Cicero Peak – The (Mostly) True Adventures of Lupe

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 109 – Cicero, Northeast Cicero, Daisy & Kruger Peaks (12-13-14)

Lupe was up before dawn. SPHP hadn’t gotten up early enough for Expedition No. 108 to take Lupe to Cicero Peak (6,166 ft.), and wasn’t going to make the same mistake again. The sun had yet to make an appearance, but sunrise was coming as Lupe and SPHP headed out in the G6.

Lupe hoping the early Carolina Dog gets the squirrel!

By the time Lupe and SPHP turned onto USFS Road No. 338, the sun was well up above the horizon. SPHP soon regretted turning onto No. 338. A high clearance vehicle wouldn’t have had any problem, but the G6 just wasn’t built to take this kind of abuse.

The narrow road wasn’t steep, but it was littered with rocks large enough to worry about getting a hole torn in the bottom of the G6’s oil pan. Some of the rocks were loose, but many were firmly attached to the mountain. No. 338 wound an excruciatingly long 1.5 miles up to a little parking lot near the top of Cicero Peak.

The G6’s oil pan survived, but the bumpy ride couldn’t have done the alignment, suspension system or tires any good. SPHP was by now firmly resolved that this was the G6’s one and only trip up Cicero Peak. Never again! At least there hadn’t been any traffic on the narrow road. There had been only one possible place to turn around other than the little parking lot near the top.

Lupe, of course, was unconcerned. She was eager to get out, and get going. It was 8:43 AM (45°F), when she hopped out of the G6. The first order of business, of course, was to go the very short remaining distance (30 feet of elevation) up to the summit. In just a few minutes, Lupe was there sniffing around a little building near the base of a tower at the top.

The tower and small building at the top of Cicero Peak.

It turned out there were a few rocks W of the tower that were a little bit higher than where the tower sat. Lupe went over and stood on them to claim her first peakbagging success of the day. Not much of an accomplishment, really. The G6 had done all the real work. Still, Lupe was here, up at the top of Cicero Peak!

Lupe on the highest rocks on Cicero Peak.

Although the top of Cicero Peak was pretty heavily forested, there were places not far below the summit where there were some pretty nice views. From the little parking lot, Lupe could see off to the E. S of the summit was a great open view to the S. Except for a few peaks far to the W, Cicero Peak is the last peak this high this far S in the Black Hills. Lupe could see a long way, clear into Nebraska.

Lupe could see a long way S from Cicero Peak.

USFS Road No. 338 was a lousy road to the top for the G6, but it made a great hiking trail. After taking a shortcut down through the forest W of the summit, Lupe and SPHP followed No. 338 most of the way back down the mountain.

Near the only possible vehicle turnaround point along No. 338, Lupe and SPHP left the road to climb a grassy slope. There were good views from here both back S toward Cicero Peak, and NE toward Lupe’s next peakbagging objective, Northeast Cicero Peak (6,240 ft.).

Lupe's next objective, Northeast Cicero Peak, is actually higher than Cicero Peak. Flynn Creek Road can be seen at the base of the mountain, especially toward the R. Photo looks NE. — Lupe’s next objective, Northeast Cicero Peak, is actually higher than Cicero Peak. Flynn Creek Road can be seen at the base of the mountain, especially toward the R. Photo looks NE.

From the grassy slope, Lupe headed directly toward Northeast Cicero Peak. She went down the grassy slope, crossed USFS Road No. 338, and cut through a field dotted here and there with pines. She entered the forest again shortly before reaching USFS Road No. 336 (Flynn Creek Road).

After crossing Flynn Creek Road at the bottom of the valley, Lupe started climbing NNW along a ridgeline. After a while, it was became apparent that this ridge was not going to be a very direct route up Northeast Cicero Peak. Lupe left the ridge, going down into the upper end of a draw. The draw was forested lower down, but mostly open territory at the upper end where Lupe entered it. Lupe found a trail to follow NNE up the other side of the draw. She ultimately arrived up on a saddle ridge running ESE/WNW.

Lupe was now WNW of Northeast Cicero Peak. From the saddle ridge, another higher ridge was visible to the ENE. Most of that ridge was barren. It looked like it had been ravaged by a forest fire at some point in the past. Was that barren ridge Daisy Peak (5,948 ft.), Lupe’s 3rd peakbagging objective of the day? It seemed to be too close, but the ridge led N to a forested hill, which might well be Kruger Peak (5,838 ft.), Lupe’s 4th peakbagging goal of the day.

Lupe reaches the saddle ridge WNW of Northeast Cicero Peak. Photo looks ENE at another higher ridge that SPHP initially mistook for Daisy Peak.

This photo shows High Point 5999 (on the Peakbagger.com topo maps), which SPHP initially mistook for Kruger Peak. Photo looks N from the saddle ridge WNW of Northeast Cicero Peak.

The saddle ridge WNW of Northeast Cicero Peak also provided a great view toward higher mountains to the N and NW.

Looking NNW from the saddle ridge WNW of Northeast Cicero Peak. Some of the highest peaks of the Black Hills are in view.

After taking in the views from the saddle area, it was time for Lupe to continue on up Northeast Cicero Peak. From Cicero Peak, SPHP had noticed a large grassy area that extended high up onto the SW part of the mountain. It couldn’t be too far away from where Lupe was now. Lupe and SPHP set off heading SE to look for it.

After crossing a level open area, Lupe had to climb steeply up through a thick forest of young trees where there was snow on the ground. Lupe emerged above the forest not far from the open area SPHP had seen from a distance. A short trek to the SW brought Lupe to it. There was a great view to the S of Cicero Peak.

Lupe SW of the summit of Northeast Cicero Peak. Photo looks S toward Cicero Peak.

Back at Cicero Peak, SPHP had also caught a glimpse through the trees of an interesting little hill to the W capped by a rock that looked very much like a broken tooth. SPHP had dubbed it “Cracked Molar”. From where Lupe was now, SW of the summit of Northeast Cicero Peak, there was a clear view of Cracked Molar.

"Cracked Molar" from the SW slopes of Northeast Cicero Peak. — “Cracked Molar” from the SW slopes of Northeast Cicero Peak.

From the SW viewpoint, a 10 minute trek took Lupe up to the summit of Northeast Cicero Peak. The summit area was pretty broad and flat. Most of it was grassy, open ground. There was a little ridge of rocks just a few feet high, and several large boulders sitting around. There were great views in every direction, except to the S and SE where trees were in the way.

Lupe on the little rock ridge on top of Northeast Cicero Peak. The boulder that is the true summit, can be seen beyond Lupe near the trees. Photo looks ENE.

Looking W from Northeast Cicero Peak. SPHP still hasn't figured out what mountains those high peaks seen above Lupe's back on the far horizon are. — Looking W from Northeast Cicero Peak. SPHP still hasn’t figured out what mountains those high peaks seen above Lupe’s back on the far horizon are.

Lupe perches comfortably up on the boulder that is the true summit of Northeast Cicero Peak. Beyond Lupe on the L side of the photo is a half forested (L side), half barren (R side) hill, which was Lupe's next peakbagging goal, Daisy Peak. Mt. Coolidge is seen just L of the dead tree on the R side of this photo. Photo looks NE. — Lupe perches comfortably up on the boulder that is the true summit of Northeast Cicero Peak. Beyond Lupe on the L side of the photo is a half forested (L side), half barren (R side) hill, which was Lupe’s next peakbagging goal, Daisy Peak. Mt. Coolidge is seen just L of the dead tree on the R side of this photo. Photo looks NE.

Daisy Peak (L) and Mt. Coolidge (R) from NE Cicero Peak. Photo looks NE.

Harney Peak (7,242 ft.) (L) is the highest point on the horizon as seen from Northeast Cicero Peak. Custer Mountain is the forested hill seen just below and slightly to the R of Harney Peak. Daisy Peak is on the R side of the photo. Photo looks N. — **Harney Peak** **(7,242 ft.)** (L) is the highest point on the horizon. Custer Mountain is the forested hill seen just below and slightly to the R of Harney Peak. Daisy Peak is on the R side of the photo. Photo looks N.

Looking N from Northeast Cicero Peak, SPHP really began to doubt that the high barren ridge and forested high point Lupe had seen from the saddle ridge down WNW of Northeast Cicero Peak were really Daisy and Kruger Peaks. They were just too close and easy to reach. On the other hand, if they weren’t Daisy and Kruger Peaks, where were they? Nothing else really stood out.

SPHP pondered the point as Lupe headed NE following a ridge down off Northeast Cicero Peak. The going was kind of slow. Rocks, dead timber, and scattered patches of snow were hidden in the grass. About halfway down to the next ridge (the one mistaken for Daisy Peak), SPHP stopped to check the maps. Lupe curled up near some rocks to enjoy the sunshine and get out of the breeze sweeping W across the ridgeline.

Lupe takes a sunny break out of the wind NE of Northeast Cicero Peak while SPHP checks the maps.

A look at the maps left no doubt. There was no way the high barren ridge Lupe was approaching was Daisy Peak, nor was the forested hill beyond it Kruger Peak. They had to be farther N, but another look in that direction left SPHP uncertain exactly which hills Lupe needed to head for. For a couple of minutes, SPHP considered just having Lupe turn around and return to the G6.

Nah! Lupe wasn’t going to turn around. The area was scenic and interesting. SPHP would figure out where Daisy and Kruger Peaks were eventually. It was an adventure, in any case, and Lupe was having fun. Onward!

The open ridge was a great place to be. There were views in every direction. Even well below the summit of Northeast Cicero Peak, Lupe was still quite high compared to much of the immediately surrounding terrain. There continued to be numerous rocks in the grass, though, and lots of fallen timber, too. To avoid tripping, SPHP had to stand still to look around.

Lupe reached the SSE end of the barren ridge. Lupe and SPHP headed for a small rocky prominence toward the NE. Time for a break. SPHP ate an apple, studied maps, and looked around trying to figure out where Daisy Peak was. Lupe had some Taste of the Wild.

Lupe at the break spot near the SSE end of the barren ridge. Photo looks NW.

OK. SPHP had it figured out. Daisy Peak was in sight off to the N. It had to be that hill well N beyond the forested hill SPHP had originally mistaken for Kruger Peak (actually High Point 5999). Kruger Peak wasn’t in view, but it was lower and probably hidden behind Daisy Peak. Now that it had been properly identified, from now on Daisy Peak was going to be easy to recognize. It was a rounded hill forested on the W side, and barren on the E side.

Daisy Peak was still quite a long way off. Time to get moving. Lupe and SPHP set off following the barren ridge NNW along the E side. Lupe eventually worked her way up to the highest point on the ridge. She continued NNW along the ridgeline from there.

The highest part of the barren ridge came to an end. Lupe and SPHP went W down a rocky slope toward a saddle leading up to High Point 5999. Partway down into the saddle, where the terrain became less rocky and not as steep, Lupe and SPHP paused. There were good views back S toward Northeast Cicero Peak, and N toward Daisy Peak.

Looking SSW back at Northeast Cicero Peak from partway down into the saddle over to High Point 5999. Part of the ridge Lupe and SPHP had followed coming down to the NE from Northeast Cicero Peak is seen toward the L.

Daisy Peak is easily identifiable on the L. Lupe went all the way down to the bottom of the valley seen here on her way to climb Daisy Peak. Mt. Coolidge is the highest point on the R. Photo looks NNE.

SPHP could see that if Lupe continued following the spine of the saddle area up to High Point 5999, Lupe was going to have a long trek over a lot of rough ground. She would eventually have to lose elevation anyway, to get to Daisy Peak. Instead of climbing High Point 5999, Lupe and SPHP left the saddle area going N down into a big valley.

At first the route down was steep, rocky and full of dead timber. Gradually the going got easier. As Lupe approached a small forest in the valley, she came to a road. The road had been abandoned years ago. Trees were growing on it, but it made a great trail.

At the far N end of the valley, Lupe reached an intersection with another road going E/W. A marker showed that Lupe had been on USFS Road No. 337.1B. She had just reached USFS Road No. 337.1A, although there was no marker saying so. Lupe turned W (L) following No. 337.1A past a hill (High Point 5706) just to the N.

By the time Lupe was SW of High Point 5706, she was back in the forest. Here No. 337.1A turned SW, but Daisy Peak was still off to the N beyond High Point No. 5706. Lupe and SPHP left the road, and started climbing up the SW slope of High Point 5706. The terrain grew increasingly steep, and it became easier to just travel N along the slope.

Lupe and SPHP made it around High Point 5706 to the saddle that led up to Daisy Peak. Lupe went right on up the S slope to arrive at the summit. The true summit of Daisy Peak was out in the open near the S end of the summit ridge. There were good views from this grassy area in every direction except to the W and NW. Mt. Coolidge (6,023 ft.) was notable off to the NE.

Lupe on Daisy Peak. Photo looks NE toward Mt. Coolidge.

Northeast Cicero Peak from Daisy Peak. Photo looks SSW.

Looking N from Daisy Peak, Lupe could finally see Kruger Peak. It wasn’t far off at all now, less than 0.5 mile. After a short rest break, Lupe headed N along the Daisy Peak summit ridge. Most of the ridge was forested, but at the very N end there was a great view of the big Glen Erin Creek valley and Custer Mountain (6,089 ft.) beyond it.

From Daisy Peak, Lupe could finally see Kruger Peak. It is the next hill over, and about 110 feet lower than Daisy Peak. Harney Peak is the highest point on the horizon. Photo looks N.

Kruger Peak is the next mostly barren ridge dotted with small trees seen here to the N. The summit is in the larger trees toward the L side of this photo. Lupe was going over there next! Mt. Coolidge is seen on the R. Photo looks NNE from Daisy Peak.

Custer Mountain is the forested hill seen on the L beyond the big Glen Erin Creek valley. Photo looks NNW from the N end of Daisy Peak.

To get to Kruger Peak, Lupe and SPHP started directly down the N slope of Daisy Peak. The going was slow, since the slope was fairly steep, snowy, and yet again there was a considerable amount of dead timber laying around. Lupe came across an old road down in the saddle area between Daisy and Kruger Peaks, but didn’t follow it. Instead, she just continued right on up to a high rocky point at the W end of the Kruger Peak summit.

Lupe perched on the highest rocks at the W end of Kruger Peak. This may not have been the true summit. Pictured between the trees is some ground to the E that looks slightly higher.

The rocks at the W end of Kruger Peak may not have been the true summit. There was an area a short distance E through the forest that was probably a little higher. Lupe went over there, too, to make certain she had reached the very top of the mountain. There were some rocks at the E high point, but they weren’t as impressive as those to the W.

By climbing Kruger Peak, Lupe had completed her 4th and final peakbagging goal of the day. She wasn’t going to go any farther N beyond Kruger Peak. The G6 was now 4 miles to the SSW as the crow flies. The E high point (and probable true summit) of Kruger Peak seemed like a good place to stop and take a break.

There was another reason to stop, too. Coming up Kruger Peak, Lupe had started hearing gunfire from down in the Glen Erin Creek valley to the W. It made her nervous, and she had been begging SPHP to stop and hide. So SPHP stopped and covered Lupe with a jacket so she would feel better. Lupe was happy and felt safe curled up under the jacket. SPHP ate an apple, checked the maps again, and took in the panoramic views to the E.

Daisy Peak from near the true summit of Kruger Peak. Photo looks SSW.

Lupe liked hiding under the jacket on Kruger Peak, but soon it was time to go. As SPHP led her down the E spine of the mountain, Lupe kept trying to persuade SPHP to stop again. Those big soft Carolina Dog ears could still hear gunfire far off to the W. The sun was starting to get low, though, and it was a long winding way back to the G6. Lupe and SPHP had to press on.

Lupe well down the E spine of Kruger Peak. Daisy Peak is seen on the R. Lupe traveled from here down into the valley below and over the saddle seen E (L) of Daisy Peak.

After losing quite a bit of elevation, Lupe and SPHP left the E spine of Kruger Peak. Lupe headed S down into a valley where she saw lots of deer. She headed for a saddle E of Daisy Peak. On the other side of the saddle, the land was forested and lost elevation again. Lupe had found a trail leading up to the saddle on the N side, and it continued down into the forest on the S side.

The trail eventually led to USFS Road No. 337.1A. Lupe turned WSW (R) on it. She passed the junction with No. 337.1B, which she had come down earlier before climbing Daisy Peak. Lupe and SPHP just stayed on No. 337.1A all the way until it reached the main road, USFS Road No. 337. Although the sun was down by now, there were still a few active squirrels in the trees along the way, so Lupe had some exciting times barking as twilight closed in.

Just prior to reaching No. 337, Lupe came to half a dozen bearded men standing around a pickup truck. These were the first people Lupe and SPHP had seen since leaving the G6. The men were drinking beer, and for some reason, putting little branches of spruce trees in the empty beer bottles so they stuck out as if they were Christmas trees.

The men said they were from Custer. They weren’t hunters, just out drinking and talking in the woods having a good time. They were quite friendly. They treated Lupe kindly and offered SPHP a beer, which was politely declined. SPHP chatted with them for a few minutes. They seemed truly surprised to find out where Lupe had been.

Somewhere along USFS Road No. 337, Lupe got something stuck in her right ear. She kept shaking her head and scratching. SPHP tried to help her, but even with a flashlight couldn’t see anything in her ear. SPHP scratched it for her, which she enjoyed, but it didn’t really help. Lupe kept scratching it herself whenever SPHP stopped for more than a moment. Her ear bothered her off and on the rest of the day.

No. 337 led to No. 336 (Flynn Creek Road). No. 336 led to No. 338, the rocky road up to Cicero Peak. It was pitch dark by the time Lupe and SPHP reached No. 338. A red light could be seen up on the tower on Cicero Peak. As Lupe and SPHP made the trek up the mountain, SPHP threw 100 – 200 large loose rocks off to the side of the road, hoping to make the trip back down less traumatic for the poor, abused G6.

Before leaving Cicero Peak, Lupe and SPHP went all the way back up to the very highest rocks on the mountain, so Lupe could claim a 2nd ascent. At 6:06 PM (48°F), Lupe jumped into the G6 for the ride home. Despite SPHP’s rock clearing efforts, it still took 25 minutes to carefully drive the 1.5 miles back down the mountain, but the G6 emerged unscathed.

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 109 was over. It was the last expedition for SPHP and the 3 year old Carolina Dog. Tomorrow was Lupe’s 4th birthday. Lupe’s last day being 3 years old had been quite a day!

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Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 165 – Matias Peak & Cicero Peak (4-4-16)

Lupe was on her way home from her adventures in western Nebraska. It wasn’t the end of her adventures on this trip, though. There was still time for one of Lupe’s Black Hills, SD Expeditions on the way! As Hwy 18 climbed into the southern hills NE of Edgemont, SPHP was looking for USFS Road No. 379. Lupe was going to climb Matias Peak (4,780 ft.).

Before reaching the top of the long hill, SPHP spotted a road heading into the trees on the N side of Hwy 18. There was room to park the G6 there, too. (11:52 AM, 59°F) Good! This was it, USFS Road No. 379! A marker proved it. Matias Peak was no more than 2 miles away as the crow flies. SPHP’s old USFS map showed no road to it, but No. 379 was supposed to get within a mile SW of the summit.

Lupe and SPHP set out on No. 379. Instead of heading NNE toward Matias Peak, the road wound its way downhill into a dry canyon to the WNW. Once it reached the bottom of the canyon, No. 379 turned N and started back uphill. Soon Lupe came to an unmarked intersection. She took the right branch, which led NE.

Lupe hadn’t followed the right branch very far when Matias Peak came into view at a minor pass.

Matias Peak in the southern Black Hills as seen from a minor pass along USFS Road No. 379. Photo looks NE.

Lupe and SPHP stayed on No. 379, and went over the pass. Lupe had already lost 100 feet of elevation when SPHP realized No. 379 was going turn NW away from the mountain and continue losing elevation. A look around at the terrain showed it would have been better to leave the road back at the pass. From there, Lupe could climb the ridge to the E.

Lupe and SPHP turned around and returned to the pass. Lupe left No. 379 and started climbing. Soon she was a very unhappy Carolina Dog. There was cactus! Lupe didn’t want to go this way. She sat down and wouldn’t move. She lifted a front paw pathetically begging SPHP for help and mercy.

SPHP checked her paws. She didn’t seem to have cactus spines in any of them. SPHP knew her paws weren’t really that sore. Just a couple of hours ago, she had been racing around having a great time at Toadstool Geological Park in Nebraska. Maybe she could smell the cactus?

In any event, whether Lupe had stepped on any or not, it was clear she knew cactus was around. She wanted to go back to the road, or be carried. The road wasn’t going to take Lupe to Matias Peak. Going back meant giving up. On the other hand, Matias Peak was still 1.5 miles away. SPHP wouldn’t be able to carry her that far, and then all the way back again.

For a couple minutes, Lupe rested while SPHP pondered. Well, let’s try it and see how it goes. There’s quite a bit of forest, and there shouldn’t be much cactus in the forest. SPHP picked Lupe up and started carrying her on up the ridge. SPHP tried to stay in the forest as much as possible, but there were still sunny little openings harboring more cactus.

Where there were boulders, Lupe was willing to scramble up on her own power for short stretches. Mostly SPHP had to carry her. After a somewhat steep, rocky section, Lupe and SPHP reached the flat top of the ridge. There was a nice view to the N.

Well, at least some progress had been made. SPHP hoped that this ridge would just sweep around to the NE right on up to Matias Peak. For a while it looked promising as SPHP carried Lupe E along the top of the ridge. It all ended at a big steep drop. SPHP put Lupe down and told her to stay, a completely unnecessary command. She wasn’t about to budge.

SPHP scouted around looking for a view between the trees. Low cliffs were just ahead. Down below was a large field. On the other side was another forested ridge. That was probably the ridge that would lead N to Matias Peak. SPHP returned to Lupe. Time for a water and rest break!

SPHP studied the topo map printed out from Peakbagger.com. It was a bit confusing at first, since the topo map was too old to show the correct location of Hwy 18, where Lupe and SPHP had started from. In a few minutes, though, SPHP was pretty certain where Lupe was. She was now at the E end of a small ridge marked toward the W end as 4,355 ft. elevation. Lupe needed to cross the field down below, and head NE toward the next ridge. That ridge would lead her N to Matias Peak.

It took a long time. SPHP carried Lupe down off the ridge, finding a way down toward the S. Then it was a long trek in the sun carrying Lupe across the field. However, Lupe was willing to climb the far ridge on her own. SPHP just kept an eagle eye out to help her avoid the occasional cactus.

Once up on the ridge, it was a steady climb, but a fairly gradual one most of the rest of the way up Matias Peak. There were small cliffs on the W side of the ridge, which provided very nice viewpoints in that direction in many places. Most of the time, Lupe and SPHP stayed near the cliffs to enjoy the views.

Looking WSW from the S ridge leading up to Matias Peak. USFS Road No. 379 can be seen coming down through the trees on the L. (That's the part of it Lupe and SPHP did not continue on beyond the pass. The pass is near the L edge of this photo.) Wyoming is on the horizon! — Looking WSW from the S ridge leading up to Matias Peak. USFS Road No. 379 can be seen coming down through the trees on the L. (That’s the part of it Lupe and SPHP did not continue on beyond the pass. The pass is near the L edge of this photo.) Wyoming is on the horizon!

Lupe relaxes on one of SPHP's many rest breaks going up Matias Peak. — Lupe relaxes on one of SPHP’s many rest breaks going up Matias Peak.

SPHP took many rest breaks on the way up Matias Peak. Lupe would never have made it to the top, except for the gradual development of a technique Lupe seemed willing to go along with, despite her trepidation over the scattered cactus.

The technique went as follows: SPHP carried Lupe for a little way, and then put her down. SPHP then left without her, continuing on up the mountain, scouting around to make sure there wasn’t any cactus along the way. Lupe always watched with concern as SPHP marched off, but she wouldn’t move.

After going a suitable distance, SPHP would stop, turn around and shout back to Lupe that it was “time to check the maps”. Lupe seemed to take this to mean that SPHP had somehow magically eliminated all the cactus in her way. She immediately came running full tilt to catch up.

Of course, Lupe knows what checking the maps normally involves, so SPHP had to actually sit down, get out the maps and take a look at them for a few minutes each time. Then it was time to carry Lupe for another stretch, before putting her down again. Rinse and repeat. Over and over. It was slow, but not nearly as slow as trying to carry Lupe the entire distance.

Fortunately, Lupe never did run into any cactus. She continued to believe in the power of checking the maps. As Lupe and SPHP got nearer the summit, an unmarked dirt road appeared, temporarily curving closer to the W from somewhere off to the SE. Lupe was perfectly willing to trot along without fear on this road. Lupe and SPHP began to make rapid progress toward the summit.

Near the end of the climb, Lupe had to leave the road again, which now curved back around to the E of the summit. The field to the NW had quite a bit of cactus in it, especially higher up. SPHP went back to carrying Lupe all the time, but it wasn’t too far to the forest at the base of the final short steep climb to the summit.

There didn’t seem to be any cactus around on the final stretch up through the rocks and trees. Lupe climbed up under her own power. The top of Matias Peak is a flat forested ridge of moderate length running SW/NE. Lupe found the very highest rocks to be somewhat closer to the NE end.

Lupe makes it to the top of Matias Peak! She is standing next to the very highest rock. There were a couple of other rocks around almost as high, one of which is the rock in the foreground. Photo looks NE.

Lupe on another rock contending for the highest point on Matias Peak. This one was a bit to the W of the other two, and had a view off to the WNW in the general direction of **Pilger Mountain (4,788 ft.)**.

Lupe and SPHP were pleased to find that although the entire summit ridge was forested, there were several good viewpoints from Matias Peak.

Parker Peak (4,848 ft.) (Center) is the high point of Fall River County. Photo looks SE. — **Parker Peak (4,848 ft.)** (Center) is the high point of Fall River County. Photo looks SE.

Looking SSE at a truck going over a bridge on Hwy 18. It turned out there was a much easier route up Matias Peak than the one Lupe and SPHP took starting out on USFS Road No. 379. The easier route begins on an unmarked dirt road that leaves Hwy 18 from the big flat grassy area seen to the R of the bridge. This is the same road that Lupe and SPHP encountered not far from the summit.

The best view from Matias Peak was toward Wildcat Peak (5,500 ft.) (L of Center) and Elk Benchmark (5,669 ft.) (R). Photo looks NNW using the telephoto lens. — The best view from Matias Peak was toward **Wildcat Peak (5,500 ft.)** (L of Center) and **Elk Benchmark (5,669 ft.)** (R of Center). Photo looks NNW using the telephoto lens.

Lupe and SPHP lingered up on Matias Peak for a while. When it was time to go, Lupe’s confidence had returned to the point where she was running around like normal in the forest. She came down off the short steep part at the SE end of the summit under her own power. However, when she reached the grassy area where SPHP had seen quite a few cactus on the way up, SPHP insisted on carrying Lupe the rest of the way down to the dirt road.

Rather than retrace Lupe’s scenic, but slow approach route, SPHP decided Lupe should just stay on the dirt road to see where it went. Lupe didn’t worry about cactus while on the road, but was still cautious enough not to make forays off to either side. SPHP didn’t have to carry Lupe at all.

The dirt road wound around a little bit, but eventually straightened out and headed due S across open fields. It reached Hwy 18 at the top of the long hill NE of Edgemont just W of a bridge over a deep ravine. There was a big paved pullout on the N side of Hwy 18 where the dirt road reached it. Even at the highway, the dirt road wasn’t marked with any sign or number.

If Lupe and SPHP would have started up Matias Peak from this point, instead of on USFS Road No. 379, Lupe would have had a much easier, though less scenic time reaching the summit. The dirt road headed almost straight toward the summit gaining elevation at an easy pace. Only the last little part of the climb would have been off the road.

At the pullout on the N side of Hwy 18 where the easiest and most direct route to Matias Peak (seen in the background) begins. Photo looks N.

The last part of the return trip from Matias Peak was a not-so-fun trek W along busy Hwy 18 for about 0.75 mile as the highway slowly curved SW. It was all a gradual downhill slope, which was fortunate, since Lupe wanted to be carried part of the time. SPHP had to oblige.

Lupe didn’t like the highway traffic, or the scattered cacti and broken glass waiting for her on the shoulder and in the ditch. SPHP was in complete agreement. Both Lupe and SPHP were quite happy when the G6 finally came back into view (4:17 PM, 70°F).

Before completing the drive home, Lupe had one final mission. When Lupe’s trip to western Nebraska had started just 2 days ago, the last peak Lupe had climbed with new friend Jobe Wymore before leaving the Black Hills was Cicero Peak (6,166 ft.). SPHP had been so interested in Jobe’s mountaineering stories, SPHP had forgotten the camera case up on top of the mountain. Now Lupe was going to go back up Cicero Peak to see if it was still there.

SPHP parked the G6 at the start of USFS Road No. 338 (Cicero Peak Road) (4:55 PM, 60°F). Somehow Lupe knew right away. Maybe the air smelled different. Maybe she remembered from being here before. However she knew, Lupe was certain there wasn’t any cactus here! Suddenly she was free to race happily through the forests again without a care in the world.

Lupe explored, while SPHP hiked the 1.5 mile road back up to the summit of Cicero Peak. It was a gradual, easy climb. Near the top, Lupe discovered what may be the last snow she will find in the Black Hills this spring. There wasn’t much left, and the snow was melting fast, but it was clear Lupe loved it. She ate big mouthfuls. She rolled on it to cool off. The snow tasted and felt great!

As Lupe neared the summit, the question was, would the camera case still be there? SPHP wasn’t even completely certain that was where it had been left behind.

Lupe reaches the tower on top of Cicero Peak. Photo looks SSW.

Lupe went around to the highest rocks just W of the summit tower. Sure enough, Lupe found the camera case laying among the highest rocks! The carrying strap looked like a squirrel had nibbled on one edge of it. The squirrel hadn’t done it much harm, though. Apparently camera case carrying straps lack that nutty taste squirrels crave.

Lupe finds the camera case resting among the summit rocks of Cicero Peak, right where SPHP had left it 2 days earlier. A squirrel had chewed the strap a little, but had done little damage.

Finding the camera case again made Lupe’s Cicero Peak mission a complete success! All that was left was the descent back down the mountain.

On the way down, Lupe saw smoke from a forest fire to the SE. She saw Matias Peak, where she had just been, looking small and insignificant far away on the S edge of the Black Hills. She glimpsed the strange rock to the NW that Lupe and SPHP know as “Cracked Molar” (officially Beecher Rock?). Sharp-eyed Jobe had noticed it two days ago.

Smoke from a forest fire (L) somewhere not too far SE of Cicero Peak.

Matias Peak (L) from Cicero Peak using the telephoto lens. Photo looks SSW.

The rock Lupe and SPHP know as "Cracked Molar" is probably officially Beecher Rock. Photo looks NW using the telephoto lens. — The rock Lupe and SPHP know as “Cracked Molar” is probably officially Beecher Rock. Photo looks NW using the telephoto lens.

The thing that made Lupe happiest, though, was seeing, tasting, and feeling the last of the cold melting snow one more time.

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To the Wildcat Hills of Nebraska with Mountaineer Jobe Wymore (4-2-16)

Lupe was back, and that meant she already had good news! There were a few more inches of snow around than when Lupe had been here on Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 164 just 4 days ago, but once again the G6 had made it to the intersection of Six Mile Road and USFS Road No. 301.1A (4-1-16, 11:06 AM, 32°F), only 0.33 mile E of Copper Mountain.

The good news was that there was now absolutely no question whether it would be possible to get up on the summit of Odakota Mountain (7,200 ft.) tomorrow morning. Odakota Mountain was just a couple of miles away from the G6 as the roads went, and SPHP believed the G6 could get even closer.

Although it wasn’t really necessary for Lupe’s updated scouting report, Lupe and SPHP went on to climb both Odakota Mountain and Copper Mountain (6,920 ft.).

Advanced scout Lupe dashes ahead on Six Mile Road. She loved the several inches of new snow. Fortunately, there hadn't been enough new snow to prevent the G6 from reaching the area. — Advanced scout Lupe dashes ahead on Six Mile Road. She loved the several inches of new snow. Fortunately, there hadn’t been enough new snow to prevent the G6 from reaching the area.

Lupe at the summit cairn on Odakota Mountain. Photo looks NNW. — Lupe at the summit cairn. Photo looks NNW.

Advance scout Lupe happy to be able to report that getting to the summit cairn on Odakota Mountain was fun and easy! Photo looks S.

Even the deadfall timber on Odakota Mountain looked better with a little more snow on it. Photo looks W.

Odakota Mountain as seen from Copper Mountain. Snow always makes mountains look more impressive! Photo looks SW.

Harney Peak (7,242 ft.) (L of center) from Green Mountain. Sylvan Hill (7,000 ft.) is the high ridge on the R. Photo looks SE. — **Harney Peak (7,242 ft.)** (L of center) from Copper Mountain. **Sylvan Hill (7,000 ft.)** is the high ridge on the R. Photo looks SE.

Lupe’s updated scouting trip had been necessitated by a 3 hour rain at Lupe’s home on Wednesday morning, 3-30-16. To add insult to injury, the following day, Thursday, 3-31-16, featured a series of intermittent mini-blizzards as squall lines repeatedly passed through the Black Hills region all day long. It was impossible to know how much snow had fallen at over 7,000 ft. without coming here again today. Lupe didn’t mind in the least. She was having fun!

The amount of new snow near Odakota Mountain was perfect! Enough to beautify the mountains, yet not enough to prevent easy access. Lupe and SPHP were excited and pleased!

Back at home, SPHP served as Lupe’s secretary and emailed out her updated Odakota road condition report to the interested party. “It’s ON! … Meet as previously planned.” The response came a short time later. “Perfect! This is EXACTLY what I wanted to hear! … Looking forward to making this happen, Jobe Wymore”

The next morning (4-2-16), Lupe and SPHP were waiting for Jobe at Medicine Mountain Road 2 miles S of Crazy Horse. Within 30 minutes, Jobe arrived in a rented silver vehicle that was an absolute BEAST! High clearance, 4WD, huge knobby tires. SPHP should have known. The quote on Jobe’s Peakbagger.com account homepage read “The will to win means nothing without the will to prepare. – Juma Ikaanga, 2:08:01 marathoner.” Jobe was ready for anything.

A few minutes later, with the G6 safely ditched a few miles in on Medicine Mountain Road, Lupe and SPHP joined Jobe in the BEAST. Before long it was parked at the junction of Six Mile Road and USFS Road No. 693 near Odakota Mountain. Lupe, Jobe & SPHP began the 0.5 mile, snowy trek to the summit of Odakota.

On 3-26-16, Jobe Wymore had selected Lupe to serve as his local peakbagging expert after seeing that she had been to Odakota Mountain several times. He had emailed Lupe. All he ready wanted to know was how much snow there was, and whether or not the roads were open. Lupe emailed back that she would find out. That’s how Lupe came to be Jobe’s advanced scout.

Jobe lives in the Portland, Oregon area and had already bought a plane ticket to Denver. His main peakbagging objectives were Wildcat Mountain (5,025 ft.) and Hogback Mountain (5,062 ft.) in the Wildcat Hills S of Scottsbluff, Nebraska. However, if Odakota Mountain in the Black Hills of South Dakota was accessible, he wanted to drive the extra 200+ miles N to ascend it, too.

SPHP hadn’t initially recognized Jobe Wymore’s name. A day or two after Lupe had promised Jobe she would check out conditions near Odakota Mountain, SPHP finally looked Jobe Wymore up on peakbagger.com. It was an eye-opener. Jobe was not your average, casual day-hiking peakbagger like Lupe and SPHP. Jobe was a real mountaineer!

Over 2,400 ascents, over 1,300 different mountains climbed, 205 ascents of Grandeur Peak (8,299 ft.) over 19 years, and 600 ascents of Malans Peak (6,960 ft.) alone in less than a 2.5 year period. Jobe had climbed the highest mountains in all 50 U.S. states including Denali (20,310 ft.) in Alaska. All but 6 of them, twice. The lowest peak in his top 10 summits by elevation was Mt. Whitney (14,495 ft.), the highest peak in the lower 48 U.S. states.

It went on – successful summits in Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Mexico, Guatemala, Chile, Argentina, Ecuador, and Australia. Jobe had been up extremely remote peaks including Mt. Angayukaqsraq (4,700 ft.) in NW Alaska, and Mt. Bona (16,500 ft.) in SE Alaska. Jobe had been to the highest points in every county of Wisconsin, Colorado, North Dakota, Oregon, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming and Nevada.

Furthermore, Jobe had climbed with other people whose names SPHP did recognize from Peakbagger.com – Edward Earl, Dick Ellsworth, Dave Covill, Greg Slayden, Gustav Sexauer and Steve Mueller.

Yes, meeting Jobe was like meeting a celebrity. Lupe wasn’t fazed. Carolina Dogs are celebrities themselves! Soon advanced scout and Black Hills peakbagging expert Lupe was posing with peakbagger extraordinaire and mountaineer Jobe Wymore at the summit of Odakota Mountain.

Lupe and Jobe Wymore arrive at the summit cairn on Odakota Mountain. Photo looks N.

Celebrities Jobe and Lupe on Odakota. It was a great moment for both! Jobe said Odakota Mountain had been on his list of places to go for 20 years. Photo looks NW.

Although Odakota Mountain is the 2nd highest in all of South Dakota at 7,200 feet, the mountain is kind of a mess covered with deadfall timber. There are still enough trees around to interfere with the views in every direction at the top. SPHP was a little afraid that someone of Jobe’s vast experience might find Odakota disappointing.

Jobe’s reaction was surprising. For a few moments he was entranced. He said he had been meaning to climb Odakota for 20 years. For Jobe, it was a beautiful moment, the fulfillment of a long held ambition.

Lupe and SPHP were glad Jobe liked Odakota Mountain and the Black Hills. Jobe wanted to visit a couple more peaks in the few hours he had remaining before having to head S to Nebraska. Lupe, Jobe and SPHP went to nearby Copper Mountain, which isn’t as high as Odakota, but has a better viewpoint.

Lupe and Jobe on Copper Mountain with Odakota (L) in the background. Photo looks SW.

Looking SE at Harney Peak (7,242 ft.) from Copper Mountain. — Looking SE at **Harney Peak (7,242 ft.)** from Copper Mountain.

There were lots of places Lupe would have liked to take Jobe in the Black Hills, but Jobe’s time was very limited. Cicero Peak (6,166 ft.), S of Custer, SD has a 1.5 mile long access road (USFS Road No. 338), which goes almost all the way to the top. The road was closed, but Jobe had time to hike it with Lupe and SPHP.

Lupe enjoyed trotting along on and off the road, while Jobe and SPHP were engaged in conversation. Jobe was full of fascinating tales about people and mountains. SPHP recognized some names and places, but knew nothing about many others.

Jobe told of a mountaintop writhing with baby rattlesnakes emerging from a huge den at the summit. He had stories about a life-threatening storm on Mt. Bona (16,500 ft.) in Alaska, and being forced to turn back on 3 separate occasions by weather on Aconcagua (22,841 ft.), the highest peak in the Andes of South America.

Perhaps the most riveting tale of all was about the tragic death of Edward Earl. Edward drowned on 6-19-15 while attempting to cross the Jago River in NE Alaska after two failed attempts at climbing Mt. Isto (8,976 ft.), the high point of the Brooks Range. Although Jobe had not been on that trip, Jobe personally knew Edward Earl and all three of the friends that had been with him on that fateful day.

It was all so interesting, that SPHP failed to take any photos, except at the top of Cicero Peak, and then forgot all about the camera case.

Jobe scratches Lupe's chin in exchange for guide services rendered coming up to the summit of Cicero Peak. A bit more to the left, Jobe. Ahh, that feels good! Photo looks N. — Jobe scratches Lupe’s chin in exchange for guide services rendered coming up to the summit of Cicero Peak. A bit more to the left, Jobe. Ahh, that feels good! Photo looks N.

After climbing Cicero Peak, Jobe’s few hours in the Black Hills were up. He had to head S to the Wildcat Hills of Nebraska to complete his main peakbagging objectives of this trip before flying back home late tomorrow afternoon. Even though Jobe had to leave the Black Hills, Lupe’s adventures with Jobe weren’t over yet! Jobe didn’t mind if Lupe and SPHP tagged along and went to the Wildcat Hills, too.

So, Lupe and SPHP in the G6, followed by Jobe in the BEAST, headed S for Scottsbluff, Nebraska. The drive went through desolate, sparsely populated SW South Dakota and NW Nebraska. It was the sort of territory Lupe and SPHP love. Unspoiled vistas of hills and prairies for SPHP, and an abundance of cows and horses to bark furiously at for Lupe.

Lupe on her cow and horse lookout perch in the G6 while enjoying the journey to the Wildcat Hills.

After gassing up in Scottsbluff, Jobe took the lead in the BEAST, with Lupe and SPHP following in the G6. Jobe drove through Scottsbluff and Gering, continuing S on 4-lane Highway 71. A couple of miles S of the Scotts Bluff/Banner County Line, Jobe turned W on County Road No. 40. After a mile, it turned SW for a short distance before dead-ending at a yellow house, apparently the only home served by County Road No. 40.

Jobe knew that this house was the home of Richard Archer, who refers to himself as either “Arch” or “The Bluffman”. Arch is actually a tenant and not the owner of the property, but both Arch and the owner are not only tolerant of respectful hikers, but curious and friendly toward them as well. Wildcat Mountain and Hogback Mountain are both on the owner’s ranchlands.

There was no answer when Jobe knocked on the door. Since it was late afternoon already, the plan had been to get permission from Arch to come back and climb Wildcat and Hogback Mountains in the morning. Unfortunately, Arch wasn’t home. Jobe needed paper to write a note to leave at the house. By the time SPHP returned with the paper, Jobe had a new idea.

Although it was fairly late in the day, there were still probably a good 3 hours of daylight left. Would Lupe and SPHP be willing to climb Wildcat and Hogback Mountains now? The whole round trip was only about 5 or 6 miles, give or take a little. Lupe and SPHP were fine with that. Sure! Sounds realistic. Maybe we can even get some sunset shots from Hogback Mountain?

Jobe wrote out two notes, one to leave on the door of the house and one on the dashboard of the BEAST. As soon as they were in place, Lupe, Jobe & SPHP headed out through a pasture behind the house. A faint road lead WSW for a while before being forced to turn S by a ravine to the W.

The climb was gradual at first, but became steeper as the road continued on. Eventually, the road played out. A muddy single track trail continued S, climbing at a moderately steep pace. There was an incredible amount of cactus around, but amazingly, Lupe didn’t seem bothered by it. She trotted right along with SPHP, following Jobe up.

When the trail reached the S end of the ravine to the W, the trail more or less disappeared too. The summit of Wildcat Peak was now just 0.5 mile to the W. Lupe, Jobe, and SPHP followed a long slope up the mountain. The very last part was a steep little climb up to a flat, roomy summit. Jobe made it up there first, followed by Lupe and SPHP a couple minutes later.

Lupe reaches the top of Wildcat Mountain! Her next objective, Hogback Mountain, is seen just a mile to the NW.

Peakbagging buddies Lupe & Jobe on Wildcat Mountain. The USGS benchmark is seen on the ground in front of Jobe. Photo looks E.

Presumably a weather station near the SE end of the Wildcat Mountain summit area. Photo looks SE.

After 10 minutes or so spent enjoying the views up on Wildcat Mountain, the slanting rays of the sun indicated it was time to press on to Hogback Mountain, now just a mile away to the NW. There were small cliffs on the NW side of Wildcat Mountain, and larger ones to the S. Everyone had to go back to the NE end of the summit area to lose a little elevation before turning W along the rather steep N slope.

It wasn’t too far down to the long ridge NW of Wildcat Mountain that led to Hogback Mountain. SPHP was a little slow coming down, but Lupe and SPHP soon caught up with Jobe, who was waiting on the ridge. The way ahead looked easy! Jobe and SPHP pressed onward.

Poor Lupe didn’t. She wasn’t coming. She didn’t bark; she didn’t whine. She just sat silently on the snow being left behind. Jobe noticed first.

Suffering Lupe on the ridge NW of Wildcat Mountain, seen in the background. Cactus had turned her into Tenderpaw Lupe. The American Dingo couldn't go on to Hogback Mountain. It hurt, and just wasn't fun anymore. — Suffering Lupe on the ridge NW of Wildcat Mountain, seen in the background. Cactus had turned her into Tenderpaw Lupe. The American Dingo couldn’t go on to Hogback Mountain. It hurt, and just wasn’t fun anymore.

The cactus had finally gotten to Lupe. Jobe and SPHP returned to her. Several times, Jobe and SPHP inspected all her paws and pulled fine little cactus spines out of them. Lupe started onward again a couple of times, but she didn’t get far. Cactus loaded with more sharp spines were practically everywhere.

Back home in her Black Hills of South Dakota, Lupe has become a local peakbagging expert. Most places in the Black Hills, except at lower elevations near the prairie or toward the drier southern hills, there aren’t any cactus, or very few. Here in the Wildcat Hills of Nebraska, the cactus infested ridge had reduced the intrepid American Dingo to just Tenderpaw Lupe.

The cactus were terrible. Lupe kept stopping. She was done. She didn’t whine. She just sat there and lifted one paw up to SPHP and Jobe asking for help. As far as Lupe was concerned, the Wildcats and Hogs could have these hills! SPHP told Jobe to go on. SPHP would start back to Arch’s house with Lupe. Jobe asked if SPHP was sure? Absolutely! Jobe had come all this way to climb Hogback Mountain. He had to go while there was still light. Jobe took off running.

SPHP picked Lupe up. No doubt the most reliable route back was the known route Lupe had taken to get here. However, that meant climbing back up to go around the steep N slope of Wildcat Mountain. Even though it was a bit risky, SPHP decided to carry Lupe downhill to the NE. SPHP would try to stay up on the ridge as long as possible before descending down into the steep Badlandy cedar breaks below. Maybe it wouldn’t even be necessary?

It was. The ridge finally ran out. Lupe and SPHP had already lost quite a bit of elevation. Hopefully, there would be a way through in the big gullies down below. This was badlands type terrain, a land of narrow, very steep-sided ravines. If Lupe and SPHP could lose enough elevation, the ravines would ultimately empty out onto wide open flatlands near Arch’s house.

SPHP found a way down to the bottom of a ravine. It continued to lose elevation at a rapid pace. The ravine was choked with cedar trees, making it difficult to force a way through. The real danger, though, was that there might be a 10 foot drop along the way, with no safe way down. That would have forced a climb back out. Fortunately, it didn’t happen. There were a few 4-6 foot drops along the way, but Lupe and SPHP managed to scramble down each time.

Lupe on the steep side of the cedar breaks N of Wildcat Mountain. At least there wasn't much cactus down here. She was willing to trot along on her own power part of the time. — Lupe on the steep side of the cedar breaks N of Wildcat Mountain. At least there wasn’t much cactus down here. She was willing to trot along on her own power part of the time.

The damp, muddy ground down at the bottom of the ravines was friendlier to Lupe’s paws. For one thing, there wasn’t nearly so much cactus down here. There was still some, but it wasn’t everywhere. Part of the time Lupe was willing to trot along on her own power. It was generally slow going fighting through the cedar trees in the narrow gullies, but Lupe and SPHP continually made progress. Gradually, the ravine was getting bigger.

Suddenly, Lupe and SPHP both heard it – a human voice. It was Jobe! Jobe was looking for Lupe somewhere up above. SPHP shouted back. Soon Jobe was in view close by a little higher up. Jobe joined Lupe and SPHP. It was kind of amazing. SPHP hadn’t told Jobe which way SPHP intended to take Lupe on the way back. Jobe had followed footprints in the patches of snow, though, to pick up the general direction.

It hardly seemed like Jobe would have had enough time to get to Hogback Mountain and way back here already. Had he made it? Jobe had. In fact, he had explored all three high points in contention for being the true summit. In Jobe’s opinion, the middle one was the highest. SPHP felt rather sorry that Jobe couldn’t have had much time to enjoy the summit he had come all this way to see, but it was very kind of Jobe to come back so fast to help Lupe.

For a while Jobe and SPHP took turns carrying Lupe. Occasionally, Lupe went short stretches under her own power. Jobe’s superior physical conditioning enabled him to carry Lupe longer, farther and faster than SPHP could.

Jobe to the rescue! Lupe gets one of many free rides from Jobe down in the cedar breaks N of Wildcat Mountain.

Jobe looking a bit tired, but Lupe seems plenty comfy getting carted around. SPHP hopes she doesn’t think she’s going to get carried everywhere from now on!

Jobe had forgotten to change shoes back at the BEAST. He didn't have his usual hiking boots on. The cactus spines were occasionally getting through his shoes! SPHP seriously hoped that Jobe wasn't going to go lame, too. Alternating between carrying Lupe and Jobe would have made for a very long trek back to Arch's house! — Jobe had forgotten to change shoes back at the BEAST. He didn’t have his usual hiking boots on. The cactus spines were occasionally getting through his shoes! SPHP seriously hoped that Jobe wasn’t going to go lame, too. Alternating between carrying Lupe and Jobe would have made for a very long trek back to Arch’s house!

The cedar break ravines were getting bigger and wider. After carrying Lupe through the winding ravines for a while, Jobe spotted the faint road to Arch’s house just up a short slope to the E. Soon Lupe, Jobe and SPHP were up there. Arch’s house was in view no more than 0.5 mile ahead across gently sloping pastureland. Funnel Rock could be seen to the SE.

After escaping from the cedar breaks, Arch's house was in view ahead. Photo looks ENE using the telephoto lens. — After escaping from the cedar breaks, Arch’s house was in view ahead. Photo looks ENE using the telephoto lens.

Funnel Rock (Center) as seen from the NW. It is just a short distance W of Hwy 71, about 0.75 mile S of the turn W on County Road No. 40 to Arch's house. — Funnel Rock (Center) as seen from the NW. It is just a short distance W of Hwy 71, about 0.75 mile S of the turn W on County Road No. 40 to Arch’s house.

Between Jobe and SPHP, Lupe got carried the entire rest of the way back to Arch’s house. The Bluffman was home! He had seen Jobe’s notes. Arch invited Jobe, Lupe and SPHP in.

For maybe 45 minutes, Lupe, Jobe and SPHP got acquainted with The Bluffman. The house was very rustic. It was filled with animal heads, antlers, rattlesnake skins mounted on boards, and beard balls. A self-extracted tooth dangled on dental floss. It was easy to imagine The Bluffman as a character straight out of the Old West. He looked plenty tough enough to have fit right in with the pioneers on the Oregon and Mormon Trails along the North Platte River 160 years go.

Lupe was happy laying on the floor listening to the conversation, while giving her sore paws a break. SPHP asked about rattlesnakes? Yes, there were plenty in the area. The Bluffman didn’t like to kill them unless they were near the house. These hills were their home, too, after all. The Bluffman had something like 14 rattlers that had strayed too close in the freezer! The Bluffman mentioned elk, eagles, coyotes, mountain lions, and all kinds of smaller creatures living in these hills.

The Bluffman asked if Jobe and SPHP had any money? He offered to sell elk antlers, and a turkey claw back scratcher he had made himself. Arch makes a variety of frontier-days type items to supplement his income.

Arch with the turkey claw back scratcher he made. From the looks of it, SPHP would rate it industrial strength. Lupe, always the enterprising Carolina Dog, can help you obtain one from The Bluffman at a reasonable markup, of course. Lupe is betting there isn't anyone on your Christmas list that already has one! — Arch with the turkey claw back scratcher he made. From the looks of it, SPHP would rate it industrial strength. Lupe, always the enterprising Carolina Dog, can help you obtain one from The Bluffman at a reasonable markup, of course. Lupe is betting there isn’t anyone on your Christmas list that already has one!

When the time came to go, SPHP asked Arch if he would mind letting Lupe get a photo taken with him? He not only didn’t mind, he went and put on his finest 3 skunk-tail hat for the occasion. It was already getting so dark out the photos turned out rather grainy and fuzzy (learn to use the flash, SPHP!), but they are still kind of unique.

Lupe and Arch, The Bluff Man, outside his home in the Wildcat Hills of NE. — Lupe and Arch, The Bluffman, outside his home in the Wildcat Hills of NE.

Tenderpaw Lupe with The Bluff Man and Mountaineer Jobe Wymore in the Wildcat Hills of Nebraska. — Tenderpaw Lupe with The Bluffman and Mountaineer Jobe Wymore in the Wildcat Hills of Nebraska.

Jobe and Arch outside Arch's home. Arch has rented this place for 10 years now. He really loves nature and this quiet life in the Wildcat Hills. — Jobe and Arch outside Arch’s home. Arch has rented this place for 10 years now. He really loves nature and this quiet life in the Wildcat Hills.

Arch had sure lived up to his reputation as a friend to hikers and peakbaggers interested in Wildcat and Hogback mountains. He had treated Lupe, Jobe and SPHP very kindly. Meeting him and seeing his home had been quite a pleasure, and an unusual experience to say the least.

Out in the driveway, after Arch had gone inside the house, it was time to say goodbye to Lupe and SPHP’s new friend Jobe Wymore. Jobe only had 2.5 hours sleep in the past two days, and must have been exhausted. He needed to check into his motel in Gering, and get some sleep before starting on his way back to Denver and then home in the morning.

Lupe’s time with Jobe had sure been fun! (At least up until the whole cactus ordeal, and even then Jobe had been a true friend.) It had certainly been a memorable day from start to finish. Jobe and SPHP said goodbye, then Jobe came around to pet Lupe already relaxing on her soft perch in the G6. The BEAST then took Jobe away along dusty County Road No. 40 back to the highway.

Maybe Lupe and SPHP will see Jobe again some day, but who knows when? If so, you can be certain there will be more American Dingo adventures in store!

After Lupe’s adventure with Jobe Wymore in the Wildcat Hills, she emailed him asking how he first got interested in climbing mountains. “I guess in its simplest terms it had a tad to do with as a young lad stumbling upon Expedition to the Ultimate by Reinhold Messner, and just having the stars align after that. A person’s most devoted undertakings in life are seldom drawn up by one moment, but rather that one moment being polluted and molded into something substantial.”

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Next Adventure

Mount Powell, Montana with Mountaineer Jobe Wymore (7-20-17)

Naya Nuki Peak & Sacagawea Peak, Montana with Mountaineer Jobe Wymore (7-21-17)

Crazy Peak, Montana on the Verge of EPIC with Mountaineer Jobe Wymore (7-22-17)

Want more Lupe adventures? Choose from Lupe’s Black Hills Expeditions Adventure Index, 2016 Dingo Vacation to Western Nebraska Adventure Index, Dingo Vacations Adventure Index or Master Adventure Index. Or subscribe free to new Lupe adventures.