Copper Mountain – The (Mostly) True Adventures of Lupe

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 304 – Getting High in the Black Hills with Peakbagger Dennis Stewart (5-5-22)

8:40 AM, USFS Road No. 297 – Oh, it was on, and Lupe was excited! After a quick weather-shortened introductory jaunt with new friend Dennis Stewart out to a couple of peaks of the limestone plateau country yesterday, the weather was much improved. “Stewy” was ready to hit it hard today. Time permitting, 7 of the 14 highest named peaks in South Dakota were on his agenda, and the American Dingo had every intention of getting high with him at each one.

Starting the day in the **Negro Creek valley** along USFS Road No. 297. Photo looks NNE.

With that many peaks to visit, even though none of them were all that hard to get to, there wasn’t going to be a lot of time for dilly-dallying. Within minutes of when SPHP parked the RAV4 at a wide spot along USFS Road No. 297, everyone was ready.

Medicine Mountain (6,878 ft.) was first. Although actually the lowest peak Dennis would be climbing today, it was the steepest and involved the most elevation gain from the starting point, a little over 900 feet.

Dennis and Loop about to set out for **Medicine Mountain** (L of Center). Photo looks W.

An old jeep trail going W from No. 297 got things off to an easy start. Less than 100 feet of elevation gain led to USFS Road No. 297.3F, which wasn’t much help, since 3F ran almost horizontally N/S along the E slope instead of toward the summit. Crossing the road to head straight up the mountain, No. 297.3F was encountered a second time 200 feet higher, but the situation was no different here.

Coming up the jeep trail. Photo looks ENE.

Dennis checks his GPS after reaching USFS Road No. 297.3F. Photo looks SSW.

And checks it again after reaching No. 297.3F a second time. Photo looks N.

After crossing No. 297.3F the second time, that was it for roads. The rest of the way up was merely a fairly steep trudge higher. A little deadfall and a few scattered boulders to contend with, but otherwise a romp through open pine forest.

Loop squinting in weak sunshine for the first time in the last couple of days as she heads up **Medicine Mountain’s E slope**. Photo looks W.

Stewy coming up the **E slope**. Photo looks E.

Loop posing for Dennis on a rock. Photo looks NW.

Starting to get close to the top. Photo looks WNW.

The last 100+ feet of elevation gain was steepest. Dennis preferred to go directly up the E face. However, Medicine Mountain (6,878 ft.) has two summits, the S one being the true summit. Looper hadn’t been here in nearly 5 years, but SPHP was pretty certain that by angling NW toward the saddle between the two summits, the Carolina Dog could pick up a use trail that would get her to the top.

A little longer, but the Lazy Dingo route worked out perfectly. While Dennis proved his mettle against the mountain, Lupe came to a nicely rounded clearing up at the saddle, easily sniffed out the use trail, and was there in time to greet Dennis as he reached the summit.

On the grassy saddle between the N and S summits. Photo looks SSW.

Up on **Medicine Mountain’s S summit**. Photo looks S.

9:34 AM, Medicine Mountain (6,878 ft.) – The true summit was a rock tucked in at the base of a small birch tree that was slightly higher than others nearby. After the required summit shot, a short rest break was in order. Lupe shared a chocolate coconut bar with SPHP, and drank some water. Dennis opened a can of cashews, and enjoyed a few while sitting on a big rock, offering some cashews to SPHP, too.

Getting to be a beautiful day! Partly cloudy with blue sky and sunshine. As everyone relaxed, the big view was toward the SE, where several of the highest peaks in South Dakota were visible on the horizon.

Dennis had already been to Black Elk Peak (7,231 ft.), South Dakota’s high point, many years ago back when it was still officially Harney Peak, and wouldn’t be returning on this trip. SPHP pointed out two others, Little Devils Tower (6,960 ft.) and Sylvan Hill (7,000 ft.), that were on his current itinerary.

Looper near **Medicine Mountain’s true summit**, the rock (R of Center) beneath the birch tree. Photo looks NW.

**Black Elk Peak** (far L), **Little Devils Tower** (L), and **Sylvan Hill** (L of Center) all on the horizon. Photo looks SE.

Two peakbagging nuts, plus a can of nuts, on **Medicine Mountain**.

The view NW was of more immediate interest. Dennis’ next 3 objectives, Odakota Mountain (7,200 ft.), Green Mountain (7,164 ft.) and Copper Mountain (6,920 ft.) were in sight. In fact, all of the other peaks Dennis intended to climb today were visible from Medicine Mountain, since Bear Mountain (7,166 ft.) was also in view off to the SSW.

**Green Mountain** (L of Center) and **Copper Mountain** (R of Center). Photo looks NW.

The views were sweet, and Medicine Mountain had been a decent climb, but with so much left to do today, less than half an hour went by before it was already Onward, puppy ho! time. One mountain down, six to go!

10:49 AM, junction of Sixmile Road and USFS Road No. 297.3O – Next up, Copper Mountain (6,920 ft.)! Crossing Sixmile Road, Lupe looked for a spot where an old road once headed N. A little deadfall to contend with, but this open lane made what would otherwise have been an annoying, and needlessly difficult task contending with a thick forest of young pines, a simple one.

Before long, the lane opened onto a big clearing. At the far end, another lane was visible. Following these lanes was the secret to getting to the summit of Copper Mountain without undue aggravation.

At the clearing with the next open lane (R) in sight on the ridge ahead. Photo looks N.

According to the topo map, Copper Mountain’s summit was 0.33 mile due N of where the RAV4 was parked. However, as everyone was getting close to that region, where it was impossible to see much of anything due to all the young pines, SPHP surprised Dennis by insisting that the true summit was actually well off to the E near a line of cliffs.

Trusting the map, Stewy was skeptical to say the least. However, since there was nothing to be seen here, and SPHP assured him that not only was the true summit E, but that the best views by far were available from the cliffs over that way, Dennis went along with the detour.

By now, the wide open lanes were gone, but it was still possible to follow narrower ones through the trees until the terrain began to rise. Soon the forest began opening up as the ground became rockier.

Upon reaching the limestone platform along the E edge of the mountain, Dennis set his GPS unit on what appeared to be the highest rock, and took a reading. After wavering around, it settled in at about 6,946 feet.

Lupe on the rock where Dennis took his GPS elevation reading. Photo looks SE.

After gathering this data point, everyone headed SE to the cliffs at end of the platform where the big views were. A cairn Looper hadn’t seen here before, now sat on the highest rocks along the S edge.

Dennis didn’t bother with another GPS reading, since it seemed unlikely to yield a significantly different result. Instead, several minutes were spent exploring the rocks along the cliff edge while taking in the views. Medicine Mountain stood out 2.25 miles SE, with some of Dennis’ higher objectives well beyond it in the distance.

**Sylvan Hill** (far L) on the horizon, **Medicine Mountain** (L of Center). Photo looks SE.

Loop and Dennis at the **far SE end of Copper Mountain**. Photo looks SE.

L to R beyond Dennis: **Black Elk Peak**, **Peak 6920,** **Little Devils Tower**. **Sylvan Hill** (R). Photo looks SE with help from the telephoto lens.

Loopster and Dennis over by the cairn. Photo looks WNW.

Time to head back! Not to the RAV4, but to the region shown on the topo map as Copper Mountain’s summit. Returning to the rock where Dennis had taken the elevation reading, everyone then went WNW, first down a slope, then gradually higher through deadfall and dense young pines tall enough to hide what was ahead.

The terrain flattened out. Dennis reported that, according to the map, this was Copper Mountain’s summit. Laying the GPS unit on a log about a foot above the ground, another elevation reading was taken. In just a moment it would be clear whether SPHP or the topo map was correct about the location of Copper Mountain’s true summit. After bouncing around a bit, the reading settled out at 6,947 ft.

One foot higher than the rock back E! Except that here the GPS unit was a foot above the ground, resting on the log instead of a rock. Within the limits of the GPS unit’s accuracy, it was a tie.

Hmm. Well, so be it. There were no views here at the W summit except of the thick stand of pines in all directions. SPHP didn’t even bother to take a photo, although Stewy did.

12:11 PM – Less than a mile W of where the RAV4 had been parked near Copper Mountain, SPHP turned S off Sixmile Road onto USFS Road No. 693. 0.125 mile, and No. 693 turned SW. After yesterday’s precipitation, the road was pretty soft here, with a couple of ruts in it.

SPHP parked the RAV4. The top of Odakota Mountain (7,200 ft.) was only 0.4 mile SE. Somewhat more than that following the road, but still within easy reach.

Striking out for Odakota Mountain along USFS Road No. 693. Photo looks SW.

After a jog to the W, the road turned SE, climbing gradually all the time. Halfway to the summit, No. 693 topped out and curved SW toward Long Draw. Abandoning the road, Lupe traveled ESE through a gently sloping field toward a small pillar of limestone near the trees. Coming to a fence a little beyond the pillar, she ducked under it, then followed it S.

Heading for Odakota Mountain’s summit after leaving No. 693. Photo looks ESE.

SPHP’s intention had originally been to go farther E in order to approach Odakota’s summit ridge near the NE end, which past experience had shown to be the easiest route up. The problem coming up from the SW had always been that the barbed wire fence, which ran right by the SW end of the ridge, was broken down and dangerous due to a huge jumble of deadfall that had collapsed upon it.

However, Dennis had left USFS Road No. 693 before SPHP, getting a head start following a jeep trail trail toward the SW end of the summit ridge. Hoping to intercept him, Lupe continued S along the fence all the way to the end of the ridge. Amazingly, since the last time the American Dingo was here more than 4.5 years ago, someone had removed the deadfall and repaired the fence.

Stewy had already made his way up to the summit. A 20 foot climb got Lupe up onto the flat ridge, which was still full of deadfall. Going 200 feet NE, Loop found Dennis where a tall, skinny white rock cairn had once stood. The white rocks were still here, but now all tumbled over. Dennis was busily setting up his tripod and resurrecting the cairn in preparation for his traditional summit selfie.

On the lovely summit of South Dakota’s 2nd highest mountain. Photo looks SW.

12:35 PM, Odakota Mountain (7,200 ft.) – Poor Odakota Mountain! South Dakota’s second highest peak was a mess. Surviving pines and a crop of new ones grew among what remained of a forest devastated by pine bark beetles 10 years ago. No views from the cairn, although both Bear Mountain (7,166 ft.) and a pond down by the old Boy Scout camp could be seen to the S from a little farther SW along the summit ridge.

Certainly not much up here to make Dennis want to hang around. After getting a group selfie shot, he packed up his camera and tripod, and took the easy way down off the NE end of the ridge. Meanwhile, Lupe and SPHP went to take a quick look at the view of Bear Mountain and the Boy Scout pond. It was actually a little better than the last time Loop had been here, since more trees had fallen over.

**Bear Mountain** (R) and the **Boy Scout pond** (L of Center). Photo looks SSE.

Turning around to leave and catch up with Dennis, SPHP saw something Lupe had never noticed on Odakota Mountain before. Back in the trees, only 25 feet from where Stewy had rebuilt the cairn, there was a sign.

Going over to check it out, the sign said “Odakota Mountain High Point 7,198 feet”. Below it, a round marker set in concrete was stamped “Odakota High Point”. There was also another white rock cairn.

Lupe at the now apparently **official Odakota Mountain high point**. Photo looks N.

The sign must have been here a while. Some of the paint was peeling. Odd that Lupe had never seen it before, but maybe a few years out in the weather was sufficient to get the peeling process underway? This spot really wasn’t discernably higher than where the first cairn was, or most of Odakota’s summit ridge, but the sign and marker were exactly the sort of thing Dennis would be interested in.

SPHP started yelling. Fortunately, Dennis hadn’t gotten too far away yet.

Glancing back at **Odakota Mountain’s summit ridge** from the barbed wire fence after starting back to the RAV4. Photo looks SE.

1:35 PM, junction of Sixmile Road and a faint road – Started out looking like the right spot, but the farther up the faint road Lupe went, the less familiar it all seemed. SPHP must not have driven far enough W to get to Windmill Draw. This was the wrong place. Instead of going a long way up a gentle grassy valley, the faint road merged into an unmarked USFS road near the trees.

It didn’t help when the USFS road played out shortly thereafter. SPHP hadn’t even brought a topo map.

Well, no matter. Green Mountain (7,164 ft.) had to be less than a couple of miles away. Lupe would find it! To SPHP’s recollection, all she had to do was find the E edge of the limestone plateau and follow it N.

On the faint road, setting out for Green Mountain. Photo looks N.

Going through open forest, the terrain kept rising. Eventually there was a lot of deadfall. The E edge of the limestone plateau didn’t materialize. Lupe had never come this way before. Consulting his GPS, Dennis led the way in a direction that seemed 90 degrees off kilter to SPHP.

Lupe finally reached a flat region up on a broad ridge. There was a ton of deadfall up here. A higher hill to the N didn’t look right. None of the terrain looked right. Was this the edge of the limestone plateau? SPHP was expecting a much sharper drop-off, something more cliff-like. No sign of the limestone pillar Lupe used to get up on over by the hill.

Frequently consulting his GPS, Dennis led the way along what appeared to be the only plausible route. Circling along the upper W slope of a big bowl, Lupe leapt over one fallen log after another. An unfamiliar road finally provided relief, leading to a gate near a large, flat clearing.

Still following his GPS, Dennis crossed the clearing. Continuing a little way into the forest, he arrived at a cairn.

Stewy setting up for another group summit selfie.

2:26 PM – Lupe had never seen a cairn on Green Mountain (7,164 ft.) before, but again, it had been more than 4.5 years since she’d been here. Furthermore, this boring spot in the forest did resemble the featureless region SPHP recalled as being all that could be found in the way of a high point where the summit was supposed to be.

As soon as Stewy had his summit selfies, it would be easy to figure out if this was the same place Lupe had been to several times before. If it was, the limestone pillar she used to get up on had to be along the edge of the mountain somewhere near the clearing.

Summit shots taken, everyone headed back there.

Oh, yeah! This was the right place, alright. Going over to the edge of the clearing, slightly down the slope beyond it, there was Lupe’s pillar.

In the **clearing 200 feet SE of the cairn**. **Top of the pillar** (Center) is visible next to Dennis, who is partly behind a tree. Photo looks SE.

Lupe’s Green Mountain limestone pillar (L). Photo looks SE.

After the long, tedious bushwhack through the trackless deadfall-laden forest, and disappointing cairn in the middle of nowhere buried in trees summit, Dennis brightened immediately at the sight of the big sweeping view to the E and SE, and that taunting limestone pillar. If a Carolina Dog could do it, Stewy could, too! The peakbagger in him took over.

Dennis stakes his claim to **Green Mountain’s limestone pillar**. **Black Elk Peak** (L), **Copper Mountain** (Center), **Sylvan Hill** (R of Center), **Medicine Mountain** (R), in front of Stewy. Photo looks SE.

SPHP wasn’t getting up there, but sent a personal representative. Since Lupe hadn’t brought her Dingo wings, SPHP had to give her a boost.

Carefully, carefully! Dennis getting off the pillar.

Lupe’s turn. **Gillette Prairie** (L). Photo looks E.

*Oh, it’s good to be back on the **Green Mountain pillar** again!*

Part of Copper Mountain (far L), **Sylvan Hill** (L), **Medicine Mountain** (Center) with help from the telephoto lens.

A short break was taken before starting back to the RAV4. Dennis was in the habit of texting a photo to family and friends from each summit, and sent out the one of him standing on the pillar. He often got quick, but brief responses. In this case, the most common response was “jump”!

SPHP had to laugh. Always nice to know you’re loved.

A final look at **Green Mountain’s limestone pillar** (L). Photo looks NNE.

4:26 PM – Four down, three to go! Unfortunately, Green Mountain had taken up more time than expected, in part due to SPHP’s error in not parking far enough W at the start of Windmill Draw. Would have been much more of a road hike from there, instead of a bushwhack through deadfall-laden forest.

Couldn’t be helped. Done is done. Happily, Bear Mountain (7,166 ft.), the next objective, was a mere drive-up to a lookout tower. Shortly after turning onto USFS Road No. 293, SPHP was astonished by the amount of logging that had gone on since Lupe had last been here.

In fact, it was still ongoing. 0.5 mile from the summit, a log truck being actively loaded completely blocked the road. Apparently, this was going to take a while. Pulling off the road, SPHP parked the RAV4. Everyone leapt out. After circling past the log truck, the road hike began.

The RAV4 parked a little way off USFS Road No. 293. Photo looks W.

Past the log truck on USFS Road No. 293. Photo looks W.

Approaching the **Bear Mountain fire lookout tower**. Photo looks E.

Lupe had once paid a visit to the ranger at the top of the tower. On a clear day, it was possible to see Laramie Peak (10,272 ft.) in Wyoming. Unfortunately, the tower wasn’t open for the season yet. A sign said it was closed to the public.

A survey benchmark and another sign showing the elevation were at the base of the tower, but there wasn’t a view from here without actually climbing the tower. However, Lupe knew there was a nice view from a small limestone outcropping a short distance SE.

At the base of the tower. Photo looks SW.

Loop and Dennis on the limestone outcropping SE of the tower. Photo looks ENE.

**Elkhorn Mountain (6,381 ft.)** (far L), **Black Elk Peak** (L), **Little Devils Tower** (Center), and **Sylvan Hill** (R) from the viewpoint.

5:58 PM, Needles Highway No. 87, Little Devils Tower trailhead – Upon reaching the RAV4 after Bear Mountain, Dennis faced a choice. 5 of 7 complete, but delays had chewed up enough time so that climbing both remaining peaks wasn’t going to be possible unless Dennis wanted to be out after dark, which he didn’t.

Sylvan Hill (7,000 ft.) or Little Devils Tower (6,920 ft.)? SPHP spoke of the differences in what would be involved, since the nature of the routes was so different. Either one had fabulous views.

Really wasn’t a monumental decision. Dennis could climb whichever peak he didn’t get to today tomorrow. In the end, Stewy chose Little Devils Tower as his last summit with Lupe.

Sweet! A great choice! (Both would have been.) 700 feet of elevation gain along a maintained trail that went past scenic granite formations, followed by a fun scramble to the top.

Little Devils Tower Trail No. 4 was nearly level as it started up a valley. Lupe was soon passing the first granite formations. The views improved steadily as the trail gradually steepened.

Little Devils Tower Trail No. 4. Photo looks NE.

Big granite formations in a side valley.

Approaching some spires. Photo looks NNE.

After more than a mile, Little Devils Tower Trail No. 4 topped out on a ridge near the Cathedral Spires (6,840 ft.). From here, a spur trail split off to the L, heading N. Taking this spur, Little Devils Tower’s massive granite summit quickly came into view.

On the spur trail. Little Devils Tower (R). Photo looks N.

At first, the spur trail was level, or nearly so, but as Lupe got close to the granite, it turned NE and began to climb.

The spur trail starts getting interesting. Photo looks NE.

The spur trail soon topped out at a high spot tucked between huge rock walls. However, this wasn’t the end. Blue arrows painted on the rocks marked the route from here, which now turned NW through a narrow slot in the granite. The first part of the slot was so steep that Loopster needed a boost from SPHP to get up to where she could continue under her own power.

Climbing the slot after an initial boost. Photo looks NW.

Dennis emerging from the slot. Photo looks SE.

Above the slot, minor variations in the route were possible. All involved scrambling up the granite. A little exposure in spots, but not much. The route wound along the granite to a final brief push higher.

Dennis leading the way during the scramble up the granite. Photo looks N.

6:55 PM, Little Devils Tower (6,960 ft.) – Suddenly, Lupe was there! The summit region was a roomy collection of large granite outcroppings and boulders that didn’t vary an awful lot in elevation. There was even a flat area of packed dirt with a bit of vegetation.

The views were incredible! Little Devils Tower is right in the heart of the most rugged part of the Black Hills. While Dennis climbed up onto the highest boulder to tag the true summit, Loopster had a look around. Highlights included Black Elk Peak (7,231 ft.) a little more than a mile NNE, and the magnificent Cathedral Spires (6,840 ft.) only 0.25 mile SE.

**Black Elk Peak** (R) from **Little Devils Tower.** Photo looks N.

The **Cathedral Spires**, also known locally as the **Needles**. Photo looks SE.

Dennis made it up onto the true summit boulder. Lupe needed another boost from SPHP to join him.

Stewy over at the high point. Photo looks S.

Loop and Dennis together at the **true summit**. Photo looks S.

6 of 7 complete, but Little Devils Tower was definitely going to be it. The sun was already low. Sylvan Hill wasn’t happening today.

That was alright. Kind of took the pressure off. Lupe, Dennis, and SPHP could all linger for a while in the beautiful evening light.

**Black Elk Peak** from Little Devils Tower. Photo looks NNE.

**Cathedral Spires** (L and Center) in the evening light. Photo looks SE.

Dennis relaxing at the **true summit**. Photo looks SSW.

Over all too soon! Before long, Stewy was at the end of the scramble lower, about to descend from the slot to the spur trail.

So, Little Devils Tower was a happy ending to a fabulous day! Dennis pronounced it easily his favorite peak in the Black Hills. Sometime he was going to have to bring his wife, Geri, up here.

Lupe hopes to welcome her to the beautiful Black Hills on that great day.

With Stewy on **Little Devils Tower**, Black Hills of South Dakota 5-5-22

Note: Dennis did climb Sylvan Hill the next day before heading to Nebraska to continue his peakbagging adventures. Among his greatest goals are (1) climb the 10 highest named peaks in all of the 48 contiguous US states, (2) climb the 10 highest named county high points in each state, (3) visit every state park with his wife, Geri, (4) float the length of rivers in all states that have a river of the same name. At 73, he realizes these are tall orders.

Before departing, Dennis gave Lupe and SPHP an autographed copy of his book 23 Nights Working for the US Treasury Department, which tells of his experiences working for the US government’s most feared agency, the IRS.

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Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 207 – Peak 6720, Medicine Mountain, Peak 6680 & Copper Mountain (6-3-17)

Start 10:06 AM, 67°F, USFS Road No. 304 near the lower end of Tree Draw, about 4 miles S of Deerfield Road

Well, this was it! Lupe trotted happily along the road leading up Tree Draw. At least there was some shade. It was already warm out. Only a few little white clouds dotted the sunny blue sky. Lupe’s pink tongue dangled so far out of her mouth, it looked like it ought to belong to a considerably larger Dingo.

Lupe was destined to spend a good deal of the day panting. Summer was here! Due to the heat, Expedition No. 207 would be her last Black Hills Expedition until cooler weather arrives in the fall.

Miss Enormous Pink Tongue on the way up Tree Draw on her last Black Hills expedition until cooler weather comes in the fall. Photo looks WNW.

At least the trees in Tree Draw provided some welcome shade. Photo looks WSW.

The road went W for 0.5 mile, then turned S for 0.375 mile. Lupe was now approaching the upper end of Tree Draw. The road angled SW and started climbing more steeply. It faded away entirely at a barbed wire fence. Lupe ducked under the fence, and quickly reached a minor pass. This was the saddle NNW of Peak 6720, her first peakbagging destination for the day.

A broad, gently rounded ridge led SSE up to the top of the mountain. On the way, Lupe dodged scattered deadfall timber. Near the summit, the deadfall was worse and had fallen over the barbed wire fence, which unfortunately came up here, too. SPHP lifted Lupe over the dangerous downed fence.

At the saddle on the ridge above Tree Draw. Lupe followed this broad ridge right on up to the top of **Peak 6720**, which is dead ahead. Photo looks SSE.

At the N end of the first sizable rock outcropping she came to, Lupe reached the true summit of Peak 6720.

Lupe on the true summit of Peak 6720. Photo looks NW.

Astride the highest rock formation at the N end of the summit ridge. Photo looks NNW.

The summit ridge sloped gradually down toward the SSE. Beyond a gap of relatively level ground were more rock formations. Lupe left the true summit to explore them, too.

Lupe went over to explore slightly lower rock formations farther along the ridge. Photo looks SSE.

The rock layers along the spine of Peak 6720 were tilted nearly straight up. A jumble of loose rocks lay scattered immediately below the highest ones. Photo looks SSE.

Fewer trees grew around the rock formations S of the true summit. Lupe enjoyed better views from here, even though she wasn’t quite as high on the mountain as before. She could see Sylvan Hill (7,000 ft.) off to the SE where she’d been only a week ago on Expedition No. 206.

Loopster enjoying being up on the S high point. Why not? The views were terrific! Photo looks SE.

Looking NNW back along the jagged spine of **Peak 6720**.

**Black Elk Peak (7,231 ft.)** (R of Center) from **Peak 6720** with help from the telephoto lens. Photo looks SE.

**Sylvan Hill (7,000 ft.)** (L) and **Peak 6733** (highest point on the far ridge on the R) from **Peak 6720**. Lupe had been to both on Expedition No. 206. Photo looks SSE.

It hadn’t taken long to get to Peak 6720, so Lupe wasn’t ready for much of a break yet. She remained on the summit ridge only 20 minutes. That was long enough to get a drink, scramble around on the rocks some, and see the views.

Medicine Mountain (6,878 ft.), 2 miles to the SSW, was next on the Carolina Dog’s peakbagging agenda. Lupe left Peak 6720 heading straight on down the SW slope. Progress was slow at first. SPHP had to navigate a band of loose rock directly below the spine of the mountain. This was followed by a much longer band of deadfall timber. The deadfall was considerably worse here than on the way Lupe had gone up.

Loose rocks and deadfall were left behind, though, well before Lupe reached the floor of the valley to the W. A dirt road in the valley headed straight for Medicine Mountain.

Leaving **Peak 6720** behind. Photo looks back to the NE.

Down in the valley on the dirt road leading straight for **Medicine Mountain (6,878 ft.)**. Photo looks SSW.

Loop had about a mile to go to reach USFS Road No. 297 down by Negro Creek, but the dirt road she was on veered off onto the W (R) slope of the valley after only half that distance. The Carolina Dog left the road to remain in the valley instead. Following an old cow path, she went around the E side of a large fenced area on the valley floor.

When a spring and small creek appeared, Lupe made good use of them.

In the lower part of the valley. Photo looks WSW.

Lupe reached USFS Road No. 297. She was halfway from Peak 6720 to Medicine Mountain. Negro Creek, a small stream, but much larger than the tiny tributary in the valley she’d just come through, was flowing through an interestingly shaped pond on the other (SW) side of the road. The pond was home to a family of Canadian geese.

Negro Creek flows through this interestingly shaped pond N of Medicine Mountain (Center). Photo looks S.

A family of Canadian geese made the pond on Negro Creek their home.

Lupe and SPHP trudged S on USFS Road No. 297 far enough to get past a barbed wire fence before leaving the road to cross Negro Creek. While SPHP jumped across, Lupe hopped right in the creek and laid down. She then got up, and strolled up and down the creek a few times while drinking the cold water. When the Carolina Dog felt sufficiently refreshed, she leapt out of the creek to start climbing Medicine Mountain.

The day was hot. At least, it was hot for climbing mountains. Despite her revitalizing dip in Negro Creek, Lupe’s tongue was soon hanging out again. The heat sapped SPHP’s energy. Most of the mountain was forested, but Lupe came to a few sunny fields on the way up, too. Lupe and SPHP made numerous short rest stops in shady places.

Lupe explored the forest while SPHP kept chugging slowly up Medicine Mountain. There wasn’t much deadfall until almost to the top. Lupe arrived at the base of a narrow rock outcropping after coming up the N ridge. The outcropping looked only 20 feet high. A route existed where SPHP might be able to scramble directly up.

No problem with the little scramble, but the first 20 feet led only to a false summit. However, Lupe didn’t have much more to go. Loop and SPHP worked a little higher along the E side of a rocky ledge, while proceeding S. In a couple of minutes, Lupe was at the top of Medicine Mountain’s N summit. A line of rocks of roughly equal elevation along the ledge provided terrific views to the N.

This time, break first – then views. Lupe had water and Taste of the Wild. An apple, as usual, for SPHP. Lupe curled up in the shade of a tree, surrounded by delicate white wildflowers. Medicine Mountain was a busy place. Flies buzzed, bees hummed, butterflies chased each other in dizzying circles.

A variety of butterflies chased each other in dizzying circles. This one landed briefly to take a break with Lupe.

Relaxing in the shade among the wildflowers.

After a 10 minute rest, Loop and SPHP were ready for a look around. From the rocks of the N ledge, Lupe could see in every direction except S. The best views were toward the N & W.

After her break, Lupe went out on the rocks of the N ledge for a look around. She could see **Odakota Mountain (7,200 ft.)** (L) the 2nd highest in all of South Dakota. **Green Mountain (7,164 ft.)** is the high point in the distance to the R of Lupe. Photo looks NW.

The view to the NNW. **Green Mountain (7,164 ft.)** again in sunlight on the far L. **Copper Mountain (6,920 ft.)** is the ridge L of Center.

**Peak 6680** is the lower hill to the L of Lupe. Looper would be going there next after leaving Medicine Mountain. Photo looks W.

Gillette Prairie, an area of grasslands within the Black Hills, is in view on the R. Distant ridges along the E edge of the high limestone plateau country lie beyond it. The closest ridge on the L is **Copper Mountain (6,920 ft.)**. Lupe hoped to get there, too, before her day was over. Photo looks NNW.

**Odakota Mountain** (R of Center) and **Peak 6680** (L). Photo looks WNW.

So far, Lupe had only made it to the lower N summit of Medicine Mountain. If she wanted to see the views to the S and complete her peakbagging goal, she would have to go to the mountain’s true summit. A saddle with considerable deadfall timber led over to the higher S summit, which wasn’t far off. Lupe could be there in minutes.

Lupe ready to head for Medicine Mountain’s S summit (Center). Photo looks S.

Once she was across the saddle, Lupe found a short, faint trail leading up the NW side of the S summit. The highest point on Medicine Mountain (6,878 ft.) proved to be occupied by a young aspen tree.

The young aspen tree on the right sprawled out over all the very highest rocks on Medicine Mountain. As far as Lupe was concerned, this was close enough. Photo looks NW

**Odakota Mountain (7,200 ft.)** (L) from the true summit of Medicine Mountain. Photo looks WNW.

The best views from the S summit were toward the rugged country around Black Elk Peak (7,231 ft.) to the SE.

**Black Elk Peak (7,231 ft.)** (Center) and **Sylvan Hill (7,000 ft.)** (R).

**Black Elk Peak** (straight up from Lupe) with help from the telephoto lens. Photo looks SE.

Looper could see a long way to the S.

Looking S from Medicine Mountain’s true summit. **Atlantic Hill (6,393 ft.)** is the bump on the horizon straight up from Lupe. **Northeast Cicero Peak (6,240 ft.)** is the highest point far off at Center L. Photo looks S.

Lupe spent a little while near the true summit of Medicine Mountain. However, if she wanted to have enough time to actually get to Peak 6680 and Copper Mountain, she couldn’t dilly dally too long. Disappointingly, a little sniffing around revealed no medicine on Medicine Mountain, so Lupe moved on. She took the faint path leading back to the saddle, and began a descent down the mountain’s W slope.

The W slope was moderately steep and full of deadfall timber. Lupe was nearly down to a huge field in the next valley before she was out of it. She continued W across the field, and headed for a saddle ESE of Peak 6680. The saddle and much of the rest of the way up were covered with a forest of dense young pines 10 to 15 feet high.

The young pine forest would have been difficult to travel through, but fortunately, a series of lanes free of trees existed by which it was possible to weave up the mountain mostly unhindered. As Lupe approached the summit of Peak 6680, she came to an older forest and started seeing rock outcroppings.

Lupe saw a great many wild irises on Expedition No. 207. She found these on the W slope of **Medicine Mountain** on her way to **Peak 6680**.

Approaching **Peak 6680**‘s summit ridge from the ESE.

Lupe had been to Peak 6680 once before, way back on Expedition No. 96 on 9-20-14. It had been so long ago, SPHP couldn’t remember what the summit was like. Lupe rediscovered a 150 foot long summit ridge oriented E/W with large rocks scattered along the N edge where the slope below was steepest. This whole ridge was forested, but a few spots offered Loop glimpses of distant views.

The rocks at the far E and W ends of Peak 6680’s summit ridge seemed to be the two highest points on the mountain. Here Lupe is at the E high point. **Medicine Mountain (6,878 ft.)** can be glimpsed beyond Lupe. Farther away, **Sylvan Hill (7,000 ft.)** is in view on the R. Photo looks E.

Lupe out on a slightly lower ledge near the E high point. **Odakota Mountain (7,200 ft.)** in view beyond her. Photo looks NW.

**Medicine Mountain (6,878 ft.)** with help from the telephoto lens. Photo looks E.

Lupe had come up at the E end of Peak 6680’s summit ridge. The ridge was roughly level, but with slightly higher points at each end. Lupe could see a rock at the far W end which looked like it might be the true summit.

Naturally, the American Dingo had to go check it out.

Looking W along the summit ridge from near the E end. The rock that is the high point at the far W end can be seen between the trees straight up from Lupe’s nose.

Up on the highest rock at the W end of the ridge. This might have been the true summit of Peak 6680, but it was hard to tell for sure. In any case, Lupe had already been to the E high point, so she was here to claim another peakbagging success! Photo looks N.

Although it wasn’t really clear if the E or W high point was the true summit of Peak 6680, Lupe had now been to both. She could now claim peakbagging successes at 3 different mountains today. SPHP was pretty certain she still had time to get to Copper Mountain, too.

Copper Mountain was 2 miles due N. Loop wasted no time getting started. She went E back a little beyond the rocks at Peak 6680’s E high point, before turning N. She traveled down to a very wide saddle leading to the long S ridge that would take her to Copper Mountain. It was a bushwhack all the way through the forest until she came to a dirt road upon attaining the S ridge.

Now Lupe and SPHP could make good time. The dirt road followed the top of the ridge to Sixmile Road (USFS Road No. 301), a major gravel road. Lupe crossed No. 301 continuing N before eventually turning E. The sun was getting low, but would still be up for another hour or so, when Lupe reached the cliffs at the SE end of Copper Mountain (6,920 ft.).

The last time Lupe had been here was 14 months ago, when she’d first met her mountaineering friend Jobe Wymore. Jobe had used Lupe’s Black Hills scouting services, and come all the way from the west coast to visit Odakota Mountain. Lupe and SPHP had then gone with Jobe all the way to the Wildcat Hills of Nebraska.

Fun times, and it was fun to think about them again now! Neither Lupe nor SPHP had ever met a real mountaineer before. Jobe had turned out to be such a great guy with so many interesting tales to tell! Lupe hadn’t seen Jobe since that day, but it was possible she was going to see him again on one of her 2017 Dingo Vacations this summer!

Medicine Mountain is the conical peak on the R. Photo looks SE.

Looking SW at **Odakota Mountain (7,200 ft.)** from **Copper Mountain**. **Jobe Wymore** had come all the way from the W coast to peak bag **Odakota Mountain**, because it is the 2nd highest in South Dakota. (Jobe had already climbed the highest mountains in all 50 states.) After Odakota, Lupe had also brought Jobe here to **Copper Mountain** where the views are better.

Lupe at the far SE end of the cliffs on **Copper Mountain**. **Black Elk Peak (7,231 ft.)** is on the L. **Medicine Mountain (6,878 ft.)** is on the R. **Negro Creek** with the pond where the Canadian geese live is in the valley with the green grass seen near Lupe’s head. Photo looks SE.

A closer look with the telephoto lens at the Negro Creek valley. Photo looks SE.

Looking N across Copper Mountain’s summit area from the high point at the edge of the cliffs.

Looking N across Gillette Prairie. **Terry Peak (7,064 ft.)** (L) and **Custer Peak (6,804 ft.)** (Center) are faint on the far horizon.

The evening views from Copper Mountain were beautiful. Lupe and SPHP stayed a little while admiring them, talking about Jobe, and remembering. The sun was getting lower, though, and Lupe had a bit of a bushwhack ahead of her to get back to the saddle above Tree Draw near Peak 6720.

Lupe’s return trip went fine. The heat of the day was gone. Lupe and SPHP were both energized. Lupe saw many deer, a few squirrels, and one giant deer (elk) on the way. She had a blast! She made such good progress, she even had time for a quick side trek back up to the top of Peak 6720 to see the sun set.

Expedition No. 207 marked the end of Lupe’s Black Hills expeditions for a while. The first of her splendid Summer of 2017 Dingo Vacations full of more distant adventures would be starting soon! (9:11 PM, 52°F)

On the tippy top of Peak 6720 again at sunset.

Expedition No. 207 nears its conclusion.

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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)

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