{"id":61318,"date":"2025-04-04T08:10:23","date_gmt":"2025-04-04T14:10:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=61318"},"modified":"2025-04-10T10:35:34","modified_gmt":"2025-04-10T16:35:34","slug":"flattop-mountain-chugach-mountains-alaska-meeting-steve-gruhn-editor-of-the-scree-8-27-23","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=61318","title":{"rendered":"Flattop Mountain, Chugach Mountains, Alaska & Meeting Steve Gruhn, Editor of The Scree (8-27-23)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Part 2 of Day 33 & Days 34-36 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2023 Dingo Vacation to Canada & Alaska!<\/em><\/p>\n

8-24-23, 10:15 AM<\/em> – The sodden 700 foot tramp NE beneath a leaden sky along Denali Highway No. 8 back to the shelter of the RAV4 was a happy one.\u00a0 Lupe was thrilled to hop back up onto her pink blanket when SPHP opened the door.\u00a0 SPHP fired the engine up right away, drove 1.5 miles back to the rest area with a partial view of Sevenmile Lake, and parked.<\/p>\n

Lupe busily licked herself dry while SPHP exchanged sopping wet boots and socks for dry ones.<\/p>\n

What’s for breakfast, SPHP?\u00a0 I’m totally famished.<\/em><\/p>\n

I’ll rustle up something in a moment, Loopster.\u00a0 Hang on.<\/em><\/p>\n

Ritz crackers and cheese served the purpose.\u00a0 When the cheese ran out, SPHP fetched a summer sausage to augment the feast.\u00a0 Lupe munched away, clearly cheered by both food and shelter, a vast improvement over the desperate, wet battle through bogs and bushes back to the highway.<\/p>\n

After eating, weariness took over.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP both slept.<\/p>\n

8-24-23, 12:30 PM, Denali Highway rest area near Sevenmile Lake<\/em> – It was raining again and windy when the Carolina Dog woke from her nap.<\/p>\n

Any more Ritz crackers and summer sausage, SPHP?\u00a0 I’m hungry again.<\/em><\/p>\n

SPHP put down the trip journal.<\/p>\n

Does sound good, Looper.\u00a0 Yeah, we’ve got more.<\/em><\/p>\n

The feast resumed.\u00a0 Lupe crunched happily away, diligently licking up any cracker crumbs that fell on her pink blanket.<\/p>\n

So, what’s the plan, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Today?\u00a0 In this weather?\u00a0 Nada!\u00a0 We’re just going to hang out right here in the RAV4, Loop.\u00a0 My sore paws need time to recover, anyway.\u00a0 I’ll catch up the trip journal, and we can snooze and feast as much as we like.\u00a0 As far as doing anything else goes, we’ll see what things look like tomorrow.<\/em><\/p>\n

And so it went.\u00a0 SPHP spent the afternoon and evening working on the trip journal.\u00a0 Between meals and naps, the American Dingo got a Dingo stick and a Busy Rib Hide<\/strong><\/span><\/a> to relieve her boredom.\u00a0 Every now and then the rain quit briefly before setting in again, the overall situation getting progressively worse.\u00a0 The sky got darker and darker.\u00a0 The clouds were so low that wisps of fog sailed by.\u00a0 Gusts of wind shook the RAV4, helping the rain wash the mud off the RAV4.<\/p>\n

Through it all, quite a few other vehicles came and went.\u00a0 Some stayed a while before moving on.\u00a0 SPHP talked to a woman who said the storm was supposed to go on for 2 more days.\u00a0 The way things looked, SPHP wouldn’t have been surprised if she’d said weeks or months.<\/p>\n

8-24-23, 11:55 PM, 50\u00baF<\/em> – SPHP turned off the headlamp and yawned.\u00a0 Lupe had been zonked for hours.\u00a0 At least the trip journal was caught up.\u00a0 Outside, the night was pitch black, the weather, atrocious.<\/p>\n

8-25-23, 7:08 AM, 47\u00baF, Denali Highway<\/strong><\/span><\/a> rest area near Sevenmile Lake<\/em> – The Carolina Dog was looking out the window when SPHP came to.\u00a0 No longer raining, and the SW wind had abated quite a bit, too.\u00a0 Although the mountains remained hidden in the gray gloom hovering over all, Sevenmile Lake and the lowlands near it were in view.<\/p>\n

About time we get out to sniff the air, Loopster.\u00a0 C’mon!<\/em><\/p>\n

Not that bad out, especially compared to yesterday.\u00a0 On the other paw, the scene didn’t inspire much confidence in outdoor activities, either.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Part of Sevenmile Lake<\/strong> (R) from the Denali Highway rest area. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Far to the SE, near the distant horizon, the sky looked brighter.<\/p>\n

What are you thinking, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Same as you, Loopster.\u00a0 Another raw, wet day with everything above us lost in fog.\u00a0 Not exactly made for climbing mountains, is it?<\/em><\/p>\n

So, are we going to wait around here hoping for improvement, SPHP, or do something else?<\/em><\/p>\n

No, not going to stick around when my paws are feeling better, and the trip journal’s all caught up, Loop.\u00a0 Especially knowing that it’s supposed to stay this way at least through tomorrow.\u00a0 We shouldn’t waste these days.<\/em><\/p>\n

Where to then, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Maybe things are better out on the Kenai Peninsula, Loopster?\u00a0 Let’s head for Anchorage, and see what the situation is there.<\/em><\/p>\n

Lupe was soon on her way.\u00a0 After a scenic drive beneath the gloomy sky back to Richardson Highway No. 4<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, conditions improved considerably on the way S to Glenallen.\u00a0 Still quite cloudy, but the clouds were much higher, and patches of blue were occasionally seen, too.\u00a0 Encouraging!<\/p>\n

Heading W on Glenn Highway No. 1<\/span><\/strong><\/a>, the Carolina Dog got to do a little sight-seeing as she passed the sites of several former grand adventures.\u00a0 Syncline Mountain<\/strong><\/span><\/a> came first, quickly followed by Gunsight Mountain<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, Lion Head<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, and the Matanuska Glacier.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Gunsight Mountain<\/strong> (Center) from Glenn Highway No. 1<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Talkeetna Mountains<\/strong> from a rest area SE of Gunsight Mountain. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Approaching Lion Head<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Matanuska Glacier<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Arriving in Palmer early in the afternoon, SPHP bought a whole roasted chicken, orange juice, and a few other supplies, then shared the roasted chicken with an enthusiastic American Dingo while parked with a view of mighty Matanuska Peak<\/strong><\/a><\/span> wearing a wreath of fog.<\/p>\n

By 4:00 PM, the RAV4 was at a Jiffy Lube in Anchorage getting an oil change.\u00a0 However, the weather took a turn for the worse during the evening, raining intermittently.\u00a0 Checking the forecast, the news was not good.\u00a0 High probability of rain every day for the next week, except for a 30% chance on Sunday, 2 days from now.\u00a0 Worse yet, that dismal forecast was about the same everywhere – Anchorage, Palmer, Wasilla, the Kenai Peninsula, the Denali Highway, and even the Brooks Range.\u00a0 Ugh!<\/p>\n

8-26-23, 3:12 PM, Anchorage – <\/em>It had rained off and on this morning, but was merely cloudy as Lupe spent an hour wandering the leafy trails in Kincaid Park<\/strong><\/span><\/a>\u00a0for a bit of exercise.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At Kincaid Park<\/strong> in western Anchorage.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

If it’s just going to rain everywhere in Alaska for the next week, SPHP, what are we going to do?\u00a0 Hate to leave Alaska so soon after we got here, but didn’t you say that it’s going to be sunnier in the Yukon?\u00a0 Maybe we should go back there?<\/em><\/p>\n

I don’t want to leave Alaska yet, either, Loopster.\u00a0 We’ve barely scraped the surface of all the mountains on your list of possibilities here on this Dingo Vacation, but we will if the weather won’t cooperate.\u00a0 However, we’re going to stick around at least until Monday.\u00a0 Last night, I emailed Steve Gruhn.\u00a0 He’s got a little time to meet with us tomorrow evening.<\/em><\/p>\n

Steve Gruhn<\/strong><\/span><\/a>?\u00a0 You mean Steve Gruhn, the editor of the Mountaineering Club of Alaska’s monthly newsletter, The Scree<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, SPHP?\u00a0 That Steve Gruhn?<\/em><\/p>\n

Gee, I think so.\u00a0 How many Steve Gruhns can there be in Anchorage, Alaska, Loop?<\/em><\/p>\n

Wow!\u00a0 So were going to get to meet a real Alaskan mountaineering celebrity tomorrow evening?\u00a0 What time, SPHP?\u00a0 And where at?<\/em><\/p>\n

Don’t know yet, Loopster.\u00a0 Steve will email us when he knows exactly when he’ll be available.\u00a0 And what this means, you’re going to like this part, is that we’re going to stay in a motel tonight, since I’m currently completely unpresentable without a thorough scrubbing.<\/em><\/p>\n

Steve and I can just leave you in the RAV4, like you sometimes do to me, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, no!\u00a0 I’m coming with.\u00a0 I’m not missing out on meeting Steve Gruhn!<\/em><\/p>\n

8-26-23, Late Afternoon<\/em> – Motels weren’t cheap in Anchorage, perhaps because the Alaska State Fair<\/strong><\/span><\/a> was going on near Palmer.\u00a0 Even Motel 6 wanted nearly $250 a night, despite some of the online reviews not being all that wonderful.\u00a0 By Dingo standards, though, Motel 6 merited way more stars than others were apparently willing to concede it.\u00a0 Curled up on a soft, queen size bed, chomping on another Busy Rib Hide, Lupe was in 7th heaven.<\/p>\n

Is this what India’s like, SPHP?\u00a0 We ought to go there sometime.\u00a0 Feels like we’re at the Taj Mahal<\/strong><\/span><\/a>!\u00a0 Do they have Lassie or Rin Tin Tin here?\u00a0 Please turn one of them on, if they do.<\/em><\/p>\n

Don’t seem to have either one, Loop.\u00a0 You’ll have to settle for Seinfeld.<\/em><\/p>\n

What!\u00a0 No Lassie or Rin Tin Tin?\u00a0 Guess I’ll have to dock Motel 6 a star for that oversight.\u00a0 Wait!\u00a0 What about Scooby Doo?<\/em><\/p>\n

Good thinking, Looper.\u00a0 You may be in luck!<\/em><\/p>\n

After getting cleaned up, SPHP had dinner at the Texas Roadhouse, bringing back a nice big chunk of sirloin steak for Lupe.<\/p>\n

I could get used to this, SPHP!\u00a0 If it turns out that Steve Gruhn can’t make it to our meeting tomorrow, I’m willing to let it slide a few more days.<\/em><\/p>\n

8-27-23, 2:27 PM, 58\u00baF<\/em> – No word yet from Steve, and Lupe’s life of luxury at Motel 6 had already ended hours ago at the 11:00 AM checkout time.\u00a0 It hadn’t rained at all so far today, although the sky sure looked like it could when SPHP parked the RAV4 at the Glen Alps trailhead<\/strong><\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Back at the Glen Alps trailhead<\/strong> for the first time in years. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

We’ve been here before, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

That’s right!\u00a0 Remember The Wedge & The Ramp<\/strong><\/a><\/span>, or Flattop Mountain<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, Loop?\u00a0 We set out for all of them from right here years ago.<\/em><\/p>\n

Those were great adventures, SPHP!\u00a0 Especially The Wedge & The Ramp.<\/em><\/p>\n

Have to agree, Looper, but we don’t have time for The Wedge<\/span><\/a> (4,660 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> & The Ramp<\/a><\/span> (5,240 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> today.\u00a0 They’re both up in the clouds now, anyway.\u00a0 However, we should have time to revisit Flattop Mountain<\/span><\/a> (3,510 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> while we wait to hear from Steve.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, that will be fun, SPHP.\u00a0 Let’s do it!<\/em><\/p>\n

On the E outskirts of Anchorage, the Flattop Mountain trail is one of the most popular hikes in Alaska, and even a cloudy day like this one was no exception.\u00a0 The big parking lot was 75% full, with plenty of people, dogs, and even small children around as Lupe set out on a broad, well-beaten path through the trees.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Setting out for Flattop Mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A short, gentle stroll higher quickly led to open area with an initial view of both Blueberry Knoll<\/span><\/a> (2,625 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Flattop Mountain<\/span><\/a> (3,510 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Flattop Mountain<\/strong> (L), Blueberry Knoll<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Another short stretch of forest soon led up to another open area where there was a trail junction.<\/p>\n

Both trails will get us to the same spot, Loop.\u00a0 R takes us around the W side of Blueberry Knoll, L will take us along the E side.\u00a0 Any preference?<\/em><\/p>\n

Why not do both, SPHP?\u00a0 How about we go around the E side on the way to Flattop Mountain, and around the W side on the way back?<\/em><\/p>\n

You’re the brains in this outfit, Loopster!\u00a0 Sounds good to me!<\/em><\/p>\n

During a very gradual ascent along the E flank of Blueberry Hill, Lupe could see the valley she’d once explored on the way to The Wedge and The Ramp.\u00a0 They were both still in the clouds, but False Peak<\/span><\/a> (4,250 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was in view near the start of the long ridge leading to O’Malley Peak<\/strong><\/span><\/a> (5,150 ft.)<\/strong><\/span>, the same ridge that ultimately went on to The Ramp.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Along the E side of Blueberry Knoll<\/strong>. Flattop Mountain<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Valley to The Wedge & The Ramp<\/strong> (Center). False Peak<\/strong> (L). Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The trail began to steepen as the Carolina Dog got close to the SE end of Blueberry Knoll.\u00a0 A much steeper use trail was visible along the E side of the next big hump on the way up Flattop Mountain, but after rounding Blueberry Knoll, Lupe followed what appeared to be the official route, which headed over to the W side of the big hump before curving S again.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Near the SE end of Blueberry Knoll<\/strong>. The use trail going up the E side of the next big hump<\/strong> (R) is visible as it climbs toward Flattop Mountain<\/strong> (L). Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Going around the W side of this next hump, Lupe followed long flights of steps built with timbers.\u00a0 In some places, the timbers were rotting, and in others, the dirt they’d once held in place had eroded away.\u00a0 This side of the hump already offered some great views of Anchorage and Cook Inlet, but the American Dingo didn’t pay much attention to them as she had fun climbing the steps.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Following the steps. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A rocky stretch. Flattop Mountain<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The steps ultimately led to a fairly large saddle between this last hump and the upper N slopes of Flattop Mountain.\u00a0 The summit was still nearly 500 feet higher.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On some of the last steps prior to reaching the saddle. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Flattop Mountain<\/strong> (Center) from the saddle. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The final climb to the top of the mountain was a stark contrast from the super easy, almost flat trail back at the start.\u00a0 An obvious trail heading up from the saddle soon got very steep and rocky.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
False Peak<\/strong> (far L) as the trail starts getting interesting. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Along the rocky route higher. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The trail became braided.\u00a0 Lupe had a choice of any number of routes she could follow.\u00a0 Judging from the appearance of the rocks, all had been tried by others countless times before.\u00a0 Before long, an official trail could no longer be discerned, as the ascent deteriorated into a steep scramble by whatever route looked best.\u00a0 Even so, lots of little kids were managing it, often with minimal assistance from their parents.<\/p>\n

If they could do it, so could an American Dingo!\u00a0 Lupe led the way, as SPHP tried to follow.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Partway up the big scramble. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Getting close to the top.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

8-27-23, 3:55 PM, 58\u00baF, Flattop Mountain<\/span><\/a> (3,510 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> <\/em>– Although it had been breezy on the way up, upon reaching an enormous, rolling summit plateau, Lupe was suddenly fully exposed to a 25-30 mph gale out of the SE.\u00a0 Due to some odd quirk of fate, no one else was up here at the time the Carolina Dog arrived.<\/p>\n

SPHP shook Lupe’s paw.<\/p>\n

Congratulations on your 2nd ascent of Flattop Mountain, Loopster!\u00a0 Let’s get out of this wind!<\/em><\/p>\n

Finding a spot offering partial protection from the gale a bit down the NW edge of the mountain, Lupe relaxed among the rocks.\u00a0 Before her was a tremendous view of Anchorage and the sea, with both Blueberry Knoll and the last big hump she’d gone around immediately below.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The final big hump<\/strong> (Center) with Blueberry Knoll<\/strong> beyond it. Anchorage<\/strong> and the Knik Arm<\/strong> in the distance. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Turnagain Arm<\/strong> (L) with Cook Inlet<\/strong> beyond Fire Island<\/strong> (L of Center), Knik Arm<\/strong> (R) with Anchorage<\/strong> spread out below. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Chocolate coconut bar time, Looper!<\/em><\/p>\n

You remembered, SPHP!\u00a0 I’ve been wondering if you brought one, or not.<\/em><\/p>\n

I did.\u00a0 Brought you some Taste of the Wild and water, too.<\/em><\/p>\n

The chocolate coconut bar was delicious, as always.\u00a0 The wind snatched the wrapper, which nearly sailed over the edge before SPHP managed to latch onto it again.<\/p>\n

Nicely done, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Thanks, Loop!\u00a0 That was close to getting away from us.\u00a0 Can’t have that!<\/em><\/p>\n

Lupe enjoyed her Taste of the Wild while SPHP munched on trail mix.\u00a0 Many people, kids, and dogs were arriving now.\u00a0 Some headed back down after staying only a few minutes.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately we can’t stay up here all that long, either, Loopster.<\/em><\/p>\n

No traditional summit hour, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Nope.\u00a0 We should get back to Anchorage to check on whether Steve Gruhn has tried to contact us yet, Looper.<\/em><\/p>\n

Why don’t you just check your iPhone right here, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Because we don’t seem to have any service in Alaska, Loop.\u00a0 Wifi works, but that’s it.\u00a0 C’mon!\u00a0 Let’s have a look around before we head down.\u00a0 We’ll start over by the giant cairn, then visit the flagpole.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the giant cairn<\/strong>, a mini-mountain itself! False Peak<\/strong> (L). Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Near the flagpole<\/strong> (L). Knik Arm<\/strong> in the distance. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What happened to the beautiful red, white, and blue American flag that used to be here, SPHP?\u00a0 It would sure be snapping in the breeze today!<\/em><\/p>\n

I have no idea, Looper.\u00a0 That flag did look awesome when you stood next to it the first time you climbed Flattop Mountain.<\/em><\/p>\n

Looking SE across the summit plain, Peak Two<\/span><\/a> (3,609 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was in view not too far away.\u00a0 No others were in sight along the ridge beyond it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 4160<\/strong> (L) and Peak Two<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The true summit of Flattop Mountain was farther SW.\u00a0 Lupe had yet to tag it, so that was the final, totally necessary step on the agenda.\u00a0 On this late August afternoon, the true summit was a very breezy spot.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
In the wind atop Flattop Mountain<\/strong>. Turnagain Arm<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the true summit<\/strong>. Turnagain Arm<\/strong> (L), Fire Island<\/strong> (Center), Anchorage<\/strong> and Knik Arm<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

8-27-23, 4:32 PM, Flattop Mountain<\/em> – A last look at the silvery sea from the NW edge, and it was sadly already time to head down.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Back along the NW edge<\/strong>. Turnagain Arm<\/strong> in the distance. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Of course, the grand views of Anchorage were evident not only during the steep scramble back down to the saddle, but also all along the W side of the both the big hump and Blueberry Knob.\u00a0 Now sheltered from the fierce SE wind, it was easier to fully appreciate them.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Anchorage<\/strong> from a platform on the W side of the big hump<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

8-27-23, 5:54 PM, Glen Alps trailhead<\/em> – The parking lot was 90% empty when Lupe hopped into the RAV4 prior to the steep winding drive back down into Anchorage.\u00a0 Turned out that Steve Gruhn had left a message 1.5 hours ago.\u00a0 He was free to get together now, if Lupe still wanted to.<\/p>\n

Of course, it happened!\u00a0 After meeting Steve in the Texas Roadhouse parking lot, he suggested a stroll along the beach at Kinkaid Park.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe with Steve Gruhn<\/strong>, editor of The Scree<\/strong>, on the beach at Kincaid Park<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Steve was super nice, and it was so awesome that he had made time for Lupe!\u00a0 The tide was out, and during a long walk near mud flats of the Turnagain Arm, the sun slid toward the horizon beyond Fire Island.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Fire Island<\/strong> near sunset from Point Campbell<\/strong>. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Steve was a recently retired Civil Engineer, and an Alaskan native.\u00a0 He was editor of The Scree for the Mountaineering Club of Alaska<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, and had once served as treasurer.\u00a0 His parents were both school teachers, and Steve actually had old family ties to South Dakota.\u00a0 Steve and his wife have a 10 year old daughter.\u00a0 He’d recently received good news from an MRI on his R knee, which had been giving him some problems.\u00a0 No surgery would be required.<\/p>\n

Meeting Steve Gruhn live and in person was an interesting, thoroughly enjoyable experience.\u00a0 If it weren’t for a certain Carolina Dog, SPHP would never have met him.\u00a0 Out of the blue, Steve had contacted Lupe way back in April, 2018 requesting trip reports on her ascents of Lake Benchmark Mountain in the Brooks Range, and Slope Mountain out on Alaska’s North Slope in August, 2017 for publication in The Scree.\u00a0 SPHP had been shocked, but thrilled to submit them on Lupe’s behalf.<\/p>\n

What an honor for the American Dingo to appear in the Mountaineering Club of Alaska’s newsletter, her stories tucked in among those of real mountaineers who climbed some of the most fearsome peaks in Alaska!\u00a0 Lupe had appeared in The Scree for some of her other exploits during the years since then, too.\u00a0 Steve Gruhn had never turned down any of her submissions.<\/p>\n

The time flew.\u00a0 Meeting Steve Gruhn was a dream come true!\u00a0 However, the light began fading, and the moment came to head back to the RAV4.<\/p>\n

During the drive back to Steve’s car, he did have discouraging news on the prospects for Lupe’s adventures in Alaska on this Dingo Vacation.\u00a0 2023 had been cool and wet in Anchorage.\u00a0 Alaska hadn’t had much of a summer.\u00a0 Furthermore, a week of rain, as indicated by the most recent forecast, wouldn’t be anything unusual at all.<\/p>\n

Lucky Dingo!\u00a0 Do you realize what an honor Steve Gruhn bestowed upon you tonight, and all the times he’s accepted your submissions to The Scree?<\/em><\/p>\n

Why shouldn’t he, SPHP?\u00a0 I’m the next Henry Pinkham!<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, so you remember that tale Steve related to us in an email years ago?<\/em><\/p>\n

Of course, SPHP.\u00a0 It was a good one, and reminded me of me!<\/em><\/p>\n

Ahh, yes!\u00a0 Our unassuming humility, the trait we’re proudest of!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
With Steve Gruhn<\/strong>, editor of The Scree, Anchorage, Alaska 8-27-23<\/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 \u00a0 \u00a0 Prior Adventure<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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

Chugach State Park Map & Brochure<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Lupe in The SCREE! – The Mountaineering Club of Alaska’s monthly newsletter & the Story of Henry Pinkham<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Syncline Mountain, Talkeetna Range, Alaska (8-22-19)<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Gunsight Mountain, Talkeetna Range, Alaska (8-23-16)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Lion Head & The Matanuska Glacier, Chugach Range, Alaska (8-24-16)<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Matanuska Peak, Chugach Chugach Range, Alaska (9-5-19)<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/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":"

Part 2 of Day 33 & Days 34-36 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2023 Dingo Vacation to Canada & Alaska! 8-24-23, 10:15 AM – The sodden 700 foot tramp NE beneath a leaden sky along Denali Highway No. 8 back to the shelter of the RAV4 was a happy one.\u00a0 Lupe was thrilled to hop … Continue reading Flattop Mountain, Chugach Mountains, Alaska & Meeting Steve Gruhn, Editor of The Scree (8-27-23)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":61307,"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":[704,105,1254,106,1267,26,1253,104,1053,1760,1055],"class_list":["post-61318","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-1659","tag-alaska","tag-american-dingo","tag-anchorage","tag-carolina-dog","tag-chugach-mountains","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-kincaid-park","tag-lupe","tag-mountaineering-club-of-alaska","tag-steve-gruhn","tag-the-scree"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/IMG_2604-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\/61318","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=61318"}],"version-history":[{"count":20,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/61318\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":63694,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/61318\/revisions\/63694"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/61307"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=61318"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=61318"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=61318"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}