Pitcher Hill, Bisbee Hill, Markley Hill & Poland Hill, Laramie Mountains, WY (5-30-16)

Morning, and a glorious new day from the looks of it!  Lupe, of course, was already awake.  She was eager to dash outside the G6.  SPHP let her out.  While Lupe sniffed around the boulders and searched the trees for squirrels, SPHP consumed peach yogurt.  Nearby, the rugged high points of Eagle Rock (8,320 ft.) were lit up by the sun.  Lupe had been up there just yesterday evening.

The yogurt disappeared.  Time to go!  Lupe and SPHP headed E on USFS Road No. 714, but stopped briefly 0.33 mile SE of Eagle Rock.  The whole SE face of the mountain could be seen from here.  SPHP still wondered if the middle high point or one farther to the N was the true summit.  From this vantage point, it looked like the high point to the N was slightly higher.

Eagle Rock (8,320 ft.) from the SE.
Eagle Rock (8,320 ft.) from the SE.
Flowers in the fields SE of Eagle Rock. The orange ones were unusually shaped. SPHP had no idea what kind of flower they were.
Flowers in the fields SE of Eagle Rock. The orange ones were unusually shaped. SPHP had no idea what kind of flower they were.

Lupe’s next peakbagging goal was Pitcher Hill (7,840 ft.) located less than 5 miles ESE of Eagle Rock.  SPHP expected no trouble finding it.  In fact, SPHP had seen a big hill from Eagle Rock that was probably it.  The stony top of the hill looked like something Lupe wouldn’t even be able to climb.  SPHP hoped Lupe could find a way up.

USFS Road No. 714 curved S, as expected.  Then it curved W.  Any time now, the intersection with No. 712 should appear.  It didn’t.  SPHP drove on.  Finally, it was clear something was wrong.  Eagle Rock was again off to the N, and not that far away.  SPHP stopped to check the maps.  This had to be No. 712 already, but where had No. 714 turned into No. 712?  SPHP was supposed to have turned E, not W, on No. 712 there.

SPHP turned the G6 around.  A couple of miles later, it all became clear.  SPHP found the junction.  No. 712 going W was a good gravel road, just like No. 714.  Going E though, it was only a minor dirt side road.  That was why the junction hadn’t even looked like a junction.  Fortunately, No. 712 going E was still good enough to be passable for the G6, provided SPHP drove very slowly.

The G6 crawled along No. 712 going E.  A side road to the S marked as No. 712.D appeared.  Just beyond it was No. 710.  This all looked right according to the map.  No. 710 passes 0.25 mile N of Pitcher Hill.  SPHP turned onto No. 710, but went only a short distance further before parking the G6.  Lupe would start from here, even though she was still 0.75 mile NW of Pitcher Hill.

There was one problem.  Where was Pitcher Hill?  This was open rolling grassland.  Lupe had a good view of what was around, but Pitcher Hill was missing!  The big stony hill that SPHP had been assuming was Pitcher Hill was in sight, but it seemed to be a long way off to the S.  Could that really be it?  It didn’t seem right at all.  Lupe and SPHP went up a gentle rise to the SE for a better look.

SPHP stopped up at the top of the gentle rise to study the maps.  It was for certain Lupe wouldn’t be able to climb Pitcher Hill, if SPHP wasn’t even able to figure out where it was!  Lupe wondered what was going on.  Why are we stopping here?

SPHP had two maps of the area.  They both showed Pitcher Hill, but they didn’t agree on its location!  At least it was clear that the prominent stony hill SPHP had thought was Pitcher Hill couldn’t possibly be it.  That hill was too far away to the S.  It was almost certainly where the Russell Benchmark (8,227 ft.) was.

The stony mountain in the distance was the one SPHP had thought was Pitcher Hill. However, it was clear from the maps that it was too far away and in the wrong direction. So where was the real Pitcher Hill? Photo looks S.

The old Medicine Bow National Forest map showed Pitcher Hill was 0.5 mile SSW of where Lupe was on the opposite (S) side of Lodgepole Creek.  Although the creek wasn’t in view, Lupe could see a gap that the creek must be flowing through in that direction.  If the Medicine Bow National Forest map was right, Pitcher Hill had to be the modest looking hill on the far side of the gap.

SPHP’s old Medicine Bow National Forest map placed Pitcher Hill on the S (opposite) side of Lodgepole Creek. If the map was correct, Pitcher Hill was the hill shown on the L in this photo.

The Peakbagger.com topo map showed Pitcher Hill was 0.75 mile to the SE and on the N (same) side of Lodgepole Creek.  A low forested ridge was seen in that direction, but it didn’t look very impressive at all, hardly even worthy of a name.  Was that Pitcher Hill?

According to the Peakbagger.com topo map, the unimpressive forested ridge in the background was Pitcher Hill. USFS Road No. 710.A is seen in front of it. Photo looks SE.

For a minute or two, SPHP pondered, still uncertain.  In the end, SPHP concluded the Peakbagger.com topo map had to be right.  The topo map was much more detailed than the old Medicine Bow National Forest map.  The topo map showed that Pitcher Hill didn’t boast much elevation gain.  Small wonder it didn’t look very impressive.

Well, Lupe was out peakbagging, and if Peakbagger.com said that low ridge to the SE was where Pitcher Hill was, that was the hill Lupe was going to climb!  Lupe was happy when SPHP finally made a decision and started moving again.  Lupe and SPHP crossed USFS Road No. 710.A and entered a scraggly pine forest, approaching Pitcher Hill from the NW.

Lupe and SPHP skirted around the NE side of the first rocky high point.  It was clear there was higher ground a short distance beyond it.  Soon Lupe was up on top of the NW end of the Pitcher Hill (7,840 ft.) summit ridge.

Lupe up on the NW end of the Pitcher Hill summit ridge. A lower rocky point she went around the NE (R) side of is shown on the R. Photo looks NW toward the junction of USFS Road No. 710.A (L) and No. 710 (R).
Lupe up on the NW end of the Pitcher Hill summit ridge. A lower rocky point she went around the NE (R) side of is shown on the R. Photo looks NW toward the junction of USFS Roads No. 710.A (L) and No. 710 (R).

Looking SE along the narrow summit ridge, SPHP saw that the true summit was farther SE.  It was only a matter of a few feet higher than where Lupe was already, but of course Lupe would go over there.  SPHP also saw something else.  Lupe’s nemesis was here!  Cactus!

Although SPHP hadn’t seen any cactus at all in the Laramie Mountains until now, and none on the way from the G6 to Pitcher Hill, there was plenty of it along the summit ridge.  Lupe understood it was there, too.  She became very cautious.  SPHP put her leash on her to better help her avoid injury.  After a short break at the NW end of the summit ridge, Lupe and SPHP started SE for the true summit.

Part of Lupe's cactus-infested route to the true summit of Pitcher Hill, seen just ahead. Photo looks SE.
Part of Lupe’s cactus-infested route to the true summit of Pitcher Hill, seen just ahead. Photo looks SE.

The Pitcher Hill summit ridge was quite narrow, very rocky and somewhat discontinuous.  Cactus was abundant.  Lupe and SPHP had to scramble up and down the rocks.  It would have been fun, if the cactus hadn’t been around to make the whole process worrisome.  Lupe made it, though!  A tricky little climb brought Lupe to the true summit of Pitcher Hill.

Lupe reaches the true summit of Pitcher Hill (7,840 ft.)! Lodgepole Creek is seen below on the L. Photo looks SE.
Lupe reaches the true summit of Pitcher Hill (7,840 ft.)! Lodgepole Creek is seen below on the L. Photo looks SE.

The true summit wasn’t very far from the SE end of the summit ridge.  Lupe went all the way to the end of the ridge.  The views from Pitcher Hill were amazingly good, considering how unimpressive this ridge had seemed when Lupe and SPHP first saw it.  The SE end of the ridge was sunny and open, offering a panoramic view.

The Russell Benchmark from the real Pitcher Hill. Photo looks SSW.
Lodgepole Creek from the SE end of Pitcher Hill. Photo looks E.
Lodgepole Creek from the SE end of Pitcher Hill. Photo looks E.

There was an easier way up to the summit of Pitcher Hill than Lupe had taken.  It looked very easy to come up from the SW almost right to the summit.  Lupe couldn’t go down that way, though.  SPHP had left the backpack back at the NW end of the summit ridge.

Lupe and SPHP made one more scramble back over to the NW end of the ridge to retrieve the backpack, dodging cactus again all along the way.  Scraggly pines provided some shade there, so Lupe and SPHP took another short break.  For a minor objective, Pitcher Hill had made things rather interesting.  The views, though not spectacular, had been surprisingly worthwhile.

Lupe and SPHP returned to the G6 (9:49 AM), staying on the road once Lupe reached No. 710.  SPHP saw only one cactus down off the Pitcher Hill summit, but didn’t want to take an unnecessary chance of Lupe getting injured.  Pitcher Hill was lower than any of the other peaks Lupe climbed in the Laramie Mountains on this trip.  Perhaps that was why it was the only place Lupe encountered any cactus.

Lupe’s next two peakbagging goals, Bisbee Hill (8,480 ft.) and Markley Hill (8,520 ft.), were a pair of hills close to each other that Lupe had seen the day before from the top of much higher Pole Mountain (9,040 ft.).  At least SPHP knew how to find them!  Lupe and SPHP set out in the G6 to find a place from which Lupe could start her climbs.

Bisbee Hill (L) and Markley Hill (Center) from USFS Road No. 712 (Telephone Road). Happy Jack Hwy No. 210 where SPHP ultimately parked the G6 is seen on the R. Photo looks SSE.
Bisbee Hill (L) and Markley Hill (Center) from USFS Road No. 712 (Telephone Road). Happy Jack Hwy No. 210 where SPHP ultimately parked the G6 is seen on the R. Photo looks SSE.

Almost straight W of Bisbee Hill, SPHP found a perfect place to park the G6 at the S end of a long pullout along the W side of Happy Jack Hwy No. 210 (10:30 AM, 57°F).

While SPHP had complete confidence Lupe would have no problems climbing Markley Hill, Bisbee Hill was another matter.  It looked very rocky and steep.  Bisbee Hill was only 0.25 mile away, so Lupe and SPHP crossed the highway and headed for it first.

Bisbee Hill wasn't that high, but the huge rock knob of a summit looked rather daunting for a Carolina Dog. Would Lupe find a way up? Photo looks E from Happy Jack Hwy No. 210.
Bisbee Hill wasn’t that high, but the huge rock knob of a summit looked rather daunting for a Carolina Dog. Would Lupe find a way up? Photo looks E from Happy Jack Hwy No. 210.

Lupe and SPHP had an easy climb up the forested slope to the long saddle between Bisbee and Markley Hills.  As the ground leveled out, Lupe turned N toward Bisbee Hill.  When SPHP first saw the W half of the S face of the mountain, hope almost disappeared that there would be any way for Lupe to get up on Bisbee Hill.  It was a sheer cliff!

Getting a little closer, though, the E half of the S face came into view.  It looked much more promising.  Lupe began her climb of Bisbee Hill (8,480 ft.) from there.  Lupe’s route was kind of steep and rocky, of course, but the way up was surprisingly easy.  Soon Lupe was perched on the highest rocks near the W end of the summit!  Success!

Hah! Piece of cake! Lupe sits on the true summit of Bisbee Hill (8,480 ft.). Photo looks W. The G6 is parked along Happy Jack Hwy No. 210 on the L.
Hah! Piece of cake! Lupe sits on the true summit of Bisbee Hill (8,480 ft.). Photo looks W. The G6 is parked along Happy Jack Hwy No. 210 on the L.
Looking SSW from Bisbee Hill. Pole Mountain (9,040 ft.) (Center R) and Leg Benchmark (9,055 ft.) (Far R) where Lupe had been just the day before are in view. Happy Jack Hwy No. 210 is seen below on the R, too.
Looking SSW from Bisbee Hill. Pole Mountain (9,040 ft.) (Center R) and Leg Benchmark (9,055 ft.) (Far R) where Lupe had been just the day before are in view. Happy Jack Hwy No. 210 is seen below on the R, too.
Thickly forested Markley Hill, Lupe's next peakbagging objective, is seen not too far away beyond Lupe's rump. Photo looks S from Bisbee Hill.
Thickly forested Markley Hill, Lupe’s next peakbagging objective, is seen not too far away beyond Lupe’s rump. Photo looks S from Bisbee Hill.

Lupe and SPHP shared water and a couple of chocolate coconut granola bars to celebrate Lupe’s successful ascent of Bisbee Hill.  After a little while spent relaxing and enjoying the views, it was time to go.  SPHP started down first.  Lupe waited for the signal that she could come, too.

Lupe waits on top of Bisbee Hill for SPHP’s signal that it’s OK for her to begin her descent. Photo looks NNE.

Lupe and SPHP went back down the E half of the S face of Bisbee Hill.  It seemed to be the only possible safe route down, and left Lupe and SPHP at a good point from which to start the trek along the long saddle going S to Markley Hill.

Once down off Bisbee Hill, Lupe continued losing elevation slowly as she explored the forest for 0.33 mile on her way to Markley Hill.   Arriving at the lowest part of the saddle N of Markley Hill, Lupe discovered a little clearing and a nice surprise.

A big snowdrift was on the S edge of the clearing!  Lupe was excited!  She frisked on the snow, cooling off and having a great time.

Overjoyed Lupe frisks on the snow drift at the base of Markley Hill. Anyone want to play with a really cool American Dingo?
Overjoyed Lupe frisks on the snow drift at the base of Markley Hill. Anyone want to play with a really cool American Dingo?

The climb up Markley Hill was straightforward.  Lupe and SPHP went up a long moderately steep slope through the forest.  When Lupe reached the top of a broad ridgeline coming up from the NW, she turned SE following the ridge higher.  More rocks and boulders appeared as Lupe got close to the summit, but they presented no serious obstacle.  Soon Lupe was on top.

Lupe on the true summit of Markley Hill (8,520 ft.). Photo looks S.
Lupe on the true summit of Markley Hill (8,520 ft.). Photo looks S.

Markley Hill had appeared heavily forested from a distance, so SPHP wasn’t anticipating there would be much in the way of views.  However the summit area was rockier than expected, and there were fewer trees than SPHP had thought.  Lupe actually did have partial views toward the S and SW.

Pole Mountain (9,040 ft.) (R) from Markley Hill. Photo looks SW.
Although there were partial views to the S and SW, not much could be seen to the N except trees. Here Lupe is on the highest rock on Markley Hill. Photo looks NNE toward the forest.
Although there were partial views to the S and SW, not much could be seen to the N except trees. Here Lupe is on the highest rock on Markley Hill. Photo looks NNE toward the forest.

Lupe and SPHP didn’t dilly-dally too long up on Markley Hill before starting back to the G6.  Lucky Lupe got to frisk around briefly on the big snow drift one more time.  By 11:59 AM, Lupe and SPHP were back at the G6.

SPHP started driving S on Happy Jack Hwy No. 210.  The plan was for Lupe to climb Point Crawford (8,840 ft.) and Bennett Hill (8,440 ft.) next.  SPHP knew they were only a few miles away to the SW.  Lupe and SPHP left Happy Jack Hwy to take USFS Road No. 707 (Headquarters Road).  No. 707 goes by both peaks less than 0.5 mile to the E of them.

After driving by on No. 707, SPHP still wasn’t quite certain exactly which high points were Point Crawford and Bennett Hill.  SPHP turned N on USFS Road No. 705 (Blair-Wallis Road).  It was getting to be lunch time, and despite a lack of rain in the forecast, clouds seemed to be building up fast in the SW.  Maybe it was time for Lupe to eat, and take a little break from peakbagging?  A sign at the intersection had indicated the Wallis picnic ground was only 0.5 mile N.

It turned out there weren’t any signs at the Wallis Picnic Ground itself.  SPHP drove right on by.  When the picnic ground didn’t materialize farther up the road, SPHP turned around and went back.

The Wallis picnic ground appeared to be defunct.  A wooden rail fence enclosed a big flat round parking area next to Middle Crow Creek.  Across the creek, tucked next to the shady forest, was a small building and a couple of picnic tables.  Rather inconveniently, the bridge to that side of the creek was gone.  The only sign around was a small one nailed to a wooden fence railing saying “No Overnight Camping”.

Lupe next to Middle Crow Creek at the defunct Wallis picnic ground. The bridge across the creek to the old picnic tables was out.
Lupe next to Middle Crow Creek at the defunct Wallis picnic ground. The bridge across the creek to the old picnic tables was out.

Clouds sprinkled rain, but didn’t accomplish much. While having lunch in the G6, SPHP studied the topo map.  SPHP suspected that a somewhat barren big hill in view to the NE was Point Crawford, but was less certain about the location of Bennett Hill.  A small forested hill in view to the SE might be it, or Bennett Hill might have been one of the high rock outcroppings that had been in view from the E on USFS Road No. 707.

The light rain stopped, but there were still big clouds around.  It felt cooler out.  Instead of tackling a big hill like Point Crawford, SPHP decided Lupe should go farther S and check out Turtle Rock (8,600 ft.) and Poland Hill (8,480 ft.).  It meant another little drive, but that was OK.

Lupe and SPHP had seen Turtle Rock before from a distance.  Turtle Rock was a dramatic looking mountain.  Rock walls forming a giant horseshoe shape rose up from the surrounding grasslands.  Several distinct high points were spread out along the ridge.  The maps showed that Vedauwoo Glen campground was hidden inside the horseshoe, surrounded by the giant rock walls except at the only entrance from the S.

In truth, SPHP didn’t think there was any way Lupe could climb Turtle Rock.  From a distance, the nearly solid rock mountain looked too steep and unforgiving.  As the G6 approached Turtle Rock from the SW on USFS Road No. 700, climbing Turtle Rock seemed even less feasible than before.

Turtle Rock from USFS Road No. 700. It really didn't look like anything Lupe and SPHP could climb. Photo looks NE.
Turtle Rock from USFS Road No. 700. It really didn’t look like anything Lupe and SPHP could climb. Photo looks NE.

Some sort of event must have been going on at Turtle Rock.  SPHP drove on No. 700 all the way to the intersection with No. 720, which leads to Vedauwoo Glen campground.  Vehicles were coming and going.  More than 50 were parked in the fields near the intersection.  A big sign said this was a fee area.

Hmm.  Crowds, fees and an unclimbable mountain.  Not exactly the combination Lupe and SPHP normally seek out.  Mentally, SPHP crossed Turtle Rock off Lupe’s list of peakbagging goals.  Turtle Rock looked awesome, but climbing it wasn’t gonna happen!

On the way to Turtle Rock, Lupe and SPHP had driven by S of Poland Hill.  Poland Hill hadn’t looked all that promising either, but at least it was a much smaller rocky crag.  Maybe Lupe could get to the top?  SPHP doubted it, but it seemed worth a try.  Lupe and SPHP drove back W on No. 700.  Shortly before reaching I-80, SPHP parked the G6 at the start of USFS Road No. 700.G (2:01 PM, 54°F).

Poland Hill (8,480 ft.) is a mile W of Turtle Rock. SPHP didn't take this photo until Lupe was on her way back to the G6. Photo looks NNE.
Poland Hill (8,480 ft.), seen here, is a mile W of Turtle Rock.  Photo looks NNE.

Lupe and SPHP began the journey to Poland Hill heading NW on No. 700.G near a fence line.  The road came to a low spot, climbed a small hill, and started losing elevation again as it turned NE toward Poland Hill.  When the road curved farther E on its way to a pond that was now in view, Lupe and SPHP left the road.

A wide marshy area filled with tall bushes and aspen trees was directly ahead.  Lupe had no problems going right on through it all, but SPHP had a much trickier time trying to find a way over 3 separate small streams and a lot of wet, mucky ground.  SPHP finally managed to get across without getting too wet and muddy.

Lupe and SPHP continued N up a much drier grassy hillside, and arrived on flatter, very thinly forested ground strewn with scattered boulders and odd rock outcroppings W of Poland Hill.  The view of the rest of the way up was not the least bit encouraging.

Lupe on one of the odd rock outcroppings near Poland Hill. This view of the rest of the way up wasn't very encouraging. Photo looks NE.
Lupe on one of the odd rock outcroppings near Poland Hill. This view of the rest of the way up wasn’t very encouraging. Photo looks NE.

Lupe and SPHP scouted out the W side of the line of rocks at the top of Poland Hill.  It was clear there wasn’t any feasible way up for Lupe from any other direction.  Poland Hill had two high points.  A huge rock at the N end was definitely the true summit.  Some big rocks near the S end formed the second highest point.  The S high point appeared to be 5 to 10 feet lower than the N summit.

In between the high points was a line of huge, rounded rocks.  Near the top of the hill, the rocks were so huge, and the sides so steep, it didn’t look possible to go over or around them.  If there was any way up, Lupe would have very limited mobility along the ridge.  It wouldn’t be possible to maneuver from the N summit toward the S high point or vice-versa.

At first glance, SPHP didn’t see any way up at all.  However, a little scouting around revealed a way up some boulders that brought Lupe all the way up onto the ridgeline.  She arrived at a point very close to the S high point.  SPHP considered getting even this high a victory for Lupe.

Lupe reaches the ridgeline on Poland Hill a little way N of the S high point (not pictured). Photo looks NE.
Lupe reaches the ridgeline on Poland Hill a little way N of the S high point (not pictured). Photo looks NE.

Close to where Lupe came up, she discovered a secret, hidden grotto.  The rocks just N of the S high point contained a depression several feet deep and a dozen feet wide.  At the bottom was a cool pool of water with green plants growing in it.

Lupe perches above the secret hidden oasis on Poland Hill. Turtle Rock can be seen in the background. Photo looks E.
Lupe perches above the secret hidden oasis on Poland Hill. Turtle Rock can be seen in the background. Photo looks E.

Although it had been mostly sunny on the way to Poland Hill, clouds were now moving in again.  What had been a light W breeze, became a strong W wind.  The air felt colder.  Lupe didn’t enjoy the wind at all.

Lupe sits exposed to a strong W wind up on Poland Hill. Turtle Rock is again visible in the background. Photo looks E.
Lupe sits exposed to a strong W wind up on Poland Hill. Turtle Rock is again visible in the background. Photo looks E.
The true summit of Poland Hill at the N end of the ridge is the big boulder seen beyond Lupe. Lupe stands above the N rim of her secret oasis. Photo looks N.

Lupe had come up quite close to the S high point.  Lupe and SPHP could both see it.  It was right there!  So close, and yet so far.  SPHP explored a big crack between boulders, but it soon became apparent there simply wasn’t any practical way up.  Lupe posed for a photo of the S high point on the highest rock she could reach safely.

Almost there, but not quite! Lupe on the highest rock she could get up to on Poland Hill (8,480 ft.). The close, but unattainable, S high point looms over her. Photo looks S.

Lupe never did get to the top of Poland Hill, not even to the top of the S high point.  She was probably 25 feet +/- short of the true summit, considerably closer than that to the top of the S high point, but still not close enough to claim success, even for Dingo work, on such a small mountain.

Lupe didn’t care.  She’d crossed streams and marshes, climbed high boulders, discovered a secret hidden oasis, and gazed upon distant mountains while exposed to the wild and free W wind!  Speaking of which, Lupe was entirely ready to get down out of the annoying wild and free W wind.  SPHP took a couple more quick photos of the views, and Lupe began her descent.

Looking NE toward Twin Mountain (8,831 ft.) and the Sherman Benchmark from Poland Hill.
Looking NE toward Twin Mountain (8,831 ft.) and the Sherman Benchmark from Poland Hill.
Turtle Rock from Poland Hill. Photo looks E.
Turtle Rock from Poland Hill. Photo looks E.

Lupe and SPHP ventured much farther W toward a house and private property near the edge of the Medicine Bow National Forest on the way back to the G6.  This allowed Lupe (actually SPHP) to avoid the worst of the marshy land to the S.  Sadly, there were lots of Lupe Treasures along the way.  SPHP gathered up as many as possible, but wasn’t truly prepared to carry much.

The W wind was still blowing briskly when Lupe reached the G6 (3:46 PM, 54°F).  Lupe hopped right in the G6 ASAP to escape it, leaving SPHP struggling to keep the Lupe Treasures from blowing away.  From a peakbagging standpoint, Lupe’s journey to Poland Hill had been a near miss, but still a failure.  As an adventure, though, it was a complete success!

Lupe at her hidden grotto on Poland Hill.
Lupe at the hidden grotto on Poland Hill.

Lupe Treasures gathered: 13 aluminum cans, assorted pieces of Styrofoam.

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Peak 8840 & Eagle Rock, Laramie Mountains, Wyoming (5-29-16)

Lupe had already had a great day in the Laramie Mountains of Wyoming!  She’d gotten an early start and climbed The Summit (8,880 ft.), Leg Benchmark (9,055 ft.), and Pole Mountain (9,040 ft.).  SPHP had more peakbagging exploits in mind for her, but rain showers had delayed her start for Peak 8840.  It was OK.  Lupe and SPHP ate lunch in the G6 while waiting for the rain to end.

The sun came out.  It was time to go (3:24 PM, 59°F)!  The G6 was parked at the intersection of USFS Roads No. 703 & 714.  Lupe and SPHP got out, and crossed the terrible cattle guard where No. 703 continued N.  The cattle guard was in such bad shape, SPHP hadn’t even dared to take the G6 across it.

Peak 8840 was an easy peakbagging goal.  It was only a mile N of the G6.  Lupe could follow No. 703 (Pilot Hill Road) almost all the way there.  Peak 8840 wasn’t much of a peak, just a high spot along a big ridge.  Lupe was already up on the ridge, so she would only gain 200 feet of elevation.  Lupe was going to Peak 8840, anyway.  Peakbagging doesn’t always have to be an ordeal!

The road wound around a bit as it went over a sparsely forested rise.  On the other side of the hill, No. 703 continued N.  To the NNW, Lupe saw a big hill with several towers on top.

Lupe came over a rise to see this big hill with towers on it up ahead. No. 703 (Pilot Hill Road) is seen continuing past the R (E) side of the hill. Photo looks NNW.
Lupe came over a rise to see this big hill with towers on it up ahead. No. 703 (Pilot Hill Road) is seen continuing toward the R (E) side of the hill. Photo looks NNW.

The trudge N on dirt road No. 703 wasn’t too exciting.  Although big clouds could still be seen off in various directions, it was sunny and kind of hot out.  The ridge Lupe was on was 0.25 mile wide, and even more in some places.  No. 703 went around the E side of the hill with the towers on it, gaining elevation slowly along the way.

The road leveled out when Lupe got NE of the towers on the hill.  It was so sunny and warm, Lupe and SPHP took a break under a big pine tree a short distance W of the road.  SPHP put on sunscreen, and then consulted the topo map.  Peak 8840 had to be at the top of the long gentle slope now visible to the NE on the other side of No. 703.

Lupe and SPHP returned to No. 703 and kept going.  Before long, the road started curving NW on its way to Pilot Hill, still 1.75 miles away.  Pilot Hill (8,859 ft.) was actually a bit higher than Peak 8840.  Lupe would have gone there, too, except Pilot Hill wasn’t in the Medicine Bow National Forest.  SPHP wasn’t sure there was legal access, and didn’t care to walk all the way over there to find out.

Where No. 703 turned NW, Lupe and SPHP left the road.  Despite being in the national forest, there was a barbed wire fence near the road.  Lupe and SPHP slipped under it.  Lupe trotted up the long grassy slope toward the summit of Peak 8840.  It was an easy, if unspectacular, hike.

Nearing the summit, SPHP turned around to look at the view.  Suddenly the need for speed was apparent!  Although it was still warm and sunny out on Peak 8840, a big cloud was approaching from the SW.  Rain was pouring from it.  The cloud was still miles away, but wouldn’t take too long to get here.  Lupe and SPHP started hurrying toward the highest point at the end of the long slope.

The summit proved to be right where it looked like it would be.  Several big dead pine trees were standing there.  NE beyond the summit, the ground sloped down only slightly toward a long snow drift a couple of feet deep.  Beyond the snow drift was the living forest that lined the N edge of the mountain.

Lupe at the summit of Peak 8840. Photo looks SW toward the approaching storm.
On the summit of Peak 8840. The summit didn't offer any dramatic views.
On the summit of Peak 8840. The summit didn’t offer any dramatic views.

SPHP wasn’t entirely convinced right away that Lupe had made it to the true summit of Peak 8840.  Clearly there wasn’t any higher ground to the S, W or N, but a ridge extended out to the E from the summit.  It wasn’t possible to see far enough to rule out higher points along the E ridge.

Despite the approaching storm, Lupe and SPHP made a hasty exploration of the E ridge.  There weren’t any higher points on it than the summit Lupe had already been to.  However, there were some much better viewpoints.  Lupe and SPHP went all the way to the E end of the ridge.  Near the end, on the S side, Lupe came to a well-constructed cairn of reddish/pinkish rocks.

Lupe on the cairn of reddish/pinkish rocks near the end of the E ridge of Peak 8840. Photo looks S.
Lupe on the cairn of reddish/pinkish rocks near the end of the E ridge of Peak 8840. Photo looks S.
Looking SW.

Lupe posed for a couple of photos on the reddish/pinkish rock cairn with nice views to the S in the background.  Then Lupe checked out the views from the N side of the E ridge.

There was some pretty remote, dry looking territory N of the E ridge of Peak 8840. Photo taken with the telephoto lens looking N.
There was some pretty remote, dry looking territory N of the E ridge of Peak 8840. Photo taken with the telephoto lens looking N.
Pilot Hill (8,859 ft.) from the E ridge of Peak 8840. Photo looks NW.
Pilot Hill (8,859 ft.) from the E ridge of Peak 8840. Photo looks NW.

With the exploration of the E ridge complete, Lupe and SPHP hastened back to the summit of Peak 8840.  There wasn’t much time to lose.  The storm was getting closer.  Lupe returned to Pilot Hill Road and made for the G6.

For the last 10 or 15 minutes, Lupe and SPHP got sprinkled on.  Thunder could be heard in the distance, although Lupe saw no lightning.  Less than a minute after reaching the G6 (4:57 PM, 50°F), the rain hit.  It wasn’t a cloudburst, but it rained steadily for 15 minutes.  Lupe was safe and dry in the G6.

Lupe looking kind of smug about her just in the nick of time escape from the rain.
Lupe looking kind of smug about her just in the nick of time escape from the rain.

The rain eased up, but didn’t stop entirely.  SPHP started the G6 and drove E on USFS Road No. 714.  The day was now wearing on, but Lupe had one more peakbagging goal left ahead of her – Eagle Rock (8,320 ft.).

The first views of Eagle Rock weren’t very encouraging.  It looked very rocky, and perhaps impossible for Lupe to climb.  SPHP stopped the G6 0.5 mile WSW of Eagle Rock to wait for the rain to clear.  SPHP hoped Lupe would see a rainbow.  A double rainbow started to form, but faded before it really became distinct.

Lupe and SPHP explored a group of big rocks in a grassy field SW of the road while raindrops continued to splash down sporadically.  Lupe was perfectly happy sniffing around.  SPHP continued to contemplate Eagle Rock.

Eagle Rock from the WSW near USFS Road No. 714.
Eagle Rock from the WSW near USFS Road No. 714.

Even after the rain completely ended, there continued to be big clouds around.  Now they were off to the N.  Thunder could occasionally be heard.  Slowly the situation calmed down.  SPHP found a place to park the G6 at a small pullout along No. 714.1F less than 100 feet N of its intersection with No. 714 (6:40 PM, 44°F).

Lupe and SPHP left the G6 and followed No. 714.1F going N toward the W side of Eagle Rock.  No. 714.1F went through a strange area where there was a maze of little roads.  This looked like an abandoned campground, or at least a dispersed camping area with a number of sites.  Big mud puddles covered the road in some places.  Some of the puddles were fed by small streams trickling out of a marshy aspen forest.

Eagle Rock from the SSW near USFS Road No. 714.1F.
Eagle Rock from the SSW near USFS Road No. 714.1F.
Lupe on No. 714.1F on her way to Eagle Rock. Big mud puddles covered the road in several places. Some of the puddles were fed by tiny streams trickling out of the marshy aspen woods.
Lupe on No. 714.1F on her way to Eagle Rock. Big mud puddles covered the road in several places. Some of the puddles were fed by tiny streams trickling out of the marshy aspen woods.

Before long, No. 714.1F climbed out of the aspen forest and into the pines.  When SPHP figured Lupe had gone far enough N, it was time to turn E to start the climb up the short, but steep slope to Eagle Rock.  Soon Lupe was quite high up on the mountain.

Lupe nears the top of Eagle Rock (8,320 ft.). Photo looks N.
Lupe nears the top of Eagle Rock (8,320 ft.). Photo looks N.

It had been apparent from a distance that the top of Eagle Rock consisted of a line of very rocky and distinct high points, each crowned by stacks of large, rounded boulders.  Even from near the top, though, it wasn’t entirely clear which of these high points was the true summit.  SPHP could rule out the high points toward the S, but depending on where one was, either the middle or N high points looked like the summit.

Lupe below the very highest rocks of the middle high point of Eagle Rock. SPHP believes this may well be the true summit, but isn't entirely certain. There were high points farther N that also seemed like possible candidates too.
Lupe below the very highest rocks of the middle high point of Eagle Rock. SPHP believes this may well be the true summit, but isn’t entirely certain. There were high points farther N that also seemed like possible candidates, too.

Lupe visited the middle high point first.  Slowly and carefully, Lupe and SPHP also worked around to competing high points farther N.  The SE face of Eagle Rock was virtually a cliff, but it was possible to maneuver around on the ridgeline or just to the W of it.  In truth, Lupe never got right up on top of the very highest rocks, but she got within 5 or 10 feet each time – close enough for Dingo work!

Lupe near the high point farthest N. The actual top is 5 to 10 feet higher and close to where SPHP took this photo from, and Lupe had already been there, too. Photo looks SW along the very rocky Eagle Rock summit ridge. What may be the true summit, the middle high point, is seen just to the L of Center.
Lupe near the high point farthest N. The actual top is 5 to 10 feet higher and close to where SPHP took this photo from. Lupe had already been there, too. Photo looks SW along the very rocky Eagle Rock summit ridge. What may be the true summit, the middle high point, is seen just to the L of Center.
After visiting the N high point, Lupe returned to the middle high point to see how high up she could get. Here she is sitting right next to the very highest rock. Photo looks N.
After visiting the N high point, Lupe returned to the middle high point to see how high up she could get. Here she is sitting right next to the very highest rock. Photo looks N.
Lupe sits between the highest rocks of the middle high point. The rock on the left may be the true summit of Eagle Rock. Just a foot or two behind Lupe is a cliff, but American Dingoes have much better sense than to go over cliffs. Photo looks ESE.
Lupe sits between the highest rocks of the middle high point. The rock on the left may be the true summit of Eagle Rock. Just a foot or two behind Lupe is a cliff, but American Dingoes have much better sense than to go over cliffs. Photo looks ESE.
Lupe still near the middle high point of Eagle Rock. One of the N high points she visited is seen beyond her some distance away. From some angles, the N high point looked to be the true summit of Eagle Rock. Photo looks NE.
Lupe still near the middle high point of Eagle Rock. One of the N high points she visited is seen beyond her some distance away. From some angles, the N high point looked to be the true summit of Eagle Rock. Photo looks NE.

Scrambling around among the boulders on Eagle Rock was a lot of fun.  It was certainly a much more interesting summit than Peak 8840 had been.  SPHP was pleased with how very close Lupe was able to get to the absolute tops of the very highest rocks.  Even though she technically fell a little bit short, Lupe was definitely claiming Eagle Rock as a peakbagging success!

After climbing Eagle Rock, Lupe returned to the G6 (8:02 PM, 5-29-16). She spent the night car camped along No. 714.1F near the mountain. The next morning, Lupe saw this view of Eagle Rock from the SE. From this angle, it looks like the true summit is at the N high point on the R.
After climbing Eagle Rock, Lupe returned to the G6 (8:02 PM, 5-29-16). She spent the night car camped along No. 714.1F near the mountain. The next morning, Lupe saw this view of Eagle Rock from the SE. From this angle, it looks like the true summit is at the N high point on the R.

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The Summit & the Headquarters National Recreation Trail to the Leg Benchmark & Pole Mountain, Laramie Mountains, WY (5-29-16)

Lupe’s luck was about to change!  Five long days of unrelenting Dingo boredom while SPHP helped clean out the house in Laramie, Wyoming were over.  Lupe was in the G6, speeding SE on I-80 toward The Summit for her first taste of peakbagging fun on this whole trip.  She was finally going to get to play in the mountains, and the excited Carolina Dog could hardly wait.

At Exit 323, SPHP turned off I-80.  A few minutes later, SPHP parked the G6 at a long pullout on the E side of Old Hwy 30, close to the start of USFS Road No. 724 (7:43 AM, 53°F).  The hike up No. 724 to the top of The Summit (8,880 ft.) was trivial, less than 0.25 mile long with an elevation gain of only 70 feet.

Nevertheless, Lupe was joyous!  Being outside exploring anything new was so much better than moping around being ignored back at the old house.  SPHP was almost equally glad.  SPHP had been allergic to the dusty air in the old house, which had been locked up for many years.  Breathing easier already, SPHP was looking forward to several great days of freedom in the Laramie Mountains.

The top of The Summit was a huge, round, flat, forested area.  A variety of small buildings and large towers were scattered across the landscape.  No one was around.  Lupe and SPHP wandered among the pines and towers looking for the highest point on the mountain.  The trees hid the views for the most part, but there was a view of Turtle Rock (8,600 ft.) from the SE edge of the big hill.

Lupe reaches the biggest tower on The Summit (8,880 ft.) in the Laramie Mountains of Wyoming. Photo looks SW.
Looking SE toward Turtle Rock (8,600 ft.) from The Summit. Taken with the telephoto lens.
Looking SE toward Turtle Rock (8,600 ft.) from The Summit. Taken with the telephoto lens.

There were also partial views to the S and SW where it was possible to see much higher snow-capped peaks.  They were far away – probably in Colorado.  SPHP looked around for a clear view of them, but couldn’t find one.  Toward the E central part of the summit area, Lupe came across a big rock that appeared to be the highest point on The Summit.

Lupe perches on the summit rock of The Summit. Photo looks N.

Lupe on the highest rock on The Summit, Laramie Mountains, WY 5-29-16

A better view of what most of the top of The Summit looked like. Photo looks S.
A better view of what most of the top of The Summit looked like. Photo looks S.
Two more of the towers on The Summit. These were only a little way NW of the highest rock on the hill. Photo looks NW.

Climbing The Summit was a quick and easy start to Lupe’s day, but just made Lupe and SPHP eager to explore more scenic, less developed peaks.  Lupe headed back down USFS Road No. 724 to the G6.

As Lupe and SPHP neared the G6 again, SPHP decided to continue on past it up a dirt road on the E side of Old Hwy 30.  The dirt road led straight to a big dirt parking lot.  From the S end of the parking lot was a much better view of some of the distant snow-capped peaks Lupe had only glimpsed from up on The Summit.

E of The Summit and practically right next to the E side of Old Hwy 30 was a big dirt parking lot with this great view of snow-capped peaks far away to the S in Colorado. Photo taken with the telephoto lens.
E of The Summit, and practically right next to the E side of Old Hwy 30, was a big dirt parking lot with this great view of snow-capped peaks far away to the S in Colorado. Photo taken with the telephoto lens.

The huge snowy mountains were gorgeous and inspiring, but they were far away.  Besides, there was clearly still way too much snow up on the high peaks for Lupe adventures.  In another 6 weeks, the story would be different, but not yet.  Lupe and SPHP returned to the G6 (8:19 AM, 50°F).

SPHP had a couple of nearby peakbagging goals in mind for Lupe – the Leg Benchmark (9,055 ft.) and Pole Mountain (9,040 ft.).  SPHP hoped Lupe could reach them from the Headquarters National Recreation Trail.  The Summit trailhead at the W end of the trail was less than a mile away.

Lupe and SPHP hopped in the G6, crossed I-80, and drove to the trailhead.  A sign said a fee was required to park there.  Just over the hill, though, along I-80 was a huge rest stop with free parking.  So SPHP drove to the rest stop to park the G6 (8:29 AM, 50°F).  Lupe took up peakbagging interstate highways – a sign said this rest area was the highest point on I-80!

Lupe takes up peakbagging interstate highways at The Summit rest stop at Exit 323 in Wyoming.
Lupe takes up peakbagging interstate highways at The Summit rest area at Exit 323 in Wyoming.
Abe Lincoln glowers down on I-80 from The Summit rest area at Exit 323 in Wyoming.
Abe Lincoln glowers down on I-80 from The Summit rest area at Exit 323 in Wyoming.

Lupe and SPHP headed for the Summit trailhead of the Headquarters National Recreation Trail, where Lupe started her quest to climb the Leg Benchmark and Pole Mountain.

Lupe at the start of the W end of the Headquarters National Recreation Trail. Photo looks NNE.
Lupe at the start of the W end of the Headquarters National Recreation Trail. Photo looks NE.

Lupe hadn’t gone very far, when she made a great discovery.  A huge, deliciously cold snowbank covered a fairly long stretch of the trail.  Lupe frolicked on it, and got cooled off.  Lupe eventually came to a few more scattered snowbanks along the trail, but none anywhere near the size of this first one.

This big snowbank near the W end of the Headquarters National Recreation Trail made for one very happy Carolina Dog! Photo looks NE.
This big snowbank near the W end of the Headquarters National Recreation Trail made for one very happy Carolina Dog! Photo looks NE.

The Headquarters National Recreation Trail was fun and easy.  The trail headed generally E winding its way through a pine and aspen forest.  There was some up and down along the way, but nothing too drastic.  Lupe netted a few hundred feet of elevation gain, but that was about it.

After a little while, Lupe came to a sign where the trail divided.  To the left was Cardiac Bypass.  To the right was a Scenic Overlook.  Lupe and SPHP took the Cardiac Bypass.  Almost immediately it became clear that there was a viewpoint a little higher up a short distance off the trail.  Lupe and SPHP left the trail to check out the view.Lupe on the Headquarters National Recreation Trail, Laramie Mountains, WY 5-29-16The view was splendid!  The Summit, which Lupe had climbed only a short while ago, was visible to the W.  Far beyond The Summit, Medicine Bow Peak (12,013 ft.) could be seen in the Snowy Range.  Several other high snowy mountain ranges were spread out across the far S and SW horizons.

Lupe at the viewpoint a little off the Cardiac Bypass of the Headquarters National Recreation Trail. The Summit is the hill on the L. Snowy Medicine Bow Peak is seen on the horizon on the R. Photo looks W.
Lupe at the viewpoint a little off the Cardiac Bypass of the Headquarters National Recreation Trail. The Summit is the hill on the L. Snowy Medicine Bow Peak is seen on the far horizon on the R. Photo looks W.
Medicine Bow Peak (12,013 ft.) (Center) using the telephoto lens. Lupe climbed Medicine Bow Peak and other nearby peaks on her Summer of 2015 Dingo Vacation. Photo looks W.
Medicine Bow Peak (12,013 ft.) (Center) using the telephoto lens. Lupe climbed Medicine Bow Peak and other nearby peaks on her Summer of 2015 Dingo Vacation. Photo looks W.

SPHP knew the Headquarters National Recreation Trail did not go directly to either of Lupe’s two peakbagging goals, the Leg Benchmark and Pole Mountain.  The trail gets closest to the Leg Benchmark, but passes to the W of it.

After Lupe had followed the trail some distance, SPHP became anxious to figure out just where Lupe should leave the trail to start climbing the Leg Benchmark.  When a rocky high point appeared on the N side of the trail, Lupe and SPHP climbed up to see what lay ahead.

Lupe climbed this rock formation N of the trail. SPHP hoped to see the Leg Benchmark from here. Photo looks N.
Lupe climbed this rock formation N of the trail. SPHP hoped to see the Leg Benchmark from here. Photo looks N.
American Dingo scout, Lupe, near the top of the rock formation.
American Dingo scout, Lupe, near the top of the rock formation.
Beyond Lupe is a first look at the long high ridge of the Leg Benchmark. Photo looks ESE.
Beyond Lupe is a first look at the long high ridge of the Leg Benchmark. Photo looks ESE.

The long high ridge of the Leg Benchmark was in view, but still a little way off.  Lupe and SPHP returned to the Headquarters National Recreational Trail and continued E.

Crocuses were blooming along the trail. In the Black Hills, crocuses started blooming in April.
Crocuses were blooming along the trail.

Before long, the trail started to gradually lose elevation.  Lupe came to a three-way intersection.  To the right (S), the National Headquarters Recreation Trail continued toward Browns Landing.  To the left (NE) the Summit Loop Trail headed up a hill.

Lupe had come to several trail intersections before, including at least a couple that were marked as part of the Summit Loop Trail.  SPHP didn’t really know where the Summit Loop Trail went, but Lupe did need to gain some elevation going NE up to the ridgeline, before turning SE toward the Leg Benchmark.  Lupe and SPHP took the Summit Loop Trail.

The Summit Loop Trail climbed steadily.  When it reached the ridgeline, there was a little open ground where the trail bent around to the NW.  Lupe and SPHP left the trail heading SE and entered the forest again.  Lupe went up and over one forested rise, down across a shallow saddle, and then began her ascent of the Leg Benchmark ridge from the NW.  She soon reached another high rock formation where she could get a better view of what lay ahead.

Pole Mountain finally came into view at this high point along Lupe's route to the Leg Benchmark. Photo looks SE.
Pole Mountain finally came into view at this high point along Lupe’s route to the Leg Benchmark. Photo looks SE.
Lupe having fun near the rocks of a high point on the way to the Leg Benchmark. Photo looks SE.

Lupe reached a few false summits along the way, but SPHP knew she was getting close.   When Lupe started coming to survey benchmarks, SPHP knew she had arrived.  Lupe found four survey benchmarks altogether!  The third one, which was on the very highest rock, actually said “Pole” instead of “Leg”.

Lupe had made it to the Leg Benchmark (9,055 ft.)!  It hadn’t been nearly as hard as SPHP had feared.  Lupe’s next goal, Pole Mountain, was in clear view to the ESE.  There was a lot more to see from the Leg Benchmark, too.  At least four distant snow-covered mountain ranges were visible on the far horizon from the S around to the W.

Lupe and SPHP stopped for a nice long break up at the Leg Benchmark.  It was a great place to be!  The Leg Benchmark seemed to be the dominant high point of these mountains.

Lupe at the last false summit. The true summit where the Leg Benchmark is located is in view just ahead. Photo looks SE.
Lupe at the last false summit. The true summit where the Leg Benchmark is located is in view just ahead. Photo looks SE.
This was the first benchmark Lupe came to on her way to the Leg Benchmark. This one was perhaps 40 feet away from the true summit.
This was the first benchmark Lupe came to on her way to the Leg Benchmark. This one was perhaps 40 feet away from the true summit.
The 2nd survey benchmark Lupe found.
The 2nd survey benchmark Lupe found.
The survey benchmark at the true summit. This was the third one Lupe found, and actually said Pole instead of Leg. Nearby Lupe found a fourth benchmark, but SPHP didn't take a picture of it.
The survey benchmark at the true summit. This was the third one Lupe found, and actually said Pole instead of Leg. Nearby Lupe found a fourth benchmark, but SPHP didn’t take a picture of it.
Lupe stands on the highest rock of the Leg Benchmark. Photo looks NNW.
Lupe stands on the highest rock of the Leg Benchmark. Photo looks NNW.
Lupe still at the highest point of the Leg Benchmark ridge. Photo looks SE along the ridgeline.
Lupe still on the highest point of the Leg Benchmark ridge. Photo looks SE along the ridgeline.
Pole Mountain (9,040 ft.) from Leg Benchmark. The 4th benchmark Lupe found on Leg Benchmark is seen on the rock on the far R. Photo looks ESE.
Pole Mountain (9,040 ft.) from Leg Benchmark. The 4th survey benchmark Lupe found on Leg Benchmark is seen near the edge of the rock on the far R. Photo looks ESE.

When the leisurely rest break was over, Lupe and SPHP set off continuing SE along the Leg Benchmark ridgeline.  The ridge went on for quite a distance, with only modest elevation loss.  Gradually the forested slope to the NE became less steep, and it wasn’t as far down to the saddle between Leg Benchmark and Pole Mountain.

The saddle over to Pole Mountain had been clearly visible from up on top of Leg Benchmark.  Most of it was flat, open terrain that would be easy to cross.  Lupe followed the Leg Benchmark ridgeline down to where it looked like a straight shot over the saddle to Pole Mountain.  Then Lupe and SPHP turned NE, leaving the ridge and plunging down into the forest.

Lupe SE of the Leg Benchmark summit before she left the ridgeline. The nearby grassland is part of Browns Landing. Turtle Rock (8,600 ft.) is the rocky three-pronged peak seen in the distance L of Center. Photo looks S.
Lupe SE of the Leg Benchmark summit before she left the ridgeline. The nearby grassland is part of Browns Landing. Turtle Rock (8,600 ft.) is the rocky three-pronged peak seen in the distance L of Center. Photo looks S.
Turtle Rock (8,600 ft.). Photo looks S using the telephoto lens.
Turtle Rock (8,600 ft.). Photo looks S using the telephoto lens.

The slope wasn’t bad going down off the ridge.  Near the bottom, Lupe was delighted to encounter a wide band of snowdrifts 2 or 3 feet high still melting in the shade of the trees.  Lupe had fun cooling off on the snow before leaving the forest.  As soon as she left the trees, Pole Mountain was directly ahead to the ENE across the open ground of the saddle.

The W face of Pole Mountain features a long, massive rock outcropping.  Clearly, Lupe and SPHP couldn’t climb that!  In fact, SPHP wasn’t entirely certain Lupe would be able to find any way to the top.  However, it did look like the situation would be more promising farther E along the S face.  Lupe and SPHP crossed the flat, open saddle and started climbing.  As Lupe climbed, she worked her way E across the S side of the mountain.

The top of Pole Mountain (9,040 ft.) was quite rocky, but Lupe did find an easy way up about midway along the S slope.  The summit ridge extended 200 feet in a NW/SE direction.  The highest point was toward the middle, but somewhat closer to the NW end, not far at all from where Lupe came up.  Lupe and SPHP went to check out the true summit and NW end of the mountain first.

Lupe atop the NW end of the Pole Mountain summit ridge. Leg Benchmark is the high point (R of Center) on the ridge seen in the background. Photo looks WNW.
Lupe atop the NW end of the Pole Mountain summit ridge. Leg Benchmark is the high point (R of Center) on the ridge seen in the background. Photo looks WNW.
The Leg Benchmark (9,055 ft.) summit from Pole Mountain. Photo looks WNW using the telephoto lens.
The Leg Benchmark (9,055 ft.) summit from Pole Mountain. Photo looks WNW using the telephoto lens.
Lupe stands on the true summit of Pole Mountain (9,040 ft.). Photo looks SE along the summit ridge.
Lupe stands on the true summit of Pole Mountain (9,040 ft.). Photo looks SE along the summit ridge.

The view of the Leg Benchmark ridge from the NW end of Pole Mountain was great!  After spending a little time there appreciating the fine view, Lupe went to check out the SE end of the summit ridge.  Although a bit lower, the SE end of the summit featured a panoramic view of high plains extending far off to the E.

Lupe farther SE along the summit ridge of Pole Mountain, near where she climbed up. Photo looks SE.
Lupe farther SE along the summit ridge of Pole Mountain, near where she climbed up. Photo looks SE.
A huge area of high prairie was visible all around to the E of Pole Mountain. This photo looks NE toward Bisbee Hill (8,480 ft.) (L) and Markley Hill (R), both of which Lupe climbed the next day.
A huge area of high prairie was visible E of Pole Mountain. This photo looks NE toward Bisbee Hill (8,480 ft.) (L) and Markley Hill (8,520 ft.) (R), both of which Lupe climbed the next day.

As beautiful as the panorama to the E was, it was hard not to focus on the distant snow-capped peaks of Colorado to the SW.  Rain showers were starting to develop in that direction, too.

Lupe on a rocky ledge near the SE end of the Pole Mountain summit. Distant snow-capped peaks of Colorado and light rain showers were in view beyond her. Photo looks SW.
Lupe on a rock ledge near the SE end of the Pole Mountain summit. Distant snow-capped peaks in Colorado and light rain showers were in view beyond her. Photo looks SW.
Using the telephoto lens, the high snowy mountains in Colorado looked impressive and forbidding. Photo looks SW.
Using the telephoto lens, the high snowy mountains in Colorado looked impressive and forbidding. Photo looks SW.

After a pleasant stay, the time came for Lupe to leave Pole Mountain.  The Carolina Dog went back down the same S slope where she had come up, and crossed the grassy saddle over to the start of the forest covering the long Leg Benchmark ridge.  She then climbed through the forest up to the ridgeline, and made a second ascent all the way to the true summit of Leg Benchmark.

Lupe among the snowdrifts at the base of the Leg Benchmark ridge. Photo looks WSW.
Lupe among the snowdrifts at the base of the Leg Benchmark ridge. Photo looks WSW.
Lupe returns to the top of Leg Benchmark for her 2nd ascent of the day. Pole Mountain, where she had just been, is seen beyond her. Photo looks ESE.
Lupe returns to the top of Leg Benchmark for her 2nd ascent of the day. Pole Mountain, where she had just been, is seen beyond her. Photo looks ESE.

Lupe and SPHP enjoyed one more rest break up on Leg Benchmark.  It was a great place, and it seemed like a shame to leave it, but Lupe had plenty more to do in the Laramie Mountains before the day was done.  Lupe and SPHP left Leg Benchmark for the final time, and began the trek back to the G6.

Lupe returned to the Headquarters National Recreation Trail.  The American Dingo retraced her earlier route along it.  She did make one change, however.  Instead of taking the Cardiac Bypass, she took the trail to the Scenic Overlook.  The Cardiac Bypass wasn’t all that much shorter, and the Scenic Overlook trail loops right back to it after providing some of the very best views Lupe found anywhere along the Headquarters National Recreation Trail.

By 1:58 PM (68°F), Lupe and SPHP were back at the G6.  Lupe had already had a wonderful day in the Laramie Mountains, but it was still relatively early.  A happy Carolina Dog jumped in the G6.  Then Lupe and SPHP headed N looking for the next adventure.

Lupe relaxes up on Leg Benchmark during her final ascent of the mountain.
Lupe relaxes up on Leg Benchmark during her final ascent of the mountain.

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Shell Falls, Porcupine Falls & Bald Mountain in the Bighorn Mountains, WY (8-9-12)

Day 2 of Lupe’s 2012 Dingo Vacation to the West Coast.

Lupe was doing somersaults.  A squirrel was chattering away in a tree somewhere outside Lupe’s “tiny house”.  Lupe was desperate to go bark at it.  She was hurling herself repeatedly against the screen door of the tent, not realizing it was zipped shut.  She couldn’t get out.  The crazy Carolina Dog was going paws over head, and doing a complete somersault each time she charged the fabric.  The whole tent shook.  SPHP and Lanis woke up.

Lanis, SPHP and Lupe were camped at Shell Creek in the Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming.  It was morning, and clearly time to get up to relieve the American Dingo’s anxiety.  After breakfast, Lanis, Lupe and SPHP took a short walk along Shell Creek.  Returning from the walk, it was time to leave Shell Creek campground.  Someone else had reservations for Site No. 11 tonight.

Lupe runs along a trail next to Shell Creek.
Lupe runs along a trail next to Shell Creek.
Lupe busy at Shell Creek.
Lupe busy at Shell Creek.

Lupe at Shell Creek, Bighorn Mountains, WY 8-8-12Shell Creek, Bighorn Mountains, WY

Shell Creek, Bighorn Mountains, WY
Shell Creek, Bighorn Mountains, WY
Lanis and Lupe's "tiny house" at Shell Creek.
Lanis and Lupe’s “tiny house” at Shell Creek.
Lanis' Honda Element was a great vehicle for Lupe's first ever Dingo Vacation. There was lots of cargo space and lots of doors for easy access to everything, including this set of double doors. Lupe had a great time riding in the Element.
Lanis’ Honda Element was a great vehicle for Lupe’s first ever Dingo Vacation. There was lots of cargo space.  Plenty of doors, including this set of double doors, provided easy access to everything. Lupe had a great time riding in the Element.

Where to next?  Shell Falls was relatively close by farther down Shell Canyon.  About a mile upstream of Shell Falls, there were also some smaller waterfalls just off Hwy 14 where Lupe could go wading.  Lupe went to visit both Shell Falls, and the smaller falls.

Lupe and Lanis visit Shell Falls in the Bighorn Mountains.
Lupe and Lanis visit Shell Falls in the Bighorn Mountains.
Below the falls.
The gorge below Shell Falls.

Below Shell Falls, Bighorn Mountains, WY 8-9-15

Shell Creek cascades down a series of smaller waterfalls about a mile upstream of Shell Falls.
Shell Creek cascades down a series of smaller waterfalls about a mile upstream of Shell Falls.

Waterfall in Shell Canyon, Bighorn Mountains, WY 8-9-15

Lanis and Lupe at the smaller waterfalls in Shell Canyon.
Lanis and Lupe at the smaller waterfalls in Shell Canyon.

After visiting Shell Falls and the other smaller waterfalls in Shell Canyon, there was a debate over what to do next.  Should Lupe return to Shell Creek campground to see if another site had opened up?

In the end, Lupe wound up going to Burgess Junction instead.  Lanis went into the store and bought ice cream bars again, just like he’d done the previous day at Spotted Horse.  Lupe liked this new ice cream bar tradition.  She sacrificed any concerns over her own health, to help make sure SPHP didn’t get fat.

Lupe, Lanis and SPHP headed W on Hwy 14A.  There were two more waterfalls that would be worth seeing.  One was Bucking Mule Falls.  The other was Porcupine Falls.  Both were miles N of the highway along gravel roads, but they were in the same general area.  Since SPHP had seen Bucking Mule Falls once before, Porcupine Falls was chosen as Lupe’s destination.

The trail to Porcupine Falls wasn’t very long, but it was steep.  Shortly after leaving the trailhead, it went steeply downhill most of the way.  Porcupine Falls poured through a narrow gap in a rock wall into a big pool below.  It was very pretty and dramatic looking gushing out between the high cliffs.

Porcupine Falls in the Bighorn Mountains, WY.
Porcupine Falls in the Bighorn Mountains, WY.
Lanis relaxes at Porcupine Falls.
Lanis relaxes at Porcupine Falls.

After seeing Porcupine Falls, and spending some time sniffing around the edges of the big pool below it, Lupe led everyone back up the trail to the Honda Element.  Now that the trail was going steeply uphill, it didn’t seem nearly so short as before.

Once everyone was back at the Element, the consensus was that it was time to eat and secure a campsite.  Bucking Mule Falls would have to wait for another day.  Lupe went back to Hwy 14A.  At the Bald Mountain campground, once again, Site 11 was the best one available.  Lanis and SPHP pitched the tent and made dinner.  After dinner, Lupe, Lanis and SPHP started climbing Bald Mountain.  It was a really easy climb up a long grassy slope SE of the campground.

Lupe snoops around on her way up Bald Mountain. Photo looks NW toward Medicine Mountain, where the Bighorn Medicine Wheel is located.
Lupe snoops around on her way to climb Bald Mountain. Photo looks NW toward Medicine Mountain (9,962 ft.), where the Bighorn Medicine Wheel is located.  The Bald Mountain campground, where Lupe would spend the night, is at the closest clump of forest at the right edge of this photo.

When Lupe was about halfway up Bald Mountain (10,042 ft.), it started becoming apparent that a rainstorm was coming.  A line of showers that had been quite some distance away to the W was moving in.  By the time Lupe was near the top, rain showers were all around to the S, W & N.  Now and then, there was some lightning off in these directions, too.

Within just a few minutes of when Lupe, Lanis and SPHP reached the top of Bald Mountain, the storm hit.  A chill wind blew fiercely, and there was a cold stinging rain.  The downpour was much harder than expected.  With absolutely no cover on Bald Mountain, Lupe, Lanis and SPHP all got soaking wet.  The storm wasn’t a big one, though, and would soon pass.  SPHP expected to be able to just tough it out.

Suddenly there was a flash of lightning relatively close by, followed by the roar of thunder.  There’s no toughing out lightning.  Lupe, Lanis and SPHP all hastily abandoned the summit of Bald Mountain.  Fifteen minutes later, the storm had blown on by.  There was still light rain, but nothing of consequence.  The rain had dampened everyone’s spirits, though.  Lupe, Lanis and SPHP continued on down back to the campground.

After setting up Lupe’s “tiny house”, SPHP had thrown everything needed for the night into the tent.  Unfortunately, SPHP had not put the rain cover on the tent.  Most things were now damp.  Lanis’ sleeping bag was just plain soaking wet.  Lanis was not amused.  Lupe and SPHP spent the night in the tent.  Fortunately, there were still some dry blankets in the Honda Element.  Lanis spent the night in the Element huddled under them, running the heater now and then to keep warm.Medicine Mountain from Bald Mountain, Bighorn Mountains, WY 8-9-12Shell Falls is located 14 miles E of Greybull, WY in Shell Canyon.  A parking lot and visitor center are right next to the N side of the highway.  Shell Falls is a quick scenic stop for travelers on their way W to Yellowstone National Park.

Porcupine Falls and Bucking Mule Falls are located N of Hwy 14A (E of Lovell, WY) toward the W side of the Bighorn Mountain Range.  Gravel roads lead to the trailheads.  The 0.5 mile hike to Porcupine Falls leads to a large pool at the base of the falls.  The trail to Bucking Mule Falls leads 1.5 miles to a scenic overlook from which the falls can be viewed from a distance.

Directions to Porcupine Falls and Bucking Mule Falls:  E of Bald Mountain campground, there are two roads going N from Hwy 14A.  (The first road is just E of the turn to Bald Mountain campground, the second is 2 miles farther E.)  Both roads lead in just a few miles to an intersection with Devil’s Canyon Road.  Take Devil’s Canyon Road W 4 miles to the Porcupine Falls trailhead, or 7 miles to the Bucking Mule Falls trailhead.

Advisory: Online information on the Bucking Mule Falls National Recreation Trail indicates that the trail to the scenic overlook of the falls is part of a much longer 15 mile trail.  Continuing on beyond the viewpoint, the trail drops steeply 2,000 feet in 2 miles into Devil’s Canyon.  One online trip report dating from July, 2013 said there were 5 miles of trail down in Devil’s Canyon choked with dead trees.  In some places the trees had fallen 3 and 4 deep across the trail.  Lupe recommends checking for current information on the trail’s condition before continuing beyond the overlook.

Lupe returned to Bald Mountain on the first day of her 2013 Dingo Vacation to the Beartooths and Canadian Rockies.  Click the red link to view Lupe’s post about her return visit.

Shell Falls
Shell Falls

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Bucking Mule Falls, Porcupine Falls & Duncum Mountain, Bighorn Range, Wyoming (6-14-18)

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Agate Fossil Beds National Monument & the Soldier Creek Wilderness High Point, Nebraska (4-3-16)

On a lonely stretch of Hwy 29 in NW Nebraska, someone with a big pack was hiking N.  Lupe and SPHP were heading N, too.  There was room for one more in the G6 with a little rearranging.  Lupe and SPHP stopped across the highway from the backpacker.

Want a ride?  Nope, he didn’t!  Where are you going?  Hiking the Great Plains Trail from Texas to the Canadian Border.  Wow, that sounds awesome!  Mind if Lupe gets a picture taken with you?  No problem, that would be fine!  Lupe and SPHP hopped out of the G6, and went across Hwy 29 to meet Luke “Strider” Jordan.

Lupe meets Luke "Strider" Jordan as he is hiking the Great Plains Trail from Texas to Canada. Photo looks N along Hwy 29 in NW Nebraska.
Lupe meets Luke “Strider” Jordan as he is hiking the Great Plains Trail from Texas to Canada. Photo looks N along Hwy 29 in NW Nebraska.

Lupe and SPHP had never heard of the Great Plains Trail before.  Luke explained that parts of it were still being put together.  He handed SPHP a business card with trail information on it.  “The Great Plains Trail – Find a New Adventure!  From Canada to Texas, 1800 Scenic Miles, Three National Parks, Three National Monuments, Ten National Forests/Grasslands, Five State High Points, Six State Parks”

Luke had started out on Guadalupe Peak (8,749 ft.), the highest mountain in Texas, (and also the S end of the Great Plains Trail) on Valentine’s Day.  The Montana portion of the Great Plains Trail hasn’t been created yet, so Luke was going to hike through western North Dakota to reach the Canadian Border.  He expected to get there sometime around May 12th.

This wasn’t the first long distance trail Luke had done.  Three years ago he had hiked the entire North Country Trail from central North Dakota to Vermont.  Clearly, Luke merited his “Strider” nickname!

Well, since Luke didn’t want a ride, how about a piece of fried chicken, a banana, or a Coke?  The Coke sounded good.  Yeah, Strider would take a Coke.  SPHP retrieved one from the G6 for him.

SPHP gave Strider a phone number for Lupe, too.  The Great Plains Trail goes through the Black Hills.  If Strider wanted to, when he reached the Black Hills he could spend an evening with Lupe and SPHP, sleep in a bed, use the shower, etc.  Maybe Lupe would even join Luke on a stretch of the trail?

After friendly goodbyes and a pat on the head for Lupe, Strider continued N.  In the G6, Lupe and SPHP continued N, too.

A Coke was all Strider wanted. Strider didn't say so at the time, but later on SPHP found out online that he was in the process of making the first through trek of The Great Plains Trail anyone has ever made!
A Coke was all Strider wanted. Strider didn’t say so at the time, but later on SPHP found out online that he was in the process of making the first through trek of the entire Great Plains Trail anyone has ever made!

About a dozen miles N of where she had left Strider behind, Lupe came to Agate Fossil Beds National Monument.  SPHP wasn’t sure how dingo-friendly it would be, but decided to take a chance and check it out.  At the very least, Agate Fossil Beds National Monument was very wallet-friendly.  There was no admission fee!

Lupe reaches Agate Fossil Beds National Monument in NW Nebraska.
Lupe reaches Agate Fossil Beds National Monument in NW Nebraska.

Most of the land that is now Agate Fossil Beds National Monument was once part of the Agate Springs Ranch owned by James and Kate Cook.  In 1892, Erwin H. Barbour of the University of Nebraska was the first scientist to visit the ranch and examine the strange Devil’s Corkscrews, later recognized as the fossilized burrows of Palaeocastor, an ancient dry land beaver.

Near the entrance to Agate Fossil Beds National Monument is the 1.0 mile long Daemonelix Trail, which heads up a hillside to a rocky area where the Devil’s Corkscrews can still be seen.  This is the most scenic of two trails at Agate Fossil Beds National Monument.  However, SPHP was hoping Lupe could do a little peakbagging along the Fossil Hills Trail, which starts 3 miles farther in at the visitor’s center.

Display at the start of the 1 mile long Daemonelix Trail near the monument entrance.

Lupe had to wait in the G6 while SPHP went in to find out if she could climb Carnegie Hill (4,600 ft.), one of two small hills at the end of the Fossil Hills Trail.  In the visitor center, there was a pretty cool diorama featuring skeletons of ancient mammals that had lived in this area 20 million years ago.

Part of the diorama featuring skeletons of ancient mammals in the visitor center.
Part of the diorama featuring skeletons of ancient mammals in the visitor center.

Diorama of ancient mammals in the Agate Fossil Beds National Monument visitor center, 8-3-16SPHP talked to Ranger Steven Lawlor.  Would it be alright if Lupe climbed Carnegie Hill?  Ranger Lawlor was a bit hesitant, but said OK with some provisions.  They were all very basic rules Lupe had no intention of violating.  Lupe had to be on a leash, no collecting or disturbing of rocks, plants or fossils, watch out for rattlesnakes, and don’t fall off any cliffs.

Soon Lupe was on her way (2:23 PM, 66°F).  The Fossil Hills Trail is a concrete sidewalk that leads all the way up to Carnegie Hill and nearby University Hill.  Lupe liked that.  No cactus at all to deal with!

Lupe starting out on the Fossil Hills Trail. University Hill (L) and Carnegie Hill (R), the trail’s destinations, are both in view. Photo looks SSE.
The Niobrara River, little more than a good-sized stream here, meanders through the length of Agate Fossil Beds National Monument. Photo looks SW from a bridge on the Fossil Hills Trail.
Getting close! Carnegie Hill (L) and University Hill (R) are just ahead. Photo looks W.
Getting close! Carnegie Hill (L) and University Hill (R) are just ahead. Photo looks W.

University Hill and Carnegie Hill are very close together.  The trail came to University Hill first.  It was an easy climb to the top.

Lupe on University Hill. The Fossil Hills Trail circumnavigates Carnegie Hill (R). Photo looks S.
Lupe on University Hill. The Fossil Hills Trail circumnavigates Carnegie Hill (R). Photo looks S.
On University Hill.

19 or 20 million years ago, this part of Nebraska was somewhat like modern Africa.  It was the golden Age of Mammals.  Ancient horses, rhinos, sheep, beardogs, hogs, camels and other animals roamed the area.  Displays depicting how some of these creatures may have looked are located along the Fossil Hills Trail.Display along Fossil Hills Trail, Agate Fossil Beds NP, 4-3-16Display along Fossil Hills Trail, Agate Fossil Beds NP, 4-3-16Display along Fossil Hills Trail, Agate Fossil Beds NM, 4-3-16After climbing University Hill, Lupe climbed Carnegie Hill from the E.

Lupe on Carnegie Hill. University Hill is seen to the N. Carnegie Hill is the higher of the two, although University Hill had looked higher from back down at the visitor Center.
Lupe on Carnegie Hill. University Hill is seen to the N. Carnegie Hill is the higher of the two, although University Hill had looked higher from back down at the visitor Center.
Looking SSE from Carnegie Hill.
Looking SSE from Carnegie Hill.
Another look N at University Hill.
Another look N at University Hill.

After climbing Carnegie Hill, Lupe and SPHP returned to the trail to complete a circumnavigation of Carnegie Hill.  On the way, Lupe came upon a display that intrigued her.

A beardog! That was something to consider. If Lupe hadn't had the good luck to be a Carolina Dog, maybe she would have liked being a beardog? It sounded almost as scary!
A beardog! That was something to consider. If Lupe hadn’t had the good luck to be a Carolina Dog, maybe she would have liked being a beardog? It sounded almost as scary!

The display was about beardogs that used to live here millions of years ago.  Lupe thought that beardogs might have been almost as ferocious and scary as Carolina Dogs are today.

At some point in the Miocene Epoch, the SW side of Carnegie Hill had been the site of a waterhole where herbivores gathered to drink.  During droughts, when many animals were forced to congregate here, they had been easy prey for predators.

In August 1904, O.A. Peterson of the Carnegie Museum in Pittsburgh discovered a great bonebed here.  Between 1904 and 1923, scientists from Yale University, the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, and other institutions also worked at these fossil beds.

Lupe on the SW side of Carnegie Hill where the great bonebed of ancient mammals was once excavated by scientists early in the 20th century.
Lupe on the SW side of Carnegie Hill where a great bonebed of ancient mammals was once excavated by scientists early in the 20th century.

After completing her circumnavigation of Carnegie Hill, Lupe started on her way back to the G6.  It was getting close to 4 PM by the time she arrived (3:43 PM, 66°F).  The visitor center was about to close.  SPHP went in to see if Ranger Steven Lawlor would consent to having his picture taken with Lupe?

Ranger Lawlor was happy to have a couple photos taken with Lupe, but first gave SPHP a very quick tour.  James and Kate Cook, owners of the Agate Springs Ranch, had been friends of Chief Red Cloud.  Over time, the Oglala Sioux and Cheyenne gave them many gifts.  The Cooks eventually donated their impressive collection of authentic Indian artifacts to Agate Fossil Beds National Monument.

The Running Water Winter Count on display at the visitor center. Plains Indians used winter counts to keep track of their history, picking one event each winter to stand for the year's activities. This is a modern winter count created by artist Dawn Little Sky. It shows a chronology of events impacting the lives of James Cook and Red Cloud and the Agate Fossil Beds area.
The Running Water Winter Count on display at the visitor center. Plains Indians used winter counts to keep track of their history, picking one event each winter to stand for the year’s activities. This is a modern winter count created by artist Dawn Little Sky. It shows a chronology of events impacting the lives of James Cook, Chief Red Cloud and the Agate Fossil Beds area.

Diorama in Agate Fossil Beds Visitor Center, 4-3-16

Lupe and Ranger Lawlor outside the Agate Fossil Beds National Monument visitor center.
Lupe and Ranger Lawlor outside the Agate Fossil Beds National Monument visitor center.
Getting some love from Ranger Steven Lawlor of the National Park Service.
Thanks to Ranger Lawlor, Lupe had gotten to climb Carnegie Hill and University Hill.

After saying goodbye to Ranger Lawlor, Lupe and SPHP left Agate Fossil Beds National Monument.  Lupe returned to Hwy 29 and headed N to Harrison, Nebraska.

SPHP was hoping Lupe still had time to visit the Soldier Creek Wilderness High Point (4,740 ft.) E of Harrison.  The Soldier Creek Wilderness High Point is 3.5 miles N of Hwy 20 near the W border of the wilderness area about halfway between Harrison and Crawford, Nebraska.  SPHP’s map showed a dirt road leading N from Hwy 20 to the high point.

Although SPHP drove E slowly on Hwy 20 looking for the dirt access road, nothing promising appeared.  To complicate matters, the Soldier Creek Wilderness does not border Hwy 20, but is separated from it by private lands ranging from 0.25 to 0.75 mile wide.  Looking N from the highway at the vast expanse of remote ridges and valleys, it wasn’t even possible to tell with any precision where the Soldier Creek Wilderness High Point was.

Just before Hwy 20 started to lose serious elevation, there was a scenic overlook with a big parking lot on the S side of the highway.  Lupe and SPHP pulled in there, so SPHP could take another look at the maps.  SPHP was certain Lupe was now E of where the access road should have been.

The maps showed one more possible access route.  Cottonwood Road leaves Hwy 20 several miles W of Soldier Creek Wilderness.  It goes N and then winds NE to come within 1.5 miles of the wilderness boundary.  Maybe it would be possible to get permission to cross the private property?  It seemed like a real long shot, but what else was there to do?

Lupe and SPHP drove back W again.  SPHP kept looking for an access road to the N, but still saw nothing encouraging.  Cottonwood Road was the only reasonable possibility left.  It was too late in the day to consider trying anything else.

At least there was a green and white street sign along Hwy 20 when Lupe reached Cottonwood Road.  Lupe and SPHP turned N.  Soon Lupe was having a field day barking at cows!  A huge herd was in the field to the W.  They weren’t used to such abuse.  The cows mooed as though annoyed, but they didn’t run off.

Cottonwood Road wasn’t all that great.  Even though it is a county road, there was little gravel on it.  It went N for 1.75 miles, then turned sharply E for a short stretch before winding NE for 1.5 miles.  The road slowly deteriorated as it wound along.  It was a good thing it wasn’t real wet, or 4WD would have been necessary.

A ranch came into view on the N side of the road.  A couple of people were near some buildings.  A sign said this was Banners Ranch.  Lupe and SPHP stopped in.  Lupe stayed in the G6, while SPHP chatted with the old rancher and his son.  They knew about the Soldier Creek Wilderness High Point, but were perplexed by the notion that any stranger would find it worth coming way out here to see it.

Another 0.5 mile farther E, Cottonwood Road would turn N.  At that point, SPHP could park the G6 and go on foot to their neighbor’s ranch, owned by Emery Fox.  Mr. Fox owned the land bordering the Soldier Creek Wilderness.  SPHP would have to ask for permission to cross his land.  A red gate in a fence line was the way to the high point.  SPHP thanked the Banners for their help, and returned to Lupe in the G6.

Going E, the road didn’t get any better.  At one point the G6 had to go off it entirely to miss a huge mud puddle left by melting snow.  SPHP parked the G6 where Cottonwood Road turned N.  There wasn’t much choice.  A sign at the start of the driveway into the Fox Ranch said “No Unauthorized Vehicles Allowed Beyond This Point”.  The sign was hardly necessary.  There was no way the G6 would have survived that road.

This was the right place, though.  A 12 foot long gently arching metal sign along the fence line said “FOX”.  Lupe was on her best behavior leaving the G6 (6:00 PM, 58°F).  A whole herd of cows was standing right outside.  Lupe didn’t bark once.  Good girl!  Lupe and SPHP headed E on the Fox’s high-clearance 4WD authorized vehicles only driveway.

Half a mile later, Lupe and SPHP arrived at the Fox Ranch headquarters.  The Banners had said there would be two houses.  Emery Fox lives in the bigger home to the N farthest up the slope.  His son, Evan, lives in the smaller home to the W.  Mr. Fox was home.  SPHP requested permission to cross his ranch so Lupe could go to the Soldier Creek Wilderness High Point.

Emery Fox seemed just as surprised as the Banners had been that anyone would be interested in seeing the Soldier Creek Wilderness High Point.  He was a quiet, soft-spoken man.  Apparently he saw no harm in it, so he gave Lupe permission to go.

Lupe and Emery Fox, owner of the Fox Ranch on the W border of the Soldier Creek Wilderness. Mr. Fox kindly granted Lupe permission to cross his ranch to go see the wilderness high point.
Emery Fox’s home and headquarters of the Fox Ranch. Photo looks N.

SPHP’s maps showed a road going S from the Fox’s home that would eventually turn E toward the high point, before turning S again.  SPHP could see the road S and intended to take it, planning to just continue E to the high point when the road turned S again.

However, Mr. Fox pointed out two tracks in his field going up a grassy ridge to the ESE.  Mr. Fox said to take the track to the left.  He also talked about a red gate prior to reaching the high point.  SPHP never did fully understand the directions offered by the Banners or Mr. Fox, but not wanting to disobey instructions, Lupe and SPHP headed SE taking the left track up the ridge as Mr. Fox indicated.

SPHP feared that this route was going to take Lupe too far N.  There wasn’t enough daylight left to waste too much of it, either.  Fortunately, when Lupe reached the top of the ridge, the road (just a pickup truck path through a big field) continued ESE toward another barren ridge with a couple of high points on it.  Maybe one of them was the Soldier Creek Wilderness High Point?  There was also a barren ridge farther S, and one with trees on it to the N, but both seemed too far away to be right.

Lupe and SPHP stayed on the road, except once when Lupe spotted 3 pronghorns.  After crossing the ridge, the road slowly lost elevation, eventually coming to a fence at a low point.  There wasn’t any red gate, which was a bit disturbing.  On the other side of the fence, the road made a short jog to the S going up a little rise before turning ESE again back up on the high ground.  The two high points were back in view.  The road was heading almost straight for them.

Just a little W of the high points, Lupe reached another fence.  This time there was a red gate!  Signs also indicated that this was the border of the Soldier Creek Wilderness.  On the high point farthest to the SE, a post was sticking up.

Lupe reaches the red gate on the W border of the Soldier Creek Wilderness. The Soldier Creek Wilderness High Point is ahead on the R! Photo looks ESE.
Lupe reaches the red gate on the W border of the Soldier Creek Wilderness. The Soldier Creek Wilderness High Point is ahead on the R! Photo looks ESE.

The road continued E skirting to the N of the highest point where the post was sticking up.  SPHP left the road heading directly for the post.  Lupe, however, didn’t budge from the road.  SPHP hadn’t seen any cactus here, but Tenderpaw Lupe wasn’t taking any chances.  SPHP had to carry her several hundred feet to the post.

A couple of feet S of the post were some white rocks.  Down in the middle of them was a survey benchmark.  It said “Summit”.  Lupe really was at the Soldier Creek Wilderness High Point!

Lupe at the Soldier Creek Wilderness High Point. The survey benchmark is hidden among the rocks right behind her. Photo looks ESE.
Lupe at the Soldier Creek Wilderness High Point. The survey benchmark is hidden among the rocks right behind her. Photo looks ESE.
Survey benchmark at the Soldier Creek Wilderness High Point.
Survey benchmark at the Soldier Creek Wilderness High Point.

Although it was getting pretty late in the day, there was time to relax for a few minutes to enjoy Lupe’s success.  Only 1.5 hours ago, SPHP had been rather pessimistic about Lupe’s chances of getting here.

Lupe’s luck had held, though!  The Banners and Emery Fox had been friendly and helpful.  The road going through the pastures to get here had led right to the Soldier Creek Wilderness High Point.  It was an easy hike, too, all out in the open with very little elevation change over gently rolling terrain.  Now that Lupe was here, it all seemed pathetically easy.

Lupe relaxing at the Soldier Creek Wilderness High Point. Photo looks S.
Lupe relaxing at the Soldier Creek Wilderness High Point. Photo looks S.

Looking SSW.
Looking NW back toward the red gate on the W boundary of the Soldier Creek Wilderness.
View to the N.

Lupe relaxed at the Soldier Creek Wilderness High Point so much that when it was time to leave this remote and peaceful place, she forgot to worry about cactus.  She trotted back to the road under her own power.

The sun was going down, but there wouldn’t be any beautiful sunset.  Instead the sun sank into a cloud bank on the horizon.  It was still a wonderful easy evening trek back to the Fox Ranch HQ.

When Lupe and SPHP reached the top of the ridge SE of Emery Fox’s home, Lupe looked back at the Soldier Creek Wilderness one last time.  SPHP now realized it was possible to see both the Fox Ranch HQ and the Soldier Creek Wilderness High Point from here.

Looking back to the ESE at the Soldier Creek Wilderness High Point from the ridge just SE of the Fox Ranch HQ. The high point is just L of the big trees on the R side of this photo. (Taken with telephoto lens.)
Looking back to the ESE at the Soldier Creek Wilderness High Point from the ridge SE of the Fox Ranch HQ. The high point is just L of the big trees on the R side of this photo. (Taken with telephoto lens.)
Lupe on the ridge SE of the Fox Ranch HQ. Photo looks NW.
Lupe on the ridge SE of the Fox Ranch HQ. Photo looks NW.

Emery Fox was waiting for Lupe and SPHP to return.  It was his turn to take a picture of Lupe.  Mr. Fox and SPHP chatted for a while.  Emery’s son, Evan, came along and joined in.  Emery said his grandfather homesteaded this ranch in 1905.  Emery had been born here, and has lived here all his life.

Back at the red gate, there had been a sign on the fence facing E toward those entering the Fox Ranch.  It was about an open fields and waters program.  None of the gates in the fences had been closed.  SPHP asked about the program.

This Open Fields and Waters Program sign was on the fence next to the Red Gate on the border of the Soldier Creek Wilderness.

Mr. Fox said all of his land was enrolled in the open fields and waters program.  (He did not want to talk about how much acreage he owns.)  Hunters and fishermen with the proper licenses can legally walk in on his property to hunt and fish in season.  Mr. Fox gets some financial reward from the state of Nebraska in exchange for enrolling his property.

Lupe and SPHP weren’t here to hunt or fish, just to pass through on a peakbagging mission.  SPHP thanked Mr. Fox and Evan for making Lupe’s success in reaching the Soldier Creek Wilderness High Point possible.  Then Lupe and SPHP headed W back to the G6 as stars began to twinkle above (8:01 PM, 50°F).

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Scotts Bluff National Monument & Wildcat Hills, the Scotts Bluff County Highpoint, Nebraska (4-3-16)

A squirrel!  Lupe bounded after it.  The squirrel scrambled to safety up a big tree in Gardner Park.  Lupe stood below, her front paws propped up against the tree trunk as she tried to leap up after that elusive rodent, while barking furiously the entire time.

It was early, too early.  The sun wasn’t even up yet, although it was light out.  Lupe had to stop making such a ruckus.  People live right across the street from the park.  SPHP persuaded Lupe to give up on the squirrel and return to the G6.

At least it was encouraging to see that Lupe’s paws weren’t too terribly sore.  In her excitement over the squirrel, even Lupe had momentarily forgotten about all the horrible cactus she had braved yesterday on Wildcat Mountain (5,025 ft.) while peakbagging with her new friend Jobe Wymore.

It had been windy nearly all night, but the air was still now.  The wind was a good thing!  SPHP’s boots were dry again.  SPHP retrieved them from the roof of the G6 and put them on.  Jobe was gone.  He was on his way back to Denver today for the flight back home to the Portland, Oregon area.  Well, what now Loopster?

Lupe was in Gering, Nebraska, so it was pretty easy to decide what was next.  Just W of Gering is Scotts Bluff National Monument.  Scotts Bluff was a famous landmark S of the North Platte River back in the days of the Oregon and Mormon Trails.  The monument features several easy trails, and even a road to the top of Scotts Bluff.

Lupe arrives bright and early at Scotts Bluff National Monument in Nebraska.
Lupe arrives bright and early at Scotts Bluff National Monument in Nebraska.

Lupe arrived at the entrance to Scotts Bluff National Monument well before it opens for visitors at 8 AM.  Lupe and SPHP wandered around for a while outside the visitor center.  High light-colored bluffs stood brilliantly illuminated in the morning sunlight.

Eagle Rock (4,510 ft.) as seen from near the Scotts Bluff National Monument visitor center. Photo looks NW.

Yes, Lupe remembered yesterday evening’s cactus ordeal.  Her paws were still quite sore, even if the squirrel had made her forget the pain for a few minutes.  Lupe refused to go wandering in the grassy fields.  She just knew there was more cactus laying in wait for her!  The Carolina Dog was too smart to fall for that again!

Just W of the entrance road was a path up to a display of a wagon being pulled by oxen.  SPHP carried Lupe up to it.  Lupe sniffed around the oxen.  They must have had a bath, because they didn’t sniff like anything.  They sure looked clean, too!  SPHP told Lupe about how pioneers used to travel W through this area with wagons and oxen like these for hundreds of miles along the Oregon and Mormon Trails.

Lupe was very interested.  Why, Oregon, wasn’t that where her new friend Jobe Wymore lived?  Lupe could travel W on the Oregon Trail and go see Jobe!  Wouldn’t Jobe be surprised to see her again!  Lupe was all for it, on a couple of conditions.  First, the oxen had to agree to let her ride in the wagon until her paws healed up.  Second, she had to be allowed back in the wagon while traveling through any cactus country.

Lupe ready to hit the Oregon trail to go see Jobe!
Lupe ready to hit the Oregon trail to go see Jobe!

When the visitor center opened at 8:00 AM, SPHP went in and paid the $5.00 admission fee.  Ordinarily, Lupe and SPHP would have taken the 1.6 mile Saddle Rock trail on paw and foot up to the top of Scotts Bluff.  However, with Lupe’s sore paws, and much of the Saddle Rock trail exposed to direct morning sun, SPHP decided to just drive to the top.

Lupe near the parking lot on top of Scotts Bluff. Photo looks E.
Lupe near the parking lot on top of Scotts Bluff. Photo looks E.

Two short trails go to overlooks from the parking lot up on Scotts Bluff.  Lupe took the North Overlook Trail first.

Lupe and SPHP had hardly started on the trail when Wildcat Mountain and Hogback Mountain came into view on the far S horizon.  Lupe had made it to Wildcat Mountain with Jobe Wymore just yesterday evening!  She would have gone on to Hogback Mountain, too, if it hadn’t been for all the painful cactus.

Dome Rock (4,547 ft.) (L), Wildcat Mountain (5,025 ft.) (Center on far horizon), and Hogback Mountain (5,062 ft.) (distant ridge on the R) could be seen from near the start of the North Overlook trail. Photo looks S.
Dome Rock (4,547 ft.) (L), Wildcat Mountain (5,025 ft.) (Center on far horizon), and Hogback Mountain (5,062 ft.) (distant ridge on the R) could be seen from near the start of the North Overlook trail. Photo looks S.

There were impressive views in every direction as Lupe explored the North Overlook Trail.  She visited the Scotts Bluff high point, and a number of overlooks along the way.  If Lupe had been here 160 years ago, she could have seen wagons and oxen down below traveling slowly W up the very wide, flat North Platt River valley.

From near the N end of the North Overlook Trail, Lupe could see Laramie Peak (10,272 ft.).  It was 90 miles away in Wyoming, and very faint on the WNW horizon.  Laramie Peak was the first mountain Lupe had climbed on her summer of 2015 Dingo Vacation to Wyoming, Colorado and Utah.

Gering, Nebraska from Scotts Bluff. Photo looks ENE.
Gering, Nebraska from Scotts Bluff. Photo looks ENE.
Looking SW from near the N end of the North Overlook Trail.
Looking SW from near the N end of the North Overlook Trail.
Lupe on the North Overlook Trail. Photo looks SSE toward Scotts Bluff's high point.
Lupe on the North Overlook Trail. Photo looks SSE toward Scotts Bluff’s high point.

The South Overlook Trail was shorter than the North Overlook Trail.  The panoramic views at the S overlook were even better!  Chimney Rock, another famous landmark along the Oregon and Mormon Trails, was in sight more than 20 miles to the ESE.  The views of Dome Rock, Crown Rock and South Bluff to the S were fabulous.  A long, high ridge extended far away to the W.

Lupe could see the Scotts Bluff National Monument visitor center, and the start of the Saddle Rock Trail far below.

Dome Rock (L), Wildcat Mountain (Center L on far horizon), and Hogback Mountain (Center on far horizon) from the South Overlook. Photo looks S.
Dome Rock (L), Wildcat Mountain (Center L on far horizon), and Hogback Mountain (Center on far horizon) from the South Overlook. Photo looks S.
Looking SW from the South Overlook. The first of 3 tunnels on the road coming up to the top of Scotts Bluff is seen below as it passes through Eagle Rock.
Looking SW from the South Overlook. The first of 3 tunnels on the road coming up to the top of Scotts Bluff is seen below as it passes through Eagle Rock.
Chimney Rock, another famous landmark along the Oregon and Mormon Trails, could be seen 20+ miles away to the ESE. Photo taken with telephoto lens.
Chimney Rock, another famous landmark along the Oregon and Mormon Trails, could be seen 20+ miles away to the ESE. Photo taken with telephoto lens.
South Bluff (4,700 ft.) (Center) as seen from the South Overlook on Scotts Bluff. Crown Rock (4,610 ft.) is the lower narrow rock ridge on the L. The Scotts Bluff visitor center is seen below on the R. Photo looks SSW.

Lupe had come through 3 tunnels on the way up to the parking lot on top of Scotts Bluff.  Since Lupe and SPHP seemed to have the entire national monument to themselves this early in the morning, on the way back down SPHP parked the G6 right on the narrow road.  Lupe hopped out for a couple photos of the tunnels.

Looking N back up at the 3rd and highest tunnel. None of the tunnels were very long, but who doesn't like a tunnel? Very cool!
Looking N back up at the 3rd and highest tunnel. None of the tunnels were very long, but who doesn’t like a tunnel? Very cool!
The 2nd (middle) tunnel.

With such an easy drive to the top, and just a couple of short trails to explore, Lupe’s visit to Scotts Bluff National Monument didn’t take very long.  It wasn’t even mid-morning yet when Lupe and SPHP exited the national monument.

Of course, there had been lots of displays to look at in the visitor center, but American Dingoes are about as interested in hanging out in visitor centers, as visitor centers are interested in letting American Dingoes inside.

Lupe and SPHP returned to Gering, NE and turned S.  About 0.5 mile after hitting the 4-lane on Hwy 71, SPHP turned W on Carter Canyon Road.  South Bluff, Dome Rock and Scotts Bluff could be seen to the NW beyond a huge, dusty tilled field.  It was a beautiful, though barren, scene.

South Bluff (L), Dome Rock (Center) and Scotts Bluff (R) from Carter Canyon Road near the junction with Hwy 71 S of Gering, Nebraska. Photo looks NW.
South Bluff (L), Dome Rock (Center) and Scotts Bluff (R) from Carter Canyon Road near the junction with Hwy 71 S of Gering, Nebraska. Photo looks NW.

Lupe and SPHP were now on the way to Wildcat Hills (4,940 ft.), the Scotts Bluff county high point.  The first 6 miles of Carter Canyon Road were paved and went due W.  Carter Canyon Road turned S at the end of the pavement.  The dirt road gradually turned W again as it went several miles up scenic Carter Canyon to arrive at a “Y” near the top of the ridge.

To the right was Summit Ranch Road.  A sign indicated Robidoux Pioneer Graves were in that direction.  To the left, Carter Canyon Road continued S.  Wildcat Hills was only a couple miles farther to the SSW, so Lupe and SPHP stayed on Carter Canyon Road.  It swung up around a little hillside revealing a huge home on the right, which is apparently the Summit Ranch headquarters.  Off to the SE was a tall tower on a hill.

SPHP expected to be able to drive very close to the summit of Wildcat Hills, but about a mile short of the destination reached a snowbank covering the road.  It didn’t look like anything the G6 could get through.  A short test drive into it instantly revealed that the G6 would certainly get high-centered.

Hmm, definitely a showstopper for the G6. Where was Jobe's BEAST when Lupe really needed it? At least the cold snow felt good on Lupe's pincushion paws! The power line SW of Wildcat Hills can already be seen in the distance. Photo looks SW.
Hmm, definitely a showstopper for the G6. Where was Jobe’s BEAST when Lupe really needed it? At least the cold snow felt good on Lupe’s pincushion paws! The power line SW of Wildcat Hills can already be seen in the distance. Photo looks SW.

SPHP backed the G6 out of the snowbank, turned it around and parked (9:40 AM, 56°F).  The Wildcat Hills summit couldn’t be more than another 1.25 miles away.  SPHP had already spotted a power line ahead to the SW which was just beyond Wildcat Hills.  Lupe and SPHP would have to proceed on paw and foot from here.

Lupe and SPHP abandoned the G6 and headed SW on the road.  As it turned out, even if the G6 had been able to make it past that first big snow drift, there were plenty more, even bigger ahead.  Most of the road was wet, but not too muddy.  Lupe liked going over the big snow drifts best.  The cold snow felt good!

The road went up and down small hills and ridges.  Several places there were pretty nice views back toward Hogback Mountain to the SE.  For some strange reason, Lupe showed not the slightest interest in going over there.

Hogback Mountain from Carter Canyon Road. Lupe showed no interest in going back to make another attempt on the cactus capital of Nebraska! Photo looks SE.
Hogback Mountain from Carter Canyon Road. Lupe showed no interest in going back to make another attempt on the cactus capital of Nebraska! Photo looks SE.
Using the telephoto lens.
Using the telephoto lens.

As Lupe and SPHP got closer to the power line, it became clear that a small barren hill a short distance NW of Carter Canyon Road was Wildcat Hills, the Scotts Bluff county high point.  Lupe was almost there!

SPHP left Carter Canyon Road heading W along a fence line.  A short stroll down a hill to cross a faint road skirting Wildcat Hills to the NE, and then a short walk up to the summit was all that was left to do.

Nope, Lupe wasn’t doing it.  She didn’t want to leave the road.  SPHP looked around.  Yeah, Lupe was right.  There was quite a bit of cactus on the hillside.  Still, this was a shortcut.  Lupe was fine with being carried.  SPHP had to stop a number of times on the way, but managed to tote the Tenderpaw Carolina Dog all the way up to the top of Wildcat Hills.

Nope, Lupe isn't going anywhere. She is just standing there waiting for her next ride. The summit of Wildcat Hills is seen up ahead on the L. The little used dirt road that skirts Wildcat Hills to the NE and N can be seen. Photo looks SW.
Nope, Lupe isn’t going anywhere. She is just standing there waiting for her next ride. The summit of Wildcat Hills is seen up ahead on the L. The little used dirt road that skirts Wildcat Hills to the NE and N can be seen. Photo looks SW.

Up on top of Wildcat Hills, barbed-wire fences met at a “T”.  There was plenty of cactus up here.  SPHP told Lupe to just “stay” and not move around.  She was more than happy to oblige.  There were too many cacti to move a muscle!  SPHP picked her up and repositioned her as needed for a couple of summit photos.  Lupe was very patient with the whole ordeal.

Hogback Mountain from Wildcat Hills, the Scotts Bluff County High Point. Photo looks SE.
Hogback Mountain from Wildcat Hills, the Scotts Bluff County High Point. Photo looks SE.
Looking SW from Wildcat Hills.
Looking SW from Wildcat Hills.

Well, it didn’t take Lupe very long to inspect the high point of a cactus-infested barren hill, even though there were 360° views.  Soon she was ready to go back to the G6.  SPHP carried her down to the E off the high point as far as the faint road.

Once she was on the road, Lupe was good to go.  She still wasn’t completely certain about things, and stopped briefly a few times along the way, but for the most part she trotted along just fine.  Lupe and SPHP followed the faint road to Carter Canyon Road.  Lupe stayed on Carter Canyon Road all the rest of the way back to the G6.  The snowy parts of the journey were her clear favorites.

Lupe had already jumped back up into the G6 (11:06 AM), when a blue pickup truck appeared.  It was pulling a horse trailer, heading S for the same snow bank that had stopped the G6.  SPHP waited to see what would happen.  The truck stopped in front of the snow drift.  A man got out to take a look.  His opinion was the same as SPHP’s – no way was this going to happen.

The owners of the truck were Gordon and Judy Hoffmaier.  They hadn’t expected so much snow up here, either.  They had their horses, Willow and Sage, with them, intending to do some riding.  Gordon unloaded the horses before trying to turn the pickup truck and horse trailer around in the field next to the road.  SPHP chatted with Judy, and held Willow’s rope.  Lupe was busy chillin’ in the G6.

Gordon & Judy Hoffmaier with their horses Willow and Sage. Fortunately, Gordon had no problem turning their pickup truck and horse trailer around in the field next to the road.
Gordon & Judy Hoffmaier with their horses Willow and Sage. Fortunately, Gordon had no problem turning their pickup truck and horse trailer around in the field next to the road.
Well, if I'm not allowed to bark at the horses, that takes all the fun out of it! I'll just chill here in the G6 for a while.
Well, if I’m not allowed to bark at the horses, that takes all the fun out of it! I’ll just chill here in the G6 for a while.

With their truck and trailer turned around and back on the road, Gordon and Judy went back to loading up their horses into the trailer again before moving on to find a less snowy area to go riding.  Lupe and SPHP returned in the G6 to the “Y” in the road at the upper end of Carter Canyon.

This time, Lupe and SPHP took the Summit Ranch Road branch of the “Y” hoping to find the Robidoux Pioneer Graves.  After a mile with no indication of where the graves might be, and with a view of the road continuing on to the N for many miles, SPHP gave up.  SPHP turned the G6 around and drove back to Carter Canyon Road.

Looking ENE at Carter Canyon from near the "Y" in the road close to the Summit Ranch.
Looking ENE at Carter Canyon from near the “Y” in the road close to the Summit Ranch.
Carter Canyon. Photo looks ENE.
Carter Canyon. Photo looks ENE.
Bluffs E of Carter Canyon from Carter Canyon Road. Photo looks ESE.
Bluffs E of Carter Canyon from Carter Canyon Road. Photo looks ESE.

Lupe and SPHP went back down through Carter Canyon and headed N through Gering.  In Scottsbluff, SPHP stopped at Wal-Mart for a few supplies – fried chicken, 2 bananas, and a 6 pack of Coke.  The morning had been a success!  Lupe had seen the world from Scotts Bluff and Wildcat Hills.

Before the noon hour was over, the G6 was gassed up again and ready to go.  Lupe and SPHP left Scottsbluff heading W on Hwy 26.  Lupe was starting the journey home, but her western Nebraska adventures weren’t over yet!

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