing and wail.<\/span><\/p>\n

Windy voices telling a tale?<\/span><\/p>\n

Or nature’s reminder it will prevail.<\/span><\/p>\n

Life back home tends to pale,<\/span><\/p>\n

Every time I’m on this windy trail.<\/span><\/p>\n

Friday, August 13, 1993 – GSM<\/span><\/p>\n

So, what do you think of it, Loopster?<\/em><\/p>\n

Not exactly The Raven<\/strong><\/span><\/a> by Edgar Allen Poe, but I like it, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

Me, too!\u00a0 Certainly better than I could do.\u00a0 Just think – another 9 days and “Windy Trails” will be 30 years old!\u00a0 Lots of people must have seen it by now.\u00a0 Well, being way out here in rural Alaska, at least a few.<\/em><\/p>\n

Post it to my blog and GSM will become famous, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Hah!\u00a0 Maybe.\u00a0 A lot of good it will do GSM, anyway.\u00a0 Probably dead by now.<\/em><\/p>\n

The fate of many an author, SPHP.\u00a0 After creating a masterpiece, it’s death first, fame later.<\/em><\/p>\n

I know the feeling, Looper.<\/em><\/p>\n

Regardless of the merits or faults of “Windy Trail”, it was time to move on.\u00a0 Reaching the Steese Highway, Lupe followed it a short distance NE to where a muddy lane left the highway at the base of Eagle Summit’s NW slope.\u00a0 Crossing the ditch along this lane, the American Dingo started up.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the Steese Highway<\/strong> shortly before leaving it at the white posts ahead on the R. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Ascending Eagle Summit’s NW slope<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

8-4-23, 9:09 AM, Eagle Summit<\/span><\/a> (4,000 ft.)<\/span><\/strong><\/em> – Gaining 300 feet of elevation during a steady, relatively steep climb up the featureless tundra-covered slope, Lupe reached the edge of a vast summit plain.\u00a0 A loose cairn sat only a little S of where she’d come up.\u00a0 Investigation revealed nothing of interest other than the view NW back toward the Eagle Summit Wayside, with Peak 4350<\/span><\/strong> and Porcupine Dome<\/span><\/a> (4,915 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> beyond.<\/p>\n

Blue sky was spreading quite rapidly in that direction, although it was still cloudy everywhere else.\u00a0 Despite the early morning rain showers, a layer of smoke was visible draped over the mountains, brought in by a 10 mph breeze out of the W.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Hill Lupe visited yesterday evening<\/strong> (L), Peak 4350<\/strong> (Center), Porcupine Dome<\/strong> (R). Eagle Summit Wayside<\/strong> (L of Center). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The plain wasn’t completely flat.\u00a0 The highest ground on Eagle Summit was clearly toward the E, so Lupe ventured over that way.\u00a0 She found nothing at all here, except a view of a series of barren, blue gray hills and ridges softened by haze.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading toward the highest ground on Eagle Summit<\/strong>. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The view from Eagle Summit’s true summit<\/strong>. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Not a tree or bush on any of those hills, SPHP.\u00a0 It all looks so vast and empty, like we could keep going forever!<\/em><\/p>\n

Many of the valleys are forested, Loop, but we’re above treeline.\u00a0 Mastodon Dome has been on your list of possibilities for several years now.\u00a0 I used to wonder how hard it would be to wander through the forest for miles to get to it.\u00a0 Then, when we finally came here last year and visited Porcupine Dome and Pinnell Mountain, I realized there was nothing to this.\u00a0 We start out already in the alpine, and enjoy sweeping views every step of the way!<\/em><\/p>\n

Makes for an easy, scenic romp, SPHP!\u00a0 Plus, it ought to be a cinch to spot any mastodons that come sauntering along our route.<\/em><\/p>\n

Indubitably!\u00a0 I’m really looking forward to seeing an enormous herd of mastodons.\u00a0 Hope we don’t run into any saber-tooth tigers, though!<\/em><\/p>\n

Don’t sweat it, SPHP.\u00a0 You’re traveling with a saber-toothed Dingo!<\/em><\/p>\n

Not sure those little canines qualify as saber teeth, Looper.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, really?\u00a0 Here, let me bite you, SPHP.\u00a0 Then tell me what you think.<\/em><\/p>\n

Uh, no.\u00a0 Kind of you to offer, but I’ll pass.\u00a0 However, you are now officially in charge of dispensing with any saber-tooth tigers we run into.<\/em><\/p>\n

Mastodon Dome was already in sight, still more than 4 miles SSE as the crow flies.\u00a0 Without further ado, Lupe trotted S, sniffing and roaming as she pleased across the Eagle Summit plain.<\/p>\n

Near the S end of this vast plateau, the American Dingo came across an old jeep trail, apparently a continuation of the muddy track where Lupe had left the Steese Highway.\u00a0 The jeep trail headed SE down to the first of 3 broad saddles she would cross on the way to Mastodon Dome.\u00a0 During this first descent, nearly all of the elevation gained while climbing Eagle Summit was lost again.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Near the S end of Eagle Summit<\/strong>. Mastodon Dome<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A glimpse of the first big saddle<\/strong> (L of Center) ahead. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Checking for mastodons and saber tooth tigers. None yet!<\/em> Mastodon Dome<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On the old jeep trail, heading down to the first saddle. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Steepest part of the descent. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Crossing the big saddle, part of the jeep trail was muddy again, with ruts full of standing water.\u00a0 Abandoning the road, SPHP avoided the goopiest stretches, simply venturing over the tundra.\u00a0 Fortunately, no large boggy regions were encountered, although things might have been different if this hadn’t been such a hot, dry summer.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking back at the SE end of Eagle Summit<\/strong> (Center & R) after crossing the saddle. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Once across this first saddle. the jeep trail began climbing the next big ridge.\u00a0 The rate of climb was pretty easy, and got even easier once Lupe regained some of her lost elevation.\u00a0 The terrain nearly leveled out for a while.\u00a0 More muddy stretches appeared along the road, although most of it was fine.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading up the next huge ridge. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The road eventually curved SW.\u00a0 Beyond a flat section, it climbed to a more elevated portion of the plateau.\u00a0 Once on top, the jeep trail then turned S, by-passing HP4110<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 Not wanting to miss the highest spot along this part of the journey, Lupe left the road to pay HP4110<\/span><\/strong> a brief visit.<\/p>\n

There had been occasional glimpses of another, more pointed peak E of Mastodon Dome.\u00a0 From HP4110<\/span><\/strong>, Lupe had a better view of it.\u00a0 From this distance, it remained hard to tell which was higher, the pointy peak or Mastodon Dome?<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching a more elevated portion of the plateau. HP4110<\/strong> (far R). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Peak 4222<\/strong> (L), Mastodon Dome<\/strong> (R) from HP4110<\/strong>. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Returning to the jeep trail, Lupe followed it during a gradual descent to the next saddle.\u00a0 This second saddle was much shallower than the first one, so elevation loss wasn’t all that significant.\u00a0 Wet spots continued to provide the only obstacles, still forcing occasional off-road forays.\u00a0 Lupe enjoyed getting drinks from various water holes, but most of the time she made rapid progress on firm, dry ground.<\/p>\n

The old jeep trail began fading away, except in the damp regions, even before Lupe reached the second saddle.\u00a0 With an enormous amount of room to roam in, and the general route to Mastodon Dome completely obvious, losing the road now and then really didn’t matter at all.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading toward the second saddle as the jeep trail begins to fade. Peak 4222<\/strong> (Center), Mastodon Dome<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Near a puddle after descending into the 2nd saddle<\/strong>. HP4110<\/strong> (far R). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The route turned SE crossing the second saddle, then began curving back to the S as Lupe started up again at the far end.\u00a0 A stream ran down the jeep trail here, once more making its route completely obvious.\u00a0 After a short climb, the ridge flattened out.\u00a0 Mastodons continued to be scarce.\u00a0 The only wildlife was a small bird that kept running across the plain ahead of Lupe.<\/p>\n

What kind of a bird is that, SPHP?\u00a0 It doesn’t even like to fly!<\/em><\/p>\n

Don’t really know, Loop.\u00a0 Haven’t seen any like it in Alaska before.\u00a0 If I had to guess, maybe it’s some kind of plover?<\/em><\/p>\n

With the help of the telephoto lens, SPHP made several attempts to get a decent photo, but all the images turned out fuzzy.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Following a stream on the road while climbing out of the 2nd saddle. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A plover of some sort? SPHP didn’t know.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Although not specifically marked as such on the topo map, a second HP4110<\/span><\/strong> was situated near the S end of this next flat stretch.\u00a0 Lupe was getting close to it, when she came across a metal rod sticking 4 or 5 feet out of the ground.\u00a0 A foot long block of wood was attached to the top.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
By the odd marker<\/strong> on the way to the S HP4110<\/strong> (far R). Peak 4222<\/strong> (L), Mastodon Dome<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What’s this for, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

SPHP examined the block of wood.\u00a0 Any paint had peeled away ages ago.<\/p>\n

Dunno, Looper.\u00a0 Clearly a marker of some sort.\u00a0 Maybe it had something to do with the old road?<\/em><\/p>\n

So glad I bring you along on these magnificent adventures, SPHP.\u00a0 You’re a veritable encyclopedia of information, aren’t you?<\/em><\/p>\n

From the S HP4110<\/span><\/strong>, the third and final saddle leading to Mastodon Dome was visible ahead.\u00a0 While this was a steeper, more substantial drop like the first saddle had been, the entire route going the rest of the way clear up to Mastodon Dome’s summit looked like cake.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 4222<\/strong> (L) & Mastodon Dome<\/strong> (R) from the S HP4110<\/strong>. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A little steep near the end, but appears we’ve got it made, Loopster!\u00a0 Before long, we’ll be way up on Mastodon Dome!<\/em><\/p>\n

Incredibly disappointing, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

What!\u00a0 Why?<\/em><\/p>\n

All this way and not a single mastodon anywhere, SPHP!\u00a0 One bird, what’s that?\u00a0 I’d hoped to see huge herds of ancient, shaggy mammoths stomping across these stupendous ridges, devouring everything in sight!<\/em><\/p>\n

Looks like they’ve pretty much been here and done that, Loop.\u00a0 Not much left to eat on these ridges, especially if you’re as big as a mastodon.<\/em><\/p>\n

We haven’t even seen a single discarded ivory tusk, SPHP.\u00a0 At least that would have been something!<\/em><\/p>\n

Have to agree with you there, Loop.\u00a0 A tusk would be a real find!\u00a0 Even one fresh mammoth tusk might be worth a fortune on the black market.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, right!\u00a0 Like we could actually cash in.\u00a0 Doubt you could find your way to a black market at midnight, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

Suppose you’re right, Loopster, but how are you supposed to find them, if they’re so dark?\u00a0 Anyway, let’s keep going.\u00a0 Might still be some mammoths on Mastodon Dome.\u00a0 We aren’t there yet.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading down to the third & final saddle. Mastodon Dome<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Near the final saddle’s low point, Lupe made an unexpected discovery.\u00a0 A heap of rusty metal trash, several pieces of which were quite large and heavy, sat over toward the W edge.\u00a0 Some of the debris appeared to have melted in a fire and resolidified.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
By the metal junk heap. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Suppose there’s no point in asking you what this once was, is there, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Uh, no.\u00a0 All I can tell you, Loop, is that it doesn’t belong here.\u00a0 On the way back, I’ll pack out as much as I can for proper disposal.<\/em><\/p>\n

You’ll hardly make a dent in it, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

I know, but every little bit helps.<\/em><\/p>\n

The biggest climb of the entire journey was now directly ahead.\u00a0 From the bottom of the third saddle, the top of Mastodon Dome loomed more than 500 feet above, really not all that much for a peakbagging Dingo.\u00a0 Full of confidence, Lupe started up the final tundra-covered slope.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Starting up. Mastodon Dome<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Halfway up, suddenly there was some excitement!\u00a0 Spotting movement, Lupe dashed away.\u00a0 No, not mastodons – caribou!\u00a0 Having noticed Lupe and SPHP’s approach, 3 caribou were running S along Mastodon Dome’s NE slope.\u00a0 They vanished over a ridge long before the American Dingo got anywhere near them.\u00a0 Lupe came racing back.<\/p>\n

C’mon, SPHP!\u00a0 Caribou!<\/em><\/p>\n

I know, I saw them, Loopster.\u00a0 I’m coming!<\/em><\/p>\n

When SPHP finally managed to reach the point where the caribou had vanished, Lupe began whining in frustration.<\/p>\n

There they are, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Sure enough.\u00a0 The caribou were already way over on Mastodon Dome’s S ridge, now mere dots in the distance.\u00a0 Moments later, they vanished over that ridge, too.<\/p>\n

Seeing the caribou breathed new spirit into Lupe.\u00a0 Greatly excited, with renewed confidence in the possibilities Mastodon Dome might have in store, the Carolina Dog sniffed her way higher.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
In the vicinity where the caribou were when Lupe first spotted them. Mastodon Dome<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The climb steepened and got a little rockier.\u00a0 Vestiges of the old jeep trail reappeared for the first time in a while.\u00a0 Apparently it had once gone clear to the top.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the steepest part of Mastodon Dome’s N slope<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Enough to make SPHP huff and puff, but Mastodon Dome’s N slope never even got close to steep enough to cause the least bit of concern.\u00a0 Near the top, the rate of climb diminished.\u00a0 Lupe’s long journey ended with an easy romp to the summit.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading for success on the upper N slope<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Almost there! Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

8-4-23, 12:43 PM, 55\u00baF, Mastodon Dome<\/span><\/a> (4,418 ft.)<\/span><\/strong><\/em> – A few rocks greeted Lupe at the N end of a small plateau that broadened out and tilted down to the S.\u00a0 Beyond a wooden cross laying flat on the ground, a cairn sat a short distance away at the approximate true summit.\u00a0 Proceeding to the cairn, 8 feet SE of it, she found the “Masto” survey benchmark attached to a flat rock.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
N end of the summit region<\/strong>. Wooden cross<\/strong> (Center), summit cairn<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
By the summit cairn<\/strong>. HP4280<\/strong> (Center) in the foreground out along Mastodon Dome’s W ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The “Masto” survey benchmark<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

And that was about it.\u00a0 No mastodons, no saber tooth tigers, no caribou, not even any small birds anywhere in sight.\u00a0 If they had been there, the American Dingo certainly would have seen them.\u00a0 The day had become mostly sunny in all directions, views marred only by the smoky haze driven this way on a 15-20 mph W wind.<\/p>\n

Greater atmospheric clarity would have been nice, but the smoke wasn’t terrible.\u00a0 Views were much as expected, similar to those seen during the long trek to get here.\u00a0 Barren hills and ridges stretched away toward all horizons.\u00a0 Despite the emptiness, or perhaps because of it, SPHP found it easy to imagine mastodons plodding over this vast, undulating world, their long fur swept by the wind amid flying snow.<\/p>\n

Wonder how long it’s been since the last time a mastodon was actually here, Loop?<\/em><\/p>\n

Quite a while, SPHP.\u00a0 Months, or even longer.\u00a0 I can’t detect any mastodon scent at all.<\/em><\/p>\n

That’s sad!\u00a0 At least we saw some caribou, and managed to get here.\u00a0 In any case, congratulations on your successful ascent of Mastodon Dome, Loopster.\u00a0 Maybe a chocolate coconut bar will help us get over our dearth of mastodons disappointment?<\/em><\/p>\n

Worth a shot, SPHP.\u00a0 Bring on that chocolately coconut goodness!<\/em><\/p>\n

SPHP shook Lupe’s paw, then a comfy patch of tundra 20 or 30 feet SW of the cairn was chosen for the chocolate coconut bar’s demise.\u00a0 Beef jerky, Taste of the Wild, and water rounded out the Carolina Dog’s feast, while SPHP also partook of the beef jerky, then had a vanilla pudding cup and honey-roasted peanuts, too.<\/p>\n

Facing W directly into the wind, it felt a bit chilly.\u00a0 SPHP threw a light jacket over Lupe, which she seemed to appreciate, but she didn’t snooze much, staying bright-eyed and alert most of the time while sniffing the breeze.\u00a0 At one point, she leapt to her paws and ran 50 feet SW before stopping to stare off into the distance.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Checking for mastodons. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Apparently satisfied, Lupe returned and laid down on the tundra again, giving no indication of what had piqued her interest.<\/p>\n

The break spot overlooked HP4280<\/span><\/strong>, a rounded hill about a mile away along Mastodon Dome’s W ridge.\u00a0 It was a pleasant scene, and exploring over that way would have been easy.\u00a0 However, it was a long way back to Eagle Summit, and the additional distance seemed unnecessary.\u00a0 Lupe could already see what was over there from here.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
HP4280<\/span><\/strong> (L of Center) from the break spot. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Another grand view was in the opposite direction.\u00a0 From the E edge of the summit region, Peak 4222<\/span><\/strong> was in sight.\u00a0 Its W high point was also only about a mile away.\u00a0 Getting over there would have been possible, but required substantially more effort due to the amount of elevation loss necessary to cross the deep saddle leading to it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 4222<\/span><\/strong> (R). Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

To the NNE, there was a view of the Mastodon Creek valley.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mastodon Creek valley<\/strong> (L). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Exploring the summit region’s S end, the ground was lower.\u00a0 Minor rock outcroppings tilted skyward here, and Mastodon Dome’s massive S ridge stretched away toward another a series of distant hills, some of which weren’t much lower.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Along the SE edge of the summit region<\/strong>. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The best view of all was to the NW, where big clouds were building over Porcupine Dome<\/span><\/a> (4,915 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Pinnell Mountain<\/span><\/a> (4,934 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 It was fun to remember Lupe’s explorations over that way along the Pinnell Mountain National Recreation Trail<\/strong><\/span><\/a> less than a year ago.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Pinnell Mountain<\/strong> (R of Center), Porcupine Dome<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

8-4-23, 1:59 PM, Mastodon Dome<\/em> – As always, the time passed quickly.\u00a0 More than an hour an fifteen minutes after arriving, Lupe stood near the summit cairn for the final time, the W wind and a clearer blue sky at her back.\u00a0 Beyond her, the backpack still marked the spot where she’d spent most of her time up here relaxing.\u00a0 A few more minutes, and it would be Onward!\u00a0 Puppy, ho!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
“Masto” benchmark<\/strong> (L), Peak 4280<\/strong> (R of Center), summit cairn<\/strong> (R). Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Sorry that we’d didn’t get to see any mastodons, Loopster.<\/em><\/p>\n

Me, too, SPHP!\u00a0 Sadly, I don’t think we will on the way back, either.\u00a0 I didn’t even sniff out a single mastodon pie on the way here.\u00a0 You’d think they’d be easy to find, and all over the place.<\/em><\/p>\n

True enough, Loop.\u00a0 I’d have probably stepped in one, if there’d been any.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
About to head back. Eagle Summit<\/strong> (L) in the distance. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The return was a blast!\u00a0 Unexpected excitement awaited back down at the very first saddle Lupe came to.\u00a0 Caribou!\u00a0 A whole herd of them with giant antlers were here now.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Part of the caribou herd.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
With a little more help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Some mighty spiffy antlers!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

When the caribou moved away, SPHP remembered to fill the backpack with as much of the metal debris from the junk pile as possible.\u00a0 98% of it is still there for Mastodon Dome’s next visitor to claim.<\/p>\n

For miles, Lupe roamed far, wide, and free, no longer sticking to the old jeep trail route.\u00a0 She saw a couple more of the small birds that liked to run rather than fly.\u00a0 A third of the way back, SPHP caught a glimpse of an animal slinking across the tundra at high speed.\u00a0 Possibly a marmot, but Lupe hadn’t seen any others, nor heard any whistles.\u00a0 Might have been a badger or a wolverine!<\/p>\n

SPHP also found another one of the metal rods with a 4×4 block of wood on top just laying on the ground, and carted it back, too.<\/p>\n

Lupe returned to HP4110<\/span><\/strong> – both of them!\u00a0 From the N one, she enjoyed a view of Eagle Summit<\/span><\/a> (4,000 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 Pinnell Mountain, Porcupine Dome, and Peak 4350 were all in sight, too.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Eagle Summit<\/strong> (Center), Pinnell Mountain<\/strong> (far L), Peak 4350<\/strong> (L), & Porcupine Dome<\/strong> (L of Center). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A final look back. Peak 4222<\/strong> (L), Mastodon Dome<\/strong> (Center), HP4280<\/strong> (R). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Approaching Eagle Summit, a dark cloud threatened rain, but not a drop fell before it sailed off to the E.<\/p>\n

8-4-23, 5:51 PM<\/em> – Mastodon Dome had been a great day!\u00a0 As Lupe turned off the Steese Highway and began trotting up the Eagle Summit Wayside access road, she was looking forward to a tasty dinner in the RAV4 while relaxing on her pink blanket.<\/p>\n

Hang on, Loop!\u00a0 I’ve got one more thing to do.<\/em><\/p>\n

Be quick about it, SPHP, whatever it is!<\/em><\/p>\n

Leaving the road, SPHP went over to the white metal shed, disappearing inside before reappearing a moment later.<\/p>\n

Quick enough for you, Loopster?<\/em><\/p>\n

Surprisingly, yes, for once!\u00a0 What did you do in there, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Not much, Loop.\u00a0 Just needed to take one more picture.<\/em><\/p>\n

(End, 8-4-23, 5:54 PM)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Windy Trail<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On Mastodon Dome<\/strong>, Alaska 8-4-23<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lupe’s GPS Track<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

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

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

The Pinnell Mountain National Recreation Trail, Alaska – Part 1: Eagle Summit to Porcupine Dome (9-2-22)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

The Pinnell Mountain National Recreation Trail, Alaska – Part 2: Porcupine Dome to Pinnell Mountain (9-2-22)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Want more Lupe adventures?\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":"

Days 12 & 13 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2023 Dingo Vacation to Canada & Alaska! 8-3-23, 8:31 PM, Eagle Summit Wayside – After writing for nearly 2.5 hours, SPHP put the pen down. Trip journal’s caught up, Loopster.\u00a0 Want to take a sniff up to the first hill along the Pinnell Mountain National Recreation … Continue reading Mastodon Dome, Alaska (8-4-23)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":54655,"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":[704,105,106,26,1640,104,1708,1709],"class_list":["post-55499","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-eagle-summit","tag-lupe","tag-mastodon-dome","tag-steese-highway"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/IMG_1756-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\/55499","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=55499"}],"version-history":[{"count":20,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/55499\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":56300,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/55499\/revisions\/56300"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/54655"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=55499"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=55499"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=55499"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}