American Dingo – Page 24 – The (Mostly) True Adventures of Lupe

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 305 – Cousin Laddie Pays a Visit (9-22-22 thru 9-25-22)

9-21-22, 8:00 PM – Shrill barking told the tale. They were here! Lupe was ecstatic, racing out the door to greet Uncle Joe, Aunt Andrea, and Cousin Laddie as soon as SPHP opened it. Sadly, no Cousin Dusty ever again, but the Carolina Dog put on as enthusiastic a display as possible for those who had arrived. Good times were sure to follow!

But what had happened to Cousin Laddie? He looked strikingly different from the last time Lupe had seen him back in April. Laddie’s luxurious long coat was gone! Joe and Andrea explained that they’d had most of it shaved off to help Laddie stay cool this summer. His coat was returning, but still had a considerable amount of growing out to do. As Uncle Joe maintained, in the meantime, Laddie was part fuzzy caterpillar.

9-22-22 – It was already early afternoon by the time Uncle Joe parked the RAV4 at the high point of Boulder Hill Road on this unseasonably cool, gray day with low clouds spitting a few raindrops now and then. Despite the weather, everyone was in good spirits on the way up the access road to the base of the mountain.

Boulder Hill (5,331 ft.) was a short, easy trek, offering plenty of scenic bang for relatively little effort. At least, that was the general consensus among Lupe, Joe and SPHP. Laddie had no expectations, having never been to Boulder Hill before. All went well until the access road ended at the base of the rocky ridge atop the mountain. Partway up the single track trail that wound up to the summit, there was a spot requiring a pretty good jump for Laddie’s short legs.

Seeing that Laddie might have a problem with the jump, SPHP offered encouragement. Laddie gave it one half-hearted effort, failed miserably, and promptly started back down the mountain. SPHP would have given Laddie the boost required to get past the trouble spot, but having once been latched onto and shaken like a rag doll by another dog, Laddie was extraordinarily fearful and opposed to ever being picked up.

Farther up the trail, Lupe watched and waited as Uncle Joe called Laddie and shouted encouragement. SPHP demonstrated how easy it actually was to get up past the trouble spot, leaving Laddie alone below. Laddie responded to Joe a couple of times, but turned around and went back down again each time he reached the trouble spot.

Well, this would never do! If Cousin Laddie hoped to be a peakbagging Sheltie in the Black Hills, he’d have to develop a little more spirit and gumption. Joe finally went down to Laddie, attached a leash, and with a gentle tug got him past the trouble spot. Only took a second or two. With Joe by his side, Laddie demonstrated more confidence.

Uncle Joe proclaimed Laddie “a weird and needy little dog”, but Laddie did manage to make it the rest of the way up under his own power.

Laddie practicing some light scrambling on the way up **Boulder Hill** with Joe by his side.

Loopster reaches the familiar summit. This was her 8th **Boulder Hill** ascent.

Ordinarily, a nice, long break would have been taken up on Boulder Hill to enjoy the magnificent views so easily obtained. However, the summit was much windier than it had been on the way up, and the cold breeze seemed to be gaining strength with every passing moment.

Furthermore, although Silver Mountain (5,405 ft.) was in sight less than 1.25 mile SSW, most higher peaks were in the clouds.

Joe and Lupe together on **Boulder Hill** while Cousin Fuzzy Caterpillar has a sniff around. **Silver Mountain** (R). Photo looks SSW.

10 minutes up top were about it before a general retreat was decided upon. The descent went fine. Laddie was somewhat bolder, having so recently gone this way before.

Approaching the RAV4, a change was evident. A pickup truck with a trailer was now parked nearby. Of even more interest, a horse was tied to the trailer. Despite how much bigger the horse was, Laddie felt plenty bold now. Unafraid, he rushed at the enormous equine, barking.

Unable to run away, the horse did nothing, but seemed nervous. Not a good situation! Uncle Joe sprang into action, running over to re-attach Laddie’s leash, then dragging Cousin Watch-Me-Get-Kicked-in-the-Head away from the confrontation.

No harm done! The Boulder Hill jaunt having taken minimal time, there was still opportunity to do a little more this afternoon. Driving down to the official Boulder Hill trailhead less than a mile farther N, the plan was to explore part of Loop B of Flume Trail No. 50.

Going clockwise around the loop, everyone made it to a slimy gray-green pond on a tiny tributary of Bitter Creek.

A few cows were standing in the muck, so Joe restrained Laddie again. Going only a little farther before turning back, the cows moved away as Lupe and Laddie approached a second time. Halfway back to the RAV4, a whole herd appeared moving through the forest from out of the SW.

Turned out a cowboy was rounding the cows up. He was riding a horse that looked strangely familiar. On his best behavior, Laddie watched the cows cross the trail, maintaining both a respectful silence and distance until they were gone.

Not a particularly long or strenuous outing, but it had nevertheless been a successful day. Laddie was learning the ropes! He was both surprised, and evidently quite pleased, when he was ultimately rewarded with a big bowl of the spaghetti SPHP made for dinner.

9-23-22 – A much nicer day! Only partly cloudy, and considerably warmer. Still a rather leisurely start as everyone piled out of the RAV4 at Legion Lake shortly before 11:00 AM. A jaunt along Centennial Trail No. 89 was the intended order of the day.

Since the Centennial Trail’s Badger Hole trailhead was a 0.25 mile SE of Legion Lake down the Galena Creek valley, Lupe and Laddie started out following another trail circling the lake’s W and S shores to get to where the creek leaves the E end of the lake. This was the long way around, but in the process, they got to cross the dam along the W shore, and had an opportunity to do a short quick scramble up to a viewpoint provided by a large rock formation overlooking the lake’s S shore.

After yesterday’s Boulder Hill experience, Laddie had no problem with this scramble, although he wasn’t cooperative as far as posing for SPHP up at the viewpoint. Loopster filled in for him, since she loves posing!

Crossing the **Legion Lake dam**. Photo looks SE.

Joe and Lupe up on the rocky viewpoint that was just N of the trail. Newly confident scrambler Laddie’s already somewhere up there, too. Photo looks NE.

A wider view of **Legion Lake**. Photo looks NW.

The trek down the Galena Creek valley was a mere road hike. Upon reaching the Badger Hole trailhead, a single track spur went SW up a shallow, forested valley to the main Centennial Trail No. 89 N/S route.

About to leave the **Badger Hole trailhead**. Photo looks SSW.

At the intersection, Lupe and Laddie turned L, taking the route S. The trail steepened somewhat as it continued SW up the valley. Still forested at first, a more open region of tall grass was soon reached. The lower NE slopes of Mount Coolidge (6,023 ft.) were now in sight directly ahead.

Centennial Trail No. 89. **Lower NE slopes of Mount Coolidge** ahead. Photo looks SW.

Continuing toward Mount Coolidge, the trail began curving S, becoming rocky and quite a bit steeper before leveling out at Pass 5180. Heading ESE from here, the trail was flat for a little way. This elevated stretch was more scenic, offering views of nearby rock formations, plus a great look at Peak 5440 off to the NE.

At **Pass 5180**. **Peak 5440** (Center). Photo looks NE.

After passing some smaller rock formations offering viewpoints, the trail turned S, heading steeply down into the next valley. This descent was eroded and quite rocky. When reached, the broad valley floor was a mix of meadow and open forest. The trail turned E here, paralleling a tiny tributary of Galena Creek that was completely dry.

In the next valley to the S. Photo looks W.

The valley was flat, a nearly effortless trek on a pleasantly warm, sunny day. After going E for a while, Centennial Trail No. 89 curved SW prior to looping most of the way around a small hill. Uncle Joe was starting to think this was about far enough.

Before turning back, a break was taken on the little hill. Joe shared some beef jerky, a treat eagerly accepted by one and all. Apples, water, and a chocolate coconut bar SPHP offered to Lupe and Laddie were also a hit.

Break time up on the little hill before turning back.

During the return, a few minutes were spent exploring some of the smaller rock formations in the Pass 5180 region. Several towers on Mount Coolidge were visible from here.

**Mount Coolidge** (Center) from **Pass 5180**. Photo looks WSW.

In all the times Joe and Dusty had been to the Black Hills, they’d never been to Mount Coolidge (6,023 ft.). A newcomer in just the past year, Cousin Laddie had never been there, either. Once back at Legion Lake, SPHP suggested making the drive to the fire lookout tower. Joe agreed.

The winding gravel road to the summit was much busier than SPHP ever dreamed it would be. Arriving at the parking lot on top, a small crowd was streaming to and from the lookout’s viewing deck. Although it had been a nice, sunny day down at Legion Lake and along Centennial Trail No. 89, a 40 mph wind was roaring out of NW up here.

By Black Hills standards, Mount Coolidge offers some pretty impressive panoramic views. With the unexpected gale creating such an ominous, eerie moan among the various towers, Mount Coolidge seemed like a much more formidable and higher peak than it really was. Joe decided Cousin Laddie ought to stay in the RAV4 rather than risk being blown right off the mountain.

Lupe wasn’t worried by the wind. She didn’t want to miss out! Crazy Horse, Sylvan Peak (7,000 ft.), Black Elk Peak (7,231 ft.), and many other notable high points were in sight, along with a vast expanse of western South Dakota plains beyond the Black Hills.

**Mount Coolidge lookout tower**. Photo looks SSW.

Joe up on the viewing deck. **Black Elk Peak** (L) on the horizon. Photo looks N.

**Sylvan Peak** (Center) and **Little Devils Tower** (far R) in the distance. Photo looks NW.

Up in the roaring wind, Mount Coolidge made quite an impression on Joe. He’d never really experienced the Black Hills quite like this. Even SPHP was surprised. Cousin Laddie had completely missed out on the highlight of the day!

Laddie begged to differ, though, after SPHP later offered him a big bowl of sloppy joe meat for dinner. Unsure of it at first, after just a couple of bites, Laddie was a believer, requesting and receiving a second helping!

9-24-22, 10:42 AM – Joe parked the RAV4 at the Lakota Lake picnic ground, then sauntered over to the little lake for a look. A light breeze rippled the surface of this glorified pond beneath a thinly overcast sky. Big rock formations were visible over on the far shore near the dam.

The **Lakota Lake picnic ground** off Iron Mountain Road. Photo looks NW.

Like Legion Lake yesterday, Lakota Lake was merely a starting point, not the focus of today’s outing. The main event was going to be a trek up Iron Creek Trail No. 15. To get to the trailhead, everyone set off heading SW along the picnic ground access road, which overlooked a skinny arm of Lakota Lake that extended nearly all the way back to Iron Mountain Road. Crossing the highway, the trailhead was found on the other side.

Loop at the start of **Iron Creek Trail No. 15**. Photo looks SW.

Although Iron Creek Trail No. 15 was only going to wind gradually up the Iron Creek valley, a bit of Black Hills adventure dog training was in store for Cousin Laddie. The trail would cross Iron Creek 11 times over just a couple of miles.

Reaching the first crossing immediately beyond the trailhead, Laddie was uncertain what to do. Iron Creek had some flow, but was running low this time of year. With encouragement from Joe, Laddie managed to ford the stream, while Joe rock-hopped it with ease. Having been here before, Lupe and SPHP crossed on a narrow plank bridge.

Past the equinox, it was officially early autumn now. The leaves on the trees were just beginning to turn. As the trail wound its way W up the Iron Creek valley, there were some pretty spots. Laddie forded a couple more creek crossings before attempting to use the plank bridges. Soon he was crossing them with confidence.

Early autumn along **Iron Creek Trail No. 15**.

Taking advantage of one of the plank bridges over **Iron Creek**.

Towering rock formations were soon visible way up on the S side of the valley. They were part of the E end of Woodpecker Ridge (5,680 ft.). Lupe had been up there once upon a time. Horrid deadfall was what SPHP remembered, but there had been some worthwhile views, too.

Part of **Woodpecker Ridge** (Center). Photo looks SE.

All seemed to be going perfectly well, when Joe suddenly announced deep concern over the amount of poison ivy along the trail. He was soon pronouncing the poison ivy collection along Iron Creek Trail No. 15 the most extensive he’d ever seen. Knowing he was quite susceptible to it, having suffered through poison ivy infections before, Joe seemed on the verge of wanting to beat a hasty retreat.

Fortunately, Joe stuck with it. Continuing on, the worst of the poison ivy was left behind.

On a late September weekend, Iron Creek Trail No. 15 was surprisingly busy. Quite a few other canines were out exploring with their humans. Two in particular had some rather Old West names. Lupe and Laddie got to meet an Australian Shepherd named One-Eyed Jack, and a Husky named Outlaw. Jack actually had 2 eyes.

Farther upstream, the bridges got better. Instead of mere planks, several were regular footbridges with railings. The upper end of the Iron Creek trail wasn’t much farther. Rather than a complete dead end, the trail led to a gravel road. Continuing a little farther, this road went past the Iron Creek Summer Home Group, a collection of classic, rustic cabins.

One with a sign saying “Minnelusa” looked particularly sweet.

The **Minnelusa cabin**. Iron Creek flows right behind it.

0.75 mile from Iron Creek Trail No. 15, Iron Mountain Trail No. 16 would leave this same road, eventually intersecting a spur of Centennial Trail No. 89 leading to the Iron Mountain picnic ground. A bushwhack clear to the top of Iron Mountain (5,445 ft.) itself is possible from there.

Eh. More than Uncle Joe wanted to take on. Shortly before reaching Trail No. 16, it was time to turn back to rerun the poison ivy gauntlet.

Heading back to Lakota Lake. Part of **Woodpecker Ridge** (R). Photo looks SE.

Cousin Laddie got to visit Iron Mountain, anyway. On the way back to Hotel Lupe, Iron Mountain Road went practically right over the top of it. A quick stop to enjoy a terrific view of both Black Elk Peak (7,231 ft.) and Mount Rushmore (5,725 ft.) was the highlight of the day.

**Black Elk Peak** (L) and **Mount Rushmore** (R) from **Iron Mountain**. Photo looks WNW.

Well, except for Cousin Laddie, who was anxiously looking forward to a heaping helping of SPHP’s spaghetti or sloppy joes this evening. SPHP didn’t disappoint. Laddie got 2 big bowls of spaghetti.

9-25-22 – Cousin Laddie had one more day in the Black Hills, but Uncle Joe wasn’t going to be available. He and Andrea were taking Grandma down to Mush and David’s 40 acre ranch in the southern hills for a visit. Mush and David’s dog, Chewy, was easily bigger than both Lupe and Laddie put together, much stronger, younger, and very territorial.

To prevent any possible tragic outcomes, SPHP stayed home with Laddie and Lupe. After 3 days running of adventures in the hills, that was fine with both of them. So, a leisurely day was spent at Hotel Lupe. Sloppy joes were once again served for dinner, much to Laddie’s delight.

9-26-22 – Sadly, it was time. Bright and early, Uncle Joe, Aunt Andrea, and Cousin Laddie hit the road home to Colorado. Laddie’s Black Hills adventure training had gone just fine, and the cuisine at Hotel Lupe had apparently been among the best he’d ever experienced. His Black Hills visit had been a big success.

Sure was fun, SPHP! Hope they’ll be back again sometime soon!

Indeed it was, Looper! Realistically, though, I doubt they’ll be back until sometime next spring.

Oh, that’s too bad! Makes me wonder, though.

Wonder about what, Loop?

Any spaghetti or sloppy joes left?

Hah! Fat chance! Not when Cousin Fuzzy Caterpillar has been around. About time you got back on your Taste of the Wild diet, anyway.

Well, shucks! Now I really am sad that they’ve left.

I thought you liked Taste of the Wild, Loop?

Oh, I do! But it isn’t spaghetti or sloppy joes!

On **Iron Mountain** with Black Hills adventure Sheltie Laddie, and Uncle Joe, 9-24-22

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Elk Mountain, Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming 6-17-22

Day 2 of Lupe’s 1st Summer of 2022 Dingo Vacation to Wyoming!

Wee hours – The Carolina Dog was awake. Earlier, the night had been very dark despite a zillion stars overhead. That was then. Bellyache Flats was now drenched in the ghostly light of a dying moon. A faint breeze murmured something inaudible, then faded. Nothing stirred.

Try to get some sleep, Loopster, or you’ll be exhausted before we ever get to Giant Deer Mountain (11,321 ft.)!

I can’t sleep, SPHP! Not on the first night of a Dingo Vacation!

Yeah, I know. Honestly, I don’t understand how you can peer endlessly into the night like you do, but suit yourself. Nothing’s happening is it?

Not so far, but you never know when something will, SPHP. Watching comes naturally for us American Dingoes.

If Lupe did see anything in the night, she never mentioned it to SPHP. The next time SPHP pried an eyelid open, she actually was getting a few winks in. Already light out by then, though! As SPHP fired up the RAV4, Loop instantly sprang back to life.

The early drive N on USFS Road No. 24 to Battle Park to register prior to entering the Cloud Peak Wilderness was exciting! Deer, and even a few giant deer, to bark at along the way! The last time time Lupe had been to Battle Park in 2018, the big clearing had been a horse camp city full of trucks, trailers, and people. However, this morning she arrived to find it deserted, except for a large herd of giant deers. They raced off as soon as the trembling Carolina Dog started her high-pitched whining.

6:42 AM, 46°F, USFS Road No. 24, Middle Fork Trailhead – Lupe stood smiling in the sunlight at the start of Trail No. 066 as SPHP hoisted the pack.

Ready to set out from the Middle Fork trailhead. Photo looks NE.

No tiny house, SPHP? We’re taking on Giant Deer Mountain as a day hike?

Yup! Most likely our best bet after what we saw from Buck Mountain yesterday evening, Loop.

Trail No. 066 started out as an ATV route. Winding NE, mostly through forest, it steadily gained elevation on its way to Lily Lake roughly 1.5 miles from the trailhead. Fairly early on, as the trail skirted the N side of a large meadow, it passed near a tributary of the Middle Fork of Paint Rock Creek. Beyond the meadow, Lupe came to a tiny snowmelt stream that trickled right down the middle of a long, muddy section of the trail.

Near the **tributary of the Middle Fork of Paint Rock Creek**. Photo looks ENE.

Trail No. 066 along the N edge of the **first big meadow**. Photo looks E.

Following the snow melt stream flowing down the middle of Trail No. 066.

From almost the very beginning, patches of snow had been melting away in the forest. There was more snow by the time Lupe reached a wooden bridge over a small creek. After crossing the bridge, the trail steepened for 0.25 mile before beginning to top out.

A second big meadow was ahead. The road angled N here, but Looper abandoned it, continuing NE while cutting across the open terrain.

That’s Giant Deer Mountain (11,321 ft.) straight ahead, isn’t it, SPHP?

No doubt about it, Loop! Our SW approach is looking very doable, too! Think we’ve made the right decision.

**Giant Deer Mountain** dead ahead! Photo looks NE.

Glimpses of Lily Lake were soon visible beyond a line of trees along the N edge of the meadow. Trotting over to the shoreline to get a view of Giant Deer Mountain from the lake, the American Dingo crossed Trail No. 066 again, which had now turned E.

**Elk Mountain** from **Lily Lake**. Photo looks NE.

Conifers surrounded Lily Lake on 3 sides, but the second meadow was vast. Extending along the E shore, it also encompassed a spacious, gently rolling region E of the lake. Clearly, the meadow was the easiest way to get closer to Giant Deer Mountain. As Lupe circled around the SE end of Lily Lake, the only question in SPHP’s mind was whether she would be able to get across the outlet stream that left the lake’s NE corner.

Re-entering the meadow near Lily Lake’s SE shore. Photo looks NNE.

**Lily Lake’s E shore**. Photo looks WSW.

SPHP needn’t have worried about that. Happily, a broad outlet channel quickly narrowed down to a little stream easily rock-hopped even in mid-June. After enjoying a cold drink, Lupe roamed the open territory NE of the creek.

The **outlet channel at the NE corner of Lily Lake**. Photo looks NE.

Exploring the open ground was fun! Progress was rapid. Lupe soon came to a rocky embankment. Since the region above it all appeared to be densely forested, she remained below, traveling along the base of the embankment in order to take full advantage of the meadow for as far as it went, which didn’t appear to be much farther at all.

Even after plunging into the trees once the vast meadow came to an end, the forest proved surprisingly open, too. A small hidden clearing led to a much larger one.

Everything was going great! Looked like Looper wasn’t going to have to endure as much of a struggle getting to tree line as SPHP originally anticipated.

Below the embankment (L), approaching the end of the vast meadow. Photo looks NE.

Traveling a nice open lane through the forest.

Entering another sizable clearing. Photo looks NE.

However, the going got tougher once this larger clearing ended. Turning N, Lupe followed game trails up onto a ridge where the forest was much denser. A 25 foot descent on the other side of the ridge led to a small stream flowing among boulders.

After another drink, Loop explored ENE up the stream a little way. It soon divided into a multitude of rivulets and disappeared. The forest was so thick that SPHP had difficulty pushing through.

Wandering N or NW, opportunistically following narrow open lanes whenever possible, another stream was reached. A rocky ridge was now visible to the NNE.

By another stream, after breaking out of the forest again. Photo looks NE.

Heading over to the base of the ridge, the first section looked to be only 30 feet high, or so. It appeared likely Lupe might reach an open region up there where SPHP anticipated she would be able to follow a broad, grassy bench ENE.

The scrambling wasn’t hard, but Lupe had to climb twice as high and go 3 times as far as SPHP expected before reaching the bench. When the American Dingo got there, the news was terrible! Instead of a smooth, grassy plain, a jumble of talus stretched away to the ENE. Scattered stands of conifers only amounted to additional obstacles.

A bit of grass barely visible up on a rise at the far end of the boulder field held out the only glimmer of hope for better terrain ahead.

On the talus-infested bench. Photo looks ENE.

Not much choice! A tedious boulder hop began. A couple of spots were scary, as Lupe barely managed to make the required leaps between giant chunks of talus. SPHP’s progress was dreadfully slow. More than an hour and a half slipped by just getting up to a first little grassy spot where a rest break could be taken.

Beef jerky, Loop?

Don’t mind if I do, SPHP! Bring it on!

The Carolina Dog practically inhaled each piece of jerky offered, while SPHP munched calmly away. Looking SW back toward Lily Lake, it seemed Lupe hadn’t made it very far, or gained all that much elevation, considering the amount of effort expended coming up the talus bench. Lily Lake appeared to be only 500 feet lower than the rest spot.

Climbing toward the first rest spot. Photo looks NE.

**Lily Lake** (Center) from the first rest spot. The **talus bench** (R) just crossed, and **Buck Mountain** (L) in the distance. Photo looks SW.

Criminy! Going to be a mighty long day at this rate, Loopster! Still have another 1,300 feet to go!

Guess we better get at it then, SPHP!

More talus was above the rest spot, but Lupe didn’t have to scramble much higher before reaching the patch of greenery that had been visible from a distance. A most encouraging sight was ahead! A lovely little stream gurgled down a wide swath of grass stretching up a long slope.

A series of high points was visible considerably farther up the mountain, each rising above the one before. Lupe headed for them.

*Oh, yeah! Much better!* Continuing higher on much easier terrain. Photo looks NE.

This long trek higher started out easy enough, but eventually the grassy region withered away as the terrain became increasingly rocky again. At first, the rocks were much smaller than the talus field encountered earlier, and lanes of vegetation could still be found. Pressing on, though, the rocks grew in size. Grass became scarce. Another endless rock hop!

Upon reaching two large flat rocks at a small grass oasis, Lupe and SPHP were both ready for a break. HP10882 was now in sight, about 60 feet higher, off to the W. To the NNE, the most distant of the high points Lupe had been climbing toward appeared to be the true summit of Giant Deer Mountain. Still a ways off, but Lupe had made considerable progress.

Closing in on the line of high points. Photo looks NE.

Not far from **HP10882** (L). Photo looks WNW.

The **apparent summit** (Center) from the smaller of the two flat rocks. Photo looks NNE.

Continuing NNE from the two flat rocks, there was almost no vegetation. The rock-hopping slog higher got steadily tougher as long snow banks and big talus appeared. The snow was so soft and slushy that it wouldn’t hold even Lupe’s weight. Completely avoiding it seemed advisable due to the many holes hidden in the rough terrain beneath it.

Winding between the long snow banks lengthened the route, and the higher the American Dingo went, the more snow there was to contend with. Near the end, Loop finally reached the base of a much deeper and steeper snow field that covered so much territory that avoiding it wasn’t going to be easy. SPHP tested the surface. A couple feet beyond the soft edge, this snow had a much harder crust.

We’re in luck, Looper! Onward! Puppy, ho!

Approaching the summit region. Photo looks NNE.

Heading up the last snowfield. Photo looks NNE.

Traveling over the hardened snow was so much easier than scrambling among the rocks! Lupe quickly got up to where the snow field leveled out up top. To the NE, a big wall of talus several hundred feet long was directly ahead.

The high point Lupe had been heading for all this time was now only a little off to the NW, and clearly higher. At the very top, a lone boulder in the shape of a massive, fallen column leaned against some other huge rocks, projecting skyward like the barrel of a cannon.

On the upper snow field, with a wall of talus ahead. Photo looks NNE.

Near the NW high point topped by **Cannon Barrel Rock**. Photo looks NW.

Cannon Barrel Rock looked like a mighty airy perch, but a quick glance around revealed that it wasn’t really the true summit. Toward the SE, another outcropping of big talus appeared to be even higher. The true summit of Giant Deer Mountain had to be somewhere over that way.

The true summit turned out to be this way. Photo looks SE.

Heading over to explore this outcropping, Lupe discovered a patch of grass next to a snow melt puddle. The Carolina Dog promptly plunked herself down.

On the soft grass next to the snow melt puddle. Photo looks SE.

Can we take a break, SPHP? It’s been a long climb, with so many rocks to leap over! I’m soooo tired and sleepy!

Sure thing, Looper! Knew you’d get sleepy after staying up half the night. Relax a bit. We can’t be far from the top now, anyway.

SPHP shared some more beef jerky. Lupe devoured a bowl of Taste of the Wild, too. Then, while the weary American Dingo dozed on the soft grass, SPHP sat munching an apple. Turned out Loop wasn’t the only would-be peakbagger on Giant Deer Mountain. A fuzzy caterpillar had made it way up here, too.

20 minutes hardly seemed like enough of a break, but the time had come to find out if Lupe could actually get to the top of Giant Deer Mountain. Returning to the snow field, she climbed a bit higher, circling around to the N side of the SE talus outcropping. From up here, the outcropping was seen to be a ridge extending farther SE.

Ascending near the NW end of the ridge, the rocks were so huge that SPHP had to give Lupe a boost at a couple of points to get her to the ridgeline. Once on top, cautiously working SE among the enormous rocks, Lupe headed for a big rock shaped like a gumdrop.

On the summit ridge, heading for **Gumdrop Rock** (Center). Photo looks SE.

As Lupe got close to Gumdrop Rock, higher rocks were visible beyond it. Something else was visible, too – a tall, thin pole standing erect. That had to be it! The true summit of Giant Deer Mountain (11,321 ft.) was over by that skinny pole!

The **skinny pole** (Center) from **Gumdrop Rock** (R). Photo looks SE.

The ridge narrowed as Lupe headed for the pole. 15 feet NW of it, she came to a tiny patch of dirt and moss tucked down among the talus. Loop could sit on this mossy spot comfortably enough, but it was so small that she couldn’t really lay down. A brief rest here, and the final scramble to the summit was on.

2:37 PM, 65ºF, 10 mph SW breeze – Two big rocks next to the tall pole, each large enough to provide a decent, but solitary perch, proved to be the true summit of Giant Deer Mountain. The American Dingo needed another boost from SPHP, rather awkwardly rendered, to get to either one. After photos by the skinny pole, Lupe stood on the SE rock, while SPHP sat on the NW one.

By the skinny pole on top of **Giant Deer Mountain**. Photo looks SE.

At the **true summit**. The **summit ridge** (R) extended farther SE.

We made it, SPHP!

Yes, we did, Loop! Congratulations on your successful ascent of Giant Deer Mountain!

Chocolate coconut bar, SPHP?

Uh, yeah, but not here. A bit airy for that. Look at that E ridge, Loop! Would have taken us a month of Sundays to get here from that direction. Glad we came up from the SW.

Me too, SPHP! Look at these views, though, simply spectacular!

Indeed, they were! Giant Deer Mountain’s E ridge, a jumble of talus with sections nearly as high as where Lupe stood now, snaked away for more than a mile. Beyond it, still significantly snow-clad, the mightiest peaks of the entire Bighorn range were on display.

Black Tooth Mountain (13,005 ft.), Mount Woolsey (12,978 ft.), Cloud Peak (13,167 ft.), Bomber Mountain (12,840 ft.), Peak 12,328, Mather Peaks (12,400 ft.), Darton Peak (12,275 ft.), Bighorn Peak (12,324 ft.), and others were all in sight.

**Giant Deer Mountain’s E ridge** (foreground). **Cloud Peak** (far L), **Bomber Mountain** (L), **Florence Pass** (Center) **Peak 12328** (R of Center), **Mather Peaks** (R), and **Peak 12080** (far R) beyond. Photo looks ENE.

**Peak 12473** (L), **Black Tooth Mountain** & **Mount Woolsey** (L of Center), **Cloud Peak** (Center), **Bomber Mountain** (R), **Florence Pass** (far R). Photo looks NE.

**Florence Pass** (far L), **Peak 12328** (L), **Mather Peaks** (L of Center), **Peak 12080**, **Darton Peak** & **Bighorn Peak** (R). Photo looks SE.

You know, Loop, Giant Deer Mountain (11,321 ft.) has got to be the best vantage point we’ve ever been to, as far as having a clear view of so many of the highest peaks in the Bighorns! Incredible what we can see from here!

Part of the route up. **Buck Mountain** (Center), **Lily Lake** (R). Photo looks SSW.

Despite the fabulous panorama, SPHP was nervous about letting Lupe remain up on such a cramped, airy perch for long. Essentially the same views had been available from all along the summit ridge, and even from the much safer terrain where Lupe had first started up it.

No registry or survey benchmark. 5 minutes of glory spent basking in the splendor of the Bighorn Mountains from Giant Deer Mountain’s true summit, then SPHP helped Lupe down off her lofty boulder. A careful retreat to the security of the little spot of dirt and moss, and not 1, but 2 celebratory chocolate coconut bars bit the dust in short order.

The scramble NW back along the summit ridge to where Lupe had come up was roughly 300 feet long. The American Dingo paused frequently to enjoy the views as SPHP poked along amidst the big talus.

Starting back along the summit ridge. Photo looks NW.

**Peak 11806** (L of Center), **Peak 12473** (R), **Black Tooth Mountain** & **Mount Woolsey** (far R). Photo looks NNE.

Close to where Lupe would leave the N (R) side of the summit ridge. **Cannon Barrel Rock** (L) atop **Giant Deer Mountain’s NW high point**. Photo looks NW.

Once down off the summit ridge, Looper took a final look at the grand vista available from several boulders nearby. She then returned to the grassy spot by the snow melt puddle for another rest before beginning the long descent of Giant Deer Mountain’s SW slope.

**Peak 12473** (L of Center), **Black Tooth Mountain** & **Mount Woolsey** (R of Center), **Cloud Peak** (R), **Bomber Mountain** (far R). Photo looks NE.

Final rest break by the snow melt puddle. **Cannon Barrel Rock** (L). Photo looks NW.

Starting down. **Lily Lake** (Center) with **HP10882** in front of it. Photo looks SW.

Leaving **Giant Deer Mountain’s summit region**. Photo looks E.

The return was an adventure in itself! Venturing farther W along the big snowfield near the summit, Lupe lost plenty of elevation with relative ease before coming to such a soft patch that even the Carolina Dog was post-holing and floundering. SPHP lost a boot deep in the snow, and had a dandy time extracting it.

Descending the talus field while avoiding the long snow banks seemed just as hard as on the way up. SPHP was surprised when Lupe managed to find the 2 flat rocks again E of HP10882. After that, life got easier once the grassy lanes among the rocks reappeared.

An attempt to avoid the lower talus field failed miserably. By the time Lupe reached the forest, a big wind had come up out of the SE, bringing rain. SPHP donned a brand new red rain jacket for the first time ever, the ancient blue plastic Cookie Monster poncho having finally given up the ghost on Bruce Mountain nearly a year ago. The squall promptly ended.

Venturing farther S this time, Lupe got close to the Middle Fork of Paint Rock Creek. At one point her route was blocked by a pond not shown on the map. Passing S of HP9746, it was nearly dark by the time Loop made it back to the E shore of Lily Lake.

During the trek back down Trail No. 066, SPHP was profoundly weary. Lupe, on the other paw, seemed energized by the black forest, sniffing along in and out of the weak beam of the little flashlight. SPHP finally begged for mercy, laying down next to the trail to doze in the dirt. The ordeal didn’t end until the RAV4 was reached at 11:05 PM.

What a day! Long, sort of grueling, but that was OK. Lupe had made it to Giant Deer Mountain! Her 1st Summer of 2022 Dingo Vacation was off to an auspicious start.

On **Giant Deer (Elk) Mountain**, Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming 6-17-22

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The Buck Mountain Scouting Jaunt, Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming (6-16-22)

Day 1 of Lupe’s 1st Summer of 2022 Dingo Vacation to Wyoming!

5:30 PM, Pass 8729 along USFS Road No. 24 to Battle Park, Bighorn Mountains, WY –

Oh, it’s wonderful to be back in the Bighorn Mountains, SPHP! Seems like forever since our final Dingo Vacation adventure of 2021 here last fall! Are we going to pick up where we left off?

Yeah, sort of, Looper. Still too snowy for the real high stuff, but hoping we can at least get to Giant Deer Mountain (11,321 ft.).

Giant Deer Mountain! That was the first one we did in the Bighorns last year, SPHP! We aren’t going to do it again, are we? Don’t you remember how it got so dark before we made it back to the trail that we never did find it, and had to sleep on the ground lost in the forest until sunrise?

I sure do! How could I forget that? But you’re thinking of Giant Deer Peak (11,050 ft.) in the N Bighorns, Loop. I’m talking about Giant Deer Mountain, an entirely different summit W of Mistymoon Lake. We passed a little W of it when we took the Solitude Trail from Battle Park to base camp at Gunboat Lake before climbing Bomber Mountain back in 2018. It’s been on your “to do” list all this time.

So there are two mountains or peaks in the Bighorns both named after Giant Deers, SPHP?

Exactly right, Loopster.

You have to admit, that’s sort of confusing, SPHP.

Yes, but you like Giant Deers, don’t you, Loop? You won’t begrudge them a couple of nice peaks in the Bighorns, will you?

Oh, you know I love Giant Deers, SPHP! Two peaks or mountains named for them is fine with me. Although, I would note a dearth of Dingo Peaks, which would have been a mighty fine name for one of them, too!

I see what you mean, Loopster. No justice in this world, is there?

Not much for us American Dingoes, SPHP. What are you fiddling with there, anyway?

A brand new iPhone, Loop! Just got it working yesterday! Never had a smart phone before. Once I figure out how to use it, we’ll be able to do all sorts of things we never could before!

Well, welcome to the new millennia, SPHP! About time, I’d say!

I suppose so, but I was always under the impression that millennia were supposed to last practically forever. Then, whammo! Just like that, the old millennia suddenly up and dies on me way before I was finished with it.

You’re joking, right, SPHP? No way you were alive way back then!

Oh, yes I was! In some ways, the old millennia was better than this one, except, of course, that you weren’t in it, Loop.

What!? You were alive last millennia, SPHP? Is that even possible? Guess I’ve never really thought about it before, but how ancient are you, anyway?

My, my! Look at the time, sweet Dingo!

Huh? What time is it, SPHP?

Time to change the subject, Loop. Speaking of which, I managed to do one thing with this iPhone before we left home. I downloaded the Peakbagger app. Seem to have service here, shall we try it out, and see what happens?

Sure! Go for it, SPHP! Let me know what it does.

OK, Looper. Huh. Looks like it’s giving me a list of nearby peaks. Shows their names, how far away they are, and in what direction, elevation, and even prominence.

Are any of them small enough to climb before sunset, SPHP? I could use a romp after being cooped up in the RAV4 all afternoon.

You know, that’s a good idea, Loop! We’ve got a few hours before the sun goes down. Let me scroll through this list for a minute, or two. Oh, this is cool! If I touch the peak name, it opens up another screen with even more information, and when I touch “Peakbagger” on that screen, it takes me right to that mountain’s page on Peakbagger.com. I can see all kinds of info about it there, even the topo map. This is going to be super useful!

Find any mountains we might still climb this evening yet, SPHP?

Yup! Several, but here’s just the ticket! Buck Mountain (9,560 ft.)! If we kept driving N, like we’re going to anyway, it will be only a mile off the road SW of Bellyache Flats. You know what, Loopster? If we take a little jaunt up Buck Mountain, we might be able to see Elk Mountain from up there. Kind of scout it out a bit. Might help us decide how we should go at it tomorrow.

How big a climb is Buck Mountain, SPHP?

Umm, looks like less than 600 feet of elevation gain. Appears easy on the topo map.

Sounds good! Let’s do it, SPHP!

6:00 PM, start of USFS Road No. 360 off No. 24 at Bellyache Flats – To the SW, a stand of pines could be seen in the distance at the top of an open grassy slope dotted with sagebrush as Lupe started her evening trek up Buck Mountain. Although even the steepest part wasn’t all that steep, unaccustomed to the elevation, SPHP was glad when slope began to level out after just a 200 foot gain. Meanwhile, Lupe trotted ahead, roaming and sniffing as she pleased, completely unfazed.

Setting out for **Buck Mountain** (L) from USFS Road No. 360. Photo looks WSW.

Above most of the sagebrush, as the rate of climb starts to diminish. Photo looks SW.

Glancing back at **Bellyache Flats**. **Peak 11100** (far L). Photo looks NE.

For a little way, the terrain flattened out completely. Already halfway up Buck Mountain, Loopster paralleled a fence that headed straight for the forested region where the summit was hidden. Approaching the forest, the ground rose again. Several big boulders were scattered along the forest’s edge.

Crossing the flat region. Photo looks SW.

Continuing up into the trees, the terrain quickly leveled out again. The super easy part of the ascent was now over. Directly ahead, the forest was choked with deadfall.

Not looking quite so easy now. Photo looks SW.

SPHP wasn’t as enthused about the whole Buck Mountain notion upon seeing all the deadfall, but Lupe kept going – leaping over, going around, or sneaking under it all. 400 feet into the forest, she came to an even more daunting obstacle, a vertical wall of rock 30 feet high.

Approaching the wall of rock. Photo looks SSW.

Exploring W along the base of the wall, the Carolina Dog didn’t have far to go before coming to sort of a bowl that extended toward the S. This bowl was flanked by rock walls, too, but they weren’t as continuous. Lupe discovered an opening where she could scramble up.

In the opening that provided a route up. Photo looks SW.

Once on top, Lupe found herself in another flat forested region. This area was not only full of deadfall, but deep, narrow crevasses existed near the edges of the rock wall, too.

Working SSE through this maze of obstacles, Loopster gradually gained elevation. After 800 feet, another 30 foot high wall of rock appeared off to the WSW (R). Despite the smooth-looking contours on the topo map, Buck Mountain had a tiered structure to it.

I suppose we have to get up there, don’t we, SPHP?

Yup. Afraid so, Looper. Hang on, though. Let me consult the iPhone again. If we have a signal here, the Peakbagger app ought to tell us how far we are from the summit, and what direction it’s in. Seems like we ought to be pretty close to it by now.

The news was good! The Peakbagger app claimed that the summit was only 78 feet W. Going just a little way S along the base of the rock wall, a potential route up appeared. Deadfall and bushes made what otherwise would have been a quick, easy climb take longer than it should have, but after a brief delay, Lupe made it up to yet another nearly flat region.

Instead of being heavily forested, full of deadfall and crevasses, this flat region was mostly open. Small stones, grass, sagebrush, and young trees dotted a plateau 100+ feet wide E/W, and 500+ feet long N/S. The entire area sloped slightly down toward the S. Sunlight filtered through larger trees all along the rim.

A short stroll NNW from where Lupe had come up, a small cairn sat at the highest point, perched at the far N end of the plateau along the brink of a 30 foot cliff, right about where the Peakbagger app said the true summit should be.

On **Buck Mountain’s summit plateau**. Photo looks SSW.

By the cairn (R) at the **true summit**. Photo looks N.

Congratulations, Loopster, on climbing Buck Mountain, the first summit of your Summer of 2022 Dingo Vacations! Appears this is it!

Why, thank you, SPHP! Got any chocolate coconut bars in that pack to help us celebrate properly?

Hmm. No. Sorry, Loop. Forgot all about chocolate coconut bars. I’ve got a banana, Taste of the Wild, and water.

Not a single chocolate coconut bar? You’re slipping, SPHP! I’ll forgive you this time. You can have the banana, and I’ll have some of that Taste of the Wild. Maybe your magical Peakbagger app can remind you to bring chocolate coconut bars next time?

Think I’ve got to manage that on my own, Loop. Or, you can help remind me.

The were-puppy can teach you a lesson you won’t soon forget, SPHP.

Hopefully, that won’t be necessary, Looper. I’ll do better.

For a while, as a banana and Taste of the Wild vanished, Lupe and SPHP sat together enjoying the secluded tranquility of Buck Mountain’s true summit.

You know, Loop, having this iPhone and Peakbagger app almost seems like cheating doesn’t it? I mean, compared to just using a paper map, like we’ve always done before. Now the app tells us almost exactly where we need to go. “W 78 feet.” Takes some of the romance and mystery out of it.

True, but we still have to climb the mountain, SPHP. You’ll get used to it. Consider this! Without that app’s suggestion on where we might go, we wouldn’t even be here now. Although, I have to admit that Buck Mountain doesn’t seem to be working out as a way to scout out routes up Giant Deer Mountain. No views at all up here, other than trees!

True, but there will be views on the way back once we leave the forest. Want to spend a few minutes exploring this summit plateau before we go?

The Carolina Dog was all for exploring! A second cairn, marking an easy way to get down off the W edge of the plateau, was discovered 65 feet SW of the summit cairn. Going all the way S to the end of the open area, a narrower lane continued deeper into the forest. Lupe found a squirrel to bark at, which made her happy, but there wasn’t much else of interest.

Setting off to explore the summit plateau. Photo looks SSW.

By the cairn along the NW edge, where it was easy to get down. Photo looks WSW.

Content that she’d seen all that Buck Mountain’s summit region had to offer, Lupe returned to the 2nd cairn along the NW edge of the plateau. Taking the easy way down, she rejoined her deadfall-laden ascent route, retracing it through the forest, and eventually working her way back to the boulders overlooking the flat open plain.

5 miles NE, Peak 11100 was framed between much more distant Cloud Peak (13,167 ft.) and Bomber Mountain (12,840 ft.). A clear view of Giant Deer Mountain (11,321 ft.) was of more immediate interest. SPHP paused to study it.

**Peak 1100** (Center), **Cloud Peak** (L of Center), **Bomber Mountain** (R of Center). Photo looks NE.

**Giant Deer Mountain** (L). Photo looks NNE.

Zoomed in on **Giant Deer Mountain**. Photo looks NNE.

So, what do you think, SPHP?

Kind of glad we did this little scouting jaunt up Buck Mountain, Looper! I’d been thinking that we’d go up to the pass W of Mistymoon Lake, camp there tomorrow night, then follow Giant Deer Mountain’s E ridge to the summit the next day. From that same base camp, we could even visit both Peak 11,112 and Peak 11,100, if we wanted to spend another day, but now I’m not so sure that’s what we ought to do.

What’s the other option then, SPHP?

Now that I see it, that long E ridge may not be the way to go, Loop. Might be a whole lot easier to take on Giant Deer Mountain (11,321 ft.) as just a simple day hike going up the SW slope from Lily Lake.

But we won’t get to climb Peak 11112 or Peak 11100, if we just do a day hike!

No, but we’ve got lots of other peaks on your list of possibilities that are higher priorities. Giant Deer Mountain is our main objective here. Don’t worry! No matter what we do, you’re going to be a busy Dingo climbing some splendid mountains this summer.

As long as that’s the case, whatever you decide is fine with me, SPHP. Ponder it overnight, if you like.

As the sun sank in the NW on the way back to the RAV4, the American Dingo’s attention was seized by a real live herd of Giant Deers grazing on a hillside off to the E. SPHP was left alone to ponder tomorrow’s course of action.

Part of the giant deer herd with help from the telephoto lens.

Bathed in alpenglow, Peak 11100 not only looked enticingly beautiful, but appeared to be a fun, easy climb. Getting to see Mistymoon Lake again would be awesome, too. On the other paw, a mere day hike up Giant Deer Mountain would free SPHP from having to lug Lupe’s tiny house and all the extra gear required for one or more overnight stays.

**Peak 11100** in the alpenglow. Photo looks NE with help from the telephoto lens.

Either way, the American Dingo was in for a glorious day tomorrow in the beautiful Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming, a fabulous start to any Dingo Vacation!

On **Buck Mountain**, Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming 6-16-22

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