Bahh...Humbug Mountain

Sunday I decided to go hike Humbug Mountain (about 35 miles south of me) alone. I decided to hike a mountain alone. Why did I think this was a good idea? It kind of was, kind of wasn't. It was a beautiful hike, 3 miles up, 3 miles down. Steep too. Kicked my butt! So, the only reason I feel it wasn't the greatest idea was I got panicky a couple of times because I was alone. Not just that no one was with me, but that no one was on the mountain either. I passed only 6 people the entire 5 hours I was there. Only 6 people...geez. Who goes hiking alone? It's not fun alone. I think the point of hiking (not just to see the beauty and get exercise) is to spend time enjoying the outdoors with others. Anyway, I hiked it. It was pretty. It got slightly eery when the fog rolled in. It was so pretty, but at the same time...felt like a horror movie at one point. And when I got to the summit the fog completely blocked my view of the ocean and the surroundings. I didn't really care. I was just glad I made it to the top. So, here is some info about Humbug Mountain:

The elevation is 1,756 ft. It is the highest mountain on the Oregon coast that rises straight from the ocean. I point out coast because Mt. Hood in Oregon trumps Humbug Mountain BY FAR. This is just talking about the coast. Supposedly there is old growth forest on the mountain. I saw some, but nothing like further north near Cape Meares. The trees were a good mixture of evergreens and deciduous, and tons of ferns. Pretty Maples. Too bad it isn't fall. Maples create some of the best fall colors. I didn't get a far away shot of the mountain so I am linking this site if you want to see it:
http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_56.php

I did notify people I was hiking so if I didn't return, they would know where I was. That sounds so disturbing, but its the smart thing to do. It was a good hike, but I don't think I will be hiking alone again. Not my cup of tea. I'm more of a social hiker. I almost said social climber just to be funny, haha. Okie doke, here are some photos for your enjoyment. Hope everyone had a good weekend. Can you believe it is already August? Can fall get here already? I'm sooo dreading going back to the weather back home. That's my biggest dread...the heat. I've been so spoiled this summer, I don't want it to end. I'm sitting in a hoodie right now in August! Love it. Okay, sorry...photos:

 Trailhead

 This looked like a nice resting tree to me, except it was over a huge drop. 

 Loved the way the moss looked on this tree. 

 This looks like a great spot for an Osprey nest. 

 You are supposed to see the ocean in this view. 

 Fog rolling in on the trail.

 Another ocean view where the ocean is lacking. 

 The top view without the ocean or sky for that matter. 

 Celebratory stance!

 Elevation marker

 3 miles on flat ground seems like nothing, 3 miles all uphill is definitely something. 

 I did it! 

 I thought this tree was soo cool looking.