Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 317 – Minnesota Ridge to Greens Gulch (10-7-23)

10:31 AM, 57ºF – It was the 2nd day of Cousin Dixie, Uncle Joe, and Aunt Andrea’s stay at Hotel Lupe.  As usual, once Andrea left to spend the day with Grandma; Joe, Dixie, Lupe, and SPHP had all piled into the RAV4.  Now it was parked near the N end of USFS Road No. 203, a little S of the junction with No. 256.

Near the N end of USFS Road No. 203, aka Minnesota Ridge Road. Photo looks SSW.

Although signed as Minnesota Ridge Road, No. 203 wouldn’t actually get anywhere near the summit.  Didn’t really matter, since today’s romp didn’t necessarily envision a peakbagging goal, anyway, although that was obviously an option.  Greens Gulch was the chosen destination, an easy road hike all the way.

It was a beautiful, bright, warm early fall day, as everyone set off across a flat region heading SSE along No. 203.  The road then began a gradual descent before bottoming out 0.5 mile from the RAV4 at a junction with No. 203.1B.  Here, 5 month old Cousin Dixie was amazed to see large black animals roaming the forest.

Lupe knew what they were!  Cows!  For some reason these cows were wandering through the forest instead of hanging out in some grassy meadow.  Dixie was keenly interested in this phenomenon, prompting Joe to leash her up lest any real excitement ensue.  The cows themselves didn’t seem all that eager to make any non-bovine acquaintances, and hastily ventured off even deeper into the forest.

Dixie discovers cows (center). Photo looks S.

No. 203 wound E from here over a small rise, soon leading to a glimpse of the gently sloping N end of Minnesota Ridge (6,240 ft.).  Beyond this view, the road dipped again heading SE into another stretch of forest.

A glimpse of the N end of Minnesota Ridge (Center). Photo looks SE.
Another nicely shaded stretch of USFS Road No. 203. Photo looks SE.

Before long, the road was regaining elevation again as it broke out of the forest into a giant meadow dotted with aspens sporting yellow leaves.  A larger herd of black cows was sensibly busy grazing in this field.  Most of these cows were far enough away to pay little attention to Lupe and her new Aussie Shepherd cousin side-kick.

Cows grazing on the NW slopes of Minnesota Ridge. Photo looks E.

The road turned S, and flattened out.  A lone ghoul tree stood ominously in this area.  Lupe went over to investigate.  In broad daylight, the ghoul tree didn’t seem that scary, but Halloween was only a few weeks away.  No telling what frightening events might take place here then!

Custer Peak (6,804 ft.) was now in sight nearly 5 miles back to the N.

By the ghoul tree. Custer Peak (far L). Photo looks N.

Somewhere in the vicinity of the ghoul tree, USFS Road No. 203 turned into No. 203.1C.  It was all quite odd.  Maps showed No. 203 continuing SSE, but from an unconnected point nearly a mile E.  Perhaps there had once been a connecting road segment?

In any event, this minor mystery hardly mattered.  After continuing SSE across another large, flat region on No. 203.1C, another gradual descent began.  Nearly a mile from the ghoul tree, a junction with USFS Roads No. 203.1D and No. 203.1E was reached.

This intersection was in the upper regions of Greens Gulch.  No. 203.1C turned SW here, heading farther down the valley.  That was the way to Silver Creek in the prettiest part of Greens Gulch.

Approaching the intersection in upper Greens Gulch. USFS Road No. 203.1E (L) continues S going uphill. No. 203.1C turned R farther into Greens Gulch. Photo looks SSE.

As the valley broadened out during the stroll on No. 203.1C deeper into Greens Gulch, Lupe trotted along sniffing wherever she pleased.  Dixie alternately explored, or tried to herd Lupe without much success.  As a geologist, Uncle Joe often paused to stare at the ground.

Heading farther into Greens Gulch on USFS Road No. 203.1C. Photo looks SSW.
Greens Gulch starts widening out. Photo looks SW.

0.5 mile from the intersection, the start of the widest, most scenic part of Greens Gulch began coming into view.  By now, a diminutive tributary of Silver Creek ran alongside No. 203.1C.  There was more to see ahead, but unfortunately, it was already about time to take a break before heading back.  Checking out a couple of hillside spots on the N side of the valley, the second one proved to be the better choice.

N end of the most scenic part of Greens Gulch. Photo looks W.
Near the tiny tributary of Silver Creek. Photo looks W.
With Uncle Joe and Cousin Dixie at the break spot on the N side of Greens Gulch.

12:32 PM, Greens Gulch – Not a cloud in the sky!  Warm in the sun, Dixie and Lupe both appreciated the shade of a few pines along the edge of the forest.  Downfall provided seats for Joe and SPHP.  Although no peak had been climbed, for the 2nd day running, Lupe, Joe, and SPHP all enjoyed chocolate coconut bars while Dixie had to settle for Taste of the Wild.  Joe generously also provided SPHP with a tasty fruit and nut bar from his selection.  Water for all, of course!

Far, far away, another war had started in the Middle East this morning.  No such strife here!  Serene and lovely, Greens Gulch was indisputably a much better place to be.

The inevitable return was another pleasant trek, although mostly uphill this time.  Retracing the same route, a little snake, somewhat rare in the Black Hills, was sunning itself on the road.  A dangerous pleasure!  Sadly, farther on, another young snake had been run over by one of the ATV’s that occasionally roared by.

Returning to USFS Road No. 203.1C. Photo looks SE.
The little snake, a completely harmless variety.

The herd of black cows N of the ghoul tree had gone elsewhere by the time Lupe got back to where they’d been.  While Dixie, Lupe, and SPHP entered their pasture to get a better look at Custer Peak, Joe stood quietly contemplating the scene from a gate close to the road, unaware that he was solving a mystery in the process.

Custer Peak (L) from the field where the cows had been. Photo looks N.
Joe pondering the scene. Photo looks NE.

Why, of course!  SPHP still didn’t realize it until much later, but that gate was obviously a USFS gate.  Even though only the faintest signs of a road remained now, that gate must have been where the missing connecting portion of USFS Road No. 203 had once split off to join the rest of No. 203 E of Minnesota Ridge.

Not exactly an earthshaking discovery.  The return trek resumed, and later that evening Aunt Andrea brought Grandma over to Hotel Lupe to partake of the spaghetti dinner SPHP whomped up for everyone, human or canine, that might be so inclined.  (End 1:53 PM, 64ºF)

Links:

Next Black Hills Expedition                  Prior Black Hills Expedition

Lupe & Dixie’s Scrollable GPS Track

Expedition No. 203 – Gimlet Creek to Minnesota Ridge (5-6-17)

Expedition No. 78 – The Experimental Forest & Minnesota Ridge (3-9-14)

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Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 316 – Peak 5321 (10-6-23)

10-5-23, 3:30 PM – Oh, happy day!  Uncle Joe, Aunt Andrea, and new Cousin Dixie were here, newly arrived from Colorado, and destined to spend the next few days at Hotel Lupe!  The American Dingo greeted them all with great enthusiasm, then sort of played with Dixie, mostly watching as her Aussie Shepherd cousin tore around the living room.

Lupe was astounded by new Cousin Dixie’s appearance!  Only 3 months ago, Dixie had been a mere puppy – cute and fuzzy, and with an already over-developed and rather annoying herding instinct.  Since then, Dixie had been completely transformed!  Now she was nearly as big as Lupe, and a whirlwind of energy.

All that new Cousin Dixie energy had to go somewhere!  Fortunately, this evening it suddenly dawned on Dixie how her Carolina Dog cousin was able to pass through walls like magic.  A doggie door!  Once Dixie caught on to how it worked, she was as bad as a cat, letting herself in and out at will to race around the back yard whenever she pleased.  Best idea ever!

10-6-23, 10:06 AM, USFS Road No. 144.1A –  The Hotel Lupe doggie door to the back yard served as a release for some of Dixie’s hyper-activity, but wasn’t a complete solution by any means.  However, a Black Hills, SD expedition might do the trick!

The morning air was clean, clear, and on the crisp side when everyone, minus Aunt Andrea, who had gone to spend the day with Grandma, piled out of the RAV4 at the start of USFS Road No. 144.1A.  Lupe and Dixie were both excited, and couldn’t wait to get started.

Start of USFS Road No. 144.1A, about a mile NE of Nemo. Photo looks SSW.

During Dixie’s first ever visit to the Black Hills at the end of June, she’d had fun on 3 mini-expeditions with Lupe.  Now that Dixie was 5 months old, Lupe figured she ought to give her energetic cousin an introduction to peakbagging.

SPHP had suggested Peak 5321 as an easy objective.  With less than 300 feet of elevation gain required during a mere 1.4 mile, mostly road hike, approach, Dixie’s first ascent attempt would be a guaranteed success!  The journey began with a 0.5 mile romp along USFS Road No. 144.1A.

Off to a good start on USFS Road No. 144.1A. Photo looks W.

This easy jaunt got Dixie to a broad minor pass.  USFS Road No. 144.1A veered off to the SE here.  An unmarked road not shown on the maps that branched off to the R was actually the way to go.

At the broad, flat pass where USFS Road No. 144.1A heads off to the L. The road angling R was the way to go. Photo looks S.
Joe and Dixie continuing along the unmarked road. Photo looks SSW.

Traversing the W slopes of HP5243, the road gradually gained elevation before turning SW and flattening out.  Much to Lupe’s dismay, by now it was clear that Dixie hadn’t gotten over her annoying herding instincts at all.  The American Dingo did her best to try not to let it get to her.  Most of the time, everyone was in fine spirits on this beautiful early autumn day, but with some regularity, Lupe couldn’t help growling or snapping at her bossy new cousin.

Dixie, of course, was completely unfazed.  The herding went on.

At the curve where the road turned SW. Photo looks SW.

From the turn SW, Ash Point, established by the “Yogi Clan” in memory of Shirley and Sonya at the edge of a cliff, was only another 0.33 mile.

10-6-23, 10:34 AM – In addition to a terrific view of Nemo hundreds of feet below, Ash Point featured views of both Green Top (5,360 ft.) and White Mansion (5,340 ft.) 3 miles NW, with Custer Peak (6,804 ft.) and Terry Peak (7,064 ft.) on the horizon.

Not trusting Dixie’s puppy exuberance near a cliff, Joe prudently kept her leashed up.

Dingo’s eye view of Nemo from Ash Point. Custer Peak (far R). Photo looks W.
Terry Peak (L), Green Top (R), White Mansion (far R). Photo looks NW.
White Mansion (L) from Ash Point. Photo looks N.

The Yogi Clan had thoughtfully provided a bench so visitors can relax while enjoying the lovely Ash Point views.  However, the Carolina Dog merely stood on it for a minute or two before leaping off.  Joe and Dixie then demonstrated how to make better use of a bench.

Lupe on the Ash Point bench.
Joe and Dixie show Lupe how it’s done.

Peak 5321’s summit was only 0.25 mile SSE of Ash Point.  However, the road soon curved way E of it on its way S, so Lupe led everyone off into the forest, taking a direct route up a gentle slope.

Heading straight through the forest in search of the summit. Photo looks SE.

10-6-23, 10:50 AM, 47ºF, Peak 5321 – A large flat region buried in trees and full of deadfall, Peak 5321 admittedly wasn’t all that scintillating as summits go.  At least there was a sunny semi-clearing, the deadfall made reasonably good seats, and there was no edge nearby that Dixie might inadvertently hurtle herself over.

Dixie was bummed that she didn’t get to share in the chocolate coconut bars that Joe, Lupe, and SPHP all enjoyed in honor of her first official Black Hills peak ascent, but she readily accepted Taste of the Wild and water as a consolation prize.

Blinking in the sun on Peak 5321’s flat, deadfall-strewn summit. Photo looks NNE.
Taking a break on Peak 5321. Photo looks SE.

With no summit views, there wasn’t much reason to linger after a short break.  However, Ash Point wasn’t the only viewpoint in this general vicinity.  On a prior expedition, Lupe had discovered that American Point was less than another 0.25 mile SW along the same line of cliffs.

Dixie and Joe were both willing to check it out.  Heading S to pick up the unmarked road again, it led right to American Point.

On the way to American Point. Photo looks SW.

10-6-23, 11:27 AM, American Point – Oh, yeah!  The cheerful American Flag was still here, waving all red, white and blue in the breeze.  From a larger limestone platform above the cliffs than the one at Ash Point, the views were similar here, although oriented more toward the SW.  It was now possible to see Black Elk Peak (7,231 ft.) far to the S.

At American Point. Black Elk Peak (L) on the horizon. Photo looks SSW.
Nemo from American Point. Custer Peak (L) and Terry Peak (R) of the flag. Photo looks NW.
Joe, Dixie, and Lupe at American Point. White Mansion (Center). Photo look NNW.
Together by the flag. Custer Peak (R of Center), Photo looks WNW.

After hanging out near the American flag admiring the views, that was about it for Cousin Dixie’s first ever Black Hills peakbagging experience.  The return involved only a pleasant march back along the unmarked road to USFS Road No. 144.1A, and thence on to the RAV4.

Peak 5321 with its nearby Ash Point and American Peak viewpoints had been a nice outing.  Even better, with Uncle Joe and Cousin Dixie still checked in at Hotel Lupe, another Black Hills adventure was sure to be on the agenda tomorrow!  (End 10-6-23, 12:23 PM)

Final moments at American Point. Photo looks S.
Back at the start, enjoying the fall colors with Uncle Joe.
Dixie & Lupe’s Peak 5321 GPS track.

Links:

Next Black Hills Expedition                   Prior Black Hills Expedition

Dixie & Lupe’s Scrollable Peak 5321 GPS Track

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 291 – Peak 4980, Peak 5361 & Peak 5321 (1-17-21)

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Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 313 – Centennial Trail No. 89: South from Bear Butte Lake with Cousin Laddie (2-12-23)

Where to?  This was only the second full day of Cousin Laddie’s stay at Hotel Lupe, but also the last one, too.  Tomorrow Laddie would already be on his way back home to Colorado.  Gotta come up with something worthy of the occasion, but with a fair amount of snow in some parts of the Black Hills, what would be a good choice?

SPHP didn’t have to ponder the question long.  But, of course!  Why not?  Both Uncle Joe and Laddie had enjoyed yesterday’s trek N from Fort Meade along Centennial Trail No. 89.  They might enjoy completing that whole segment of the trail leading to Bear Butte Lake by starting at the lake, and working back toward Fort Meade.  Ought to be easy to link up with the point where everyone turned back yesterday.

When Uncle Joe expressed enthusiasm for this plan, the die was cast.

10:45 AM, 49ºF, Bear Butte Lake trailhead, Centennial Trail No. 89 – Just as sunny and warm today as yesterday, but a 20 mph NW wind sweeping across the frozen lake sure made it feel colder.  Joe and SPHP bundled up a bit and were fine.  Lupe apparently was, too.  No need to worry about Cousin Laddie under all that luxuriant Sheltie fur!

Everyone was soon ready to hit the trail, which started out heading SW along a mowed path a little way from the lake’s SE shore.

Bear Butte from the trailhead. Photo looks NNE.
Joe and Lupe about to head out. Photo looks W.
Crossing the mighty Bear Butte Lake glacier near the very start. Photo looks WSW.
Bear Butte Lake with the Black Hills beyond. Photo looks W.

Halfway along the SE shore, Centennial Trail No. 89 went quite close to the lake.  Might as well go have a look!

Bear Butte Lake from the SE shore. Photo looks N.
Bear Butte from Bear Butte Lake. Photo looks NE.
Joe and Laddie get in on the act. Photo looks NE.

After passing a small bay at the S end of the lake, the trail headed W out onto the prairie.  Going gradually up a long rise, the trail flattened out near Hill 3204.  Venturing a short distance off-trail, the hill provided a sweet view of Bear Butte Lake with Bear Butte (4,422 ft.) beyond.

Heading out onto the prairie. Photo looks W.
Bear Butte Lake and Bear Butte from Hill 3204. Photo looks NE.

Returning to Centennial Trail No. 89, it continued W across a featureless plain, eventually angling SW toward a ridge.  From the top this ridge there was a last view of Bear Butte and Bear Butte Lake back to the NE.

Heading for the ridge. Photo looks SW.
Bear Butte and Bear Butte Lake from the top of the ridge. Photo looks NE.

A vast expanse of prairie was now in sight to the W with the Black Hills beyond it.  Crook Mountain (4,930 ft.) was readily identifiable to the WSW past Oyster Mountain (4,040 ft.), although neither looked all that big from here.

Oyster Mountain (the darkly forested hill way beyond Lupe) with Crook Mountain (slightly L) beyond it. Photo looks W.

The most interesting view, though, was to the S.  The long ridge everyone had reached yesterday from Fort Meade was 1.5 miles away.  Since there was plenty of time to get over to it, a short break was taken here before continuing on.  Conditions were more pleasant now, the N wind having died down somewhat.

Looking SSW toward the long, flat, grassy ridge that was today’s objective.

Soon everyone was ready to press on.  Centennial Trail No. 89 went S as it now descended toward the lowlands.  Near a pond, the trail reached a fence line, which it followed SW to a gate.  Going through the gate, the trail became more of a faint 2 track road as it headed S again.  By the time it eventually curved SW, the majority of the distance to the next ridge had already been covered.

Approaching the destination ridge. Photo looks SW.

Near the end of this stretch through the lowlands, the trail curved SE, starting up toward the same gap in the ridge to the S everyone had made it to yesterday.  In this region, Cousin Laddie and Uncle Joe successfully completed their explorations of Centennial Trail No. 89 between Fort Meade and Bear Butte Lake.  Nearly to the ridge now, going all the way to the top again seemed like the thing to do.

Joe and Laddie heading up to the gap (R). Bear Butte (Center). Photo looks NE.
Looking ESE down on the gap as Joe and Laddie complete the trek up onto the ridge.

Once up on the ridge, the plan was to take a break somewhere along the N edge.  Going W along the rim, a second point jutting out toward the N seemed like a good spot.  The upper E side provided some shelter from the wind, which was still blowing.  This area overlooked a ravine full of snow that extended clear back down to the prairie.

Lupe and Laddie on a snowbank near the break spot. Bear Butte (R). Photo looks NNE.

Just like yesterday, SPHP let Laddie and Lupe split a chocolate coconut bar, followed up by as much Taste of the Wild as they wanted.  Joe and SPHP had apples and Kirkland bars again.  Water, of course, for anyone who wanted it.

Sweeping views of the low prairie looked like one might go on exploring forever.  Only 2 miles W, the Black Hills beckoned clad in dark pines.

The Black Hills. Photo looks WSW.

A small pond was in sight about 0.5 mile N out on the prairie.  Although Centennial Trail No. 89 didn’t go to it, getting there would be easy.  The plan for the return became to follow the long snowfield extending down the ravine, then continue across the prairie to visit this little pond.

However, what looked like a carcass was visible down along the W side of the ravine.  Before everyone got underway again, Joe leashed Laddie up to prevent him from getting anywhere near it.

Laddie with the anti-carcass leash on.
Joe and Laddie out on the breezy point. Photo looks NW.

The snow in the ravine was strong, supporting even SPHP’s weight.  Joe and Laddie completely by-passed the carcass, but Lupe and SPHP went over for a look.  The cow had been dead so long that even the Carolina Dog didn’t want a thing to do with it.

Heading down the snow-filled ravine. Photo looks NNE.
The poor icky cow! Photo looks NE.

After sticking with the snow in the ravine until it ran out, the trek across the prairie to the little pond was next.  A bit of cactus caused Loopster to insist upon implementing her anti-cactus strategy, which basically meant SPHP had to go first, certifying the route directly ahead was cacti-free.  Only then would Lupe follow.

Looking SW back up toward the ridge.
Loop on her way down. Photo looks SW.
Exploring the prairie. Photo looks SSW.

The little pond was frozen, of course.  Uncle Joe ventured onto the ice.  Cousin Laddie eventually did, too.  The American Dingo and SPHP did not.  The only other thing of interest here was a gnarled tree on a small barren rise just NE of the pond.  Even the tree wasn’t all that fascinating, but at least Lupe and Laddie could say they’d been here.

Uncle Joe out on the ice. Photo looks NNW.
By the gnarled tree. Photo looks E.

Heading E from the pond and its lone gnarled tree, Centennial Trail No. 89 was soon reached again.  Rather than go back entirely along the same route, the day’s journey concluded with a detour around the N side of Bear Butte Lake on the way back to the trailhead.

This involved a trek through a campground, following a primitive road through some trees where there were big mounds of snow, and ended with a short-cut through an extensive, currently dry region of cattails.

Bear Butte and Bear Butte Lake back in sight again. Photo looks NE.
Getting close to Bear Butte Lake. Photo looks E.
On a snowbank near the W end of the lake. Photo looks N.
Setting out around the N side of Bear Butte Lake. Photo looks NE.

By 2:40 PM, the day’s outdoor adventures were over.  It had been a fun time with Cousin Laddie and Uncle Joe.  Although Hotel Lupe wasn’t serving dinner tonight, Grandma was throwing a Super Bowl party at her apartment.

There were lots of good things to eat!  Lupe got a Busy Rib Hide.  Laddie didn’t, because he had only one front tooth to chew with, his L canine that earned him his Cousin Snaggle Fang nickname, but he could have Beggin’ Strips.  Both cousins also enjoyed plenty of baked chicken that SPHP doled out.

Lupe was disappointed the Dingoes weren’t even in it, but the Super Bowl was actually exciting this year!  The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 38 to 35 in a high-scoring duel undecided until the final seconds.

Cousin Laddie’s brief visit to Hotel Lupe and the Black Hills with Uncle Joe and Aunt Andrea had been a marvelous time!  Lupe and SPHP were so glad they had come, even though 2.5 happy days together had flown by all too quickly.  The next morning it was sad to see them go.

No one at the time, though, realized just how extremely sad it was.

With Cousin Laddie & Uncle Joe near Bear Butte Lake, South Dakota 2-12-23

Links:

Next Black Hills Expedition                     Prior Black Hills Expedition

Centennial Trail No. 89 Brochure & Map

Lupe & Laddie’s GPS Track to the Break Spot

Remembering Cousin Laddie

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 312 – Centennial Trail No. 312 North from Fort Meade with Cousin Laddie (2-11-22)

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 149 – Centennial Trail No. 89: Fort Meade to Bear Butte Lake (12-19-15)

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Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 312 – Centennial Trail No. 89: North from Fort Meade with Cousin Laddie (2-11-23)

2-10-23, mid-afternoon at home – Lupe was going berserk!  Despite being delayed due to a super icy hill, Cousin Laddie, Aunt Andrea, and Uncle Joe were here from Colorado!  Wild with joy, the Carolina Dog greeted them all to Hotel Lupe with enormous enthusiasm.  Chocolate bars were on their pillows, and SPHP was cooking tonight!

In the evening, even Grandma came over for the feast.  Cousin Laddie was hoping for SPHP’s “Sheltie delight” spaghetti, but got chili instead.  Once it cooled off enough, Laddie decided the chili wasn’t bad, either, stuffing himself with 2 big bowls of it.  Not to be outdone, Lupe had 3.

2-11-23, 10:27 AM, 44ºF, junction of USFS Roads No. 144 & No. 144.1A – As Lupe hoped and expected, Cousin Laddie’s arrival meant adventures in the Black Hills were in store!  SPHP had selected Peak 5321 near Nemo as a good objective to start with.

Seemed like a perfect choice!  USFS Road No. 144.1A went nearly all the way to the top with less than 300 feet of elevation gain, passing scenic Ash Point just before getting there.  Another great viewpoint was a short distance beyond the summit, too, if everyone felt a bit more ambitious.

However, there was a lot more snow than SPHP anticipated at the start of USFS Road No. 144.1A.  So much snow that Uncle Joe was wishing he’d brought snowshoes!

At the start of USFS Road No. 144.1A. Photo looks S.

Well, this was a N slope.  SPHP promoted the notion that once the road got up to where it enjoyed a more S-facing exposure, the snow wouldn’t be nearly so deep.  There might not even be any snow at all.  Uncle Joe was willing to play along with that idea, at least for a little way.

After passing a barricade near the start, No. 144.1A angled SE.  The snow made what should have been an easy, gradual ascent quite a workout.  Cousin Laddie with his short Sheltie legs had the hardest time of it, but didn’t complain at all, bounding through chest deep snow like a trooper, trying to keep up with Uncle Joe.

By the barricade near the start. Photo looks SSE.
The snowy initial climb. Photo looks SE.

After gaining 100 feet of elevation, the road curved SW and started to level out in a sunnier region.  As expected, there was less snow here.

Joe and Laddie lead the way on a still mostly snowy road. Photo looks WSW.

Before long, No. 144.1A curved SE again.  With the snow just as deep as it was earlier, SPHP had to concede that maybe Peak 5321 wasn’t actually such a great idea today.  A new plan was hatched.  If it was too snowy in the hills, maybe Joe and Laddie would be interested in a prairie hike at much lower elevations?

Joe and Lupe as far as the snow trek went, a little over 0.4 mile in. Photo looks SE.

When SPHP suggested taking Centennial Trail No. 89 N from Fort Meade, Joe was all for it.  He liked the Fort Meade area, in fact, Joe and Cousin Dusty had often been with Loopster on Centennial Trail No. 89 N of the Alkali Creek trailhead, just S of Fort Meade.  Joe called that section of the trail the “Ponderosa hike”, and it had always been one of their favorites in the entire Black Hills region.

With this new plan in mind, everyone headed back to the RAV4.

Returning to the RAV4 on a still too wintery USFS Road No. 144.1A. Photo looks NW.

2-11-23, 11:54 AM, 52ºF, Centennial Trail No. 89, Fort Meade trailhead – Oh, yeah!  Much better!  Cousin Laddie was going to have an easier time of it here.  Some snow around, but not much, and only in a few spots.

At the Fort Meade trailhead. Photo looks NW.

After crossing Hwy 34/79 just W of Fort Meade, everyone went through a gate N of the highway, then continued N through a field of tall, dry grass toward oaks and cottonwoods over by Bear Butte Creek.

About to head through the gate after crossing Hwy 34/79. Photo looks N.
Reaching the trees near Bear Butte Creek. Photo looks NE.

A surprise was waiting at Bear Butte Creek.  The bridge that used to be here was gone!  No sign of it!  Fortunately, the creek was running low.  Joe wandered W along the near bank, looking for a place to cross.  He found a suitable spot 200 feet upstream.

Meanwhile, Cousin Laddie had ventured into Bear Butte Creek.  Finding it deeper than he expected, Laddie tried to get out, but each time he leapt up onto a shelf of ice along the edge of the stream, a big chunk would collapse beneath him, plunging the Sheltie right back into the water.

Laddie kept trying, though, finally managing to escape.  Laddie, Lupe, and SPHP all headed for the area where Uncle Joe had made it across, and had success, too.

Joe already up on the N bank, waiting for Laddie. Photo looks NW.
Bear Butte Creek. Photo looks WNW.

After crossing Bear Butte Creek and finding the trail again, it headed NE across a huge field.  A long ridge more than 150 feet high was just to the N.  The top of Bear Butte (4,422 ft.) was visible beyond it.

Entering the field. Bear Butte (R). Photo looks NE.

The trail went NE all the way to a fence line where it turned N.  Warning whistles revealed the presence of a small prairie dog town near the base of the ridge.  All excited, the American Dingo dashed off to stick her nose down some prairie dog holes and enjoy some serious sniffing.

Either Shelties don’t give a fig about prairie dogs, or Laddie didn’t hear them due to his partial deafness.  In any case, he displayed absolutely no interest, preferring to follow Uncle Joe up the 2 track dirt road the trail now followed up the ridge.  When SPHP went that way, too, Lupe quickly abandoned her prairie dog investigations.

Beyond the prairie dog village, starting up the ridge. Photo looks NE.

After getting up the first rise, the dirt road flattened out.  The top of the ridge was still somewhat higher.  A second minor push required to get to the upper plateau didn’t take long.  Once on top, a lone boulder was seen resting 30 feet E of the road near the S rim.

The boulder looked like a good spot to take a break.  A couple of ponds were in sight a mile E, and Bear Butte was in view again, too.  Sitting on the grass, SPHP let Laddie and Lupe split a chocolate coconut bar, and gave them as much Taste of the Wild as they wanted.  Joe and SPHP each had a Kirkland bar that Joe provided, plus an apple.

On the big grassy bench below the top of the ridge. Photo looks NW.
Relaxing near the lone boulder. Bear Butte (R). Photo looks NNE.
The ponds (Center) from the boulder near the S edge of the ridge. Photo looks E.
The view back toward Fort Meade and Bear Butte Creek. Photo looks S.

After the pleasant rest break, following the dirt road just a little farther N led to an intersection.  Centennial Trail No. 89 turned NE (R) here in the general direction of Bear Butte, remaining on top of the broad ridge.

This flat stroll was about as easy as it gets, and views of the surrounding prairie were terrific.  Conditions were fabulous for February, mid 50’s ºF, with scarcely a breeze.  Joe and SPHP chatted about what a great place to camp this ridge would be on a starry night.

The western South Dakota prairie. Photo looks NNW.

Laddie and Lupe didn’t find all that much to sniff up here other than an empty water trough in a wooden fence, but still seemed to be enjoying themselves.

By the dry water trough. Bear Butte (L). Photo looks NE.

After going NE for more than a mile, the road curved E toward a gap in the ridge.  Before heading down into the gap, a few moments were taken to appreciate the view of Bear Butte from up here.  Bear Butte Lake was just coming into sight at the base of the mountain.

A long, long time ago, Cousin Dusty had been up here with Lupe.  It was sad to think that Cousin Dusty was gone now, but, of course, nice to have Cousin Laddie’s company.

Laddie and Lupe together before descending into the gap. Photo looks NE.
Bear Butte Lake at the base of Bear Butte with help from the telephoto lens.

Descending into the gap, Uncle Joe scanned the ground for artifacts as he turned N, venturing farther down into the prairie.

Below the ridge after going through the gap. Photo looks NW.
Joe and Laddie head farther out into the prairie. Photo looks NW.

Bear Butte’s summit is the N end of 111 mile long Centennial Trail No. 89, but Laddie and Lupe weren’t going that far today.  Now 2.5 miles from the Fort Meade trailhead, Uncle Joe was ready to turn back.

About ready to head back up onto the ridge. Photo looks S.
Cousin Laddie at trail’s end for the day.
Bear Butte from the turnaround point. Photo looks NE.

The return was beautiful, half of it way up on the ridge with the big prairie views, this time heading toward the Black Hills.

Joe and Laddie returning to the ridge. Photo looks SSE.
Heading for the Black Hills. Photo looks SW.

2-11-23, 3:00 PM, Fort Meade trailhead – Nearly the entire return route was identical, except near the very end.  By going farther W through the huge field and a picnic ground, a lovely bridge over Bear Butte Creek had been discovered along a bike path.  Happily, Laddie hadn’t had to brave the icy waters a second time.

Later on in the evening, Cousin Laddie had another reason to celebrate.  Joe and Andrea brought Grandma over to Hotel Lupe again, and SPHP didn’t disappoint.  Tonight’s chef’s special was “Sheltie delight” spaghetti, a Laddie favorite even American Dingoes were partial to.

Cousin Laddie on Centennial Trail No. 89 between Fort Meade & Bear Butte 2-11-23

Links:

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Lupe & Laddie’s GPS Track

Centennial Trail No. 89 Brochure & Map

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 149 – Centennial Trail No. 89: Fort Meade to Bear Butte Lake (12-19-15)

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 129 – Centennial Trail No. 89 near Fort Meade (5-22-15)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Laddie practicing some light scrambling on the way up Boulder Hill with Joe by his side.
Loopster reaches the familiar summit. This was her 8th Boulder Hill ascent.
Joe and Laddie on Boulder Hill.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Uncle Joe staves off disaster.

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

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

By the slimy pond.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Crossing the Legion Lake dam. Photo looks SE.
Joe and Lupe up on the rocky viewpoint that was just N of the trail. Newly confident scrambler Laddie’s already somewhere up there, too. Photo looks NE.
Looking WNW back toward the dam.
A wider view of Legion Lake. Photo looks NW.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Break time up on the little hill before turning back.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mount Coolidge lookout tower. Photo looks SSW.
Joe up on the viewing deck. Black Elk Peak (L) on the horizon. Photo looks N.
Sylvan Peak (Center) and Little Devils Tower (far R) in the distance. Photo looks NW.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Early autumn along Iron Creek Trail No. 15.
Taking advantage of one of the plank bridges over Iron Creek.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Minnelusa cabin. Iron Creek flows right behind it.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wonder about what, Loop?

Any spaghetti or sloppy joes left?

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

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

I thought you liked Taste of the Wild, Loop?

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

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

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Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 302 – Gimlet Pond (4-18-22)

11:30 AM, start of USFS Road No. 203 off Rochford Road – What?  Totally unexpected!  A crew was doing some kind of maintenance work on USFS Road No. 203, the very road SPHP had chosen for today’s expedition in light of Cousin Dusty’s need for a relatively easy experience.

At the start of USFS Road No. 203 with unexpected road work ahead. Photo looks NW.

Fortunately, the maintenance work wasn’t a big deal.  Merely a culvert being replaced.  After waiting just a couple of minutes, the friendly two man crew waved Lupe and the pack by without further delay.  No. 203 soon curved around a hillside, blotting out the sound of the machinery busily digging a trench for the new culvert.

Only two days ago, it had felt like winter up at frozen Sylvan Lake, all cold and gray with snow on the ground.  Springtime today, though!  Sunny and comfortably warm with a clear blue sky overhead.

Around the bend beyond the road work. Photo looks NE.

The plan was to escort Uncle Joe, and Cousins Dusty and Laddie up the scenic, gentle Gimlet Creek valley.  It was a perfect choice, since Dusty was now nearly 16 years old.  The objective, to the extent there was one, and provided Dusty could manage it, was to visit Gimlet Pond 2.5 miles up the valley.

Cousin Dusty has always enjoyed water, and soon availed herself of an opportunity to cool off in Gimlet Creek.

Dusty in Gimlet Creek.

No. 203 proceeded NNW up the valley with little variation in course.  Elevation gain was slow, but steady.

Heading up the Gimlet Creek valley. Photo looks N.
Lupe with Cousins Laddie (Center) and Dusty (R).
Looking back down the valley. Photo looks S.

The valley eventually widened out.  When a single track trail closer to the creek appeared, everyone abandoned the road for a while to march through a field.

The day was getting warmer.  Dusty and Lupe started taking frequent dips in Gimlet Creek.  Laddie drank a little water, but preferred not to get his fancy, long thick coat wet.

Abandoning the road to take the trail through the field. Photo looks N.
Dusty helps herself to a drink. Photo looks N.
Laddie, Lupe and Joe on the trail. Photo looks SSW.
Lupe takes a turn in the creek while landlubber Laddie strolls by. Photo looks WSW.

Near the N end of the field, Gimlet Creek flowed right over USFS Road No. 203.  The road climbed more steeply from here, soon passing a small rise on the L (W).  Briefly leaving the road, everyone went up onto the rise, which provided a great view back down the valley.

Getting close to where Gimlet Creek flows over USFS Road No. 203. Photo looks N.
Laddie and Dusty at the shallow ford. Photo looks S.
Looking back down the valley from the rise. Photo looks S.

Although Dusty still seemed to be doing fine, Joe was beginning to think that maybe this was far enough.  However, Lupe had explored this valley on at least a couple of different occasions.  It had been years since she’d last been here, but SPHP was almost certain Gimlet Pond wasn’t all that much farther now.

In that case, Joe was fine with letting Dusty continue.  Beyond the rise, now on the W side of the valley, the road flattened out entirely.  Several deer had been seen in the big field, but many were now visible racing across the N end of the valley ahead, close to where Gimlet Pond should be.  More and more deer kept appearing until nearly 100 of them must have dashed by.

Joe pointing toward deer in the distance. Photo looks NNW.

As expected, it didn’t take much longer to reach Gimlet Pond, yet not a deer was in sight by the time Lupe got there.  The lovely pond was just as she remembered it.  Cousin Dusty went wading almost right away.

Arriving at Gimlet Pond. Photo looks NW.
Joe and Laddie on the bridge over the outlet. Photo looks NNW.
Dusty wading in Gimlet Pond. Photo looks SW.

Everyone except Dusty crossed the bridge over the outlet to get a look at Gimlet Pond from along the N shore.  Dusty merely waded through the pond.  Loopster soon decided she might as well go wading, too.  As usual, Laddie showed no interest in getting wet.

Dusty emerges from Gimlet Pond. Photo looks S.
Lupe wading, too. Photo looks SSE.

12:42 PM – About time to let Dusty rest for a while, so a break was taken on a small hill overlooking Gimlet Pond from the S.  Looking down the Gimlet Creek valley, Black Elk Peak (7,231 ft.) was visible far to the SSE.

Sitting in the shade of the pines, Joe and SPHP had Kind bars and apples while the dogs shared a couple of chocolate coconut bars.  Lupe also had some Taste of the Wild, which Cousin Dusty shared in, too.

Black Elk Peak (L of Center) on the far horizon. Photo looks SSE.
Dusty, Laddie, and Joe relaxing on the hill. Photo looks NNE.
Gimlet Pond from the hill. Photo looks NE.

Oh, it was great to be here at Gimlet Pond on a lovely spring day!  Lupe and SPHP were happy that Cousin Dusty had made it in good shape.

Toward the end of the rest break, Uncle Joe took an interest in the field W of the hill.  Looked like it might be a good place to look for signs of old Native American encampments, so the whole pack went down there to have a sniff around.

Searching for artifacts. Photo looks SW.

Joe found nothing in the field.  Further investigation down by the creek yielded the same result, but it was fun to look.

Joe and Dusty down by the creek. Photo looks E.
Wandering upstream. Photo looks WNW.

Well, soon time to head back.  Happily, still another 2.5 miles of fun in the Black Hills along Gimlet Creek to go.  Better savor every moment!  Tomorrow, Joe, Andrea, Dusty and Laddie would return to Colorado.

About ready to head back. Photo looks E from just downstream of Gimlet Pond.
Leaving the Gimlet Pond region on USFS Road No. 203. Photo looks S.

Cousin Dusty was a veteran of many Black Hills expeditions with Lupe.  On the way back, it was sad to think that at nearly 16, this might be her last one.  Dusty had done great!  Clearly, she was still enjoying herself.  Cousin Dusty always did love the Black Hills where she was free to roam without a leash, a rare treat in crowded Colorado.

Faithful Dusty following Joe while Laddie and Lupe lag behind. Photo looks SSE.

By the time it was all over and done with, Dusty had gone more than 5 miles.  Sylvan Lake, the Custer State Park buffalo hunt, and now Gimlet Pond!  Lupe and SPHP were so glad that Joe, Dusty, and Laddie had come to visit, and especially hoped that Cousin Dusty would make it back to the beautiful Black Hills again some day.

Gimlet Creek valley, not too far from the end, Black Hills of South Dakota 4-18-22

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