Where to? This was only the second full day of Cousin Laddie’s stay at Hotel Lupe, but also the last one, too. Tomorrow Laddie would already be on his way back home to Colorado. Gotta come up with something worthy of the occasion, but with a fair amount of snow in some parts of the Black Hills, what would be a good choice?
SPHP didn’t have to ponder the question long. But, of course! Why not? Both Uncle Joe and Laddie had enjoyed yesterday’s trek N from Fort Meade along Centennial Trail No. 89. They might enjoy completing that whole segment of the trail leading to Bear Butte Lake by starting at the lake, and working back toward Fort Meade. Ought to be easy to link up with the point where everyone turned back yesterday.
When Uncle Joe expressed enthusiasm for this plan, the die was cast.
10:45 AM, 49ºF, Bear Butte Lake trailhead, Centennial Trail No. 89 – Just as sunny and warm today as yesterday, but a 20 mph NW wind sweeping across the frozen lake sure made it feel colder. Joe and SPHP bundled up a bit and were fine. Lupe apparently was, too. No need to worry about Cousin Laddie under all that luxuriant Sheltie fur!
Everyone was soon ready to hit the trail, which started out heading SW along a mowed path a little way from the lake’s SE shore.
Bear Butte from the trailhead. Photo looks NNE.Joe and Lupe about to head out. Photo looks W.Crossing the mighty Bear Butte Lake glacier near the very start. Photo looks WSW.Bear Butte Lake with the Black Hills beyond. Photo looks W.
Halfway along the SE shore, Centennial Trail No. 89 went quite close to the lake. Might as well go have a look!
Bear Butte Lake from the SE shore. Photo looks N.Bear Butte from Bear Butte Lake. Photo looks NE.Joe and Laddie get in on the act. Photo looks NE.
After passing a small bay at the S end of the lake, the trail headed W out onto the prairie. Going gradually up a long rise, the trail flattened out near Hill 3204. Venturing a short distance off-trail, the hill provided a sweet view of Bear Butte Lake with Bear Butte(4,422 ft.) beyond.
Heading out onto the prairie. Photo looks W.Bear Butte Lake and Bear Butte from Hill 3204. Photo looks NE.
Returning to Centennial Trail No. 89, it continued W across a featureless plain, eventually angling SW toward a ridge. From the top this ridge there was a last view of Bear Butte and Bear Butte Lake back to the NE.
Heading for the ridge. Photo looks SW.Bear Butte and Bear Butte Lake from the top of the ridge. Photo looks NE.
A vast expanse of prairie was now in sight to the W with the Black Hills beyond it. Crook Mountain(4,930 ft.) was readily identifiable to the WSW past Oyster Mountain(4,040 ft.), although neither looked all that big from here.
Oyster Mountain (the darkly forested hill way beyond Lupe) with Crook Mountain (slightly L) beyond it. Photo looks W.
The most interesting view, though, was to the S. The long ridge everyone had reached yesterday from Fort Meade was 1.5 miles away. Since there was plenty of time to get over to it, a short break was taken here before continuing on. Conditions were more pleasant now, the N wind having died down somewhat.
Looking SSW toward the long, flat, grassy ridge that was today’s objective.
Soon everyone was ready to press on. Centennial Trail No. 89 went S as it now descended toward the lowlands. Near a pond, the trail reached a fence line, which it followed SW to a gate. Going through the gate, the trail became more of a faint 2 track road as it headed S again. By the time it eventually curved SW, the majority of the distance to the next ridge had already been covered.
Approaching the destination ridge. Photo looks SW.
Near the end of this stretch through the lowlands, the trail curved SE, starting up toward the same gap in the ridge to the S everyone had made it to yesterday. In this region, Cousin Laddie and Uncle Joe successfully completed their explorations of Centennial Trail No. 89 between Fort Meade and Bear Butte Lake. Nearly to the ridge now, going all the way to the top again seemed like the thing to do.
Joe and Laddie heading up to the gap (R). Bear Butte (Center). Photo looks NE.Looking ESE down on the gap as Joe and Laddie complete the trek up onto the ridge.
Once up on the ridge, the plan was to take a break somewhere along the N edge. Going W along the rim, a second point jutting out toward the N seemed like a good spot. The upper E side provided some shelter from the wind, which was still blowing. This area overlooked a ravine full of snow that extended clear back down to the prairie.
Lupe and Laddie on a snowbank near the break spot. Bear Butte (R). Photo looks NNE.
Just like yesterday, SPHP let Laddie and Lupe split a chocolate coconut bar, followed up by as much Taste of the Wild as they wanted. Joe and SPHP had apples and Kirkland bars again. Water, of course, for anyone who wanted it.
Sweeping views of the low prairie looked like one might go on exploring forever. Only 2 miles W, the Black Hills beckoned clad in dark pines.
The Black Hills. Photo looks WSW.
A small pond was in sight about 0.5 mile N out on the prairie. Although Centennial Trail No. 89 didn’t go to it, getting there would be easy. The plan for the return became to follow the long snowfield extending down the ravine, then continue across the prairie to visit this little pond.
However, what looked like a carcass was visible down along the W side of the ravine. Before everyone got underway again, Joe leashed Laddie up to prevent him from getting anywhere near it.
Laddie with the anti-carcass leash on.Joe and Laddie out on the breezy point. Photo looks NW.
The snow in the ravine was strong, supporting even SPHP’s weight. Joe and Laddie completely by-passed the carcass, but Lupe and SPHP went over for a look. The cow had been dead so long that even the Carolina Dog didn’t want a thing to do with it.
Heading down the snow-filled ravine. Photo looks NNE.The poor icky cow! Photo looks NE.
After sticking with the snow in the ravine until it ran out, the trek across the prairie to the little pond was next. A bit of cactus caused Loopster to insist upon implementing her anti-cactus strategy, which basically meant SPHP had to go first, certifying the route directly ahead was cacti-free. Only then would Lupe follow.
Looking SW back up toward the ridge.Loop on her way down. Photo looks SW.Exploring the prairie. Photo looks SSW.
The little pond was frozen, of course. Uncle Joe ventured onto the ice. Cousin Laddie eventually did, too. The American Dingo and SPHP did not. The only other thing of interest here was a gnarled tree on a small barren rise just NE of the pond. Even the tree wasn’t all that fascinating, but at least Lupe and Laddie could say they’d been here.
Uncle Joe out on the ice. Photo looks NNW.By the gnarled tree. Photo looks E.
Heading E from the pond and its lone gnarled tree, Centennial Trail No. 89 was soon reached again. Rather than go back entirely along the same route, the day’s journey concluded with a detour around the N side of Bear Butte Lake on the way back to the trailhead.
This involved a trek through a campground, following a primitive road through some trees where there were big mounds of snow, and ended with a short-cut through an extensive, currently dry region of cattails.
Bear Butte and Bear Butte Lake back in sight again. Photo looks NE.Getting close to Bear Butte Lake. Photo looks E.On a snowbank near the W end of the lake. Photo looks N.Setting out around the N side of Bear Butte Lake. Photo looks NE.
By 2:40 PM, the day’s outdoor adventures were over. It had been a fun time with Cousin Laddie and Uncle Joe. Although Hotel Lupe wasn’t serving dinner tonight, Grandma was throwing a Super Bowl party at her apartment.
There were lots of good things to eat! Lupe got a Busy Rib Hide. Laddie didn’t, because he had only one front tooth to chew with, his L canine that earned him his Cousin Snaggle Fang nickname, but he could have Beggin’ Strips. Both cousins also enjoyed plenty of baked chicken that SPHP doled out.
Lupe was disappointed the Dingoes weren’t even in it, but the Super Bowl was actually exciting this year! The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 38 to 35 in a high-scoring duel undecided until the final seconds.
Cousin Laddie’s brief visit to Hotel Lupe and the Black Hills with Uncle Joe and Aunt Andrea had been a marvelous time! Lupe and SPHP were so glad they had come, even though 2.5 happy days together had flown by all too quickly. The next morning it was sad to see them go.
No one at the time, though, realized just how extremely sad it was.
With Cousin Laddie & Uncle Joe near Bear Butte Lake, South Dakota 2-12-23
2-10-23, mid-afternoon at home – Lupe was going berserk! Despite being delayed due to a super icy hill, Cousin Laddie, Aunt Andrea, and Uncle Joe were here from Colorado! Wild with joy, the Carolina Dog greeted them all to Hotel Lupe with enormous enthusiasm. Chocolate bars were on their pillows, and SPHP was cooking tonight!
In the evening, even Grandma came over for the feast. Cousin Laddie was hoping for SPHP’s “Sheltie delight” spaghetti, but got chili instead. Once it cooled off enough, Laddie decided the chili wasn’t bad, either, stuffing himself with 2 big bowls of it. Not to be outdone, Lupe had 3.
2-11-23, 10:27 AM, 44ºF, junction of USFS Roads No. 144 & No. 144.1A – As Lupe hoped and expected, Cousin Laddie’s arrival meant adventures in the Black Hills were in store! SPHP had selected Peak5321 near Nemo as a good objective to start with.
Seemed like a perfect choice! USFS Road No. 144.1A went nearly all the way to the top with less than 300 feet of elevation gain, passing scenic Ash Point just before getting there. Another great viewpoint was a short distance beyond the summit, too, if everyone felt a bit more ambitious.
However, there was a lot more snow than SPHP anticipated at the start of USFS Road No. 144.1A. So much snow that Uncle Joe was wishing he’d brought snowshoes!
At the start of USFS Road No. 144.1A. Photo looks S.
Well, this was a N slope. SPHP promoted the notion that once the road got up to where it enjoyed a more S-facing exposure, the snow wouldn’t be nearly so deep. There might not even be any snow at all. Uncle Joe was willing to play along with that idea, at least for a little way.
After passing a barricade near the start, No. 144.1A angled SE. The snow made what should have been an easy, gradual ascent quite a workout. Cousin Laddie with his short Sheltie legs had the hardest time of it, but didn’t complain at all, bounding through chest deep snow like a trooper, trying to keep up with Uncle Joe.
By the barricade near the start. Photo looks SSE.The snowy initial climb. Photo looks SE.
After gaining 100 feet of elevation, the road curved SW and started to level out in a sunnier region. As expected, there was less snow here.
Joe and Laddie lead the way on a still mostly snowy road. Photo looks WSW.
Before long, No. 144.1A curved SE again. With the snow just as deep as it was earlier, SPHP had to concede that maybe Peak 5321 wasn’t actually such a great idea today. A new plan was hatched. If it was too snowy in the hills, maybe Joe and Laddie would be interested in a prairie hike at much lower elevations?
Joe and Lupe as far as the snow trek went, a little over 0.4 mile in. Photo looks SE.
When SPHP suggested taking Centennial Trail No. 89 N from Fort Meade, Joe was all for it. He liked the Fort Meade area, in fact, Joe and Cousin Dusty had often been with Loopster on Centennial Trail No. 89 N of the Alkali Creek trailhead, just S of Fort Meade. Joe called that section of the trail the “Ponderosa hike”, and it had always been one of their favorites in the entire Black Hills region.
With this new plan in mind, everyone headed back to the RAV4.
Returning to the RAV4 on a still too wintery USFS Road No. 144.1A. Photo looks NW.
2-11-23, 11:54 AM, 52ºF, Centennial Trail No. 89, Fort Meade trailhead – Oh, yeah! Much better! Cousin Laddie was going to have an easier time of it here. Some snow around, but not much, and only in a few spots.
At the Fort Meade trailhead. Photo looks NW.
After crossing Hwy 34/79 just W of Fort Meade, everyone went through a gate N of the highway, then continued N through a field of tall, dry grass toward oaks and cottonwoods over by Bear Butte Creek.
About to head through the gate after crossing Hwy 34/79. Photo looks N.Reaching the trees near Bear Butte Creek. Photo looks NE.
A surprise was waiting at Bear Butte Creek. The bridge that used to be here was gone! No sign of it! Fortunately, the creek was running low. Joe wandered W along the near bank, looking for a place to cross. He found a suitable spot 200 feet upstream.
Meanwhile, Cousin Laddie had ventured into Bear Butte Creek. Finding it deeper than he expected, Laddie tried to get out, but each time he leapt up onto a shelf of ice along the edge of the stream, a big chunk would collapse beneath him, plunging the Sheltie right back into the water.
Laddie kept trying, though, finally managing to escape. Laddie, Lupe, and SPHP all headed for the area where Uncle Joe had made it across, and had success, too.
Joe already up on the N bank, waiting for Laddie. Photo looks NW.Bear Butte Creek. Photo looks WNW.
After crossing Bear Butte Creek and finding the trail again, it headed NE across a huge field. A long ridge more than 150 feet high was just to the N. The top of Bear Butte(4,422 ft.) was visible beyond it.
Entering the field. Bear Butte (R). Photo looks NE.
The trail went NE all the way to a fence line where it turned N. Warning whistles revealed the presence of a small prairie dog town near the base of the ridge. All excited, the American Dingo dashed off to stick her nose down some prairie dog holes and enjoy some serious sniffing.
Either Shelties don’t give a fig about prairie dogs, or Laddie didn’t hear them due to his partial deafness. In any case, he displayed absolutely no interest, preferring to follow Uncle Joe up the 2 track dirt road the trail now followed up the ridge. When SPHP went that way, too, Lupe quickly abandoned her prairie dog investigations.
Beyond the prairie dog village, starting up the ridge. Photo looks NE.
After getting up the first rise, the dirt road flattened out. The top of the ridge was still somewhat higher. A second minor push required to get to the upper plateau didn’t take long. Once on top, a lone boulder was seen resting 30 feet E of the road near the S rim.
The boulder looked like a good spot to take a break. A couple of ponds were in sight a mile E, and Bear Butte was in view again, too. Sitting on the grass, SPHP let Laddie and Lupe split a chocolate coconut bar, and gave them as much Taste of the Wild as they wanted. Joe and SPHP each had a Kirkland bar that Joe provided, plus an apple.
On the big grassy bench below the top of the ridge. Photo looks NW.Relaxing near the lone boulder. Bear Butte (R). Photo looks NNE.The ponds (Center) from the boulder near the S edge of the ridge. Photo looks E.The view back toward Fort Meade and Bear Butte Creek. Photo looks S.
After the pleasant rest break, following the dirt road just a little farther N led to an intersection. Centennial Trail No. 89 turned NE (R) here in the general direction of Bear Butte, remaining on top of the broad ridge.
This flat stroll was about as easy as it gets, and views of the surrounding prairie were terrific. Conditions were fabulous for February, mid 50’s ºF, with scarcely a breeze. Joe and SPHP chatted about what a great place to camp this ridge would be on a starry night.
The western South Dakota prairie. Photo looks NNW.
Laddie and Lupe didn’t find all that much to sniff up here other than an empty water trough in a wooden fence, but still seemed to be enjoying themselves.
By the dry water trough. Bear Butte (L). Photo looks NE.
After going NE for more than a mile, the road curved E toward a gap in the ridge. Before heading down into the gap, a few moments were taken to appreciate the view of Bear Butte from up here. Bear Butte Lake was just coming into sight at the base of the mountain.
A long, long time ago, Cousin Dusty had been up here with Lupe. It was sad to think that Cousin Dusty was gone now, but, of course, nice to have Cousin Laddie’s company.
Laddie and Lupe together before descending into the gap. Photo looks NE.Bear Butte Lake at the base of Bear Butte with help from the telephoto lens.
Descending into the gap, Uncle Joe scanned the ground for artifacts as he turned N, venturing farther down into the prairie.
Below the ridge after going through the gap. Photo looks NW.Joe and Laddie head farther out into the prairie. Photo looks NW.
Bear Butte’s summit is the N end of 111 mile long Centennial Trail No. 89, but Laddie and Lupe weren’t going that far today. Now 2.5 miles from the Fort Meade trailhead, Uncle Joe was ready to turn back.
About ready to head back up onto the ridge. Photo looks S.Cousin Laddie at trail’s end for the day.Bear Butte from the turnaround point. Photo looks NE.
The return was beautiful, half of it way up on the ridge with the big prairie views, this time heading toward the Black Hills.
Joe and Laddie returning to the ridge. Photo looks SSE.Heading for the Black Hills. Photo looks SW.
2-11-23, 3:00 PM, Fort Meade trailhead – Nearly the entire return route was identical, except near the very end. By going farther W through the huge field and a picnic ground, a lovely bridge over Bear Butte Creek had been discovered along a bike path. Happily, Laddie hadn’t had to brave the icy waters a second time.
Later on in the evening, Cousin Laddie had another reason to celebrate. Joe and Andrea brought Grandma over to Hotel Lupe again, and SPHP didn’t disappoint. Tonight’s chef’s special was “Sheltie delight” spaghetti, a Laddie favorite even American Dingoes were partial to.
Cousin Laddie on Centennial Trail No. 89 between Fort Meade & Bear Butte 2-11-23
Day 7 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2022 Dingo Vacation to Canada & Alaska!
Wee hours, 0.5 km W of Summit Pass – A gentle paw woke SPHP from a sound sleep. Lupe wanted out. Unzipping the door to the tiny house, SPHP let her go. Shining the flashlight after her revealed only thick fog. Not good.
Don’t get lost out there, Loop!
Started to rain shortly after the Carolina Dog left. She was soon back, her fur already quite damp.
At least, I’m smart enough to come in out of the rain, SPHP!
You’re a wise Dingo, Looper.
Not looking very good for our plan to climb Mount Hyland tomorrow, SPHP. Thought your forecast said it was going to be sunny?
Yeah, I know. Maybe it’ll clear off? Might as well get some more shut-eye in the meantime.
Lupe went out in the night once more later on. Still foggy, but the rain had ended, only a light mist remaining.
7:31 AM, chilly – What luck! Sunshine was on Mount Hyland’s massive SW ridge. No fog now! Only high, thin clouds sailed over the enormous valley the American Dingo was supposed to explore today.
Get cracking, SPHP! Mount Hyland (7,477 ft.) is a go!
Mount Hyland’s SW bowl from the tiny house. Photo looks NNE.
Lupe set out heading E to the McCabe Trail as if she intended to return to Summit Pass, which she’d visited yesterday evening. However, SPHP led her off-trail well before she got that far, turning NW across a level field of rich green grass.
The American Dingo was in her element! Freshly rested and energetic, Lupe raced this way and that over the soft green carpet, sniffing madly, while marmots whistled all around.
Roaming Mount Hyland’s Dingo Paradise! Photo looks NW.
The wonderful field soon led to a green bench that rose gradually as it wrapped around the SW corner of Mount Hyland’s gigantic S ridge. The bench ended before Lupe got too much farther. Suddenly, a view of rockier terrain appeared ahead.
Entering rockier ground. Photo looks NW.
Climbed a bit too fast already, didn’t we, Loop?
Story of our lives, SPHP.
Still some greenery ahead. Descending 50 feet or so, Loopster got back to her kind of terrain. In high spirits, she wandered among a maze of rocks and tundra. Prime marmot territory! Before long she’d gone far enough NW.
Think we can turn N now, Loop. Time to start climbing again!
A final steep grassy slope, etched by rivulets pouring down from above, quickly led to a world of rock. To the NE, a ravine choked with big talus swept up along the base of Mount Hyland’s S ridge. Immediately ahead, the Carolina Dog faced a hill of exposed bedrock.
Ascending the last green slope. Photo looks NNW.Ravine of talus below the S ridge (R). Bedrock hill (L). Photo looks NE.
Let’s avoid all that rock-hopping in this ravine if we can, SPHP!
With you on that, Looper, provided we can get over this hill.
The bedrock hill was actually quite a fun climb, full of little benches and ramps. Once on top, another small rocky ridge was just ahead, barely any higher than this first hill.
Climbing the bedrock hill. Photo looks NNW.On the bedrock hill, with another minor ridge ahead. Photo looks NE.
Although Loopster was just getting started up Mount Hyland, looking back to the SSW, there was already quite a view.
Lupe, look! See that mountain toward the L? You’ve been there! That’s got to be Astlais Mountain(6,037 ft.)!
Really, SPHP? Astlais Mountain was fabulous! That must mean that lower triangle in shadow even farther L is the Big Onion(5,840 ft.)!
No doubt about it, Loop! Awesome to see them again from here!
Big Onion Mountain (far L) in shadow, Astlais Mountain (L), NE part of Pyramid Mountain (R). Photo looks SSW.
After climbing up and over the next little ridge, then wandering a region of exposed bedrock slabs beyond it, the central valley of the enormous bowl nestled between Mount Hyland’s massive S and SW ridges came into view. A wide river of talus swept down the middle of it.
Holy schmoley, SPHP! That’s a lot of rock!
Nothing too difficult, Looper, but will certainly be slow going for me.
A first snowbank on the way over the next ridge. Photo looks NE.The river of talus in the central valley. Photo looks NE.
Before taking on the talus, SPHP used the camera’s telephoto lens to scan the far upper end of the valley. Mount Hyland’s summit was somewhere beyond what could be seen from here, but starting to ponder what might be the easiest way to get up to it couldn’t hurt. Staying toward the E (R) once higher up looked like the thing to do.
Upper end of the central valley. Photo looks NNE with help from the telephoto lens.
Pressing on, Lupe descended to the river of talus. Snowbanks strong enough to provide support helped a little. Angling NNW across the talus, Lupe reached another bedrock ridge. Once up it, there was more talus. The American Dingo passed a beautiful shallow tarn.
About to head down into the talus. Photo looks ENE.At the next bedrock ridge. Photo looks N.By the shallow tarn. Photo looks NNW.
Beyond the tarn, a steeper climb NW came next on a combination of mostly talus and some bedrock to get past a huge wall of rock extending W from the S ridge. This led to a flat region where Looper crossed a big snowfield. Turning N, and scrambling higher, the Carolina Dog reached a large, flat slab. This seemed like a good spot to take a break.
Relaxing on the slab, Lupe now had a better view of the upper valley.
Crossing the snowfield after the steeper climb beyond the tarn. Photo looks SSE.The upper valley from the rest break slab. Photo looks NE.
Still a ways to go, but it doesn’t look too bad from here, SPHP.
Yeah, I can’t decide if we should stick with the valley as far as possible, and head straight toward that high point at the upper end, or if we ought to scramble up onto the S ridge. Maybe there’s some tundra up there, Loop?
That would sure speed things along compared to all this rock, SPHP.
Break time over, Lupe headed NE among the talus, avoiding it whenever possible. Progress wasn’t too bad, and there were opportunities to cool off on snowbanks too steep to climb. Turning NNE, after a quite a steep ascent, to SPHP’s surprise, the American Dingo reached an oasis, a bench of soft, green moss that felt good on the paws, with a lovely little stream gurgling through it. Lupe was clearly delighted!
So was SPHP. From the look of things, Loop was already getting pretty high on the mountain.
At the unexpected green oasis. Photo looks WNW.
This is encouraging, Loop! Maybe we ought to scramble up to the S ridge right now?
How much higher is it, SPHP?
Not sure, Looper, but probably only a few hundred feet.
That wasn’t a bad estimate as it turned out, but it took a little persuading to convince Loopster to abandon her lovely oasis. She got into it, though, which was a good thing, because the rocky scramble was just plain steep for a good 150 feet, before getting somewhat easier.
Scrambling up the S ridge. Photo looks E.
Results, unfortunately, were not as hoped. A glance in any direction was more than enough to shatter dreams of an easy stroll along the tundra. What tundra? The entire S ridge was an endless jumble of rock. A small, level, relatively rock-free patch of dirt with a few wisps of brown grass was as good as it got.
Off to the N, though, a hill with a long snowbank below it was visible a bit beyond the junction of the S and SW ridges.
Oh, my gosh, Loop! Is that Mount Hyland’s summit? Sure looks like it from here!
Let’s hope so, SPHP. At least it doesn’t look too far away.
At the “grassy” spot on the S ridge. SW ridge (L), summit (R). Photo looks NW.
Despite the rocky terrain, which wasn’t too terrible since the rocks were mostly of modest size, SPHP was enthused.
Hey, hey! We’re going to make it, Looper! That little hill is an easy climb! All we have to do is get to it.
Nearby to the N, a high point jutted out to the E. There seemed to be no reason to bother climbing it. Skirting along the W side turned out to be a good decision. Immediately beyond the E high point, Lupe came to a long snowbank. Afraid of what might lay beyond it, SPHP wouldn’t let her cool off on the snow. Another good decision!
By the long snowbank. Photo looks E.E high point along the S ridge (Center), Peak 7390 (L), the dangerous snowbank (by Lupe). Photo looks ESE.
Continuing N, a more flat-topped knob was ahead. This time, trying to go around the W side didn’t work. Too steep! Lupe had to scramble up onto the knob. Happily, this wasn’t too difficult, but upon reaching the top, a shock was in store.
The small hill SPHP had taken for Mount Hyland’s true summit wasn’t the only high point ahead. Another one was now visible a few hundred feet farther NNE along what appeared to be an extremely narrow ridge. Worse yet, this second high point also appeared to be not only a little higher, but capped by a massive, vertical-sided boulder.
Original high point (L of Center), boulder high point (R of Center). Photo looks N.
Yikes! That better not be Hyland’s true summit, Looper! I don’t think we can get up on that boulder, even if we manage to get over to it.
There’s not much difference in elevation between those two high points, SPHP. Maybe it’s just an illusion that the boulder one is higher?
Maybe. Won’t know until we get closer, I guess. Onward! Puppy ho!
Fortunately, there was a safe way to scramble down to the N from the E end of the knob Lupe was on. Losing roughly 50 feet of elevation, the Carolina Dog managed to reach the base of the knob.
No further significant obstacles were visible on the broad rocky ridge leading toward the closest high point, but a new threat was developing. Although the weather had been mostly sunny this morning, now that it was mid-day, clouds were rapidly building. Fog sometimes boiled up from the SW valley Lupe had explored, and many big clouds were now streaming in from out of the W.
Clouds sweep in toward both high points (L). Photo looks N.
We better get there while we can still see something, Looper! Onward!
The trek N up the rocky slope was all relatively easy. SPHP couldn’t help staring over at that second high point farther NNE, hoping it wasn’t the true summit. Actually, it didn’t look like it was from here, so excitement was growing. Loopster was going to make it! SPHP hadn’t the least bit of doubt that she’d soon be at the first high point.
Getting close! Photo looks N.
Suddenly, Lupe was nearly there! She’d reached the junction of Mount Hyland’s S and SW ridges. The first high point was now very close by, up a much narrower ridge. As anticipated, the American Dingo had plenty of room to get there without ever having to set paw on the steep snow.
Success in sight! Photo looks N.
Skirting around W of the snow revealed the final simple romp to a cairn atop the first high point!
Approaching the summit! Photo looks NE.
12:54 PM, 58ºF, Mount Hyland(7,477 ft.) – She’d done it! Fog swept in from out of the W, as Lupe stood proudly on the cairn at the first high point. A moment later, the only views remaining were to the E and S. Peak 7390 was in sight out that way, and Lupe could also see both the knob she’d gone over along Hyland’s S ridge, as well as that initial high point that jutted out to the E.
A mighty American Dingo atop the cairn on Mount Hyland. Photo looks NE.Peak 7390 (L), the knob Lupe went over (R) with the E high point along Mount Hyland’s S ridge beyond it. Photo looks SE.
Congratulations, Loopster! Magnificent job! May I shake your paw?
Lupe meekly extended her paw. SPHP shook it, and the Carolina Dog came down off the cairn.
It’s been a long, rocky climb, SPHP! Think I’ve earned a chocolate coconut bar by now, haven’t I?
Yes and no, Loop. We’ll have to talk about that.
Talk about it? What do you mean by that, SPHP? Don’t tell me you didn’t even bring one!
Oh, of course I did, Looper. Have no fear! C’mon, let’s sit down. Guess what? I brought beef jerky, too.
The American Dingo was more than happy to curl up on SPHP’s lap just below the cairn. A chocolate coconut bar, beef jerky, Taste of the Wild, and water feast ensued. SPHP munched on honey-roasted peanuts.
Fog continued to stream by, the only views remaining to the E. Fulton Lake was visible far beyond Peak 7390. Somewhat closer, Chapman Lake was off to the NE, also beyond the Babines.
Fulton Lake (L & Center), Peak 7390 (R). Photo looks ESE with help from the telephoto lens.Chapman Lake. Photo looks NE with help from the telephoto lens.
So, what’s there to talk about, SPHP? A shame we arrived too late to see much of anything.
Yeah, it is! Very disappointing! But I did get a glimpse around before we got here, and even while you first stood on the cairn. This isn’t Mount Hyland’s true summit.
What? It isn’t, SPHP?
Sadly, no. That next high point with the boulder is definitely higher. Not by a lot, but maybe 10 feet, or so, plus or minus a bit.
Are we going over there then, SPHP?
No! Not worth it, Loop. We could maybe get over to that big boulder, but even the narrow ridge leading to it looks kind of dicey. From what I saw, I’m highly doubtful we can safely get on top. Too risky to take the chance.
So, I’m not going to get credit for climbing Mount Hyland, SPHP?
That’s what we need to discuss, Loopster. Maybe this is close enough for Dingo work? Technically, from a purist’s standpoint, we clearly can’t claim success, but the cairn is here. Probably a sign that few actually go on to the boulder. Most people that make it this far would likely say they climbed Mount Hyland, and hardly anyone would object.
The earlier sense of elation when it looked like Lupe was about to tag the true summit as she leapt up onto the cairn was gone. Whether or not to call this good, fudging a bit to claim a successful ascent was something to ponder while watching the fog gradually spread. Even Mount Hyland’s S ridge was starting to disappear from view. Kind of concerning in this rugged territory.
Time ticked away. The situation wasn’t getting any better.
Well, what do you think, Loop? How long should we stay up here? Can’t see much. Been hoping the sky would clear, since the forecast was sunny, but it appears to be going the other way.
It’s not cold or windy, SPHP. Can we stay my usual full summit hour, or at least until all the views are gone? Still sort of awesome just being here, isn’t it? Besides, I’m tired, and like resting on your lap.
Yeah, it is cool being here, Loopster, but it’s sure not all it could be due to the fog. Fair enough, though. We’ll stay your whole hour, if the views don’t completely vanish.
40 minutes after arriving at the cairn, fog swept over the entire S ridge. Scarcely any views left now, only the lowlands to the E.
Then suddenly everything changed! Mount Hyland’s SW ridge was in sight! Pyramid Mountain(6,273 ft.) was beyond it. WSW, way over by Smithers, Hudson Bay Mountain(8,494 ft.) was in view.
Mount Hyland’s SW ridge (foreground), Pyramid Mountain (L) beyond it, Hudson Bay Mountain (R) in the distance. Photo looks SW with help from the telephoto lens.Zoomed in on Hudson Bay Mountain (Center). Photo looks WSW.
The clouds weren’t departing; the ceiling was lifting. Mountains were popping into view all over the place! Mount Elmsted(7,244 ft.) and Lagopus Mountain(6,982 ft.) were to the NW, beyond Mount Hyland’s W ridge. A little farther N, The Galleon(7,844 ft.) was emerging, too!
Lagopus Mountain (L of Center), Mount Hyland’s W ridge (R) in the foreground with Mount Elmsted beyond. The Galleon (far R). Photo looks NW.The Galleon (Center). Mount Hyland’s W ridge (L), Mount Elmsted (far L). Photo looks NW.The Galleon (Center). Photo looks NW with lots of help from the telephoto lens.
Upon seeing Mount Hyland’s W ridge, SPHP was suddenly confused.
Where are we, Loopster?
What? We’re on Mount Hyland(7,477 ft.), SPHP! Are you OK?
Yeah, but I thought that Mount Hyland’s W ridge connected directly to the summit, Loop, and it doesn’t. At least, it doesn’t connect to where we are.
Are you sure that’s Mount Hyland’s W ridge, SPHP? Maybe you ought to check your topo map?
SPHP did. Yes, that was Mount Hyland’s W ridge, alright. Shaped like the map showed. As the clouds lifted to the N, a stunning revelation!
Good grief, Loopster! We’re nowhere near Mount Hyland’s true summit! It’s way over there!
0.5 km NNW, several more high points were linked not only to the W ridge, but also to the nearby boulder summit by another ridge that was clearly skilled mountaineer territory. The highest N points certainly did look a little higher than where Lupe was, higher even than the boulder summit. Beyond them Mount Cronin(7,861 ft.) was starting to emerge, confirming the diagnosis.
Even Lupe felt dejected.
We’ll never get over there, SPHP!
Mount Hyland’s true summit (L), the Boulder Summit (R). Photo looks N.Mount Hyland’s true summit (Center). Mount Cronin (R of Center). Photo looks NNW.Mount Hyland’s true summit (L) with Mount Cronin in the background. Photo looks N with lots of help from the telephoto lens.
That was it. Mount Hyland was a fail. No fudging this! The true summit wasn’t that much higher than the cairn Lupe stood on, maybe a mere 20 feet, but even for Dingo work, you can’t be 0.5 km away, and still claim a peakbagging success. A relatively near miss elevation-wise considering the size of the mountain, but such a distance was a killer.
At least we didn’t break our necks trying to get to the boulder summit, SPHP!
No arguing that, Looper! Too scary by our standards.
Coming to Mount Hyland may have been a peakbagging fail, but it was also a tremendous scenic success! Lupe had never been this high, or in such a rugged part of the Babine Mountains before. The views from up here near the heart of the range were awesome, and Lupe’s old friends Astlais Mountain(6,037 ft.) and Big Onion Mountain(5,840 ft.) were in sight, looking diminutive from such a lofty perch.
Big Onion Mountain (L of Center) and Astlais Mountain (R of Center). Photo looks S.Big Onion Mountain (L) and Astlais Mountain (R) beyond Ganokwa Basin. Photo looks S with lots of help from the telephoto lens.
The American Dingo lingered long after her traditional summit hour had come and gone. And why not? Conditions were near perfect, wasn’t that late yet, and the rugged beauty of the Babines was all around. Lupe and SPHP both wandered about, gazing at this and that as whim and fancy directed.
Mount Hyland’s SW ridge (foreground), Pyramid Mountain (L) and Harvey Mountain (Center) beyond it, Hudson Bay Mountain (R) in the distance. Photo looks SW.Mount Hyland’s W ridge (Center) in the foreground, Lagopus Mountain (far L), Mount Elmsted (L), The Galleon (R). Photo looks NW with help from the telephoto lens.
2:49 PM, Mount Hyland(7,477 ft.) – Nearly 2 hours after arriving, Lupe stood on the cairn once hoped, and initially considered to be, the true summit for the last time.
The Galleon (L) Mount Hyland’s true summit (Center), Mount Cronin (R of Center). Photo looks NNW.Mount Hyland’s true summit (L) in the foreground, Mount Cronin (L of Center), the boulder summit (R). Photo looks N.
You still look a little tired, Loop. Are you feeling alright?
Yes, but just thinking about all the zillions of rocks we’ve got to hop on the way back makes me wish we were already down on the tundra with the marmots, SPHP.
At least it’s downhill, Loop. Take one more look at where we are, though! Can’t win ’em all, and for a fail, Mount Hyland has got to be one of our most magnificent ones ever, don’t you think?
Oh, of course! Mount Hyland has been a glorious adventure, SPHP!
No matter how glorious, you can’t stay on the mountain forever. It was time. A final glance around, and Lupe left the cairn, starting the long journey back to her tiny house.
Soon headed down. E high point on Mount Hyland’s S ridge (far L), SW ridge (far R), Big Onion Mountain (R) and Astlais Mountain (far R) in the distance. Photo looks SSE.On the S ridge on the way back. Astlais Mountain (far L), Pyramid Mountain (Center), Harvey Mountain (R), Hudson Bay Mountain (far R). Photo looks SW.
The views were spectacular, and the return went fine, at first. Then SPHP stayed up on the S ridge too long before attempting the descent to the central valley. Coming down S of the big wall that jutted out to the W, the terrain was so steep that Lupe got nervous, pawing the back of SPHP’s legs many times, seeking reassurance.
At a safe spot during the scramble down to the central valley. Pyramid Mountain (L of Center), Harvey Mountain (R of Center), Hudson Bay Mountain (R). Photo looks SW.
Took a long, cautious effort to reach the valley floor, but Lupe got there. The shallow tarn was now ahead. Still plenty of extremely rocky terrain beyond it, but the worst was over.
Down safely, approaching the shallow tarn. Photo looks SE.
At last, the Carolina Dog made it beyond the world of rock. As soon as the first big expanse of green appeared, she was off! Joyful, Lupe raced ahead, roaming freely through the Mount Hyland Dingo Paradise as marmots whistled once more.
SPHP didn’t catch up until the end. The sun was nearly down as, tired and hungry, the American Dingo reached the tiny house. Lupe’s Mount Hyland adventure was over, but what a magnificent day it had been!
Mount Hyland, Babine Mountains, British Columbia, Canada 8-5-22
