Humbug Mountain State Park, Port Orford

Arrival at HM about 7:30 or 8, and found our spot – C17 – without much issue. Beautiful spot, with high, tree-covered mountains to our left and right. Babbling brook immediately behind us, perfect white noise, both for sleeping and drowning out neighbors. Immediately started in on tent, sleeping bags, stove, fire, set-up. LVL all over the tent, etc., me out to find firewood.

An interesting run-in with the Ranger guy on duty at the campsite. He seemed a bit annoyed to be bothered so close to closing time (8 pm; I showed up at 7:55 or so), and then proceeded to tell me that I should probably be getting my firewood from the attendant closer to Section C. He relented and sold me a cartload ($5), but not without some weird DC-related rap. “DC. Uh-huh. You’re one of them, huh,” said the goateed, grandpa-aged grouch. “Guess, so. Thanks for the wood,” was all I had the energy for in response. In retrospect, I should have made some comment about him being one of those campsite attendants. One of those assholes.

A much more successful set-up and meal prep than last time. So much better without the driving rain. Despite the warnings (and the drizzly cold we got on Monday), blue skies and sun the whole day. A bit of a chill here at night (jeans, tee, fleece, hoodie, beanie, for me), but nothing too uncomfortable. Dinner consists of ramen for me and a cup-o-Thai soup for LVL. I think the fistfuls of snacks along the way may have spoiled our dinner. Anyway, it was hot, tasty, and didn’t take 90 minutes to prepare.

Bed early, but not before a very abbreviated game of Scrabble inside the tent. Both of us exhausted, so we didn’t last more than three or four turns each. A mild bit of excitement before lights out: top of one of the water bottles wasn’t secured properly and spilled under the foam padding, all over the tent. Ugh.

More great weather today. Not a cloud in the sky, and warm in the sun. Perfect day for an aggressive 5.5 mile hike/run on Humbug Mountain. After some hesitation – and not at all aware of what I was getting into – I decided to join LVL, who was super excited about it. Trailhead about 25 yards from C17.

Trail heavily wooded on both sides. Huge, moss covered trees, ferns, mountain wild flowers, lazy streams, and far-off glimpses of the water add to the amazing scenery. Fast pace and weak-ass legs make for an auspicious first mile or so.** Not super psyched when I see the sign: “To Summit: East Trail 2.0 mi.; West Trail 1.5 mi.” I had bargained for 3 mi total. 35 or 40 switchbacks and over an hour later, we reached the top. View not all that great (several along the way were much better), sense of accomplishment incredible. All told, two hours of agony/ecstasy/pain/pleasure/love/hate.

Back about 12:15, with just enough time to pack the car before 1 pm check-out. On the road to California and the Redwoods via Gold Beach and Brookings.

** The murderous hike did help me forget for the first time in several days the dime-sized canker sore under my tongue.