Lupe’s 11th Birthday (12-14-21)

8:37 AM, 47ºF, USFS Road No. 216 about 0.7 mile SE of Custer Peak – Better take the warm jacket!  Sort of a surprise.  With a high 20ºF above normal expected, SPHP had thought a light jacket would suffice.  A 25 mph wind out of the W changed everything.  Not exactly cold, but it did feel pretty cool out.

The birthday girl was unfazed!  For a mid-December birthday, conditions weren’t bad at all.  Could be a lot worse.  Thrilled at the chance to spend the day roaming the Black Hills, Lupe headed W on USFS Road No. 216.

Setting off for an 11th birthday romp in the hills. Photo looks W.

The road went past a beautiful snowy field flanked by pine and aspen covered mountains.  Beneath an overcast sky, the contrast between the white field and the dark pines made it easy to see how well the Black Hills live up to their name.

Pausing to admire the snowy field and Black Hills. Photo looks S.

This stretch of USFS Road No. 216 was familiar territory.  As the road gradually turned NW, Peak 6600 came into view.

Approaching Peak 6600 (R of Center). Photo looks WNW.

Are we going to Custer Peak (6,804 ft.), SPHP?

Sort of intended to, Loop, but with it so windy right now, maybe it would be better to wait until later in the day?  Hoped it would be sunnier than this, too.  How about we hit it on the way back, if there’s still time?

Fine with me, SPHP, but on the way back from where?

Oh, remember back in February when we climbed both Custer Peak and Peak 6600, then went on to try to climb Peak 6480, but never got very far because it got so foggy and started to snow?

Of course, I do!  Is Peak 6480 where we’re going now?

Yup, if we can find it.

No. 216 began climbing more steeply.  A little shy of the saddle between Custer Peak and Peak 6600, Lupe reached the junction with No. 216.1A, the spur to Custer Peak.  No. 216 leveled out as it made a big sweeping curve around to the SSE.  Since conditions hadn’t improved, Lupe stuck with No. 216, foregoing any attempt on Custer Peak.

At the junction with USFS Road No. 216.1A where No. 216 makes the big curve. Lupe came up from the L, and kept going to the R. Photo looks SE.

Beyond the big curve, No. 216 soon began angling S along the lower E slopes of Peak 6600.  The road provided a nice view of Custer Peak from along in here.  A bit farther on, No. 216 started gaining elevation again as it curved W around the S end of Peak 6600.  A decent view to the SE began to appear as Lupe got higher.

Custer Peak (R of Center) from USFS Road No. 216. Photo looks NNE.
Looking SE.

The road went past the end of Peak 6600’s S ridge.  Still windy, but the sky had brightened.  Weak sunshine cast shadows on the snow.

Loopster!  Want to go up Peak 6600 while we’re so close?  Won’t take long.  At least it’s kind of sunny now.  Might not be on the way back.

The American Dingo was all for it!  Leaving No. 216, she headed N.

Starting up Peak 6600. Photo looks NNE.

At first there was quite a bit of deadfall to contend with, but Lupe had no trouble getting past it.  By the time the S ridge started getting rocky, she was already close to the top.  Peak 6600’s true summit was along a line of rocks next to a small clearing at the SE end of a long summit ridge.  The clearing provided excellent views toward the S.

Shaking the birthday girl’s paw while she stood on the highest rocks, SPHP congratulated Lupe on her first mountain ascent as an 11 year old.

Getting a little rocky near the summit. Photo looks N.
View from the clearing by the true summit. Photo looks SE.
On the true summit of Peak 6600! Photo looks N.

Custer Peak (6,804 ft.) was visible from the true summit region, but the best, most open viewpoint was 700 or 800 feet away over at the opposite NW end of Peak 6600’s long summit ridge.  The still powerful SW wind shook the pines, as Lupe wound her way through the forest to get there.

At the NW viewpoint. Photo looks NNE.
Looking back toward the true summit (L). Photo looks SSE.
Custer Peak (L) from the NW viewpoint. Photo looks ENE.

Since the NW viewpoint was a favorite spot on Peak 6600, a short break was taken to share a chocolate coconut bar while enjoying the views.

The cool, gusty SW wind prevented a prolonged stay.  Before departing, SPHP surveyed the territory off to the NW.  A snowy ridge seen several miles away had to be Peak 6480, Lupe’s next objective.

Contemplating Custer Peak during the chocolate coconut bar break. Photo looks NE.
Peak 6480 (Center) is the long snowy ridge in the foreground. Photo looks NW with help from the telephoto lens.

Soon the American Dingo was on her way back to the true summit.  She briefly got up on the highest rocks again before heading back down Peak 6600’s S ridge.  Reaching USFS Road No. 216 where she’d left it, Loopster followed it SW to a cattle guard where the road topped out near HP6427.

Back at Peak 6600’s true summit. Photo looks SE.
Heading down the S ridge. Photo looks SSE.
Back on USFS Road No. 216 at the cattle guard near HP6427. Photo looks SW.

Ahead the road dipped a little.  Lupe soon reached an intersection where a snowmobile trail system sign was posted.  This sign was as far as she’d gotten on Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 265 before being forced to turn back due to snow and fog.

At the snowmobile trail system sign. Photo looks SW.
The sign was interesting, but on such a large scale that it wasn’t much help.

Continuing on past the intersection, the terrain rose a bit then flattened out.  A long march ensued along the snowy road as it gradually turned W, then NW, while staying up on fairly high ground.  Despite the balmy temperature, the SW wind still made it feel quite cool.

Beyond the intersection, continuing W along USFS Road No. 216. Photo looks W.
The snowy road went on and on. Photo looks WNW.

Do you remember any of this, Looper?  I’m sure we’ve been in this region before, but I must have it confused with somewhere else.  It’s not like what I thought I remembered.

Pleasant enough here, SPHP, but kind of non-descript.  Looks like a lot of places in the Black Hills.  Nothing stands out as familiar to me, either.  What does your topo map say?

Doesn’t even show a road here, just a trail, but I’m almost certain we’re still going the right way.

A brief glimpse of Terry Peak (7,064 ft.) came into sight just before the road reached the end of the high ground and began to drop.  After losing more than 100 feet of elevation, music could be heard.  At an unmarked intersection, the music seemed to be coming from off in the forest to the NE.  Peering over in that direction, Lupe saw what appeared to be a set of large, rusty wind chimes.  They were just hanging there in the forest, not close to any visible structure.

That’s kind of weird, SPHP!  But the chimes do sound good!

I like them, too, Loop!  Never have known they were there without this wind.

At the intersection near the wind chimes. Photo looks N.

The road curved WSW here, still heading gradually downhill.  A quick check of the map revealed that this was likely USFS Road No. 561.1C.  Lupe followed it for more than 0.33 mile to where it curved SW.

SW was the wrong way.  Peak 6480 still had to be NW.  Leaving the road, Lupe plunged N into the forest.  A short descent quickly leveled out at sort of a magical place full of Christmassy little spruce trees among tall white-barked aspens.

Just beyond the little spruce trees, Lupe came to an open lane that went a short distance E to a clearing.  Turning N again here, the terrain led up to the corner of a huge snowy field surrounded by a wooden pole fence.  Crossing a small corner of this field, Lupe returned to the forest.  A brief climb led to a big gravel road, clearly USFS Road No. 561 on the map.

Heading down USFS Road No. 561.1C. Photo looks W.
Among the little Christmassy spruce trees. Photo looks N.
At the clearing. Photo looks E.
The huge snowy field. Photo looks ENE.
On USFS Road No. 561. Photo looks NE.

Crossing No. 561, Lupe headed NW right back into the forest.  At first, the terrain sloped gently, but soon she was climbing much more steeply.  Another pole fence was encountered.  A small power line ran along it.  Ducking under the fence, Loop kept climbing.  Before long she reached flatter terrain.

Continuing NW after crossing USFS Road No. 561. Photo looks NW.
By the wooden pole fence. Photo looks S.

Lupe was now up on the SE end of the 6,400 foot ridge SE of Peak 6480.  Glancing back, both Custer Peak and Peak 6600 were visible 2 miles E.  This broad ridge ran NW/SE, so Loop followed it 0.2 mile to its high point at the far NW end.  From here, a big power line could be seen 0.5 mile farther NW atop a small cliff.  That was the S end of Peak 6480!

At the SE end of the 6,400 foot ridge. Custer Peak (L) and Peak 6600 (beyond Lupe) in the distance. Photo looks ESE.
Approaching the high point at the NW end of the 6,400 foot ridge. Photo looks NW.
Looking back from the high point of the 6,400 foot ridge. Photo looks SE.

A gradual, mostly open slope led down to the broad saddle connecting to Peak 6480.  This region looked like it had been logged at some point.  Once across the saddle, Loopster began climbing as she continued NW, eventually reaching a region of young pines and large bushes where the terrain began to level out.  Lupe was already quite close to the big power line above the small cliff by the time she saw it again.

Crossing the saddle leading to Peak 6480. Photo looks NW.
View back to the S on the way up. Photo looks S.
Approaching the power lines on Peak 6480. Photo looks N.

Turned out there were 2 big power lines running parallel to each other.  The cliff the higher one stood on wasn’t very tall.  Finding a route up was a cinch, but Lupe scrambled to the top rather reluctantly.

The wind had been blowing all day long.  Back in the forest and down in the valleys, it hadn’t been bad at all, often more heard in the treetops than felt.  This exposed limestone platform was another matter entirely.  The wind was stronger than ever here, a 35 to 40 mph gale out of the W.  Not much fun to a Carolina Dog’s way of thinking!

Although this was a good viewpoint, Lupe stayed only long enough for a quick look around.

By the power lines. Photo looks NNE.
On the limestone platform above the small cliffs. Photo looks SSW.
Custer Peak (far L) and Peak 6600 (L). Photo looks SE.
The upper power line. Photo looks N.

The power lines weren’t at the true summit.  Lupe was happy to leave the exposed platform to look for it.  Continuing NNW partially protected by the forest again, a rock outcropping appeared ahead.  Clearly higher than anything else around, that had to be it!

Approaching the true summit of Peak 6480 (R of Center). Photo looks NNW.

2:04 PM –  As Lupe approached the true summit of Peak 6480, tall pines swayed wildly with each new violent blast out of the W.  Getting worse!  40 to 50 mph!  A short climb led to two boulders perched on a small flat platform.  Despite the crazy wind, the American Dingo leapt up onto the highest one.

Custer Peak (far L) and Peak 6600 (L) from the true summit of Peak 6480. Photo looks ESE.

A couple of quick photos, and that was it.

That’s good, Loop!  Get off that rock before you get blown off!

Only a few feet below the top, the Carolina Dog tried to find a place to get comfortable.  SPHP sat so awkwardly on a rock, that SPHP’s lap was soon rejected.  Laying on a little patch of snow, Lupe stared up at SPHP somewhat accusingly.

Attempting to relax on Peak 6480.

You sure know how to show a birthday Dingo a good time, don’t you, SPHP?  What a hurricane!

Heh!  Yeah, this is going to be a birthday peak to remember isn’t it, Loop?

Or forgotten!  What do you have against palm trees, SPHP?  I’ve never even seen one!  Couldn’t we go somewhere with palm trees on my birthday for a change?

Oh, well, I didn’t know you were even interested in palm trees, Looper!

I am now!

Attempting to relax and simply enjoy being on Peak 6480 while watching the trees sway alarmingly was only partially successful.  At any moment one might snap off entirely, a sobering thought considering the millions of beetle-killed trees that were now deadfall in the Black Hills.

After 20 minutes, an exceptionally powerful gust put an end to Lupe’s stay.  Ripping SPHP’s stocking cap off, the wind flung it off into space.  Peering over the edge, there it was, caught on a short dead tree branch only a few feet away, but unfortunately 20 feet above the ground.

OK, that’s it!  A few more photos, Loop, then let’s get out of here!

Despite the disappointing lack of palm trees, the birthday girl complied, returning to the summit rock for the last time.

By the highest rock again. Photo looks ESE.
A precarious perch in the gale.
Final moments atop Peak 6480.

Circling around to the E side of the summit block before departing, Lupe took shelter from the wind, while SPHP saw to retrieving the stocking cap.  Turned out that it had already blown off the tree branch, and was now caught in a bush only a couple of feet above ground level.  Grabbing it before the cap could launch off on new adventures, SPHP restored it to its rightful place.

At least that was easy!  C’mon, Looper!  Let’s go!

Well protected from the wild W wind on the E side of the summit block. Photo looks W.
A last look back at Peak 6480’s summit. Photo looks N.
About to depart. Photo look SSW.

On the way back to the power lines Lupe stayed a little to the W, below the line of small cliffs.

Heading back to the power lines. Photo looks SSE.
Below the cliffs. Photo looks SE.
A scenic spot near the power lines. Photo looks SE.

The rest of the return was virtually identical to the route taken to Peak 6480.  The journey seemed to go faster on the way back.  Lupe arrived at the lower end of Peak 6600’s S ridge again while it was still light out.

Let’s climb Peak 6600 again, SPHP!

Really?  Would you like to, Loop?

Sure!  The wind isn’t so bad now!  We can even go on to climb Custer Peak, can’t we?  You said we could this morning, remember?

Sounds like a plan, Looper!  Let’s do it!

Lupe returned to Peak 6600’s summit.  However, by the time she got to the NW viewpoint, it was too late to go on to Custer Peak.  The sky had been overcast or nearly so all day, but was now clear to the NW.  Far to the SW, the sun suddenly dipped below the remaining cloud cover.  For the first time, the American Dingo stood in brilliant sunshine.

Wouldn’t last!  The sun was already hovering barely above the horizon.

Custer Peak (R) from Peak 6600’s NW ridge for the 2nd time today. Photo looks NE.
In the alpenglow. Photo looks NW.
End of a long day.

10 minutes, and the sun vanished.  Looper headed down the N ridge.  Although short, this route was snowy and very steep at first, and full of deadfall lower down.  Light was fading fast when Lupe finally reached USFS Road No. 216.1A.  Didn’t matter.  A pleasant, downhill road trek the rest of the way.

5:09 PM, 47ºF –  Dark and still breezy.  SPHP turned the key and the RAV4 sprang to life.  Time to head home, but not for long!

7:00 PM – Let the festivities begin!  Barking excitedly, decked out in her hat and birthday girl ribbon, the party animal rushed into Grandma’s apartment.  Oh, there were guests!  The more, the merrier!  Xochitl, Steve, Felix and Asher were all here, too.

SPHP wasted no time getting things underway, giving Lupe a Busy Rib Hide as an initial treat.  Felix petted Lupe while she chomped away, then helped SPHP stick 11 candles into the fabulous 11th birthday cake.  Soon Lupe was on Grandma’s white couch, surrounded by presents and an 11 alarm fire!

Felix and Lupe. The party began with a Busy Rib Hide treat and gentle pats.
The 11th birthday cake appears!
With Felix and the fire hazard.

Everyone sang “Happy Birthday” to Lupe, then cake and ice cream was served.  Felix declared the cake “delicious” and almost as good as the shark cake he had on his birthday.  Lupe didn’t touch the cake or ice cream she was offered, evidently hoping and holding out for something even better.

Once everyone had their fill, it was time to open presents.  Felix and Asher helped Lupe out.  The lucky Dingo got plenty of birthday loot!

Zuke’s Hip Action
Ol’ Roy Rawhide Rolls
Kong Squeaker Ball
Purina Busy Rib Hides
Golden Rewards Chicken Jerky

All that and more!  The Carolina Dog wasn’t disappointed.  The grand prize she’d been waiting for was included, too.  A T-bone steak!

Lupe’s traditional birthday T-bone!

While the steak was broiling in the oven, SPHP got everyone together for a group photo.

Lupe’s 11th birthday guests L to R: Xochitl, Asher, Steve, Felix & Grandma.

Organizing the group photo took so long that when SPHP opened the oven afterwards to check on Lupe’s T-bone, a thick cloud of smoke came billowing out!  Soon Grandma’s apartment was a smoky haze.  Windows had to be opened to air the joint out.

Grandma’s fire alarm didn’t go off, but every other one in the complex did.  Suddenly there were knocks on the door!  Out in the hallway, a crowd of anxious people wondered what was going on?

Apparently, when you turn 11, it’s a really big deal!  Lupe tried to look innocent.

Who, me? Oh, no! Everything’s fine!

Fortunately, the T-bone steak was perfect.  Nice and pink in the middle, and not burned a bit.  How it had produced such a vast cloud of smoke was a mystery.  A full investigation would have been conducted, but a certain American Dingo promptly devoured the evidence!

And, oh girl!  Was it ever good!

11 years old, December 14, 2021

Links:

Double Digit Dingo! – Lupe’s 10th Birthday (12-14-20)

Lupe’s 12th Birthday! (12-14-22)

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 265 – Custer Peak & Peak 6600 (2-3-21)

Want more Lupe adventures?  Choose from Lupe’s Dingo Tales Index or Master Adventure Index.  Or subscribe free to new Lupe Adventures.

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 265 – Custer Peak & Peak 6600 (2-3-21)

8:28 AM, 41ºF, start of USFS Road No. 216.1, 0.5 mile SE of Custer Peak – Bright and breezy when Lupe hopped out of the G6.  Such a long time since she’d been here!  Snow!  Only yesterday, deadfall had been her bane on the way to Peak 5316 in the southern Black Hills.  Snow was much more to the American Dingo’s liking.

Cool, clear, and breezy at the start of USFS Road No. 216.1. Photo looks WSW.

To what do I owe this great honor, SPHP?

What honor is that, Loop?

2 Black Hills Expeditions in a row.  Been forever since we’ve done that!

Ahh!  Easily explained.  This is the last warm day before a long cold snap moves in.  We’ve been spoiled!  Real winter is on the way.  Subzero every night!  A few more days until it gets that bad, but the deterioration is supposed to start this evening with a chilly wind out of the NW.  Sort of surprised at how breezy it is already.

Well, whatever the reason, I’m glad we’re here!  C’mon, SPHP, I’ll race you to the top!

Heh.  Might as well chalk another one up for the Carolina Dog right now.  SPHP started the trudge WNW, snow crunching underpaw.

C’mon, slowpoke! Loopster with her usual early lead. Photo looks WNW.

This was familiar territory.  Looper’s 7th ascent of Custer Peak, in fact.  Want the best views in the N central Black Hills?  The under 2 mile road trek up to the fire lookout tower on Custer Peak (6,804 ft.) is where to go.  Dominant views of the entire region!  Judging by how breezy it was down here, though, might be a gale up there today.

For nearly a mile, USFS Road No. 216.1 gradually steepened as it curved NW on the way to the saddle between Peak 6600 and Custer Peak.  The E face of Peak 6600 came into sight less than halfway there.  It wasn’t until Lupe got to the saddle region that she had her first really good look at Custer Peak.

Peak 6600 comes into view early on. Photo looks WNW.
Custer Peak from a knoll near the saddle leading to Peak 6600. Photo looks ENE.

USFS Road No. 216.1 curved sharply SSE shortly before Lupe got to the saddle.  However, No. 216.2A continued right on up to the saddle, where SPHP was surprised to see a new outhouse.  New in the 4.5 years since Lupe had last been here, that is.  At the saddle, No. 216.2A turned toward Custer Peak.  The road would go nearly all the way to the top.

At SPHP’s insistence, Lupe paused early on the No. 216.2A trek for a good look at the NE face of Peak 6600.

Peak 6600 from USFS Road No. 216.2A. Photo looks SW.

Didn’t take Loopster long to get to where No. 216.2A approached the base of Custer Peak.  From here, the road climbed steadily, ultimately completing a clockwise circuit of the entire mountain.  The views were fabulous where unobstructed, as they were most of the way up.

Terry Peak (7,064 ft.) to the NW was the most impressive sight, but the Carolina Dog was happier on the E and S sides of the mountain, where she was protected from the gusty wind which continually strengthened as she gained elevation.

Approaching Custer Peak on USFS Road No. 216.2A. Photo looks NE.
On the much calmer E side of the mountain. Photo looks N.
Getting close to the end of the road. Terry Peak (L). Photo looks NW.

No. 216.2A dead-ended 100 feet below the summit.  Exposed to the wind, Lupe did not enjoy the path that switchbacked the rest of the way to the top.  SPHP paused to examine a new plaque near the fire lookout tower, but the Carolina Dog was anxious to get out of the breeze.

Start of the short path that switchbacks to the summit. Photo looks SSW.
The new information plaque near the lookout tower.
Come on, SPHP! Let’s get out of the wind!

The wind wasn’t all that terrible, but SPHP had to agree that life was more pleasant on the sunny E side of the lookout tower.  To Loopster’s joy, this time SPHP hadn’t forgotten to bring the chocolate coconut bars.  She curled up on SPHP’s lap, inhaling her share, then munched some Taste of the Wild.

After a pleasant 10 or 15 minutes peacefully enjoying the views, it was time to brave the wind and take a few photos between major gusts.

The sunny E side of the lookout tower, where Loop and SPHP hung out for a bit. Photo looks W.
Peak 6380 (L) in the foreground, and Bear Butte (4,422 ft.) (far L) in the distance. Photo looks ENE.

Terry Peak (7,064 ft.), framed between Deer Mountain (6,652 ft.) and Bald Mountain (6,617 ft.), was the big view, but Lupe could also see all the way S to Black Elk Peak (7,231 ft.), and W to the limestone plateau country.

Deer Mountain (L), Terry Peak (Center), and Bald Mountain (R). Photo looks NW.
Peak 6600 (L of Center) in the foreground. Photo looks SW.

One or two laps around the lookout tower was about all the American Dingo was willing to put up with.  She didn’t get any respite from the wind yet, though.  After descending the tower steps, SPHP searched for the Custer survey benchmarks near the N side of the foundation.

Benchmark No. 2 near the NW corner of the lookout tower points E toward another marker 10 feet away.
“Custer” survey benchmark dated 1925.

Lupe’s Custer Peak tour concluded with a look at the views from a short ridge SW of the tower.

Black Elk Peak (far L) on the horizon. Photo looks S.
Looking SSW.
Peak 6600 (Center) in the foreground. Photo looks SW.

40 minutes!  After a 4.5+ year absence, hardly seemed enough to do justice to Custer Peak, but the wind wouldn’t let up, and the Carolina Dog was anxious to go.  Plenty more to do today, anyway, down where the breeze wouldn’t be so stiff.  Lupe started her descent leaving the summit as she’d found it, bathed in sunshine and battered by the wind.

About to head down. Photo looks NE.

Once back to the road, SPHP paused briefly for another look at Peak 6600, then it was on down around to the leeward side of the mountain.

Peak 6600 (Center) in the foreground. Photo looks SW.

You sure seem interested in Peak 6600 today, SPHP!

That’s because that’s where we’re going next!

We are?  I thought we might be done with the wind and all.

The wind’s not that bad, Loop, especially down below.  More adventures in store!  We’re going to climb Peak 6600, since it’s got such a fabulous view of Custer Peak, then head NW a few miles to climb Peak 6480.

Peak 6480?

Yes, another 300+ foot prominence peak from Lists of John.  Sort of been thinking maybe we ought to start working the 300+ foot prominence lists this year, since you’ve been to just about every named peak in the Black Hills that we can legally climb.  Quite a few of them more than once.  Gives us new places to explore!

I’m all for exploring, SPHP!  Sounds good!

By the time Lupe got back around to the windy N side of Custer Peak, a line of gray clouds could be seen approaching from the NW.

Wonder if that’s the lead edge of the front coming in, Loop?  Didn’t think it was supposed to get here until this evening.  Hope the wind doesn’t get too much stronger.

Started out OK, but sure hasn’t warmed up any today, either, SPHP.

Reaching the saddle leading to Peak 6600, Lupe left the road, plunging right into the dense, snowy forest.  A 260 foot climb almost due S would get her up to the 6600 foot contour at the NW end of the summit ridge.

In the snowy forest, beginning the trek up Peak 6600.

As expected, the route steadily steepened.  Some rocks, some deadfall, but mostly just trees and snow.  Lupe had done this once before, nearly 6 years ago, and been rewarded with a fantastic view of Custer Peak.  Best one possible, in fact, since Peak 6600 was the easily the highest point anywhere close to Custer Peak, and the summit ridge had a nice rocky spot where an unobstructed view could be obtained.

Any idea how much deeper this snow is going to get, SPHP?

Lupe wasn’t far from the top when the forest darkened.  Overhead, the sky was now a soft gray.  What happened to all the sunshine?  Loop was right!  Felt colder out, too.

C’mon, Looper!  The front must be here early!  Let’s get up to where we can get a couple of nice shots of Custer Peak before the weather deteriorates any further.

Didn’t take long.  A few more minutes, and Loopster was there, standing in the cold wind on the rocky viewpoint at the NW end of Peak 6600.

An hour had gone by since Lupe had left Custer Peak.  What a change!  Not only had all hint of sunshine utterly vanished, but a massive soft gray cloud hung low over everything.  Only on the far horizon did a brighter line indicate the already distant edge of the monstrous cloud.

The rocky viewpoint at the NW end of Peak 6600’s summit ridge. Photo looks S.

Custer Peak was still in view, except for the top 50 or 100 feet, where fog was now streaming by.  All in shadow now, instead of lovely sunshine, but nothing to be done about that.

Be ready, Loopster!  As soon as the fog clears from the summit, we’ll grab a quick photo of Custer Peak before things get any worse.

Bad decision!  Should have snapped one right away.  The Carolina Dog was ready, but the summit didn’t clear even for an instant.  Instead, the cloud suddenly swallowed the entire mountain.  Moments later, even Black Elk Peak (7,231 ft.), far to the S, was gone.

Black Elk Peak (Center) dimly on the horizon, moments before it vanished, too. Photo looks SSE.

Oh, come on!  Really?  It’ll clear, if we have a bit of patience, Loop.  Got to be a little break before too long.

Lupe seemed unconvinced, but was willing to curl up on SPHP’s lap for the warmth, if nothing else.  Another chocolate coconut bar didn’t hurt a thing, either.

No break in the cloud.  Peak 6600 became an island in a gray oblivion, the only place left standing in the whole world.  15 minutes ticked away.  Tiny snowflakes filled the air.

OooooK!  Even I can take a hint, if ya knock me over the head with a 2 x 4!  Custer Peak photo isn’t happening, Loop.  Wha’dya say we go in search of the true summit of Peak 6600?  After that we can see about Peak 6480.

Best idea you’ve had in the last hour, SPHP!  Let’s do it!

Final moments at the NW high point of Peak 6600. Photo looks N.

The summit ridge dipped a bit as Lupe traveled SE along it.  Pines and fog hid whatever was ahead until she was almost upon it.  After going several hundred feet or more, a sizable rock formation appeared.  Possibly the true summit, although no telling in this fog.

Circling around to the SE, Loop found a spot where she could scramble to the top, which proved to be kind of a weird jagged area.

At the jagged-topped true summit candidate. Photo looks N.

Nope!  Not the true summit.  Continuing SE only a little farther, Lupe went up a slope to definitely higher terrain.  The American Dingo was almost at the SE end of the summit ridge.  Congratulations were in order!  SPHP was almost certain the elevated line of rock Lupe had reached was the true summit of Peak 6600.

True summit of Peak 6600. Photo looks N.

There didn’t seem to be any reason to linger on Peak 6600, especially if Loop still hoped to get to Peak 6480 when the forecast was for steadily deteriorating conditions.  A couple of minutes at the top, and Lupe was on her way down the S ridge.

Starting down Peak 6600’s S ridge. Photo looks S.

Not too far to USFS Road No. 216.1!  The descent went well, and in less than 0.25 mile, Lupe picked the road up again a little SE of a high point.  (Point 6427 on the topo map)  Looper headed for it, reaching an open gate at the top in a thin fog and light snow.

At Point 6427 on USFS Road No. 216.1. Photo looks NW.

Continuing NW on the snowy road, Lupe soon came to an intersection at a low spot.  A map was posted here.  SPHP took a look.

Snowmobile trail map posted along USFS Road No. 216.1.

What’s it say, SPHP?

Nothing helpful to us, Looper.  It’s a large scale snowmobile trail map.

The way things are going, we’ll be needing a snowmobile before this is over.

That had a ring of truth to it.  SPHP looked down at the American Dingo standing patiently on the snowy road, earnestly returning SPHP’s gaze.  All around, the forest was a mystery of fog and tiny swirling flakes.  Treetops swayed in the wind, releasing occasional cascades of fresh accumulations.  Snowing harder.  Even Loop was starting to turn white.

Not really that bad out.  Barely cold enough for snow, but the temp was supposed to drop, the winds increase.  Would it even be possible to find Peak 6480 in the fog?  Suppose Lupe did, what then?  Not going to see a thing.

What do you think, Loop?

About?

Call it, or go on?  We can come back, and do Peak 6480 another time.

Awesome out here in the snowy woods, isn’t it, SPHP?

Absolutely!  But possibly pointless, too.  Not sure it’s worth trying to go all the way to Peak 6480.  Might not recognize it, even if we find it.

Whatever you want to do, SPHP!  You know I’ll be there!

Truer words never spoken.  Not spoken now either, only conveyed by those completely trusting eyes.  No sense in letting a friend like that catch pneumonia!

So, Expedition No. 265 came to an early end.  Part success, part failure.  1.5 miles back to the G6.  A beautiful time in fog and snow, enjoying winter’s silence and solitude together.  (End 1:07 PM, 31ºF)

USFS Road No. 216.1A near Peak 6600, Black Hills of South Dakota 2-3-21

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Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 259 – Zimmer Ridge & Peak 6600 (11-28-20)

7:59 AM, 18ºF, Whitehorse Road 0.2 mile from Hwy 16/385 – Dang chilly out!  Supposed to warm up a bunch, though.  Lupe was in high spirits as she set off up shady Whitehorse Gulch.  Apparently, the Carolina Dog wasn’t cold, but SPHP’s frigid fingers were glad when the gulch widened out enough to become sunny.

Whitehorse Road wound NW for a little over a mile before Lupe left it.  Crossing a small field of dry grass on the R, she entered the forest.  The terrain immediately began to slope higher, and soon became rocky.  Not bad at all, though.  Getting up Zimmer Ridge (6,600 ft.) was going to be a snap, if it stayed like this.

Near the forest after leaving Whitehorse Road. Photo looks NE.
Starting up Zimmer Ridge’s SW ridge. Photo looks NE.

Heh!  Not to be.  The rock formations along Zimmer Ridge’s SW ridge grew in size, and the slope steepened as the American Dingo climbed.  Looper eventually found herself high up on a bunch of boulders with no safe way forward, forcing a 50 foot retreat.

Determined Dingo, still on Zimmer Ridge’s lower slopes. Photo looks SSE.
On a short, easy, protected ramp higher. Photo looks ENE.
By a cool boulder along the SW ridge. Photo looks S.
A glimpse of Peak 6600 (R) beyond Whitehorse Gulch. Photo looks NW.

A minor setback.  Swinging around the W side of the big boulders, Lupe came to a steepish region of moderate-sized rock.  Scrambling up that, she reached a longer stretch of doghair pine right back on the ridgeline.  Loopster searched for squirrels, but she wasn’t going to be sneaking up on anything with SPHP snap, crackle, and popping twigs and branches every step of the way.

More big rock formations were ahead, but they weren’t gnarly enough to put an end to progress this time.  The forest began to open up along the ridgeline.  Unfortunately, that was due to all the deadfall.  Extremely common these days in the Black Hills, but never a welcome sight.

Scrambling the rocks. Photo looks NNE.
Among the doghair pines.
Another rock formation along the ridgeline. Photo looks SSE.
Oh, boy! Deadfall! Our favorite. Not! Photo looks NNE.

Zimmer Ridge’s SW and S ridges merged together somewhere along in here.  Lupe was getting quite high.  The summit couldn’t be an awful lot farther N, could it?

Maybe yes.  Loop had climbed Zimmer Ridge once before a little over 6 years ago.  Back then she had come up the W slope instead of the SW ridge, but had reached the main ridgeline well S of the summit.  Both routes ought to link up, but nothing looked familiar yet.

The Carolina Dog came to several larger rock formations along the top of the ridgeline separated by stretches of often deadfall-laden forest.  Reaching the N side of one of these outcroppings, aha!

Loopster!  Remember this?  You were here before!

I was?

Yes, yes!  Remember this log sticking out toward Sylvan Hill (7,000 ft.)?  Looks like it has weathered some more, but this has got to be the same one you visited before!

Lovely, I’m sure, but it seems to have made more of an impression on you, SPHP, than it did on me.  I’ll take your word for it.  Is this particular dead log some sort of big event?

Apparently, not!  I just thought it was sort of cool to see a reminder of our first visit to Zimmer Ridge.  I’m certain you were here before.  Took a photo of you by or on this log, which may be why I remember it.  Let’s get another!

Whatever!  Fine and dandy, SPHP!  Perfectly glorious!  But let me know when you’re certain you see a squirrel!

Traveling the ridgeline from one big rock formation to the next. Photo looks N.
Black Elk Peak (7,231 ft.) (R) in the distance. Photo looks ESE.
Once again on the oh, so incredibly memorable log pointing toward Sylvan Hill (L). Photo looks SE.

Having seen this fabulous reminder of the good old days, SPHP now felt that maybe it really wasn’t too much farther N to Zimmer Ridge’s true summit, although after thinking about it, it had seemed like a bit of a trek 6 years ago.

Another clearly higher point was off in that direction.  Looked more like a pine-forested hill than a rock formation, though.  SPHP recalled the true summit as being quite rocky, and surrounded by young aspens.

Whether that hill was or wasn’t the true summit, Lupe still had to go that way, though.  She headed N across a semi-open region harboring more deadfall.  Off to the SE were nice views of Black Elk Peak (7,231 ft.), Little Devils Tower (6,960 ft.), Saint Elmo Peak (6,458 ft.) and others.

On to the next higher point along the ridge. Photo looks NNE.
Black Elk Peak (Center), Little Devils Tower (R), and Saint Elmo Peak (R foreground). Photo looks ESE.

The next high point didn’t turn out to be the true summit, but it could be seen from here.  SPHP was sure that next more heavily forested hill had to be it.  A few rocks and aspens were visible at the top.  Lupe had to lose a bit of elevation to continue over there, but it wasn’t long before she was scrambling on rocks just SE of the top.

True summit of Zimmer Ridge ahead! Photo looks N.
Just below the S (true) summit. Photo looks NW.

Circling around to the N, Lupe climbed up to a gap between several large rocks at the very top of Zimmer Ridge (6,600 ft.).  Three stones were in contention for title of true summit.  Two were side by side just E of this gap, and one was immediately W of it.  SPHP helped Lupe up onto the closest E rock first.

On the E rock. Photo looks ENE.

The W rock was clearly a few inches higher than the two E ones were.  The crafty American Dingo managed to scramble around to the top of it all by herself.

At the true summit of Zimmer Ridge. Photo looks W.

Trees hid the views to the E, but Lupe could see a huge swath of the Black Hills in other directions.  Peak 6600, her next objective, was in sight to the WNW along the ridge on the far side of Whitehorse Gulch.  Big ridges of the limestone plateau country were visible miles farther W.

Peak 6600 (immediately R of Lupe) with ridges of the limestone plateau beyond. Photo looks WNW.

Perhaps the most interesting sight of all was HP6583, the N high point of Zimmer Ridge off to the NNE.  Connected by a 0.5 mile section of the huge ridge, HP6583 wasn’t much lower.  Having been there before, Lupe knew it was a much better place to take a break.  The true summit of Zimmer Ridge was a cool airy spot, but with little room to maneuver and nowhere to relax except well below the highest rocks.

HP6583 (R), the slightly lower N summit of Zimmer Ridge from the true summit. Photo looks N.

Took nearly 50 minutes to get over there.  Not really much of a surprise.  SPHP remembered this trek as having been a terrible deadfall mess.  Now it didn’t seem much worse than a lot of other places in the Black Hills, but Looper was still getting a workout leaping over one dead tree after another along whatever snaky route looked like the path of least resistance at the moment.

Most of the time the going was easiest E of the ridgeline.  The deadfall didn’t get bad until Looper was halfway to HP6583.  With so many trees down, Loop enjoyed a sweeping view of Elkhorn Mountain (6,381 ft.), Black Elk Peak (7,231 ft.), Peak 6920 and others off to the E and SE.

Leaving the true summit region. Photo looks SE.
Elkhorn Mountain (L), Black Elk Peak (Center), Peak 6920 (next knob to the R). Photo looks SE.
A glance back at the true summit (L). Photo looks S.

Shortly before reaching HP6583, most of the deadfall ended.  Lupe passed through a short section of young pine forest which led to a small boulder field next to a big rock formation at the top.  Circling around the NW side, the Carolina Dog scrambled up from the NE.  A lone pine tree’s inopportunely situated branches made following Loop a little tricky, but SPHP soon joined her on top.

Not much room up here, either, but definitely more comfortable than Zimmer Ridge’s true summit had been.  A U-shaped rock formation open to the SE surrounded a small area where Lupe could relax on a bed of pine needles, if she wanted to.  SPHP tossed some prickly pine cones out of it for her.

Loop on the rock formation at the top of HP6583. Photo looks SW.

The views from HP6583 were quite similar to what they’d been over at the true summit.  Loopster and SPHP hung around for half an hour.  A couple of little chocolate coconut bars were shared.  Lupe also partook of some Taste of the Wild while SPHP munched the usual apple.

True summit of Zimmer Ridge (L) from HP6583. Photo looks SW.
Another angle. Photo looks SSW.
Peak 6600 is the high point on the next ridge past Loop’s head. Photo looks W.

Mighty nice day for late November!  Time passed quickly.  Before all was over and done with, Lupe had also visited a lower rock formation off to the NE which had a view of Five Points (6,221 ft.).

Five Points (L of Center) from the lower NE rock formation. Photo looks NE.

Peak 6600 on the W side of Whitehorse Gulch was the American Dingo’s final peakbagging objective for the day.  Abandoning Zimmer Ridge, Lupe started down HP6583‘s NW slope.  This was all densely forested, fairly steep territory.  For a while boulder fields were off to the L (S) as Loop worked her way W.  Some deadfall, but not bad.  No views except trees, a mix of aspens and pines.

Descending Zimmer Ridge. Photo looks WSW.

Looking for a minor hill on the way to Pass 5935, Lupe finally saw it a little off to the NW.  She headed over toward it, but turned W along the S slope instead of going all the way to the top.  Upon reaching the Pass 5935 region, Loop came to a clearing.  Nearby was a dirt road which she followed NW up to a junction with USFS Road No. 387.1B.

Looper reaches USFS Road No. 387.1B near Pass 5935. Photo looks WSW.

Taking No. 387.1B, Lupe followed it up a short rise.  Once it topped out, the road then headed SW down a ravine leading into Whitehorse Gulch.  At the bottom, No. 387.1B turned NW.  Before making the turn, Loop left the road at the bend, heading down to a little pond only 200 feet away.

This pond had been a pretty spot the last time the Carolina Dog had been here more than 6 years ago.  Today it was frozen over, and seemed sad.  Everything looked motionless and dead.  A moment of silent reflection, and Lupe returned to the road, now going NW farther up Whitehorse Gulch.

Nearing the bend in Whitehorse Gulch. Photo looks WSW.
By the frozen pond. Photo looks SW.

For about a mile, No. 387.1B wound its way steadily higher.  Lupe came to a new, unmarked dirt road that angled off to the L, but didn’t take it.  After a while, the air became more strongly pine-scented than usual.  The reason was soon clear.  Logging!  The forest that had been here ever since Lupe had last been this way was now mostly gone.

The loggers had been here just recently.  Lupe passed numerous stacks of fresh cut logs, and huge piles of branches still loaded with green pine needles.  The change opened up the valley view, but the freshly churned up ground wasn’t pretty, the damage too new.

Lupe was undeterred, still happily exploring ahead, but SPHP trudged after her in an increasingly melancholy mood.

Exploring upper Whitehorse Gulch. USFS Road No. 387.1B (R). Where the new dirt road on the L goes remains a mystery. Photo looks NNW.
Whitehorse Gulch. Photo looks NW.
Near the start of the recently logged region. Photo looks NNW.

At the extreme N end of Whitehorse Gulch, No. 387.1B came to an end at a circular turnaround loop.  A more primitive road went W from here, and soon climbed a short steep slope.  Up on top, now 0.75 mile due N of Peak 6600, Lupe found she had reached a minor pass.  A fence crossed the road, but the gate was open.  Beyond the fence was a meadow and views of nearby hills to the NW.

Leaving the road, the Carolina Dog headed S along a broad ridge leading to Peak 6600.  Loggers had been up here, too.  All large trees were gone, although small ones remained, the ground churned up with caterpillar tracks and littered with little broken branches still sporting bright green pine needles.  Zimmer Ridge (6,600 ft.) could be seen off to the ESE, the top of Black Elk Peak poking up behind it.

Zimmer Ridge (Center). Photo looks ESE.

The loggers hadn’t made it all the way to Peak 6600 along this ridge, but they’d gotten fairly close.  Lupe had to duck under the annoying ancient barbed-wire fence that also went this way a couple of times, but finally got past it, too.

Closing in on Peak 6600 (R). Sylvan Hill (L) in the distance. Photo looks S.

Little patches of snow were still slowly melting on the N slopes, as Lupe made the final 200 foot ascent to the top of Peak 6600.  Not particularly steep, just a forested, and in a few spots, snowy trek higher.

Peak 6600 has two summits, E and W, separated by 300 feet.  Coming up the NNE slope of the mountain, Looper reached the E summit first.  She scrambled up onto a narrow, vertical band of rock running N/S at the high point.  This was the same spot she had reached 6 years ago, where SPHP had taken a photo of her silhouetted as the sun sank in the W.

Not that late in the day yet this time around.  SPHP took a couple of new photos of Loop on the E summit, but from different angles than before.

Peak 6600, at the E summit. Photo looks S.
E summit from another angle. Photo looks NW.

Trees interfered with the views.  The W summit was a bit higher in SPHP’s opinion, although it couldn’t be seen clearly from here for the same reason.  Lots of deadfall between the two summits.  Lupe stayed near the N edge, trying to avoid the mess as much as possible, as she headed over to the true summit.

3:17 PM – Lupe stood poised at the true summit of Peak 6600 enjoying a sunlit reception.  45 minutes before sunset.  She would spend 25 of them right here.  This was a beautiful spot, with some room to move around.  The best and only open views were off to the N and W where a series of forested hills led to the high ridges of the limestone plateau country.

In brilliant sunshine at the true (W) summit of Peak 6600. Photo looks N.
Limestone plateau ridges on the horizon (L). Photo looks WNW.
Bear Mountain (7,166 ft.) beyond Lupe. Photo looks WSW.
At the S end of Peak 6600’s W summit region. Photo looks S.

The last apple vanished.  Lupe had more Taste of the Wild.  Water for all.  Conditions were awesome for late November, and the slanting rays of early evening sunlight made everything so beautiful!  Wouldn’t last.  Looper cooperated fully in getting a few more dazzling Dingo shots.

Green Mountain (7,164) (L) in the distance. Photo looks NW.
Evening on Peak 6600. Photo looks W.
Back on the highest rocks of the true summit. Photo looks N.

Would have been fun to stay and watch the sunset, but it was a long way back.  The most direct route would be steep and full of deadfall.  Better to leave early enough to not get stuck out among the worst of it in the dark.

Prudence was going to win out.  The sun wasn’t quite low enough yet to get a true silhouette shot this time, but SPHP tried anyway, hoping to get a couple that might be close before Lupe left Peak 6600 again.  This time she stood proudly atop the true (W) summit, instead of the E one.

Peak 6600, true summit. Photo looks W.
Final moments atop Peak 6600.

And the race was on!  The American Dingo started down Peak 6600’s steep SE slope, dodging all the deadfall as best she could.  She’d barely gotten going, when the views of Zimmer Ridge and the rugged territory surrounding Black Elk Peak were worth a pause.

Zimmer Ridge (Center). Photo looks E.
Black Elk Peak (L), Peak 6920 (Center), and Little Devils Tower (R). The SW ridge of Zimmer Ridge, which Lupe had climbed this morning, is the foreground. Photo looks ESE with help from the telephoto lens.

Dusk in Whitehorse Gulch.  The night sky never did get all that dark.  The white ghost of a nearly full moon rose over the shoulder of Zimmer Ridge.  Skirting fences along the edge of private property, an American Dingo slunk undetected through shadowy forest.

Chilly out again, but homeward bound.  (5:50 PM, 24ºF)

Peak 6600, Black Hills of South Dakota, 11-28-20

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Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 101 – Zimmer Ridge & Peak 6600 (10-23-14)

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Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 101 – Zimmer Ridge & Peak 6600 (10-23-14)

Ever since SPHP ran across the site Peakbagger.com early in May, 2014, Lupe had been working on climbing all of the peaks she was able to on Peakbagger’s list of Black Hills 6500-foot Peaks.  By now, she had been on top of almost all of them.  Of course, the list contains a number of peaks Lupe will never be able to climb, because they are legally off limits or require climbing gear.

American Dingoes are purists.  If a mountain requires climbing gear, they don’t even try it.  They only bother to climb mountains they can summit completely unaided under their own power.  They never rely on ropes, or crampons, or snowshoes, or ice axes, etc.  At least that’s what American Dingoes claim.  In practice, Lupe has fudged at a few peaks by allowing SPHP to lift her up onto the highest rocks.

On this beautiful October day, Lupe was intent on reaching a couple of the few remaining climbable peaks on the Black Hills 6500-foot Peaks list that she hadn’t been to yet, Zimmer Ridge (6,600 ft.) and Peak 6600.  Both peaks are in the same general area 5-7 miles SW of Hill City.  Lupe would begin her quest on USFS Road No. 387.1, about 0.5 mile from Hwy 385 (10:37 AM, 54°F).

Lupe and SPHP started the day following No. 387.1 as it wound its way NW through a narrow canyon.  There was a creek near the road, which Lupe was glad to see, since it meant she could help herself to cold, clear water anytime she wished.  The maps show different names for this creek.  SPHP’s old USFS map show it as Whitehouse Creek.  The Peakbagger.com topo maps show it as White Horse Creek.

The canyon widened out into a bigger valley, as Lupe continued NW.  The road was wide and appeared to be built to county specs, which made it uninteresting.  After Lupe had gone a mile or more, the confusion about the creek’s name cleared up.  A little way ahead, Lupe saw a white horse standing with a few friends at the edge of the forest.  Lupe assured SPHP that this was the actual White Horse of White Horse Creek, which seemed logical enough.

Toward the S end of the valley between Zimmer Ridge and Peak 6600, the USFS map shows 160 acres of private property in the shape of an upside down and reversed “L”.  The horses Lupe was approaching were probably on that private land.  To stay on USFS land, Lupe left No. 387.1 angling NE up Zimmer Ridge.

Lupe’s route grew progressively steeper as Lupe climbed through a dense forest of young trees.  It had been sunny and warm down in the valley, but when Lupe and SPHP arrived up on the ridgeline, it was breezy and cool.  Lupe was close to the S end of the high ground on the summit ridge.  After a short break, Lupe went N looking for the summit.

Along the way, Lupe reached two false summits.  The second false summit provided the first real views in any direction.  Lupe could see to the SSE toward Sylvan Hill (7,000 ft.).  She could also see the true summit of Zimmer Ridge.  It was still farther N along the ridge.

Lupe on the 2nd false summit she came to on Zimmer Ridge. The dead tree points just to the R of Sylvan Hill (Center). Photo looks SSE.
Lupe on the 2nd false summit she came to on Zimmer Ridge. The dead tree points just to the R of Sylvan Hill (Center). Photo looks SSE.

The ridgeline going over to the true summit was broad and fairly level.  It should have been an easy trek.  However, there was a lot of deadfall timber.  Several rocky spots and dense stands of thistles slowed SPHP down, too.  It took SPHP a while to get over to the true summit.  Lupe had plenty of time to sniff and explore.

Zimmer Ridge culminates in a couple clusters of boulders jutting up right next to each other at the true summit.  The highest rocks were all very nearly the same elevation.   Despite the purist intentions of the American Dingo, it was fudging time.  SPHP had to lift Lupe the last few feet to get her up on top.  She didn’t look all that comfortable perched high on Zimmer Ridge, but she did her best to act as if everything was just lovely.

Lupe acts as if its just grand up on the true summit of Zimmer Ridge, even though it looked like she had an uncomfortable perch. Photo looks W.
Lupe acts as if its just grand up on the true summit of Zimmer Ridge, even though it looked like she had an uncomfortable perch. Photo looks W.
High rocks of the other cluster of boulders at the summit of Zimmer Ridge. Photo looks E.
High rocks of the other cluster of boulders at the summit of Zimmer Ridge. Photo looks E.

SPHP was surprised to see that there was yet another high point on Zimmer Ridge about 0.33 mile to the NNE.  It looked almost the same elevation as the true summit.  SPHP had to consults the maps to make certain it wasn’t actually higher.  The maps showed that it was only 6,583 ft., or 17 feet lower.

Even though Lupe had already reached the summit, it seemed like a shame not to go on and finish her explorations of Zimmer Ridge all the way to the N high point.  The first part of the trek over there wasn’t bad, but as Lupe got closer, there were big rock formations to maneuver around.  The deadfall timber and thistles were bad, too.

The N high point was a better place to relax than the true summit.  Some flat ground provided a high perch with a great view to the N.  Lupe and SPHP took a break there.  After the break, Lupe finished her climb up a big rock pile to the top of the N high point.

Lupe on the high point at the N end of Zimmer Ridge. It is only 17 feet lower than the true summit. Photo looks SSW at the true summit.
Lupe on the high point at the N end of Zimmer Ridge. It is only 17 feet lower than the true summit. Photo looks SSW at the true summit.

With her explorations of Zimmer Ridge complete, it was time to start for Peak 6600, located 1.75 miles due W.  Lupe and SPHP left the N high point heading WNW down the mountain.  Lupe lost hundreds of feet of elevation, and arrived at USFS Road No. 387.1B a short distance NE of a saddle over to the next ridge.  Lupe and SPHP followed the road up to the saddle.

SPHP had intended to just cross the road, and follow the ridgeline NW until it swept around to the W to a point where Lupe could turn S to Peak 6600.  However, while Lupe might not be tired of the deadfall timber yet, SPHP was.  Even though Lupe would lose more elevation that would have to be regained, it seemed easier to just stay on No. 387.1B.

So, Lupe remained on No. 387.1B continuing SW from the saddle.  The road reached its low point where it turned NW to start gaining elevation again.  A small pond was shining in the sunlight near the bend.  Lupe was happy to see it.  She ran to the pond, plunked herself down in it and had a big drink.

The pond near the low point of USFS Road No. 387.1B. Lupe cooled off here and enjoyed a big drink, before continuing on her way to Peak 6600. Photo looks SW into the glare of the sun.
The pond near the low point of USFS Road No. 387.1B. Lupe cooled off here and enjoyed a big drink, before continuing on her way to Peak 6600. Photo looks SW into the glare of the sun.

Fully refreshed from her pond break, Lupe shook herself off and was ready to go again.  Lupe and SPHP followed No. 387.1B into the upper end of White Horse gulch.  The road went NW 0.75 mile, turned W and soon came to a turnaround loop.  Lupe was now at almost the same elevation as the ridge to the N.  From the turnaround loop, it was only a short trek off the road to get on the ridgeline for a look at the country on the other side.

SPHP went to take a look at the view, but Lupe never made it that far.  As Lupe approached, a gray and white rabbit suddenly dashed off and disappeared in the forest.  Lupe lost all interest in the view.  She preferred to sniff around excitedly trying to figure out where the bunny had gone.  As it turned out, the rabbit must have had prior experience working with a magician.  It had completely disappeared.

The road continued W beyond the turnaround loop, and climbed more steeply for a short distance up onto an even higher ridge.  Peak 6600 was now just 0.75 mile to the S.  Lupe and SPHP left the road to follow the ridgeline.  Lupe came to several places where there was a view back to the E toward Zimmer Ridge.

On the way to Peak 6600. Zimmer Ridge is seen in the distance. Photo looks ESE.

It was late afternoon by the time Lupe reached the top of Peak 6600.  The summit area features two high points enclosed by the 6600 foot contour on the topo map.  Lupe arrived at the E summit first.  Unfortunately, forest blocked the views.  Lupe got up on the highest rock at the E summit, and struck a rather dramatic Carolina Dog pose.

Lupe strikes a dramatic Carolina Dog pose on the E summit of Peak 6600. Photo looks SW.
Lupe strikes a dramatic Carolina Dog pose on the E summit of Peak 6600. Photo looks SW.

Lupe left the E summit to check out the W one.  It wasn’t very far away, but there was a huge amount of deadfall timber navigate through.  The effort was worth it.  A rocky ledge at the W summit provided good views off toward the high country in that direction.  Lupe and SPHP stopped here to take a break.  Lupe finished almost all of her Taste of the Wild.  SPHP ate the last apple.

Lupe on the rocky W summit of Peak 6600. Photo looks N.
Lupe on the rocky W summit of Peak 6600. Photo looks N.
Lupe checks out the view.
Lupe checks out the view.

The forest made it hard to tell for certain, but in SPHP’s opinion the E high point was the true summit of Peak 6600.  However, the views were better from the W one.  Lupe and SPHP lingered on the W summit of Peak 6600, watching the sun sink toward the horizon.

A hoped for colorful sunset didn’t pan out.  Lupe and SPHP left Peak 6600 heading S along the ridgeline.  SPHP wanted Lupe to stay up on the ridge as long as possible before turning E to head back down into White Horse Creek valley.  Lupe didn’t make it far, though.  There was too much deadfall timber up on the ridge.

At the low point of the first big saddle S of Peak 6600, Lupe and SPHP left the ridge and started down.  Lupe had to lose a lot of elevation before the deadfall diminished and the terrain started leveling out.  As twilight was fading, Lupe strayed onto private property somewhere along the way.

Although this was White Horse Creek valley, a very friendly black horse noticed Lupe and SPHP passing through the forest.  The most likely explanation in the horse’s view was that the Carolina Dog was bringing him a nice supply of fresh carrots to munch on.  It whinnied a greeting, and trotted jauntily toward Lupe looking forward to carrots and company.  Maybe Lupe was even bringing oats?

Lupe loves to bark furiously at cows and horses from the safety of the G6.  This was different.  Up close, the gigantic black horse approaching rapidly in the dark forest was quite unnerving for the American Dingo.  Lupe mistook the black horse’s cheerful whinnying as a threat.  The evil apparition was out to get her!  Lupe dashed off, without so much as a single bow-wow.

At 7:05 PM (38°F), Lupe and SPHP arrived back at the G6.  Lupe headed for home, content with her peakbagging successes.  Meanwhile, a disappointed black horse heaved a sigh and resigned itself to its dull diet of dry grass.  Some days it’s tough being a black horse in White Horse Creek valley.

On Peak 6600, Black Hills of South Dakota Expedition No. 101, 10-23-14

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