2016 Canadian Rockies, Yukon & Alaska – The (Mostly) True Adventures of Lupe

King’s Hill, Montana & Bald Mountain, Wyoming (9-7-16 & 9-8-16)

Days 40 & 41 of Lupe’s Summer of 2016 Dingo Vacation to the Canadian Rockies, Yukon & Alaska

Night, Unknown Hour, Pre-dawn on Day 40 – Cold out, but at least Lupe wasn’t going to get snowed in at the Canadian Rockies. Last evening’s rain had stopped. Stars glittered in the black night sky. Back to sleep, if possible, no telling how many hours away dawn was. Lupe wasn’t going anywhere until then, not with the G6’s burnt out R headlight.

Day 40, 6:55 AM, 33°F – Whatever happened to that bright morning sunshine SPHP had expected? The clouds were back. In places there was fog along Icefields Parkway Hwy 93. It hadn’t snowed down here, but mountains visible between the clouds were sporting a dusting of new snow. The mood was more like the onset of winter than a day in early September.

Sadly, Lupe was leaving. Her Summer of 2016 Dingo Vacation to the Canadian Rockies, Yukon & Alaska was all but over. She would have a couple more adventures on the way home, but they wouldn’t take long.

The miles flew by as Lupe watched the scenery from the comfort of the G6. She saw the grandeur of the towering Canadian Rockies. She passed by many a turn leading to fabulous adventures she’d had earlier on this Dingo Vacation or back in 2013 or 2014. As Lupe left the glorious mountains, the sky started to clear and the sun came out.

Lupe wasn’t the least bit sad. As far as she was concerned, the adventure was still on. In fact, it was getting even better! Ahead of her were more than 1,000 miles of farm and ranchlands. That meant one thing to the Carolina Dog – an abundance of cows, horses, haystacks, suspicious barns and outbuildings to bark at while leaping from window to window in the G6! Yes, it was going to be an exciting, busy, exhausting day!

And so it was. Barking at cows and horses from the G6 is a sport Looper never tires of, nor loses interest in. The unsuspecting cows and horses don’t have to do anything more than exist in order to egg her on. Seldom are they even aware of her brief, shrill, distant presence. Doesn’t matter a whit. Loop barks all the harder. The whole experience provides her with a sense of purpose, accomplishment and joy.

The only way to calm the energetic din, is to drive into a town or up into the mountains. Even the mountains can be noisy, but rarely are there enough deer and squirrels present as substitutes to make the experience at all comparable to the pleasures to be had in cattle country.

SPHP was granted a break while driving through Calgary, and another later on in Great Falls, Montana. In Great Falls, SPHP stopped to pick up fried chicken, potato wedges and Almond Joys. For a while SE of Great Falls, the potato wedges and Almond Joys kept Lupe distracted. By the time SPHP stopped at the Al Buck Memorial Park along Highway 89 N of the Little Belt Range, Lupe was too stuffed to share the fried chicken.

Day 40, 7:00 PM, 47°F – Lupe arrived at King’s Hill Pass on Hwy 89 in the Little Belt Mountains of W Central Montana very satisfied with how her day had gone. The excitement of being in cattle country was temporarily over up here, but the sun would be above the horizon for a little while longer. The American Dingo was still bursting with energy and eager for some exercise climbing King’s Hill (8,008 ft.).

From the pass, Lupe went SW through the forest until she reached USFS Road No. 487, which she followed for 0.75 mile going S along the W face of King’s Hill. By the time No. 487 turned E, she was almost up to the S end of the huge, nearly level summit area. Lupe went N along the wide summit ridge, as the last feeble rays of sunlight faded.

Lupe near the S end of the King’s Hill summit near sunset. The highest point on King’s Hill is toward the far end of this meadow. Photo looks NNW.

Lupe traveled NNW across the open ground until she reached the survey benchmark at the true summit near the N end of the mountain. Although the sun was still above the horizon, clouds filtered the remaining sunlight to the point where it was hard to tell it was even present. It certainly did nothing to cut the chill from the W wind sweeping over King’s Hill.

Off to the NNE, Lupe could see Big Baldy Mountain (9,177 ft.), the highest point in the Little Belt Range. Big Baldy already had snow on top!

Off to the NNE, Lupe could see Big Baldy Mountain, the high point of the Little Belt Range. Big Baldy already had snow on top!

Big Baldy Mountain from King’s Hill. Photo looks NNE using the telephoto lens.

Up in the cold wind, late in the day after being cooped up in the G6 so long, the American Dingo started getting ideas. Oh, no! SPHP recognized that look.

Up in the cold wind on King’s Hill late in the day, Lupe started getting ideas. She stood motionless staring steadily at SPHP. In a flash, SPHP realized what was coming. The were-puppy was about to attack! Photo looks SSW.

Suddenly Lupe vanished. In her place appeared the wild, ferocious were-puppy. Without hesitation the were-puppy attacked SPHP!

After a few minutes of struggle, during which the were-puppy lunged and leaped at SPHP with snapping jaws, SPHP managed to fend off the were-puppy. Lupe returned looking as innocent as she could be.

So, I take you adventuring not only to the Canadian Rockies, but way up to the Yukon and even Alaska, and this is what I get?

Why, whatever do you mean, SPHP? Are you feeling well?

Sly dog! Well, the wind was cold, and Lupe had made it to the top of King’s Hill. The sun really would be down behind Porphyry Peak (8,192 ft.) soon. No sense in sticking around waiting for the were-puppy to return. Lupe and SPHP started S toward the road leading back down to the G6.

The lookout tower on Porphyry Peak stands silhouetted against the sky near sundown. Photo looks W.

Shots rang out. Gunfire! Hunters? The same American Dingo which had presented itself as the bold, ferocious, wild and invincible were-puppy only minutes ago, now pleaded with SPHP for reassurance and assistance.

Help! Help! Hide me! Save me! Hold me! Pet me! Love me! Carry me! All of the above me!

Sheesh, such drama! Come on Looper, you’ll be fine. Just stick close by. No harm will come to you.

As promised, Lupe returned safely to the G6, though shaken by her narrow escape (8:19 PM). She leaped into the G6 immediately. SPHP fed her Alpo and Taste of the Wild before putting her blankie over her. Soon the were-puppy was snoring peacefully. Outside, stars shone brilliantly accompanied by a half moon.

Day 41, First Light, 6:13 AM, 41°F – Lupe woke to the sound of rain and wind gusts. A small storm was blowing through. So much for any thought of climbing Porphyry Peak this morning. SPHP had hatched a different plan already, anyway. Look out cows, horses and haystacks, Lupe is on her way!

Lupe left the Little Belt Range behind. S of White Sulphur Springs near the junction of Hwys 12 & 89, Lupe & SPHP got out of the G6 to take a look at the dramatic sky remaining in the aftermath of the storm front.

Lupe in W Central Montana along Hwy 89 near its junction with Hwy 12. The day started off with scattered small storms and wind. A little later on, the sky cleared off completely. Photo looks SE.

Dramatic clouds of a line of small storms boosted the scenic value of Lupe’s early drive through W central Montana. Photo looks SE along Hwy 89.

Cows, horses, haystacks! Lupe had her fun. Ahh, this was the life! Another great day!

E of Lovell, Wyoming, Highway Alt 14 wound steeply up into the last big mountain range of Lupe’s Summer of 2016 Dingo Vacation. Lupe was back in the Bighorns for the first time since she’d climbed Cloud Peak (13,167 ft.) back in July. Her final peakbagging adventures of this Dingo Vacation would occur here.

A little after noon, on this cool breezy day, Lupe set out from the Bald Mountain campground for Bald Mountain (10,042 ft.) (12:09 PM, 56°F).

Lupe sets out for Bald Mountain. Photo looks SE.

The mostly bare, rounded mountain was an easy climb. The only real obstacle was the SW wind, which blew harder and harder as Lupe gained elevation. Carolina Dogs are not great fans of wind, but Loopster persevered. There was nothing along the way to protect her from the wind, but on the other hand, the views were tremendous!

On the way up. The summit of Bald Mountain is ahead. Photo looks ESE from the S side of the W end of the mountain.

Lupe reached the survey benchmark at the true summit. The wind was worst here. She didn’t like it, but the Carolina Dog stayed long enough for photos. Lupe had been here before. Twice in 2012, once in 2013. More than 3 years had gone by since her last ascent.

The survey benchmark at the summit of Bald Mountain.

Hwy Alt 14 is seen on the L. **Hunt Mountain (10,162 ft.)** is on the R. Photo looks SE.

**Medicine Mountain (9,962 ft.)** (L) from Bald Mountain. The round white dome on Medicine Mountain is part of an FAA air traffic control installation, and is often visible from great distances. Photo looks NW.

Looking WNW. Medicine Mountain on the R.

Lupe patiently endures the wind at the summit of Bald Mountain. Photo looks NNW.

Well, this was it. Lupe had done it. She had reached the summit of Bald Mountain. Only one task remained – to go find the place of names, and make the necessary repairs. Lupe’s name has been immortalized in stone on Bald Mountain since July 11, 2013.

It had been more than 3 years since Lupe and SPHP were here last, but the place of names was found with relatively little difficulty. Lupe waited in the wind for an hour, while SPHP fixed things up. Finally, it was done.And that was that. There was nothing left to do. Enough of this wind! Lupe and SPHP began the easy trek back to the G6 with a grand view of Medicine Mountain ahead.

Lupe about to start the return journey down to the G6. Bald Mountain CG where the G6 was parked is at the closest large clump of trees down on the R. Medicine Mountain is at Center. Photo looks NW.

Medicine Mountain using the telephoto lens.

About 1.25 miles beyond the summit of Medicine Mountain, is the **Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark**. No details of the Medicine Wheel’s origins are known, other than that it was built by Native Americans. Considered a sacred site, visitors are allowed to visit the Medicine Wheel when not in use by Native Americans, but Lupe did not go there today.

The wind was still blowing when Lupe reached the G6 at the Bald Mountain campground (3:13 PM, 53°F), but not as strongly as up on the mountain. She stayed in the area for more than an hour before heading E again on Highway Alt 14A toward Burgess Junction.

Later in the day, E of the magnificent Bighorn Range, Lupe resumed her happy duty watching for cows and horses to bark at along I90. She kept it up as long as there was light to see by. Yes, this really was the life, all these splendid days adventuring on and off the long road to the Canadian Rockies, Yukon & Alaska and back, every minute spent with sweet Lupe!

After an adventure spanning 9,126 miles, 41 days & 40 nights, Lupe returned to her home in the Black Hills of South Dakota at 10:50 PM on 9-8-2016. She had gone thousands of miles farther than she had ever been before, seen countless magnificent sights, and had wonderful adventures all the way up to the Yukon and far into Alaska.

In the Brooks Range of northern Alaska, Lupe went her last mile N reaching the confluence of the Dietrich River and a stream NW of Dillon Mountain. From there she saw a mountain, farther N yet, privately designated the Mountain of the Midnight Sun. Whether Lupe ever sees the Mountain of the Midnight Sun and adventures in Alaska again is, at this moment, part of the unknown, uncertain future.

So long as Lupe is alive and well, hope remains that some day the Dingo of the Midnight Sun will return to roam and play once more beneath the pale blue Arctic sky.

The dark blue Mountain of the Midnight Sun (R).

The Owl & The Pussycat

The Owl and the Pussycat went to sea in a beautiful pea-green boat,

They took some honey, and plenty of money, wrapped up in a five pound note.

The Owl looked up to the stars above, and sang to a small guitar,

“O lovely Pussy! O Pussy, my love, what a beautiful Pussy you are, you are, you are, what a beautiful Pussy you are.”

Pussy said to the Owl “You elegant fowl, how charmingly sweet you sing. O let us be married, too long we have tarried; but what shall we do for a ring?”

They sailed away for a year and a day, to the land where the Bong-tree grows, and there in a wood, a Piggy-wig stood, with a ring at the end of his nose, his nose, his nose. With a ring at the end of his nose.

“Dear Pig, are you willing to sell for one shilling your ring?” Said the Piggy, “I will.”

So they took it away, and were married next day by the Turkey who lives on the hill.

They dined on mince, and slices of quince, which they ate with a runcible spoon.

And hand in hand, on the edge of the sand, they danced by the light of the moon, the moon, the moon.

They danced by the light of the moon.

– Edward Lear, first published 1871

Links:

Next Dingo Vacation Prior Adventure

This Dingo Vacation Prior Dingo Vacation

Want more Lupe adventures? Choose from Lupe’s 2016 Canadian Rockies, Yukon & Alaska Adventure Index, Dingo Vacations Adventure Index or Master Adventure Index. Or subscribe free to New Lupe Adventures.

Parker Ridge & the Saskatchewan Glacier, Banff National Park, Canada (9-6-16)

Day 39 of Lupe’s Summer of 2016 Dingo Vacation to the Canadian Rockies, Yukon & Alaska

6:20 AM on this beautiful early September morning found Lupe already on the road, heading SE on Yellowhead Highway No. 16. Ever since leaving Alaska, Lupe had made her 450 mile daily quota or a little more. Today she didn’t need to go so far. She could spent part of the day visiting some favorite places in the Canadian Rockies.

Lupe’s first stop came before mid-morning when she reached her favorite picnic ground in Jasper National Park. For some unknown reason, there’s no signage for this great picnic area right along the E bank of the mighty Athabasca River. It’s located 5 or 6 miles S of Athabasca Falls along the W side of Icefields Parkway Hwy 93.

The Athabasca River was much lower than Lupe had ever seen it before, but until today she had never been here this late in the season. Previously, the river had always come right up to the bank at the edge of the picnic ground. Now a wide expanse of riverbed was exposed beyond the bank. Lupe went down to the riverbed, and trotted over rounded stones to the water’s edge.

Lupe had never seen the Athabasca River so low before. She went way out across exposed riverbed to this boulder. Photo looks upstream (SE).

Loop at the Athabasca River near her favorite picnic ground.

Every other time Lupe had seen the Athabasca River, it had been a light gray color, running high, and full of silt. Now the river was a beautiful blue.

When the Athabasca River is running higher, it is a light gray color and full of silt. Today the river was running low and a beautiful blue. Photo looks downstream (NW).

Time for a late breakfast. After checking out the river, Lupe returned to the picnic ground. While SPHP heated up soup and Swiss Miss, Lupe had a fine time barking at squirrels in the trees. When breakfast was ready, Lupe helped SPHP devour the soup. She didn’t get any Swiss Miss.

Lupe got to spend nearly 2 hours at the picnic ground. She took short walks through the forest along the river with SPHP, barked at squirrels, and returned to the Athabasca River.

Looking upstream again toward **Mount Christie (10,236 ft.)**. Photo looks S.

Happy times at the Athabasca River in Jasper National Park! Mount Christie in the background. Lupe’s still keeping a sharp eye out for squirrels up in the trees on the riverbank. Photo looks S.

Late in the morning, another vehicle pulled in to the picnic ground. No doubt more would be coming as lunch time approached. Lupe and SPHP hit the road again. Icefields Parkway Hwy 93 through the majestic Canadian Rockies is always a spectacular drive.

Lupe and SPHP enjoyed the scenery, passing by many gorgeous places Lupe had explored on her 2013 and 2014 Dingo Vacations. Lupe didn’t stop again, however, until she reached the trailhead for Parker Ridge (7,612 ft.). By now it was early afternoon, and the trailhead parking lot was packed. SPHP had to wait for a parking spot to open up.

Parker Ridge is Lupe and SPHP’s favorite short day hike in the Canadian Rockies. A well-traveled trail switchbacks up the side of the ridge. On the other side is a tremendous view of the huge U-shaped valley carved long ago by the Saskatchewan Glacier. The glacier can still be seen in the upper part of the valley flowing down from the Columbia Icefield. The trail gains over 800 feet of elevation on its way to the ridgeline.

The Parker Ridge Trail was very busy, but the glorious view of the Saskatchewan Glacier from the other side of the ridge made dealing with the crowd totally worthwhile.

Once over the ridgeline, Lupe had fantastic views of the Saskatchewan Glacier. Photo looks SW.

The Saskatchewan Glacier from Parker Ridge. Photo looks SW using the telephoto lens.

The way the terrain is configured, Lupe’s view of the Saskatchewan Glacier actually improved as she followed the trail on the other side of Parker Ridge away from the glacier. More of the toe of the glacier could be seen from here.

The farther Lupe followed the trail away from the Saskatchewan Glacier, the more she could see of the glacier’s toe and the pond below it. Photo looks SW.

Looking W along Parker Ridge. On the other side of these mountains is Jasper National Park and another impressive glacier. The Athabasca Glacier can be seen from Icefields Parkway Hwy 93, but for a truly amazing view of it, Lupe recommends taking the trail to Wilcox Pass.

Saskatchewan Glacier from Parker Ridge using the telephoto lens. Photo looks SW.

An even closer look at the toe of the Saskatchewan Glacier through the telephoto lens.

Across the huge valley carved by the Saskatchewan Glacier, Lupe saw high peaks and impressive snowfields. Photo looks SSW.

Lupe followed the Parker Ridge trail far enough away from the Saskatchewan Glacier to where she could see its entire toe.

Lupe with a view of the entire toe of the Saskatchewan Glacier from Parker Ridge.

A close-up showing the entire toe of the glacier.

Several groups of people had gone this far along the trail, too. Everyone was hanging around enjoying the glacier view. After several minutes, Lupe realized people and Carolina Dogs weren’t the only ones interested in being here. A mountain sheep wandered up the steep side of Parker Ridge from the valley below, likely more interested in finding something to eat than the grand view.

After all, mountain sheep are so used to splendid scenery they pretty much take it for granted. A good meal can be harder to come by.

A mountain sheep wandered up to the Parker Ridge trail from the deep valley below. The sheep seemed used to people, but rather alarmed to be confronted with the presence of an American Dingo!

When the mountain sheep saw Lupe, it hesitated before coming any farther up. Lupe and the mountain sheep were both extremely interested in each other, but for different reasons.

For mountain sheep in the Canadian Rockies, spectacular scenery is easy to come by. Photo looks ESE from close to the end of the Parker Ridge trail.

For a few minutes, Lupe and the mountain sheep had a stare down. Lupe was a very good American Dingo. She did not bark or lunge at the sheep. She wouldn’t have gotten anywhere anyway, since she was on her leash.

Lupe and the mountain sheep stared each other down for several minutes before the sheep decided it was safe to come farther on up Parker Ridge.

When Lupe didn’t do anything except stare in rapt attention, the mountain sheep decided maybe it was safe to come farther on up Parker Ridge. It turned out this sheep was an advance scout. Several more mountain sheep suddenly made their appearance.

The first mountain sheep was only a scout. When the scout decided it was OK to advance despite Lupe’s presence, the rest of the flock started appearing. Six sheep ultimately came into view.

A total of six mountain sheep came up onto Parker Ridge from below. Lupe still didn’t bark, but the sight of all these mountain sheep wandering around nearby was almost more than she could bear. The Carolina Dog was trembling with excitement from nose to tail. She kept glancing up at SPHP pleading to be turned loose. She was absolutely 110% certain fresh mutton would taste better than the soup she’d had for breakfast.

This situation wasn’t going to be sustainable. To Lupe’s enormous disappointment, SPHP insisted that she head back away from the mountain sheep. She was most reluctant to comply, but in the end, she had no choice. Parker Ridge had certainly been an exciting adventure, but oh, how much better it might have been!

Lupe on Parker Ridge on the way back to the G6. **Mount Wilcox (9,462 ft.)** is in view at Center. To the R is Wilcox Pass, where there are tremendous views of the nearby Athabasca Glacier. Photo looks NW.

Lupe and SPHP returned to the G6 (3:48 PM, 48°F). Lupe continued S on Icefields Parkway Hwy 93. Her biggest adventure for the day up on Parker Ridge was over, but she still had some fun ahead of her. Overcome with drowsiness from the gorgeous, relaxing drive, SPHP eventually parked the G6 at Lupe’s favorite picnic ground in Banff National Park on the SE side of Bow Lake.

After an hour’s nap, Lupe got to go see wonderful Bow Lake.

Lupe at beautiful Bow Lake. Photo looks W from near the picnic ground.

The red roof of the Num Ti Jah Lodge is in view at the foot of **Mount Jimmy Simpson (9,731 ft.)** across Bow Lake. Photo looks NW.

On a path at the picnic ground. No one else was around. Lupe and SPHP had the whole place to themselves.

The picnic ground was completely deserted, even though it was dinnertime. After a good look at Bow Lake, SPHP prepared dinner at a table near the shore. At this late stage of Lupe’s Summer of 2016 Dingo Vacation, supplies were almost completely exhausted. Lupe and SPHP shared the last of the soup and sardines.

Good thing Lupe was well on her way home! Swiss Miss and tea was all that remained to sustain SPHP, though Lupe still had some Taste of the Wild and Alpo in reserve.

By the time this feast was over it was 7:00 PM, but there was still light in the sky. Lupe and SPHP drove over to the Num Ti Jah Lodge at the N end of the lake. Lupe went down to the shore and saw a curious thing. A piece of wood was swimming around as if it were alive!

Near Num Ti Jah Lodge, Lupe saw a curious sight. A piece of wood was swimming around in Bow Lake as if it were alive!

Lupe had spotted a beaver! The beaver paddled around near the shore completely unconcerned by Lupe’s presence. Lupe wasn’t really certain why that piece of wood seemed so lively, but finally lost interest in it since it never came out of the water where it could be properly sniffed and inspected.

The beaver paid Lupe no attention. Since it never left the lake, Lupe eventually lost interest in it.

The beaver had a short stick it was gnawing the tender thin bark off of.

After a few minutes, the stick didn’t have much bark left. The beaver looked quite satisfied with this treat.

After a few minutes, the lively piece of wood (seen beyond Lupe) swam away. Photo looks SSE across Bow Lake. Part of the Crowfoot Glacier is in view R of Center beyond the opposite shore.

Lupe, the beaver, Bow Lake & the Crowfoot Glacier.

The beaver eventually swam away farther out into the lake. Lupe never did figure out what made that floating piece of wood so much livelier than any other she’d ever encountered.

Off to the SW, part of Bow Glacier and Bow Glacier Falls were in view. A trail that Lupe took once before on her Summer of 2013 Dingo Vacation goes all the way to the base of Bow Glacier Falls. It would be dark long before Lupe could do that again, but there was still time to follow the trail partway along the N shore of Bow Lake.

Beyond Bow Lake, part of the Bow Glacier and Bow Glacier Falls were in view. Photo looks SW.

Bow Glacier & Bow Glacier Falls using the telephoto lens. Photo looks SW.

Too bad there wasn’t time to take the trail all the way to Bow Glacier Falls again, but it would be dark before Lupe could get there. It’s a great, easy, scenic hike with a good trail and very little elevation gain along the way. Lupe highly recommends it!

Num Ti Jah Lodge is at the N end of Bow Lake. The trail to Bow Glacier Falls starts here. Photo looks N.

This hefty, wooden bridge crosses a small creek entering Bow Lake near Num Ti Jah Lodge. Photo looks SSE.

Bow Glacier flows down from the Wapta Icefield. Another small lake exists out of sight below Bow Glacier above the falls. Neither the small upper lake, nor the glacier are visible from the base of Bow Glacier Falls. However, a distant view of both, plus part of the enormous Wapta Icefield can be seen from **Cirque Peak (9,820 ft.)**. Photo looks SW.

Lupe and SPHP only took the trail to Bow Glacier Falls along the N shore of Bow Lake for 20 minutes. Lupe hadn’t even made it to the end of the lake yet when the time came to turn around. Darkness was coming, maybe rain, too. The sky was clouding up.

Lupe on the trail to Bow Glacier Falls. She would have to turn around in another 10 minutes due to oncoming darkness. Crowfoot Mountain is on the L.

Clouds were rolling in and starting to hide the mountains. The sky looked increasingly like rain was a possibility. Photo looks SSW using the telephoto lens toward a peak S of Bow Glacier.

Bow Glacier & Bow Glacier Falls through the telephoto lens from the point of Lupe’s farthest advance along the trail.

The upper portion of Bow Glacier Falls with the telephoto lens cranked up.

On the way back to the Num Ti Jah Lodge, a gentle steady rain did start falling. The lodge was lit up and looked inviting when Lupe returned. The soggy Carolina Dog couldn’t go in, though. She had to return to the G6.

Num Ti Jah Lodge was lit up and looked inviting when Lupe returned in the rain from the Bow Glacier Falls trail. The soggy Carolina Dog couldn’t go in, though. Back to the G6!

Around 8:30 PM, SPHP parked the G6 for the final time. The steady rain was coming down harder. The temperature was only 38°F. Maybe Lupe was going to get snowed in overnight in the Canadian Rockies? It sure seemed like a possibility.

Lupe had only made 250 miles today, but that was OK. She’d spent a lovely day in the Canadian Rockies. Maybe it wasn’t the most spectacular day she’d ever spent here, but she’d seen many beautiful sights, gone to some favorite places, and had several pleasant, relaxing outings.

Lupe’s only regret was that with supplies running desperately low, SPHP hadn’t allowed her to secure a great new supply of fresh mountain sheep mutton!

Sigh … Carolina Dogs try to be man’s best friend. They really do. Humans are hard to understand, though. Sometimes they don’t have any sense at all.Note: The Parker Ridge trailhead is located at a pullout right along the southbound side of Icefields Parkway Hwy 93 several miles S of Sunwapta Pass, the border between Banff & Jasper National Parks.

Links :

Next Adventure Prior Adventure

Parker Ridge & the Saskatchewan Glacier, The Icefield Centre & the Athabasca Glacier (7-23-13)

Bow Lake & the Trail to Bow Glacier Falls (7-25-13)

Cirque Peak, Banff National Park, Canada (7-24-14)

Parker Ridge Trail, Banff National Park, Canada (7-29-14)

Want more Lupe adventures? Choose from Lupe’s 2016 Canadian Rockies, Yukon & Alaska Adventure Index, Dingo Vacations Adventure Index or Master Adventure Index. Or subscribe free to New Lupe Adventures.

Teapot Mountain, British Columbia, Canada (9-5-16)

Day 38 of Lupe’s Summer of 2016 Dingo Vacation to the Canadian Rockies, Yukon & Alaska

Lupe’s morning started at 7:00 AM with a quick side trip into nearby Fort St. John for fuel for the G6. Then it was back N a few miles to the turn SW onto Hwy 29 to Chetwynd. Making that turn, Lupe left the Alaska Highway for the final time on her Summer of 2016 Dingo Vacation.

Hwy 29 was a beautiful drive. For a while, the road followed a stretch of the Peace River valley. However, that feeling of being in the truly far N, which Lupe had while in the Yukon and Alaska, was fading fast. At Chetwynd, SPHP turned W on Hwy 97. It would eventually turn S and take Lupe to Prince George. This was still gorgeous, unspoiled territory, all wild, forested, and full of rivers and lakes, but Lupe saw no more snow-capped mountains, not even on the most distant horizon.

Nearly all day would be spent driving, but Lupe did have one adventure in store for her. She was going to take the trail up Teapot Mountain, sometimes touted as one of the best day hikes of central interior British Columbia. The trail isn’t long, only 0.9 mile (1.4 km). It climbs an ancient steep-sided basaltic plug which survived the last ice age, while gaining 650 feet of elevation (200 meters).

The sky clouded up. Light rain showers dampened the highway. Miles rolled by. Suddenly, ack! Talus Road! Wasn’t that it? Yes, and SPHP had missed the turn. Oh, well. At least the sign had been spotted. SPHP found a place to turn around. A few minutes later, Lupe was turning W onto gravel Talus Road.

A kilometer later, SPHP missed the R turn onto Caine Creek Forestry Road, too. The whole area seemed to be a maze of gravel roads, and the signage wasn’t great. Nevertheless, after a brief exercise in futility, Lupe did make it back to Caine Creek Forestry Road, which wound around for 2 miles (3 km) before crossing a bridge over a creek connecting a couple of skinny, swampy lakes on either side.

As the road started curving L after crossing the bridge, a sign could be seen tucked back at the edge of the trees near a dirt side road on the R. Nearby was enough parking space for several vehicles. The sign said Teapot Mtn. An arrow pointed into the forest along the side road. Not another soul or vehicle was around, but this had to be the trailhead.

SPHP parked, and Lupe got out of the G6. The sky was clearing a little again. The sun was trying to break through. On the way here, Lupe had seen densely forested Teapot Mountain a little to the W. It didn’t look very big after all the mountains Lupe had seen on this Dingo Vacation. The trip up Teapot Mountain (3,009 ft.) wouldn’t take long.

Lupe had plenty of time. Why not take a look at the swampy lakes and the creek from the bridge, before going up the mountain?

Lupe at the trailhead. There was room to park maybe half a dozen vehicles nearby.

Lupe along Caines Creek Forestry Road near Teapot Mountain. Photo looks NNW at the larger of the two skinny, swampy lakes. The swampy lakes were actually part of the Crooked River, which flows N.

The water in the creek, which was actually the Crooked River, looked clean and clear. From the smaller skinny lake, it flowed N under the bridge. Both skinny lakes were part of the river system. Lupe didn’t see any fish in the river, but no doubt there must be some. The lakes had plenty of water and looked like great habitat.

In the 15 minutes Lupe spent sniffing around the Crooked River and the swampy lakes, 2 vehicles had arrived and parked at the Teapot Mountain trailhead. Hikers were already somewhere on the trail ahead of her by the time Lupe started out. The first part of the trail followed the side road, which curved NW as it led Lupe into the forest. The side road dead-ended after only a few hundred feet.

Lupe on the short side road which served as the first part of the Teapot Mountain trail. The road curved NW as it led Lupe into the dense forest. Photo looks W.

Where the side road ended, a wide path strewn with leaves led off to the W toward Teapot Mountain. Lupe hadn’t gained any elevation yet, but she was about to. The path started climbing steadily, slowly at first, but it quickly became steep.

Lupe near the start of the path to Teapot Mountain after the side road dead-ended. The path started out level as shown here, but quickly became quite steep. Photo looks W.

The well worn trail was easy to follow, but soon became a real challenge for heart, lungs and legs. It worked its way over to the SE face of Teapot Mountain, where it began to climb even more steeply heading almost straight up the mountain.

The dense, lush forest hid all views. Many tree roots and rocks were exposed on the trail, which was hard packed. This part of the Teapot Mountain trail must be very slick when wet, but it wasn’t bad as Lupe made her ascent.

Teapot Mountain hadn’t looked that big from below, but felt bigger with each step up. The relentless steep rate of climb continued until Lupe reached a junction close to the top of the mountain. Here, the trail divided. Lupe could go L or R. It didn’t really matter which way she went, since both directions were part of the circular loop trail around the upper rim of Teapot Mountain. Lupe went R (N), hoping to catch a view of the Crooked River below.

Just because Lupe had reached the loop trail didn’t mean she could see anything. The top of Teapot Mountain was as densely forested as all the rest of it was. The trail had come up near the SE end of the mountain, at a part of the rim that proved to be a little lower than most of it. The summit area contained within the loop trail was acres in size. The interior terrain sloped gradually and unevenly up toward some unseen high point.

The loop trail was an easy, almost level stroll. Lupe didn’t have to go very far N before she came to a break in the trees where she could see a long, skinny lake down along the Crooked River off to the NE.

Lupe could see one of the long, skinny lakes that was part of the Crooked River system from the loop trail. Photo looks NE.

On her way around the N rim of Teapot Mountain, Lupe came to no more viewpoints until she reached some cliffs at the NW end of the mountain. Lupe could see a large shallow pond in a clearing far below.

From cliffs near the NW end of the loop trail, Lupe saw this shallow pond in a clearing below. Topo maps show that the top of Teapot Mountain is somewhat smaller than this pond. The loop trail around the perimeter really isn’t very long. Part of Jakes Lake, a much bigger body of water, is farther away on the L. Photo looks W.

From the cliffs at the NW viewpoint, Lupe didn’t have far to go to reach a big tan-colored rock formation at the SW end of the mountain. Up until now, Lupe hadn’t seen anyone along the trail. She found everyone here, congregated on the rock formation which offers the premier view from Teapot Mountain.

A friendly dog wanted to play with Lupe, but with cliffs so close by, the humans put a quick end to all the mad dashing and chasing around. A wooden bench was nearby to the E. Lupe got up on it for a look at the big view. Summit Lake, which is quite large and has an interesting irregular shape, was the main attraction. Lupe could see the N end of Summit Lake dotted with forested islands not too far away to the S.

From the SW viewpoint, Lupe could see Summit Lake dotted with forested islands. Photo looks S.

While everyone else remained congregated on the tan rock formation, Lupe and SPHP went off in search of the true summit of Teapot Mountain. The highest point Lupe found was a nice mossy spot at the end of a very faint trail into the interior. The summit wasn’t far from the SW viewpoint at all.

Lupe sits comfortably on the mossy spot at the true summit of Teapot Mountain. Photo looks N.

Lupe returned to the loop trail. People were getting ready to depart. Before long, Lupe had the premier viewpoint on Teapot Mountain all to herself.

Lupe conducts her initial investigation of the premier viewpoint on Teapot Mountain. She discovers a sign indicating she is 1 km from the trailhead (by the most direct route), and aptly enough, a teapot. Part of Jakes Lake is seen in the distance. Photo looks W.

So, SPHP, is it tea time? What kind of tea are we having? Did you bring any crumpets? …… Umm, heh, sorry Looper, I didn’t remember to bring any tea. Kind of short on crumpets, too, to tell the truth. Guess I wasn’t thinking.

Loopster astride the big tan rock formation, with Jakes Lake on the L. Photo looks W.

For a little while, Lupe and SPHP stayed together up on the tan rock formation enjoying the view of the lakes and forests of central British Columbia. Before long voices were heard approaching from the E. More hikers. Time to go and let them enjoy this beautiful spot in peace. Loop still had many miles to go today anyway.

Lupe saw more teapots placed on rocks and in trees along the S rim of Teapot Mountain as she completed the loop back to the trail down. The clouds hadn’t so much as sprinkled any rain for a while. On her way down, Lupe encountered several more groups of people who had decided to come up. Apparently, Teapot Mountain really is quite a popular hike.

It was mid-afternoon by the time Lupe arrived back at the G6 (2:55 PM, 50°F) ready to resume the long drive S. Teapot Mountain had been a pleasant break from being cooped up. The whole trek had taken a little over 2 hours at a leisurely pace.

By evening, Lupe was far SE of Prince George near the small town of McBride. Her day ended with a pleasant twilight stroll exploring a quiet park next to the Fraser River. Up until her Summer of 2016 Dingo Vacation, Lupe had never been even this far N before in her whole life. Tomorrow she would return to more familiar territory in Jasper and Banff National Parks in the fabulous Canadian Rockies!

Note: The L (W) turn off Highway 97 onto Talus Road is about 31 miles (50 km) N of Prince George. Follow Talus Road 1 km to a R turn onto Caine Creek Forestry Road (poorly marked). Follow Caine Creek Forestry Road 3.3 km. The Teapot Mountain trailhead is at the start of the first side road to the R after crossing the bridge over Crooked River.

Links:

Next Adventure Prior Adventure

Want more Lupe adventures? Choose from Lupe’s 2016 Canadian Rockies, Yukon & Alaska Adventure Index, Dingo Vacations Adventure Index or Master Adventure Index. Or subscribe free to New Lupe Adventures.