Carolina Dog – Page 27 – The (Mostly) True Adventures of Lupe

Humbug Mountain, Coast Range & Ophir Beach (9-1-21)

Day 27 of Lupe’s 3rd Summer of 2021 Dingo Vacation to the West Coast!

10:17 AM, 66ºF, Humbug Mountain (1,761 ft.) trailhead off Hwy 101 – 5 miles S of Port Orford, almost immediately after Hwy 101 swung inland away the Oregon coast, a big empty gravel parking area appeared on the R. Joy of joys! SPHP had been hoping there might be a way Lupe could climb Humbug Mountain, and there was! Parking the RAV4, a posted sign, complete with a map, confirmed the existence of a Humbug Mountain trail that went all the way to the summit!

Oh, we gotta do this one, SPHP! Humbug Mountain is practically right on the Pacific Ocean. Just think what we might be able to see from up top!

No argument from SPHP there! Within minutes, the American Dingo was on her way.

Humbug Mountain trailhead. Photo looks SW.

In case there was the least bit of doubt, a few pawsteps into the forest a Humbug Mtn Trail sign directed Lupe L. 3 miles to the top! Actually that was a slight exaggeration, no matter which part of a loop Lupe took. No need to even think about that yet, though. The trail wouldn’t divide into E and W routes until the first mile was about over and done with.

A second sign almost right at the start.

The trail headed SE a short distance into a ferny forest before trending NE, winding its way higher at an easy to moderate pace along the N side of the mountain. Lupe began coming to posts marking each 0.25 mile. Progress was good. The trail was in great shape!

Before reaching the 0.5 mile mark, the trail curved into a little valley. At the far E end, Lupe crossed a tiny, clear-running stream, the only water she would come to on the whole route.

After crossing the stream, the trail reversed direction, going W or S most of the time. Lupe passed a 0.75 mile post. Shortly before reaching a 1.0 mile post, she came to a bench. This was where the trail divided into E and W routes.

Decision time! At the bench where the trail divides.

Which way, SPHP? E or W?

Hardly matters, Loop. The E route is 0.2 mile longer, but both routes will meet again a little below the summit. The map shows that the W route has 3 viewpoints, while the E route only has 1. If you don’t mind, I’d rather go W, so we can check out the views on the way up. We can do the E half of the loop on the way down.

Sounds good to me, SPHP!

The W route started out going WSW, before turning S. The Carolina Dog soon reached the first viewpoint, a narrow opening through the forest featuring a glimpse of the Oregon Coast over by Port Orford. The air was rather hazy. Looked more like smoke than humidity.

**Port Orford** (Center) from the first viewpoint. Photo looks NNW.

Cool to see the Oregon Coast from elevation, SPHP!

Marvelous, Loop! A little discouraging, though, that we’re practically in the drink, and there’s still all this wildfire smoke hanging around.

Nothing we can do about it, SPHP. Let’s keep going.

The trail continued S, then turned W again. Less than 5 minutes from the first viewpoint, Lupe came to a second bench. This bench was also the location of a second viewpoint, although the view was almost exactly the same, another look at Port Orford from a little higher up.

**Port Orford** (R of Center) again. Photo looks NNW.

Beyond the second bench, the trail soon turned SW, but that didn’t last. Before long, the Humbug Mountain Trail was snaking it’s way SE, then E. The forest was amazing, but was all Lupe could see.

At least the posts the American Dingo continued to pass every 0.25 mile provided encouragement that progress really was being made.

Lupe kept climbing. If there actually was a third viewpoint along the W route, SPHP never saw it. 1.6 miles from the first bench, the trail crossed part of a tree trunk had been hewn away. Immediately beyond this spot, the E and W routes of the Humbug Mountain Trail merged again. An arrow on the final post pointed up a short spur leading to the summit.

Next to the post where the E and W routes meet up again. Photo looks E.

11:53 AM, 63ºF, Humbug Mountain (1,761 ft.) – The short spur quickly brought Lupe up to the W end of a 125 foot long summit ridge. Running NW/SE, this ridge was roughly 20 feet wide. The RAV4 had been alone at the big gravel trailhead down by Hwy 101, and Loop had seen no one at all on the way up the mountain, so SPHP was surprised to see 3 couples basking in sunshine on benches strung out along the ridgeline.

Several log slice benches were near a big stump where Lupe came up. Two normal benches were farther SE. A battered metal container full of cement was 10 feet W of the middle bench, which was stationed at the true summit. Inspection of the container revealed a survey benchmark.

**Humbug Mountain true summit**. Survey benchmark container (L). Photo looks NW.

Everyone was friendly! Turned out they had all spent the night over at a campground N of Hwy 101 directly across from the trailhead, explaining why no vehicles had been at the trailhead.

Humbug Mountain had been entirely forested on the way up. However, that wasn’t true here! A good-sized clearing on the upper SW slope let the sun shine in, and provided a stunning view of the Oregon coast. A fair amount of smoke was visible, but mostly near the horizon. Closer by, the smoke wasn’t bad enough to seriously mar the scene.

**Oregon Coast** from **Humbug Mountain**. Photo looks SSE.

**Sisters Rocks** (Center). Photo looks SSE with help from the telephoto lens.

The main view was S along the coastline, but Lupe could see SW out over the Pacific Ocean, too. A surprising amount of smoke was drifting way out beyond the coast, limiting visibility, but it still felt incredible to be looking down on the ocean from such a height.

**Pacific Ocean** from **Humbug Mountain**. Photo looks SW.

Wow! Bet there are some amazing sunsets from up here, SPHP!

No doubt about that, Loop! Maybe we should have come later in the day?

That would have been sweet, SPHP, but we should be happy we’ve got a view at all. So much forest on the way up, I wasn’t really expecting to see much of anything. This is awesome!

Trees did block the views both E and W, and only the same limited view of Port Orford was available to the N, although more ocean and coastline could be seen from this height.

Lupe sniffed while SPHP chatted with the other hikers. None stayed all that long. Once they all departed, Loop took possession of the bench at the high point. Peace and quiet reigned, but eventually a steady stream of people began appearing again.

**Summit ridge** from the SE bench. Photo looks NW.

Hikers came and went. The Carolina Dog remained. As the day warmed up, Loop hid in the shade of the summit bench while SPHP admired the spectacular coastline and ocean panorama. Humbug Mountain was an incredible vantage point!

Relaxing on **Humbug Mountain**. Photo looks ESE.

By the time Loopster’s traditional summit hour drew to a close, a small crowd was present. Getting mighty busy! Surrendering the highest bench, Lupe wandered down to the lower end of the clearing for a last glance at the splendid scene before her.

On the way back, Lupe explored the E half of the Humbug Mountain loop. Marginally longer, but barely noticeable, since it was nearly all downhill. The only disappointment was that the one viewpoint the map showed along the E route didn’t seem to exist. Forest all the way!

1:56 PM, 68ºF, Hwy 101, Humbug Mountain trailhead – It was still early when Lupe got back to the RAV4. After a bite to eat, the Carolina Dog headed S on Hwy 101. A dozen miles from Humbug Mountain, SPHP spotted a sign for the Ophir Safety Rest Area. Making the turn, a short road led to a large, paved parking lot.

A restroom and picnic tables on a low grassy plateau overlooked an enormous expanse of the Pacific Ocean. Off to the N, there was a great view of Humbug Mountain.

Driven by a fierce wind coming off the Pacific, big waves were crashing ashore. The RAV4 was much more pleasant. Sunny and warm, enough of a chilly breeze flowed through with the windows cracked open to keep Lupe from getting hot.

What do you think, Loop? This is a cool spot! Want to hang out here for a while? You can snooze, or watch seagulls and waves, while I catch up the trip journal.

A snooze sounds good, SPHP! Wake me up, if the wind stops blowing.

It wasn’t long before both Lupe and SPHP were in Dingo Dreamland. Must have snoozed a while. By the time SPHP regained consciousness, the sun was noticeably farther W.

Hey, sleepyhead! I’m starving! What do we have to eat, SPHP?

A box of chocolate coconut bars was handy. To the sweet-toothed Dingo’s enormous delight, SPHP shared 3 of them with her.

Just being lazy, Loop. Don’t count on more evil feasts like this anytime soon!

The trend was encouraging! Not quite as windy now. SPHP went back to work on the trip journal.

6:50 PM, 66ºF, Ophir Beach – Caught up. Time for a romp! There’d only been a light breeze at Humbug Mountain, but down here, even though it was dying, the wind was still 15 to 20 mph out of the NW as Lupe and SPHP both headed bare-pawed down a sandy path to the ocean.

Heading down to **Ophir Beach**. Photo looks WNW.

Along the shore, someone had built a little wall out of driftwood next to a log, for what purpose wasn’t clear. Humbug Mountain (1,761 ft.) was in sight off to the N. Much too far away to get to, but it seemed like the way to go. After checking out the impressive wave action up close, the Carolina Dog led the way N along the wet sand of the deserted beach.

**Humbug Mountain** (L of Center) from **Ophir Beach**. Photo looks N.

Checking out the waves. **Humbug Mountain** (R), **Sisters Rocks** (far R). Photo looks N.

Ophir Beach slanted more steeply into the ocean than the other beaches Lupe had been to along the Oregon Coast. With the waves as big as they were, seemed a bit dangerous to get too close. SPHP walked on the wet sand along the edge where the waves played out. Loopster preferred staying a even a little farther out of reach.

The wind was cool, the sand gritty and loose. Seemed incredible that such a large expanse of beach could be so deserted. No complaints about that at all! For a long way, Lupe trotted along happily sniffing the odd scents on the salted breeze, but there was something in the wild wind and foaming roar of the ocean that struck a primal nerve.

Pausing to examine the wonderfully rippled dry sand beyond wave’s reach, SPHP looked up after a moment and recognized a feral gleam in Looper’s eyes.

In the grip of a sudden evil thought! Photo looks S.

The were-puppy was here! Sick and tired of the long, featureless sandy trudge, spurred on by wind and waves, the were-puppy wanted to play! Only one game that the were-puppy likes – predator and prey! As usual, SPHP got to play the prey role, as the were-puppy launched a ferocious barking, snarling, leaping attack.

The were-puppy, about to spring into action!

SPHP danced around, fending off the were-puppy’s determined assault, sustaining only a couple of nips in the process. A few exciting minutes, then the were-puppy vanished. Mild-mannered Lupe returned. Point made, though. Soon getting to be time to turn back.

During the return, SPHP noticed two white pebbles sitting up on a sandy bank. One had a black spot at one end. Since this was likely Lupe’s last stroll of her Summer of 2021 Dingo Vacation to the West Coast along the Pacific Ocean, SPHP picked them up. They’d become part of Loopster’s rock collection.

**Humbug Mountain** (L), **Sisters Rocks** (Center) during the return. Photo looks N.

8:01 PM, 58ºF, Ophir Beach – The sun was nearly down by the time Lupe got back to where she’d have to leave the beach to return to the RAV4. A yellow-orange sky, slightly blurred by smoke, illuminated gray waves.

Savor the moment, Looper! Think we’ll be heading inland tomorrow.

My Dingo Vacation isn’t over already, is it, SPHP?

September now, Loop. We’ll keep it going, if we can, but depends on what we find when we head E. Smoky even along the ocean the last couple of days. We’ve been at it nearly a month now, yet it never rains enough to even put a dent in the wildfires.

Always hard to leave the ocean. Lupe watched as the sun sank into a watery gray grave. Gone! By tomorrow morning, Lupe would be, too.

Sunset from **Ophir Beach**, Oregon Coast 9-1-21

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Roman Nose Mountain, Coast Range & Sunset Bay, Oregon (8-31-21)

Part 2 of Day 26 of Lupe’s 3rd Summer of 2021 Dingo Vacation to the West Coast!

3:34 PM, 65ºF, near Dunn Ridge Road – Yup, a pond here alright.

I know where we are now, Loop! Back to the RAV4! We’re real close to the top, but there was a better place to park just a little way back.

Only 0.1 mile NE, SPHP parked the RAV4 again at a large flat spot on the N side of Dunn Ridge Road. A primitive side road headed off into the trees. Not the way to Roman Nose Mountain (2,840 ft.), but blue sky was visible between the tree trunks.

Didn’t you say that we aren’t likely to see much from Roman Nose, SPHP? Want to check out this side road? Maybe we can see something right here!

Fine with me, Loop. Lead on!

A short distance in along the side road, the amount of sunlight streaming through seemed to confirm that there really ought to be some kind of a view. However, before even taking a look, an oddity was noticed ahead at the base of a moss-covered tree. At first, SPHP mistook it for trash, but upon closer inspection, a sign was next to a 3 foot long stick wrapped at both ends with duct tape.

Venturing in along the side road. **Oddity** (L of Center) directly ahead. Photo looks N.

What does the sign say, SPHP?

The Holy Shell Ball Bat “From whence you came, you shall remain …”

Holy Shell Ball Bat! Is that what this stick is, SPHP?

Does appear likely that’s exactly what we’re looking at, Looper.

And what is a shell ball, SPHP?

No clue, Loop! Never heard of a shell ball or bat before. Must be an Oregon thing.

“From whence you came you shall remain” sounds like a prophecy, or a threat, SPHP. Do you think this shell ball bat is magical, like some kind of an enchanted weapon?

Hmm. Well, hard to say. To tell you the truth, Loopster, it doesn’t look all that marvelous to me, but the sign does say it’s “Holy”, so it might be blessed, or sacred.

Or cursed, SPHP! Could a shell ball bat be like a type of wizard’s wand? Those are really rare! Maybe we’ve found a powerful artifact! Any idea how it might work? Conjure me up a few squirrels, or a T-bone steak! Even summoning a shell ball might give us an idea on what it all means. A shell ball might be like a crystal ball, and we could see into the future!

Wizard’s wand? Maybe, but if so, it’s a well-disguised one. Rather unusual for powerful artifacts to be associated with duct tape, I’d say. Sorry, but I don’t know how it works, Loop. Doesn’t appear to have an on/off switch, or any place to swap out batteries. Gotta admit, a crystal ball could come in pretty handy, though. Hold my beer, Warren Buffett, Elon Musk! My Dingo and her shell ball are gonna show ya how it’s done! We’d be rich!

For a powerful artifact, it does look pretty plain, SPHP, although you might be right about it being disguised. Maybe that’s so it can be left around like this in plain sight without having to worry about it being stolen? Kind of dangerous to do that, though. If shell ball is a game, and we were players, we’d just grab it and go! The wizard would be flat out of luck!

Well, cry me a river, holy or evil wizard! That’s what you get for leaving your powerful artifacts cluttering up the forest! A place for everything, and everything in it’s place! That’s what I say, Loopster!

So are we going to take it, SPHP?

No, I don’t think so. Let’s just leave it. Says Holy, but maybe it is cursed, Loop. It’s already preventing us from getting to Roman Nose Mountain. C’mon, let’s have a look at the view, and get out of here!

Alright, SPHP! But let’s remember this place. Never know when having a Holy Shell Ball Bat might come in handy!

Despite all the sunlight streaming in, the view from the Holy Shell Ball Bat proved merely a tree-broken one of low hills beyond the Kentucky Creek valley.

**Kentucky Creek valley**. Photo looks NNW.

Returning to Dunn Ridge Road, Lupe followed it SW back up to the pond N of Roman Nose Mountain. Small, yet scenic, the pond was green and still. SPHP collected several Lupe treasures strewn about. Dang messy wizards! The American Dingo then pressed on, following the road W.

At the **pond 0.1 mile N of Roman Nose Mountain’s summit**. Photo looks SSE.

A short distance beyond the pond, there was a much more open view than the one to be had back at the Holy Shell Ball Bat. Rumpled green hills featuring a patchwork of clear cuts stretched away to the N. Lupe might have been seeing the backside of some of the same mountains she’d seen only yesterday from Marys Peak (4,097 ft.), but SPHP couldn’t positively identify any of them.

Just beyond the viewpoint, Dunn Ridge Road curved SW, starting down into a dark forest. A side road climbed toward a similarly dark opening where a sign was visible on a gate.

Dunn Ridge Road (R), road to Roman Nose Mountain summit (L). Photo looks SSW.

Lupe went up to the gate. The green pond was visible from here, looking quite nice, but the sign attached to the closed gate was of more interest at the moment.

The pond as seen from the gate. Photo looks ESE.

A no trespassing sign, SPHP? That would be disappointing!

Hah! Not at all, Loopster! Says “Dingos Welcome! Surveillance provided for your protection. Enjoy your stay on Roman Nose Mountain!”

Dingos welcome? Wow! I like Roman Nose Mountain already!

Beyond the gate, the gravel road went through a short stretch of forest, soon leading to a field of tall yellow grass. A couple of big towers were already visible up on top of the mountain.

Summit from the edge of the field. Photo looks ESE.

Why, we’ll be there in no time, SPHP! Nothing to this mountain!

That’s because we parked so close to the summit, Loop.

Might want to remember that technique in the future, SPHP. Some of these mountains we’ve been climbing on this Dingo Vacation have been doozies!

3:58 PM, 73ºF, Roman Nose Mountain (2,840 ft.) – An impressive array of towers, antennas, and small buildings were contained within a chain link fence. Unfortunately, the true summit of Roman Nose Mountain was part of the complex as well, and Sherlock SPHP cleverly detected several faint clues that maybe even American Dingos weren’t entirely welcome inside the fence.

Arriving at the summit region. Photo looks SE.

The highest ground outside the fence was maybe 3 to 5 feet lower than the true summit, but the Carolina Dog insisted this was close enough for Dingo work, enabling her to claim a peakbagging success. Discovering a “Roman 2” survey benchmark attached to the top of a square concrete block W of most of the complex helped make it all official.

On the concrete block the survey benchmark was attached to. Photo looks SE.

The highest ground Lupe could actually get to was along a cliff at the SW corner of the fenced-in area, where a couple of electronic doodads were actually outside the fence. Despite what SPHP had read online, Roman Nose Mountain actually had sweeping views to the S from here.

No towering peaks in sight, but a vast expanse of lower hills and ridges was on display.

However, this viewpoint was cramped for space. Loop found a roomier one farther W. A bit lower, but the view was just as nice, and this was a better spot to relax for a while.

Sunny and pleasantly warm! Not a cloud in the sky, although definitely some of the usual smoky haze present. After checking out the views, Lupe and SPHP sat together in the tall yellow grass, soaking in the Dingo friendly Roman Nose Mountain ambiance. Beautiful trees ringing the mountain’s W, N, and E perimeter completely obscured whatever views might have been in those directions.

Lupe’s traditional summit hour was only half gone when SPHP made an unexpected announcement.

Hate to cut and run, Loopster, especially from a mountain harboring a Holy Shell Ball Bat, but maybe we should? Thought on the way in that we might easily find a decent road going S from here, but didn’t see anything from Dunn Ridge Road that I’d really trust not to wind around forever.

Why is that a problem, SPHP? Are we in a rush to get somewhere?

Yeah, sort of. Thought we’d visit Sunset Bay near Coos Bay and Charleston along the Oregon Coast this evening. Maybe scramble around on some rocks, and enjoy another sunset at the beach. That sort of thing. Would that interest you, Loop? It’s a bit of a drive. Might be lucky to get there in time for sunset, even if we leave now, but I think it’s still possible.

Glad you spoke up, SPHP! Been enjoying Roman Nose Mountain, and I also hate to leave a place that’s so Dingo friendly, but Sunset Bay? Yes, that sounds awesome!

Time to wrap things up here! After a final appreciative glance at the view to the S, RAV4 bound, Lupe bid farewell to Roman Nose Mountain.

In the tall yellow grass field. Photo looks N.

7:18 PM, Oregon Coast, Sunset Bay – Got here in time! Sun was still up, but conditions weren’t what SPHP had envisioned.

Hmm, too bad, Loop!

What’s wrong, SPHP?

Was here with Xochi a long time ago, Looper. We went around the S side of the bay out to the open ocean where there were a bunch of awesome big rocks to scramble around on. Can’t do that now, though.

Why not, SPHP?

Xoch and I went while the tide was out, Loop. Had to race the tide when it came surging back in to avoid getting submerged. But it’s already up now, so we can’t get over there. The route is underwater. Probably too late in the day, anyway.

So we don’t get to be swept out to sea and drowned? Gee, what a shame! Guess we’ll just have to enjoy the sunset, SPHP.

Lupe wasn’t alone in her plan. A small crowd was here, all waiting for day’s end. Sunset Bay wasn’t all that big, so there wasn’t an awful lot of exploring to be done. A few children were swimming in saltwater laden with dirty-looking black particles. Not terribly appealing, although the setting taken as a whole was fabulous.

Barepawed, Lupe and SPHP sauntered back and forth along the water’s edge in anticipation of the big event.

Wasn’t long before the display of glory ensued. Not a cloud in the sky, so a particularly wonderful result couldn’t be expected, but at least the sun wasn’t hidden, either. The ocean sunset was still exceedingly beautiful, and a rare treat for a Carolina Dog from South Dakota.

Through the camera lens, the scene was actually rather disturbing. Looked like the American Dingo was here to celebrate Doomsday as an enormous thermonuclear blast exploded over the Pacific Ocean.

Well, it wasn’t really the end of the world, merely the sublime end of yet another great day of Dingo adventures in Oregon! As the golden orb sank into the sea, the camera’s added thermonuclear effect diminished, revealing a more peaceful scene.

You know, SPHP, the sun actually is powered by thermonuclear energy!

True enough, Looper, I was just trying to say that the camera was … oh, well, never mind! Looks like the police and park personnel are here telling everyone to leave. Apparently this joint closes as soon as the sun goes down. They’ll be rolling up the sidewalk any minute now.

Banished from Sunset Bay as August, 2021 drew to a close, SPHP drove through the dark maze of unfamiliar streets of Charleston and Coos Bay. Took a while to find it, but soon enough the American Dingo was back on Hwy 101 heading S, searching for a place to spend the night.

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Sunset Bay State Park

Marys Peak, Coast Range, the Devils Punchbowl & Beverly Beach, Oregon (8-30-21 & 8-31-21)

Days 24, 25, and Part 1 of Day 26 of Lupe’s 3rd Summer of 2021 Dingo Vacation to the West Coast!

8-29-21, USFS Road No. 380 near a pond E of the Diamond Peak trailhead – Nothing happening today except rest and recuperation! Not after the Carolina Dog’s late return from Diamond Peak (8,744 ft.) yesterday. Lupe was content snoozing or gazing out the RAV4’s windows. Only when a squirrel or chipmunk appeared, did she leap out to bark at it a few times before returning to her comfy perch on a pile of blankets.

Sunny and hot. SPHP interrupted work on the trip journal to move the RAV4 to a shadier spot, then draped blankets over the windows. At 10:30 AM, people came by looking for the Diamond Peak trailhead. After that, pickups and ATV’s roared by, raising dust at long intervals.

8-30-21, 6:33 AM, 39ºF, same spot – Morning mist was drifting over the pond. Light out, but the sun wasn’t up yet. Directly overhead, a bright white half moon hung in a bone white sky. Smoky!

Guess that settles it, Loop! We’re done with the Cascade Range, at least for the time being. Trip journal’s caught up, so bid farewell to our little pond. We’re heading out!

Are we going to the Oregon coast, SPHP?

Yeah. If we can’t find blue skies there, I don’t know what we’ll do.

Heading NW on Hwy 58 after the scenic drive back to Oakridge, SPHP was surprised to see that the smoke already wasn’t as bad here. In fact, skies were gloomy. Looked like a storm was coming in! Drizzled for a few miles, but didn’t amount to much. Too bad, a real soaker would have done poor, parched Oregon a world of good.

NW of Junction City, during an exceptionally windy drive through deep forests to Alsea, blue skies and puffy white clouds appeared. A bit hazy, whether due to smoke or humidity it was hard to say, but not bad at all.

Hey, looks like you’re in luck, sweet puppy! Marys Peak (4,097 ft.) isn’t too far N of Alsea, want to try it?

I will, if you will, SPHP! Are you sufficiently recovered from Diamond Peak?

Oh, yeah! Marys Peak shouldn’t be that hard. It’s got some great stats, too! 3,357 feet of prominence, plus 48.57 miles of isolation, so its a major peak of the Oregon Coast Range.

8 miles N of Alsea at Alsea Summit, Hwy 34’s high point, SPHP turned L onto the road to Marys Peak. 6 winding, paved miles led to a sign.

East Ridge Connor’s Camp. Think that’s what we want, Loop!

By the East Ridge Conner’s Camp sign. R turn directly ahead!

8-30-21, 12:28 PM, 56ºF, East Ridge Conner’s Camp – A R turn led straight to a roomy paved parking lot. Several picnic tables were scattered over the dry grass beyond surrounding boulders. An outhouse and trailhead display completed amenities present. Within minutes, SPHP was ready. Loopster was on her way.

East Ridge Conner’s Camp parking lot. Photo looks ESE.

About to set out on East Ridge Trail No. 1324.

East Ridge Trail No. 1324 started out as a smooth, flat path heading NW through a leafy wonderland. Several noisy birds were creating quite a ruckus up in the treetops as Lupe set out, but she couldn’t see them. The Carolina Dog had barely gotten started when the trail rose slightly to cross USFS Road No. 2005.

The leafy wonderland near the start of East Ridge Trail No. 1324. Photo looks NW.

Crossing USFS Road No. 2005. Photo looks NW.

After crossing the road, the trail briefly turned WNW before beginning a mile long trek N along Marys Peak’s E slope. Most of the time, Loopster gradually gained elevation, although there were both somewhat steeper and flat stretches, too. Tall, branchless tree trunks soared above bushy undergrowth. The forest grew quiet as the noisy birds were left behind.

Climbing gradually among the tall trunks. Photo looks N.

A bench at a junction marked the end of Lupe’s trek N. Tie Trail No. 1313 continued NW from here, destined to link up with North Ridge Trail No. 1350, but that was the long way around. Much quicker to stick with East Ridge Trail No. 1324, which made a sharp turn SW. After a short break at the bench, Loop made the turn.

Bench at the junction of Tie Trail No. 1313 & East Ridge Trail No. 1324. Photo looks N.

A series of long switchbacks snaked up Marys Peak’s E, then NE, slopes. A bit rocky in a few places, but only for short stretches, and the trail was never steep. No views at all other than the tall trunk forest. A jungley profusion of ferns, bushes, and assorted large-leafed plants covering the forest floor gradually diminished as Lupe gained elevation.

Going up the East Ridge Trail No. 1324 switchbacks.

800 feet above where she’d left the bench, Lupe reached another trail junction. The forest was more open here, making it possible to see part of Mary Peak’s N ridge not that much higher toward the NW. East Ridge Trail No. 1324 continued that way to the unseen North Ridge trailhead, where it would end.

Instead, the American Dingo turned SSE on Summit Loop Trail No. 1388, which kept climbing as it traversed the upper E slopes of HP3942. When No. 1388 began curving SW, the trail broke out of the forest. Suddenly, Lupe was on a grassy hillside.

Summit Loop Trail No. 1388, **SE slope of HP3942**. Photo looks SW.

Once out in the open, Looper didn’t have much farther to go to reach a grassy saddle between HP3942 and the Marys Peak summit, which was still hidden by forest. The trail crossed a gravel road that appeared likely to head the rest of the way up the mountain.

Saddle between Marys Peak’s summit (not pictured) and **HP3942** (R). Photo looks NE.

Such a beautiful day! A bit hazy, but blue skies and cotton candy clouds overhead! The sunny gravel road was actually the other half of Summit Loop Trail No. 1388. Ahead, the single track re-entered a forest.

Shady trail or sunny road, any preference, Looper?

It’s summer, and I’m wearing a fur coat, SPHP. Take a wild guess!

A mental giant like SPHP easily figured this one out.

About to head back into the forest. Photo looks WSW.

Loopster had barely reached the shade, when SPHP paused to study a map posted along the trail. Several minutes went by.

The inscrutable Meadow Edge Trail posted map.

Must be quite the map, SPHP! What’s so fascinating about it? Aren’t we already practically to the top of the mountain?

What’s so fascinating, Loop, is that this map doesn’t make a lick of sense. The legend says “You are here”, but there’s no star marking our position. Doesn’t help that the whole thing is upside down.

Upside down! What do you mean by that, SPHP?

N is down, and S is up. Completely opposite the traditional arrangement.

I’ve got it! Stand on your head, SPHP. It will all make sense then!

Yeah, might work, if the map was posted at boot level. How am I going to see it with my head on the ground? Besides, I’d look ridiculous!

Never stopped you before, SPHP. Anyway, we’re almost there, keep going!

Sensible advice! Lupe led the way.

Continuing through the forest. Photo looks W.

Did learn one thing from that map, Loop.

What was that, SPHP?

The map shows an old growth Noble fir grove somewhere around here. Apparently, Meadow Edge Trail No. 1325 goes around it. Maybe we’ve been traveling through forests of younger specimens?

Perhaps, SPHP. Couldn’t tell you. We American Dingos aren’t really tree experts. What I can say, is that there aren’t enough squirrels in these forests. Haven’t seen a single one!

It wasn’t far at all to a fork. Summit Loop Trail No. 1388 veered L, while Meadow Edge Trail No. 1325 angled R. Sticking with No. 1388, Loopster followed it W. Gaining elevation, the trail began curving S. Soon Lupe was out of the forest again. Marys Peak’s summit was just up another grassy slope.

At the fork where Summit Loop Trail No. 1388 (L) and Meadow Edge Trail No. 1325 (R) part ways. Photo looks W.

8-30-21, 2:52 PM, 58ºF, Marys Peak (4,097 ft.) – The true summit of the highest peak of the Coast Range in Oregon was inaccessible behind a chain link fence protecting antennas, several sheds, and two giant sets of monkey bars. Happily, plenty of grassy hilltop only marginally lower was easily accessible just outside the fence.

Although the air was breezy and pleasant, Lupe must have felt warm. Chain link fences aren’t particularly great sunshades, but the Carolina Dog did the best she could, plopping herself down in the shade of a large supporting pole by a closed gate. A lone picnic table nearby might have offered better protection, but was occupied.

*Might wind up with a striped tan here!*

The summit region was roughly 300 feet long E/W, and at least half that wide N/S. A gravel road spiraled up along the N side of the fence from out of the SW, ending at the picnic table. No doubt the same road that was part of Summit Loop Trail No. 1388.

After a short break by the fence, Lupe followed the road W, abandoning it once past the fence to take up a position on a grassy slope near the SW corner where the views were best.

The giant monkey bars toward the **SW end of the summit region** opposite of where Lupe had come up. Photo looks NE.

After congratulating Loopster on her successful ascent of Marys Peak, a chocolate coconut bar was sacrificed to commemorate the occasion. For a while, Loop and SPHP sat admiring Old Blue Mountain (3,280 ft.) due S, and Grass Mountain (3,603 ft.), which was higher, but farther SW.

On the grassy slope SW of the fence. **Old Blue Mountain** (L), **Grass Mountain** (R). Photo looks SSW.

**Grass Mountain** (Center). Photo looks SW with help from the telephoto range.

Despite the haziness, staring toward the far W horizon, SPHP sometimes thought the Pacific Ocean was visible, but was never convinced whether that was actually the case, or mere illusion. What was certain, was that Lupe did have a clear view of Mary Peak’s W Ridge (3,640 ft.).

**Marys Peak’s W Ridge** (R of Center). Photo looks WNW.

After enjoying the views to the S and W, Looper continued her summit tour going counter-clockwise around the fence. Didn’t take long to get back to the NE corner where she’d started out. The picnic table and the shade it provided were now free, but with only dirt beneath it, Loopster decided she’d rather snooze on the soft grass taking advantage of SPHP’s shadow, while getting petted and having her soft ears stroked.

Of course, there were views from here, too. The one to the N along the Coast Range was particularly nice. Partially clear-cut lower hills led to high ridges in the distance, some of which might not have been much lower than Marys Peak.

Back at the NE end after circumnavigating the fence. Photo looks SW.

If it had been truly clear, there might have been a distant view of grand peaks of the Cascade Range beyond the broad, flat Willamette Valley, but Loop didn’t get to enjoy that treat. Smoke hid the entire range.

**Willamette Valley** from Marys Peak. Ordinarily, the Cascade Range should have been visible on the horizon, but wasn’t today. Photo looks SE.

Lupe’s snooze on the soft, dry grass was pleasant, but short.

Awake already, Looper?

Are we soup yet, SPHP?

Not quite. Still have a little of your summit hour remaining.

Do we have time enough to go around the fence again for another look, SPHP?

Easily. Want to do that? Should be fun!

Ambling along, taking all the lovely views in again, Loopster enjoyed a second leisurely spin counter-clockwise around the fence, arriving back at the NE corner again with only a few minutes of summit hour left.

Well, I think we’ve done it, Looper. Might as well head down.

Ready to hit the trail again. Photo looks E.

A final look at the **W ridge** (L) as summit hour expires. Photo looks WNW.

8-30-21, 4:55 PM, 55ºF, East Ridge Conner’s Camp –

Marys Peak was fun, SPHP! Sort of nice not to have to do a killer peak on every single outing, yet Marys is the highest peak of the entire Coast Range in Oregon, right?

That’s right, Loop! Want some chicken?

No, not yet. I’d rather lay down in the RAV4.

Suit yourself, Looper! Let me know if you change your mind. I’ll open the door for you as soon as I have a couple pieces of chicken and polish off these sweet rolls. A few minutes, and we’ll be on our way.

Take your time, SPHP. I’m good!

Oh, can’t take too much time, Loop! More to do today!

There is? We aren’t done? What’s next, another mountain?

Don’t worry, you’re going to love it, Loop! We’ve got a beautiful evening drive ahead of us followed by a surprise.

What kind of a surprise, SPHP?

A good one! You’ll see!

8-30-21, 7:16 PM, Devils Punchbowl, Oregon Coast – Not a moment too soon! Coming into Newport on Hwy 20, the sun’s reflection off the Pacific Ocean had nearly blinded SPHP, but Lupe had arrived with enough daylight to spare for a romp along the beach.

Oh, my gosh, SPHP! The Devils Punchbowl! How long has it been since we’ve been here?

9 years, Loop. You were only 20 months old when we were last here with Lanis on your first ever Dingo Vacation.

Gazing beyond the Devils Punchbowl out over the eternally restless waves of the Pacific Ocean, that was a sobering thought. So exquisitely beautiful here, yet it had taken all these years to return. So many other adventures and Dingo Vacations since then!

**Devils Punchbowl** (R). Photo looks NNW.

C’mon, Looper! Let’s go down to the beach!

A block back inland, a long set of wooden stairs led down to the same beach where Lupe had waded in the ocean for the first time ever. It had been a great time, being here with Lanis, playing with other dogs, racing along the beach making seagulls fly, and sniffing along the edge of the cold, salty waves while listening to the roar of the ocean.

The beach had been, well, not crowded, but busy back then. Not now. Lupe stood on the wet sand all alone. Why? Covid-19? Who knew?

**Pacific Ocean**, just **S of the Devils Punchbowl**. Photo looks W.

And who cares? We’ve got the whole place to ourselves. How awesome is that, SPHP? Time for a sunset stroll!

Sounds splendid, Loopster! Let’s follow the ocean S. C’mon, I’ll race ya!

The Carolina Dog didn’t play fair! Excited by the sights and sounds of the ocean, the were-puppy attacked SPHP multiple times, then streaked away, showing off how fast she could run, seagulls scattering before her.

It was a grand time! Lupe went as far S as a little stream where 2 people were trying to fly kites in an inadequate breeze. After watching their amusing trials and tribulations for a few minutes, it was back N on the cold, wet sand along the water’s edge as a wonderful day drew to a close.

*The **Pacific Ocean**! Time for a sunset stroll along the beach!* Photo looks S.

Only one bad thing, Loop!

What’s that, SPHP?

Mo’s World Famous Clam Chowder is closed up by the Devils Punchbowl.

Lanis will sure be sorry to hear that, SPHP! He loved that place! Best clam chowder in the world!

Yeah, and now we aren’t going to get any tonight, either, sweet puppy! And I was so looking forward to it!

8-31-21, 9:01 AM, 67ºF, Devils Punchbowl – A gorgeous day! Trip journal caught up again, and the early morning chill was pretty much over and done with.

Can’t leave the Devils Punchbowl without another stroll along the beach, Loop!

Great minds think alike, SPHP!

Once again, Lupe trotted down the long wooden stairs to the beach. Still hardly anyone around, but the mood was different. The day was young and bright as the Carolina Dog ventured S. SPHP walked barepaw in the water as much as possible, until it got too cold, then warmed up on the sand. Rinse and repeat! Lupe liked the wet sand right along the water’s edge best, but waded in after SPHP plenty of times.

Back on the beach just **S of the Devils Punchbowl**. Photo looks W.

Got breezy. Waves rolled in. The ocean surged and roared. Love it!

On ripple-marked sand. **Otter Rock** (Center) in the ocean. Photo looks SW.

The American Dingo went farther this time, all the way to Spencer Creek at the 2 mile mark and beyond.

Think we’ve made it to Beverly Beach, Loop. Hate to turn around, but maybe this is far enough? Nothing like being along the ocean, is there?

A rare treat for us, SPHP! Let’s take it slow, if we’re going back.

Hwy 101 bridge over Spencer Creek from **Beverly Beach**. Photo looks E.

**Gull Rock**. Photo looks W with help from the telephoto lens.

Heading back to the Devils Punchbowl. Photo looks N.

Even a leisurely return went by too fast. Rather than race back up the wooden steps, the Carolina Dog spent a little while sniffing around the rock formations S of the Devils Punchbowl.

8-31-21, 11:16 AM, Devils Punchbowl – A chain link fence prevented Lupe from seeing the Devils Punchbowl. SPHP lifted the American Dingo up so she could watch waves enter the collapsed sea cave before draining back into the ocean. The scene was mesmerizing, but SPHP couldn’t let Lupe gaze too long, because a growing throng of people were waiting their turn at the best viewpoints.

**Devils Punchbowl**. **Gull Rock** (R of Center) beyond. Photo looks NW.

Sure is beautiful, SPHP! Wonder what’s down there? Looks like a great place for buried treasure!

Might be right, Loop. Both beautiful and dangerous down there! Certain amount of natural treasure protection present. High tide would likely put an end to anyone foolish enough to get overly absorbed in a Devils Punchbowl treasure hunt.

**Devils Punchbowl**. Another angle. Photo looks SW.

Well, it was time. Someone else’s turn. Marys Peak, Lupe’s return to the Devils Punchbowl after all these years, the long strolls along the Pacific Ocean at sunset yesterday evening, and as far S as Beverly Beach this morning, had been great fun.

Getting to be lunch time, and after that, on to new adventures! 9 years after leaving this wonderful place with Lanis in his Honda Element, the Carolina Dog trotted with SPHP back to her still new RAV4.

Ready, Loop?

She was.

Onward! Puppy, ho!