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.
On a boulder. Photo looks SSW.

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

Links:

Next Adventure                         Prior Dingo Vacation

Want more Lupe adventures?  Choose from Lupe’s Summer of 2022 Dingo Vacations to Wyoming, Canada & Alaska Adventure Index, Dingo Vacations Adventure Index or Master Adventure Index.  Or subscribe free to new Lupe adventures.

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 151 – Buck Mountain (1-5-16)

A cold snap was on the way.  The 5th of January was going to be the last day with highs approaching 40°F for a while.  If Lupe was going to get in another Black Hills, SD Expedition any time soon, it had to be now or never.  Given a choice like that, Lupe and SPHP chose now!

At 9:52 AM, SPHP parked the G6 near the start of USFS Road No. 448 just off Bogus Jim Road.  The day was crisp, clear, and calm.  The G6 said it was 32°F.  It probably was in the sunny spot where the G6 was parked, but as Lupe headed W on No. 448 into the shady valley of the South Fork of Bogus Jim Creek, it felt colder than that.  The forested valley felt like an icebox.

Lupe started Expedition No. 151 to Buck Mountain heading W along snowy USFS Road No. 448.
Lupe started Expedition No. 151 to Buck Mountain heading W along snowy USFS Road No. 448.
In the shady valley of the South Fork of Bogus Jim Creek it was downright chilly. Here Lupe stands on a frozen ice flow from a nearby spring. The ice covers the entire road.
In the shady valley of the South Fork of Bogus Jim Creek it was downright chilly. Here Lupe stands on a frozen ice flow from a nearby spring. The ice covers the entire road.

To get to Buck Mountain (5,553 ft.), Lupe would have to leave the chilly valley, and climb over a ridge to the N to another valley where the Middle Fork of Bogus Jim Creek flows.  After following USFS Road No. 448 for a little over a mile, Lupe and SPHP left the road heading NW.  Lupe climbed through a forest of small trees to arrive at a saddle area.

SPHP had hoped to be able to see Buck Mountain ahead to the N from the saddle, but the area was so heavily forested, it was hard to see much of anything.  An unnamed 5,360 ft. mountain was just NE of the saddle.  It would only require gaining another 200 ft. to get up there.  Maybe Lupe could see Buck Mountain from up there?

When Lupe arrived at the top of the 5,360 ft. mountain, it was very heavily forested, too.  A couple of small openings offered some views toward the S and SW.  Toward the N or NW, though, it was hard to see much of anything.  SPHP could just glimpse a mountain that looked like it was probably about where Buck Mountain should be, but that was about it.

Lupe reaches the top of the 5,360 ft. mountain just SE of Buck Mountain. It was too heavily forested to get more than a glimpse of Buck Mountain from here. Photo looks E.
Lupe reaches the top of the 5,360 ft. mountain just SE of Buck Mountain. It was too heavily forested to get more than a glimpse of Buck Mountain from here. Photo looks E.
Looking SW from the 5,360 ft. mountain.
Looking SW from the 5,360 ft. mountain.

Lupe and SPHP retreated back down to the saddle area.  Lupe went NNW descending into the valley of the Middle Fork of Bogus Jim Creek.  On the way, Lupe found a steep, snowy little road.  In some spots along the road, Buck Mountain was in view.  It was dead ahead to the N.

Lupe on her way down to the Middle Fork of Bogus Jim Creek. Buck Mountain is dead ahead to the N.
The summit of Buck Mountain from the S.
The summit of Buck Mountain from the S.

The little road took Lupe all the way down to the valley floor.  The Middle Fork of Bogus Jim Creek was very small, but there was some water in it.  Lupe jumped across it, and even SPHP could just step across.  Just beyond the creek was USFS Road No. 202.  Although Buck Mountain was straight ahead just N of the road, the mountain was clearly too steep to climb easily from the S.  Lupe headed W on No. 202.

Before long, Lupe came to a little side valley with an unmarked road in it heading NW.  This was probably USFS Road No. 202.2C.  Lupe and SPHP followed this side road, but not very far.  As soon as it looked like there was another side valley to the NE, Lupe and SPHP headed that way into the forest.  Lupe was circling around to the N side of Buck Mountain.  SPHP hoped and expected Buck Mountain would be relatively easy to climb from the N.

Lupe eventually reached a saddle area N of Buck Mountain.  There was a surprisingly large rock outcropping in the middle of this area between Buck Mountain to the S, and an unnamed mountain to the N.  Lupe and SPHP climbed up on the rocks to see what the route up the N slope of Buck Mountain looked like.

Lupe on part of the large rock outcropping N of Buck Mountain. This isn’t even the top of it. Photo looks NW.
Looking S toward Buck Mountain from the large rock outcropping to the N. This view was not entirely encouraging. Buck Mountain looked pretty rocky and steep near the summit!

The view of Buck Mountain to the S was rather surprising, and a bit concerning to SPHP.  The summit of Buck Mountain looked very rocky and steep.  The approach from the E actually looked easier than from the N.  However, it also looked like there might be two ridges of rock up at the summit separated by a sizable notch, with the ridge W of the notch being higher and the true summit.  Getting past the notch from the E might be difficult.

It was hard to tell with all the trees, but maybe Lupe wouldn’t even be able to climb Buck Mountain?  That would be disappointing!

There was only one way to find out.  Lupe and SPHP headed straight for Buck Mountain.  SPHP intended to head directly up to the notch, if it was possible.  Lupe didn’t get very far up the N slope before she came to a big rock formation.  A long line of large blocky rocks extended up the mountain forming a N/S ridge.  SPHP wanted to stay to the W of it, but a quick check showed that the ground over there was pretty steep and littered with boulders.

The terrain pretty much forced Lupe and SPHP to go around the NE and then E side of Buck Mountain.  Lupe was able to gain elevation steadily along the way.  To the W was a fairly steep boulder field, but it wasn’t all that high.  Above the boulder field was the wall of rock forming the N/S ridge.  It looked like it might be possible for Lupe to get up there if she climbed toward the SW.

Lupe had no trouble navigating the snowy boulder field.  Taking a slow, cautious approach, SPHP didn’t have much problem with it either.  It took a little while to get up there, but Lupe reached the top of the high rock ridge.  SPHP was a bit apprehensive about what she might see.  SPHP expected Lupe would see a dip of some sort down to a notch, and then another higher rocky spire to the W.  Would Lupe even be able to get over there?

Looks had been deceiving!  There was no notch.  There was no higher ridge to the W.  Lupe was on top of Buck Mountain!  The actual very highest point appeared to be off to the N some distance.  Since Lupe had climbed up closer to the S end of the summit ridge, Lupe and SPHP went to explore the S end of Buck Mountain first.

Lupe reaches the top of Buck Mountain. Photo looks N along the summit ridge. The actual highest point on the mountain is beyond Lupe a little way to the N. Photo looks N.
Lupe reaches the top of Buck Mountain. Photo looks N along the summit ridge. The actual highest point on the mountain is beyond Lupe a little way to the N. Photo looks N.

Even though there were quite a few trees along the rocky summit ridge of Buck Mountain, there were also lots of rather cool rock platforms featuring commanding views in one direction or another.  By moving around to the proper viewpoint, it was possible to get a wide open view in almost any direction.  The S and middle portions of the summit ridge were easy to get around on, too.  The ridge was level enough and wide enough to maneuver easily.

Buck Mountain had quite a few trees even along the rocky summit ridge, but there were lots of cool rock platforms with great views in one direction or another. This photo looks E.
Buck Mountain had quite a few trees even along the rocky summit ridge, but there were lots of cool rock platforms with great views in one direction or another. This photo looks E.
Looking SSE from Buck Mountain.
Wow! Kind of a dramatic view to the SW. Even though Buck Mountain isn't all that high compared to parts of the Black Hills, it sure felt like Lupe was way up there!
Wow! Kind of a dramatic view to the SW. Even though Buck Mountain isn’t all that high compared to parts of the Black Hills, it sure felt like Lupe was way up there!
Looking E toward Green Mountain (L) and the Bogus Jim Creek valley (R).
Looking E toward Green Mountain (5,240 ft.) (L) and the Bogus Jim Creek valley (R).
Lupe near the S end of Buck Mountain. USFS Road No. 202 is seen in the valley below. Photo looks SW.
Lupe near the S end of Buck Mountain. USFS Road No. 202 is seen in the valley below. Photo looks SW.

After exploring and enjoying the views toward the S end of the mountain, it was time for Lupe to go N and achieve her Buck Mountain peakbagging goal by reaching the very highest point on the mountain.  The N end of the summit ridge was more rugged than the S end.  Lupe and SPHP had to be a little careful along in here.

The N end of the summit ridge was pretty rugged. This photo looks N along the W side of the ridge. The cairn at the top of Buck Mountain is in sight!
The N end of the summit ridge was pretty rugged. This photo looks N along the W side of the ridge. The cairn at the top of Buck Mountain is in sight!

Not far from the cairn at the summit, Lupe and SPHP ran into a 6′ wall of rock blocking the way forward.  There was no way Lupe could see over it.  SPHP climbed up partway to look over the rock wall.  Lupe waited below in a cleft in the rocks for a report.  Which way next?

Lupe waits below in a cleft in the rocks for SPHP to report on how to get around the rock wall blocking the route to the summit cairn.
Lupe waits below in a cleft in the rocks for SPHP to report on how to get around the rock wall blocking the route to the summit cairn.
The summit cairn is now clearly in sight beyond the upper portion of the rock wall blocking Lupe's advance.
The summit cairn is now clearly in sight beyond the upper portion of the rock wall blocking Lupe’s advance.

The blocking rock was only a couple of feet thick, but it didn’t look like a good idea to attempt to go over it.  To the W was a sheer drop off onto a steep boulder field below.  The only way around seemed to be to climb down to the E off the main ridge.  The boulder field on that side of the mountain could be navigated easily enough with some care.

No sooner had Lupe and SPHP started toward the E than SPHP realized there was a convenient platform of rock 1.0 – 1.5 feet wide going all the way around the E side of the rock wall.  Lupe and SPHP took the platform, and got past the rock wall.  Lupe still had to go down off the summit ridge onto the boulder field, but only for a short distance.

Beyond the blocking rock wall just below the E side of the summit ridge. Lupe had to go over the boulders a short distance to where she could climb up to the summit. Photo looks N.

Lupe and SPHP soon found a short steep little route up to the summit.  SPHP had to climb carefully, but Lupe was up in a flash.  She perched up next to the summit cairn to claim her peakbagging success on Buck Mountain.

Lupe reaches the summit cairn on Buck Mountain! Photo looks N.
Lupe reaches the summit cairn on Buck Mountain! Photo looks N.
Looking S along the summit ridge.
Looking S along the summit ridge.

The N end of the summit ridge was smaller than the S end, and very rocky.  The views were absolutely great, though.  With Lupe’s peakbagging goal accomplished, Lupe and SPHP took a break on the rocks just N of the cairn.

Lupe wasn’t in the mood for her usual Taste of the Wild for some reason.  She seemed concerned that the cheese sandwich SPHP had brought along might be too big for just one measly human.  She was pretty insistent that SPHP needed help.  With the Carolina Dog’s kind assistance, what remained of the cheese sandwich was quite manageable for SPHP.

Looking N from near the summit cairn.
Looking N from near the summit cairn.
Lupe, now satisfyingly full of cheese sandwich, at the break spot just N of the summit cairn. Photo looks S.
Lupe, now satisfyingly full of cheese sandwich, at the break spot just N of the summit cairn. Photo looks S.

Some Black Hills mountains turn out to be just high spots in a thick forest with no views.  That’s pretty common, actually.  Buck Mountain turned out to be a very fun peak for Lupe and SPHP.  It was just a little bit challenging, but rewarded the effort with lots of splendid views from a variety of lookout points.

Lupe and SPHP lingered up on Buck Mountain for quite a while enjoying the moment.  Before heading down, SPHP scouted a little way to the N to see if there was a better way off the mountain.  In the end, Lupe and SPHP returned the way they came.  Lupe took one more trip to the S end of the summit ridge for a final look.  Then it was time to scramble down the little boulder field on the E side of the mountain.

Lupe back down below the boulder field on the E side of the mountain. The large rocks of the summit ridge are seen above the boulders.
Lupe back down below the boulder field on the E side of the mountain. The large rocks of the summit ridge are seen above the boulders.

Once down below the boulder field, Lupe and SPHP headed N back to the saddle area close to the large rock outcropping.  Lupe seemed rather glad to be down off Buck Mountain.  Evidently, she preferred running around in the forest.  When she saw a squirrel dash into a hollow log, she spent a good 10 minutes trying to figure out how to get at it.  With enormous enthusiasm, the Carolina Dog kept running around the log sniffing, then suddenly stopping to dig frantically here and there.

Lupe trying to get a squirrel out of a hollow log. It was fun, but futile - the squirrel was safe inside.
Lupe trying to get a squirrel out of a hollow log. It was fun, but futile – the squirrel was safe inside.

The squirrel was totally safe.  Lupe could not get it.  She had fun trying, although she yipped in frustration now and then, too.  When she was ready to give it up, Lupe and SPHP started the trek back to the G6.  Instead of retracing Lupe’s earlier route, Lupe and SPHP headed down the E side of the saddle.

Although not as dramatic as climbing a mountain, Lupe enjoyed exploring the forest on the way back.  She reached the G6 again at 3:55 PM (35°F).  On the way home, Lupe barked at the usual cows and horses.  She also branched out into barking at something a bit more exotic.

Peacocks along Bogus Jim Road.
Peacocks along Bogus Jim Road.

Links:

Next Black Hills Expedition                       Prior Black Hills Expedition

Want more Lupe adventures?  Choose from Lupe’s Black Hills Expeditions Adventure Index or Master Adventure Index.  Or subscribe free to new Lupe adventures.