6-29-23, 3:00 PM – Lupe’s fabulous 1st Summer of 2023 Dingo Vacation to Colorado & New Mexico had ended only yesterday. So many chores to catch up on! SPHP was still mowing the back yard when Uncle Joe and Aunt Andrea arrived.
Of course, Hotel Lupe’s long standing policy is that humans stay free as long as they are accompanied by a responsible canine. Uncle Joe and Aunt Andrea came fully prepared. For the first time ever, they’d brought new Cousin Dixie with them! An AKC registered Australian Shepherd, Dixie was only a little over 2 months old.
New Cousin Dixie at home in Arvada, Colorado.
Lupe was barking with joy at Uncle Joe and Aunt Andrea’s arrival, which initially scared Dixie a little. That didn’t last! Soon Dixie was trying to herd her big cousin and wanting to play. Lupe didn’t quite know what to make of this new pipsqueak interloper, sometimes growling a warning, or even snapping at Dixie.
This is my new cousin, SPHP? She’s cute enough, but so small, and rather … what shall I say? … annoying!
Dixie’s just a puppy, Loopster.
I’m a puppy, too, SPHP, but I’m not so… so… hyper!
Well, of course, you’re my Sweet Puppy, Loop, but Dixie is very young. The whole world is brand new to her. She’s full of energy and excited to learn all about everything, including you! So be nice to Dixie. She’ll grow up fast, and we’ll have lots of fun with her.
Do you think Dixie will want to go on any Black Hills, SD expeditions, SPHP?
Oh, I’m sure of it! No doubt Uncle Joe will want to take Dixie up into the hills with us while they’re here for the next few days. Dixie’s too little to go very far yet, but we’ll have a good time.
6-30-23 – SPHP was right. New Cousin Dixie very much wanted to be an explorer, too! After the whole gang enjoyed an early morning stroll through the park on the Geyser Loop, Aunt Andrea had eventually gone to spend the day with Grandma. Uncle Joe and Dixie were free to head up into the hills, which was exactly what they wanted to do.
Where to, though? Dixie’s first Black Hills, SD Mini-Expedition should be something quite easy. SPHP suggested Centennial Trail No. 89. The Deer Creek trailhead would be a good place to start.
At the Deer Creek trailhead with new Cousin Dixie.
6-30-23, 11:01 AM, Centennial Trail No. 89, Deer Creek trailhead – Upon arrival, Dixie was happy and enthusiastic, but at the same time seemed to realize she was about to embark on some serious business.
Mentor and mentee, about to set out on the first of many adventures together.
The plan was simple. Everyone followed the spur trail leading from the Deer Creek trailhead up to the main Centennial Trail No. 89 route. Once there, Dixie could explore S or N.
Dixie doing great, but soon began devoting most of her abundant energy toward herding Lupe. The American Dingo did her best to ignore the pesky Aussie, often growling a warning.
Upon reaching the main trail, Dixie wound up going S. Centennial Trail No. 89 soon crossed the road to Silver City, then proceeded gradually up the side of a forested valley to the junction with Deerfield Trail No. 40. An unlikely new feature was here. A silver disco ball was hanging over the junction. Lupe and SPHP had never seen it before.
Sticking with Centennial Trail No. 89, Dixie continued S. The trail went down into Smoker Gulch. 1.2 miles from the trailhead, Uncle Joe decided this was far enough for Dixie’s first Black Hills adventure.
Dixie on Centennial Trail No. 89.Taking a break with Cousin Dixie.
The day was warm, the sky blue with puffy white clouds, and the grass, green and lush. During a short rest break, Dixie became interested in digging, while Lupe ventured out into the tall grass.
Amid the tall grass in Smoker Gulch.
And that was it for Dixie’s first Black Hills, SD Mini-Expedition. On the way back to the Deer Creek trailhead, Uncle Joe showed off his funky disco dancing form at the intersection with Deerfield Trail No. 40.
Heading back on Centennial Trail No. 89.Dancing fool Uncle Joe beneath the disco ball.
7-1-23, 10:24 AM – This morning’s activities were similar to yesterday’s. After an early morning group romp through the park, this time on the Downstream Loop, Aunt Andrea once again went to spend the day with Grandma. Dixie, Uncle Joe, Lupe, and SPHP were now at Centennial Trail No. 89’s Rapid Creek trailhead below the Pactola Reservoir dam.
About to set out on Centennial Trail No. 89 from the Rapid Creek trailhead.
Heading SE toward the Tamarack trailhead, Centennial Trail No. 89 was flat as a pancake and on the verge of being overgrown. Dixie displayed great courage crossing 2 bridges over Rapid Creek. The big stream was running high, and Joe was quite impressed by what a great trout stream Rapid Creek appeared to be.
Joe and Dixie already over the first bridge.Rapid Creek was running high, full bank to bank.
Dixie made it past the Tamarack trailhead all the way to USFS Road No. 165.1D in Tamarack Gulch before reaching a spot near an ancient cabin. At this point, Uncle Joe said she’d gone far enough for a 2 month old puppy. After a short rest break, it was time to head back to the Rapid Creek trailhead, once again about 1.2 miles away.
Dixie crossing the Rapid Creek bridge near the Tamarack trailhead during the return.
Another beautiful day, but Uncle Joe may have been right. Constantly trying to herd your big Carolina Dog cousin is a lot of work. Near the end, Cousin Dixie was starting to get tired.
Wildflowers along the way.Dixie starting to feel weary.
Not to worry, though. Uncle Joe to the rescue!
Dixie returning in style.
7-2-23 – The next day was nearly the same routine. An early morning Geyser Loop stroll through the park, followed by another Black Hills, SD Mini-Expedition, this time from the end of Horse Creek Road to USFS Road No. 249. Incredibly, SPHP somehow forgot to bring the camera. Oops! Nevertheless, everyone had a great time.
7-3-23, 6:55 AM – Hard to believe, but it was already time for Dixie, Aunt Andrea, and Uncle Joe to head back home to Arvada, Colorado. While Uncle Joe was packing their car, Lupe and Dixie roamed the back yard, enjoying the soft green grass together.
Dixie and Lupe in the back yard.
7-3-23, 7:07 AM – Well, they’re off, Loopster, on the way back to Colorado! Thank you for not getting too snarly with Dixie. I know your patience was being sorely tested at times. So, what do you think of your new cousin? Isn’t she darling?
No doubt Dixie means well, but she’s a herding fanatic, SPHP! Do you have any idea how trying puppies can be?
7:38 AM, 53ºF, Centennial Trail No. 89, at the French Creek Horse Camp in Custer State Park –
Great to be out in the Black Hills again, SPHP!
It is! Good thing you’re enthusiastic, too. Going to be a long day, Loop.
Terrific! Are we going to be climbing lots of mountains, SPHP?
Nope. Probably none at all. This next section of Centennial Trail No. 89 is 10 miles long. Round trip we’ll be doing 20. That ought to be enough of a romp, even for a Carolina Dog!
Trailhead parking at the French Creek Horse Camp. Photo looks SW.
Thirsty, Looper?
Not terribly, SPHP. We haven’t done anything yet.
Well, let’s have a look at French Creek, anyway, before setting off.
Down at the stream, Lupe did help herself to a small drink. Even though French Creek is one of the larger streams in the Black Hills, it isn’t all that big. The lovely stream had decent flow today, though.
French Creek. Photo looks SW.
All set, Loopster? The trail S starts at the opposite end of the horse camp.
Lupe enjoyed the stroll SW through the horse camp. People, horses, dogs, and intriguing scents were here. At the far end, CSP Road No. 4 went over French Creek. A little farther on, Centennial Trail No. 89 left the road, continuing SW along a much more primitive route.
Covered stalls at the popular French Creek Horse Camp. Photo looks W.French Creek again at the SW end of the horse camp. Photo looks SE.Setting out for Highland Creek on Centennial Trail No. 89. Photo looks SW.
Flat at first, the dirt road the trail followed soon began a gradual ascent. Before long, it curved sharply E, starting to climb much more steeply up a side valley. Not a cloud in the sky! SPHP stopped briefly to shed a layer and apply sunscreen.
Going slowly uphill. Photo looks SW.Starting up the steeper side valley. Photo looks ESE.
This seems familiar, SPHP. We’ve been here not too long ago, haven’t we?
That’s right, Loop. We came down this way 14 months ago after climbing Peak5213 SE of here on Expedition No. 298. You’ll only remember this first part, though. It’s been a very long time since we’ve gone all the way to Highland Creek.
Winding SW, the dirt road gained 300 feet of elevation before eventually flattening out beyond the part Lupe remembered. Splitting off toward the W as a single track here, Centennial Trail No. 89 soon curved NW, topping out near the head of another valley.
Entering the Pass No. 1 region. Photo looks NW.
Reaching the trail’s high point, Lupe paused to look S. Only May, yet the air was already smoky from forest fires raging more than 1,000 miles away in Alberta! The smoke was bad enough to mar distant views, but wasn’t terrible. Despite the haze, Peak 5080 was still visible 2 miles S. She would be going past it in a little while.
Peak 5080 (R of Center) from Pass No. 1. Photo looks S.
Although we won’t be climbing any mountains today, Looper, we will be going over a series of minor passes. This is the first, and highest, one. The Peakbagger app on the iPhone says we’re at 4,970 feet, 1.5 miles from the French Creek Horse Camp trailhead.
Don’t remember this view at all, SPHP. Must really have been a long time since we were here before.
11 years to the day, Loopster! You weren’t even 1.5 years old yet. Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 20, one of our most memorable ever! We actually started for Highland Creek from Badger Hole, a 28 mile round trip. Made it, too, but wound up getting lost after dark on the way back, wandering all night lost somewhere E of Mount Coolidge(6,023 ft.). You cut a paw on something sharp, and I mistook a buffalo for a big rock until we were so close to it, you went nuts. Instead of running away, the buffalo came after you, while I stumbled around on logs cut into sections for firewood, trying to avoid getting charged.
Oh, I remember that, SPHP! Good times! That still has to be our longest Black Hills expedition ever. You never did figure out where we were until we reached Hwy 16A as the sun came up.
Not exactly true, Looper! I knew where we were all along, sort of, within a mile or two. Anyway, all that excitement happened miles N of here. All I remember about what’s S is a prairie dog town somewhere near the end, a pronghorn antelope, and Highland Creek. Other than that, just a grassy hill with a big tree on top that I’d always wished we’d climbed.
If you see that hill again, maybe we can climb it today, SPHP?
Hope so, Loop! Don’t know why, but I always wanted to see what was up there.
Continuing past Pass No. 1, the trail curved S down into the next valley.
At Centennial Trail No. 89’s high point at Pass No. 1. Photo looks WNW.Heading down the next valley. Photo looks S.
A long, gradual slope led back into another forest. Before long, Lupe reached a paved road in a bigger valley. This was the Custer State Park Wildlife Loop. After crossing the Wildlife Loop, the trail bottomed out in the ditch, then began a slow ascent as it curved W up another small, shallow valley.
Beside the parking area where Centennial Trail No. 89 crosses the Custer State Park Wildlife Loop. Photo looks SW.Starting up the next valley. Photo looks W.
The trail soon began turning S. Climbing much more aggressively near the end, Lupe regained 150 feet of elevation before reaching Pass No. 2. She was now at 4,900 feet, only 0.5 mile from the Wildlife Loop, or 2.5 miles from the French Creek trailhead.
At Pass No. 2. Photo looks SSE.
S of Pass No. 2, the trail lost scarcely any elevation at all. Instead, it ran SSE through open forest staying nearly flat as it traversed a gentle slope. After 0.5 mile, the forest gave way to a huge meadow. A lone bison stood warily watching the Carolina Dog 400 feet away up on a hill to the SW.
A line of considerably higher hills where the forest had burned ran NW/SE beyond a valley to the E. Peak5213 was up there!
S of Pass No. 2. Talk about a walk in the park! Photo looks SSE.Entering the vast meadow. Photo looks SE.Peak 5213 (R of Center) in the distance. Photo looks NE.
Peak 5080 was also in sight again, now directly ahead. A much smaller, grassy hill was even closer off to the SSW. A big Ponderosa pine stood at the top with a collection of smaller ones near it.
That’s the hill I remember, Loop!
The one you always wished we’d climbed, SPHP?
Yes! I’m sure of it!
We can climb it right now then, SPHP!
Let’s wait until we’re on our way back, Loopster, if it’s not too late. More important to make sure we get to Highland Creek first.
Peak 5080 (Center), the hill SPHP wanted to climb (far R). Photo looks S.
Heading SE across the giant meadow, Centennial Trail No. 89 began a gradual descent. Near the next forest, the trail swung SW into it. This seemed a good spot to take a little break in the shade. SPHP took a seat on a log, while Lupe sniffed around, or sat nearby.
Taking a short break. Photo looks NE.
Getting warm out, SPHP! I’m thirsty. Nary a drop along the trail ever since we left French Creek.
SPHP shared some water with Lupe, then sat munching honey-roasted peanuts.
How far have we gone now, SPHP?
Hmm. Let me check, Loop. iPhone says 3.5 miles, so we’re a third of the way to Highland Creek, maybe a bit more.
So far, so good, SPHP!
Yeah, this is pretty easy, Loopster. Excellent trail, no super steep terrain. Kind of nice not to have to face an ordeal for once. All we have to worry about is the distance. Since it’s so sunny, let me reapply some sunscreen, then we’ll keep going.
From the break spot, the trail began a somewhat steeper descent. Lupe spotted bright yellow wildflowers on a hillside, and went over to them.
By the yellow wildflowers.
Always remember to take time to sniff the roses, SPHP!
Fairly certain these aren’t roses, Loop, but I agree with the sentiment.
Not roses? No matter, they’ll do! Can’t be too picky in life, either, SPHP.
You’re a wise Dingo, sweet puppy!
Continuing down this next valley, Lupe reached the first damp spots along the trail. Before long she came to a tiny, seasonal creek. The trail turned NE here, ultimately descending to a broad, grassy valley where the Wildlife Loop was in view again, but no actual wildlife.
Continuing down the valley. Photo looks SE.Crossing the tiny seasonal creek. Photo looks ESE.Approaching the Wildlife Loop again. Photo looks ENE.
Upon reaching the broad valley, Centennial Trail No. 89 did not continue across it toward the Wildlife Loop Road. Instead, it turned SE, hugging the edge of the forest while winding along the base of the hills. There was some minor, gentle up and down along in here that didn’t amount to much, until the trail veered S up a steeper drainage.
Across the broad valley from the Wildlife Loop Road. Photo looks N.Going over a gentle rise near the edge of the forest. Photo looks SE.
This drainage was the start of a nearly mile long ascent divided into two parts. After gaining 100 feet of elevation in the forested ravine, Lupe reached the edge of a gently sloping meadow. Two barren hills where the forest had burned were now in sight, with Pass No. 3 between them.
Pass No. 3 (L) from the edge of the meadow. Photo looks SW.
Still slowly gaining elevation, Centennial Trail No. 89 turned WSW here, and didn’t top out until Lupe reached a stand of pines at the base of the nearest barren hill. A gradual descent SSE followed, with a couple more barren hills, Peak 4880 and Peak 4840, temporarily directly ahead.
Peak 4880 (Center) and Peak 4840 (R). Photo looks SE.
The gradual descent led to a shorter, steeper one, as the trail curved SW into the upper end of another ravine that drained E. From the bottom of this ravine, Lupe completed the final leg of the ascent to Pass No. 3.
Approaching Pass No. 3. Photo looks S.
10:26 AM – Although marred by smoke, Pass No. 3 offered first views of new territory ahead. A small peak of massive granite formations two miles SW stood out as having a more rugged appearance than the other hills Lupe had been traveling through.
At Pass No. 3. Photo looks SSW.
The Peakbagger app says we’re 5.1 miles from the start now, Loopster. Puts us about halfway to Highland Creek. Shall we take a break?
Yes, please! I need another drink, SPHP. Wearing a fur coat, you know.
After sharing water with the Carolina Dog, SPHP munched away again on honey-roasted peanuts, before applying another dose of sunscreen.
Not a bad view, SPHP! How high are we here?
4,775 feet, Loop. Not as high as the first 2 passes. Overall, we’re slowly going downhill as we head S, a trend that will continue all the way to Highland Creek.
Exploring an arm of the pass that jutted out to the SW, CSP Road No. 7 was in view only 0.33 mile away.
Continuing on, Centennial Trail No. 89 wound S down to the road. Along the way, Lupe caught sight of the first significant wildlife so far today, a couple of pronghorn antelope. Unfortunately, they ran off before SPHP could get a photo. Nevertheless, seeing the pronghorns was exciting, and more excitement was just ahead.
Reaching CSP Road No. 7 at the bottom of the hill, Lupe was happy to see Flynn Creek. The American Dingo ran ahead, anxious to take advantage of this rare opportunity to cool off.
Wading in Flynn Creek next to CSP Road No. 7. Photo looks WNW.
After crossing CSP Road No. 7, Centennial Trail No. 89 began climbing SSW back up into a pine forest a little way before curving E. Continuing uphill, Pass No. 4 wasn’t much farther, or much higher, along a dirt road that the trail intersected. The elevation was only 4,590 feet here, nearly 200 feet lower than at Pass No. 3.
Beyond Pass No. 4, the dirt road gradually lost elevation as it wound SE. Loss was minimal, though, no more than 100 feet, before Lupe reached a stretch of very flat terrain where the trail went due S.
Heading downhill again shortly after leaving Pass No. 4. Photo looks SE.Another stroll through the park! Photo looks S.One of the trail markers. Brown wands were the most common markers, although quite a few were broken. Blue markers with arrows were often seen, too.
This flat stretch eventually led to another minor descent SE, after which Centennial Trail No. 89 turned SW, making its last significant elevation gain of roughly 225 feet before reaching Pass No. 5.
Arriving at Pass No. 5. Photo looks SE.
11:42 AM, Pass No. 5 –
How about another short break, Looper?
If there’s water involved, I’m all for it, SPHP!
Sitting in the shade, the day’s now usual break time routine ensued. Lupe got a bowl of water. SPHP munched away on honey-roasted peanuts, and added another layer of sunscreen.
Pretty sure the prairie dog village is down in the next valley we’re seeing ahead, Loop. If they’re still there, that is.
Sounds exciting, SPHP! Does that mean we’re getting close to Highland Creek? Thought you said that the prairie dogs were near the end.
The Peakbagger app says we’re at 4,710 feet here, and that we’ve gone 7.4 miles so far, or about 3/4 of the way to Highland Creek. So, yeah. We’ve made a lot of progress.
There was a view to the NW, featuring some considerably higher hills in the distance. Lupe had a look at it before lying down in the shade.
Looking NW from Pass No. 5.
The trail had followed a rather rocky road up to Pass No. 5. This same road was grassy as it continued S. SPHP assumed that was the way to go, once underway again, but a man suddenly appeared from out of a stand of young pines immediately to the E. He didn’t wave, nod, or say a thing, but turned N, and kept on going down the same road Lupe had come up.
Hmm. That’s odd! We’re invisible! Does the trail go E from here, Loop?
Maybe. How would I know, SPHP? You’ve got a map. What does it say?
The map confirmed that the trail did jog ENE here. In fact, once Lupe got going again, Pass No. 5’s actual high point was a short distance that way. Beyond it was another barren hill where the forest had burned, plus the biggest rock formation the American Dingo had come to since leaving French Creek.
Scrambling up onto the rocks, Mount Coolidge(6,023 ft.) was in sight through the smokey haze, now 6 or 7 miles back to the NNW.
Near Pass No. 5’s actual high point. Photo looks NE.On the rocks. Peak 4830 (L), Mount Coolidge (R) in the distance. Photo looks NNW.
Beyond the rock formation, Centennial Trail No. 89 turned S again. Lupe trotted down an easy slope through an open forest of relatively young pines. As she emerged from the forest, a pancake flat plain was directly ahead. A whole lot of chirping began as the Carolina Dog approached.
The prairie dogs were still here!
Approaching the prairie dog town. Photo looks SSE.One of the town’s wary citizens.
There weren’t as many prairie dogs as the last time Lupe had been here 11 years go, but that might have had something to with the time of day. At any rate, quite a few of them whistled at her approach. Centennial Trail No. 89 went straight through the heart of the town. At the S end, a prairie dog marker was on the ground between two tall wooden posts.
Prairie dog town marker.
Once past the prairie dog town, the trail continued SSE following a dirt road down a long, flat valley. At the far end, the trail dropped more sharply to a low point. After bottoming out, a short, easy climb led to Pass No. 6 at the top of a gentle rise.
In the flat valley S of the prairie dog town. Photo looks S.Heading down to the low point N of Pass No. 6. Photo looks SW.
The terrain was so gently rolling now, that Pass No. 6 wasn’t much of a pass at all, but Lupe stopped here along the edge of a flat, open forest for a short water and shade break, anyway. SPHP kept up the honey-roasted peanut habit, and had an orange, too. Lupe was now hungry enough to eagerly devour some Taste of the Wild.
I know we haven’t reached Highland Creek yet, but it can’t be too much farther. Any any interest in splitting a chocolate coconut bar, Loop?
You can always count on me when it comes to chocolate coconut bars, SPHP!
The end was near! The prairie dog town had been 7.8 miles from French Creek, and Lupe had already gone 8.9 miles at Pass No. 6. Another mile ought to about do it.
As it turned out, one more gentle rise to what might be considered Pass No. 7 was ahead. Beyond it, the road began a gradual descent. When Lupe saw the top of a grassy ridge ahead, SPHP knew she was getting close to Highland Creek.
Heading for Pass No. 7 (R). Photo looks S.View to the W from the Pass No. 7 region.The grassy ridge (Center) beyond Highland Creek. Photo looks SW.
At the very end, Centennial Trail No. 89 curved W as it dropped down to the Highland Creek valley. 200 feet beyond the creek stood a tall fence with a gate in it. Wind Cave National Park, Service Road No. 5, and the Highland Creek trailhead were all just beyond the fence.
Heading down into the Highland Creek valley. Photo looks SSW.Highland Creek valley from a limestone outcropping. Photo looks WNW.
Of course, before visiting the trailhead, the Carolina Dog insisted upon a careful examination of Highland Creek itself. Meanwhile, SPHP made use of the convenient plank bridge.
Wading in Highland Creek. Photo looks SE (downstream).Near the fancy Centennial Trail No. 89 bridge over Highland Creek. Photo looks NW.Leaving Custer State Park. Photo looks SSW.The Highland Creek trailhead just inside Wind Cave National Park. Photo looks SE.
1:17 PM, 72ºF, Centennial Trail No. 89 at the Highland Creek trailhead in Wind Cave National Park –
Congratulations, Loop! We made it! Only took us 5 hours and 40 minutes.
And how far was it, SPHP? What does the Peakbagger app say?
9.9 miles total since we left the French Creek trailhead, Loopster. Let’s see, that means we averaged 1.85 miles per hour.
A blistering pace for you, SPHP, but then it was mighty easy terrain almost the entire way.
Gotta stop and sniff the roses, you know, Looper, or what’s the point? No one’s here handing out medals for fastest time.
Might have been! They’d be long gone by the time you arrived, SPHP.
Hmm. Well, I suppose. Anyway, how about finding a shady spot to rest a bit before we head N to do it all over again, sweet Dingo of mine?
Right after another session in Highland Creek, SPHP!
Leaving the trailhead, Lupe crossed Park Service Road No. 5, and headed N back through the gate into Custer State Park. After revisiting Highland Creek, she followed Centennial Trail No. 89 over to the nearest hillside, then went most of the way up it to sit in the shade of a big pine.
Back in Custer State Park. Photo looks NE.Cool paw Loop enjoying her required return to Highland Creek. Photo looks SE.
Relaxing while enjoying the view of the Highland Creek valley for the last time before heading N, suddenly there was movement.
An enormous group of thirsty natives was proceeding down Centennial Trail No. 89 toward Highland Creek! However, as soon as they spotted Lupe, the entire group stopped, then ran back up the hill a little way.
Uncertain what to do in the face of this unexpected threat, 80 bison stood pondering their chances of making it to the creek before being torn to shreds by an American Dingo.
A fraction of the thirsty herd.
80 bison to 1 Carolina Dog. Most of the herd soon decided that their odds of survival were pretty good. Advancing slowly at first, they then sped on by while Lupe whined and trembled with excitement.
We can take ’em, SPHP!
Yeah, I know, but it’s verboten, Loopster. Just watch. Pretty cool, aren’t they? Not many places you can see this!
The bold buffalo enjoyed their drink from Highland Creek, then went back up the hill to rejoin their still parched friends. As soon as they all vanished into the woods, Lupe hit the trail again.
Sticking to Centennial Trail No. 89, her return was along the exact same route almost the entire way. Seemed a little different going the opposite direction, but it was all quite familiar now. Lupe saw the prairie dogs again, and even spotted 2 pronghorn antelope N of Pass No. 3 that might have been the same ones that she’d seen earlier S of it. A snake was on the trail in this same area. Happily, not a rattler.
One of two pronghorns hanging out in the Pass No. 3 vicinity.The snake. Completely harmless, although Custer State Park does have prairie rattlers.
4:57 PM, on the vast meadow leading back to Pass No. 2 –
There’s your grassy hill with the big tree, SPHP! Still want to climb it?
Yes, please! Let’s do it, Looper. Still plenty of daylight left.
Leaving Centennial Trail No. 89, Lupe roamed ahead while SPHP trudged along behind.
Heading up the grassy hill. Photo looks SW.
A pleasantly cool 10-15 mph NE breeze was blowing up at the top when Lupe arrived. Hwy No. 87 was in sight down in the next valley to the W. A series of forested hills and ridges were beyond it, the otherwise lovely scene still marred by smoke.
The big pine tree, which had stood out as somewhat of a loner on this hill 11 years ago, was now surrounded by a small forest. Really nothing unusual about this place, except that toward the S end Lupe discovered a plaque cemented to a large rock.
What does it say, SPHP?
There’s a short poem by Dan Tyson, and at the end it says “In Memory of the Bentler Family, October 14, 2006.”
Who are the Bentlers, and what happened to them, SPHP?
No idea, Loopster, except that they evidently died, and Dan Tyson knew them. Maybe they had some connection to this place, the Centennial Trail, or Custer State Park?
Happen to have any more chocolate coconut bars, SPHP? We could have one in their honor!
Conniving Dingo! Not sure the Bentlers would feel the least bit honored by us devouring a chocolate coconut bar, but on the other paw, no harm in it, either. And yes, I still have one.
The last chocolate coconut bar went the way of the Bentlers. Lupe then polished off the last of the Taste of the Wild, too, and had a big drink of water. More peanuts for SPHP.
Relaxing by the Bentler family memorial plaque. Photo looks W.
11 years to the day since Loopster had first gone by this hill! Now the mystery was finally solved as to what was up here, only to be replaced by the new mystery of who were the Bentlers, and what happened to them?
We’ll probably never know, Loop, but I’m glad we came.
6:48 PM, 68ºF – No getting lost and wandering around all night this time around! The sun was low, but still up, as the Carolina Dog quenched her thirst for the last time today in French Creek. She’d seen more buffalo on the way back, but overall, it had just been a peaceful evening.
Bison on the Wildlife Loop Road during the return.Back at French Creek. Photo looks NE.
Fun day, SPHP! Glad we did this. Centennial Trail No. 89 is awesome!
Absolutely! Always a good time, Looper.
So what’s next on the agenda, SPHP?
Nearly June, Loopster! The grand and glorious Summer of 2023 is almost upon us, and you know what that means.
Dingo Vacations!
That’s right, sweet puppy! Adventure is calling! C’mon. Let’s go home. We’ve got a lot to do to get ready.
Bentler Family memorial plaque W of Centennial Trail No. 89, Custer State Park, Black Hills of South Dakota 5-20-23
Where to? This was only the second full day of Cousin Laddie’s stay at Hotel Lupe, but also the last one, too. Tomorrow Laddie would already be on his way back home to Colorado. Gotta come up with something worthy of the occasion, but with a fair amount of snow in some parts of the Black Hills, what would be a good choice?
SPHP didn’t have to ponder the question long. But, of course! Why not? Both Uncle Joe and Laddie had enjoyed yesterday’s trek N from Fort Meade along Centennial Trail No. 89. They might enjoy completing that whole segment of the trail leading to Bear Butte Lake by starting at the lake, and working back toward Fort Meade. Ought to be easy to link up with the point where everyone turned back yesterday.
When Uncle Joe expressed enthusiasm for this plan, the die was cast.
10:45 AM, 49ºF, Bear Butte Lake trailhead, Centennial Trail No. 89 – Just as sunny and warm today as yesterday, but a 20 mph NW wind sweeping across the frozen lake sure made it feel colder. Joe and SPHP bundled up a bit and were fine. Lupe apparently was, too. No need to worry about Cousin Laddie under all that luxuriant Sheltie fur!
Everyone was soon ready to hit the trail, which started out heading SW along a mowed path a little way from the lake’s SE shore.
Bear Butte from the trailhead. Photo looks NNE.Joe and Lupe about to head out. Photo looks W.Crossing the mighty Bear Butte Lake glacier near the very start. Photo looks WSW.Bear Butte Lake with the Black Hills beyond. Photo looks W.
Halfway along the SE shore, Centennial Trail No. 89 went quite close to the lake. Might as well go have a look!
Bear Butte Lake from the SE shore. Photo looks N.Bear Butte from Bear Butte Lake. Photo looks NE.Joe and Laddie get in on the act. Photo looks NE.
After passing a small bay at the S end of the lake, the trail headed W out onto the prairie. Going gradually up a long rise, the trail flattened out near Hill 3204. Venturing a short distance off-trail, the hill provided a sweet view of Bear Butte Lake with Bear Butte(4,422 ft.) beyond.
Heading out onto the prairie. Photo looks W.Bear Butte Lake and Bear Butte from Hill 3204. Photo looks NE.
Returning to Centennial Trail No. 89, it continued W across a featureless plain, eventually angling SW toward a ridge. From the top this ridge there was a last view of Bear Butte and Bear Butte Lake back to the NE.
Heading for the ridge. Photo looks SW.Bear Butte and Bear Butte Lake from the top of the ridge. Photo looks NE.
A vast expanse of prairie was now in sight to the W with the Black Hills beyond it. Crook Mountain(4,930 ft.) was readily identifiable to the WSW past Oyster Mountain(4,040 ft.), although neither looked all that big from here.
Oyster Mountain (the darkly forested hill way beyond Lupe) with Crook Mountain (slightly L) beyond it. Photo looks W.
The most interesting view, though, was to the S. The long ridge everyone had reached yesterday from Fort Meade was 1.5 miles away. Since there was plenty of time to get over to it, a short break was taken here before continuing on. Conditions were more pleasant now, the N wind having died down somewhat.
Looking SSW toward the long, flat, grassy ridge that was today’s objective.
Soon everyone was ready to press on. Centennial Trail No. 89 went S as it now descended toward the lowlands. Near a pond, the trail reached a fence line, which it followed SW to a gate. Going through the gate, the trail became more of a faint 2 track road as it headed S again. By the time it eventually curved SW, the majority of the distance to the next ridge had already been covered.
Approaching the destination ridge. Photo looks SW.
Near the end of this stretch through the lowlands, the trail curved SE, starting up toward the same gap in the ridge to the S everyone had made it to yesterday. In this region, Cousin Laddie and Uncle Joe successfully completed their explorations of Centennial Trail No. 89 between Fort Meade and Bear Butte Lake. Nearly to the ridge now, going all the way to the top again seemed like the thing to do.
Joe and Laddie heading up to the gap (R). Bear Butte (Center). Photo looks NE.Looking ESE down on the gap as Joe and Laddie complete the trek up onto the ridge.
Once up on the ridge, the plan was to take a break somewhere along the N edge. Going W along the rim, a second point jutting out toward the N seemed like a good spot. The upper E side provided some shelter from the wind, which was still blowing. This area overlooked a ravine full of snow that extended clear back down to the prairie.
Lupe and Laddie on a snowbank near the break spot. Bear Butte (R). Photo looks NNE.
Just like yesterday, SPHP let Laddie and Lupe split a chocolate coconut bar, followed up by as much Taste of the Wild as they wanted. Joe and SPHP had apples and Kirkland bars again. Water, of course, for anyone who wanted it.
Sweeping views of the low prairie looked like one might go on exploring forever. Only 2 miles W, the Black Hills beckoned clad in dark pines.
The Black Hills. Photo looks WSW.
A small pond was in sight about 0.5 mile N out on the prairie. Although Centennial Trail No. 89 didn’t go to it, getting there would be easy. The plan for the return became to follow the long snowfield extending down the ravine, then continue across the prairie to visit this little pond.
However, what looked like a carcass was visible down along the W side of the ravine. Before everyone got underway again, Joe leashed Laddie up to prevent him from getting anywhere near it.
Laddie with the anti-carcass leash on.Joe and Laddie out on the breezy point. Photo looks NW.
The snow in the ravine was strong, supporting even SPHP’s weight. Joe and Laddie completely by-passed the carcass, but Lupe and SPHP went over for a look. The cow had been dead so long that even the Carolina Dog didn’t want a thing to do with it.
Heading down the snow-filled ravine. Photo looks NNE.The poor icky cow! Photo looks NE.
After sticking with the snow in the ravine until it ran out, the trek across the prairie to the little pond was next. A bit of cactus caused Loopster to insist upon implementing her anti-cactus strategy, which basically meant SPHP had to go first, certifying the route directly ahead was cacti-free. Only then would Lupe follow.
Looking SW back up toward the ridge.Loop on her way down. Photo looks SW.Exploring the prairie. Photo looks SSW.
The little pond was frozen, of course. Uncle Joe ventured onto the ice. Cousin Laddie eventually did, too. The American Dingo and SPHP did not. The only other thing of interest here was a gnarled tree on a small barren rise just NE of the pond. Even the tree wasn’t all that fascinating, but at least Lupe and Laddie could say they’d been here.
Uncle Joe out on the ice. Photo looks NNW.By the gnarled tree. Photo looks E.
Heading E from the pond and its lone gnarled tree, Centennial Trail No. 89 was soon reached again. Rather than go back entirely along the same route, the day’s journey concluded with a detour around the N side of Bear Butte Lake on the way back to the trailhead.
This involved a trek through a campground, following a primitive road through some trees where there were big mounds of snow, and ended with a short-cut through an extensive, currently dry region of cattails.
Bear Butte and Bear Butte Lake back in sight again. Photo looks NE.Getting close to Bear Butte Lake. Photo looks E.On a snowbank near the W end of the lake. Photo looks N.Setting out around the N side of Bear Butte Lake. Photo looks NE.
By 2:40 PM, the day’s outdoor adventures were over. It had been a fun time with Cousin Laddie and Uncle Joe. Although Hotel Lupe wasn’t serving dinner tonight, Grandma was throwing a Super Bowl party at her apartment.
There were lots of good things to eat! Lupe got a Busy Rib Hide. Laddie didn’t, because he had only one front tooth to chew with, his L canine that earned him his Cousin Snaggle Fang nickname, but he could have Beggin’ Strips. Both cousins also enjoyed plenty of baked chicken that SPHP doled out.
Lupe was disappointed the Dingoes weren’t even in it, but the Super Bowl was actually exciting this year! The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 38 to 35 in a high-scoring duel undecided until the final seconds.
Cousin Laddie’s brief visit to Hotel Lupe and the Black Hills with Uncle Joe and Aunt Andrea had been a marvelous time! Lupe and SPHP were so glad they had come, even though 2.5 happy days together had flown by all too quickly. The next morning it was sad to see them go.
No one at the time, though, realized just how extremely sad it was.
With Cousin Laddie & Uncle Joe near Bear Butte Lake, South Dakota 2-12-23
