Um I Did It

I can't believe it, a parking space in the Bald Mountain parking lot.  I'm finally going to hike Mt. Umunhum! Ooh, it seems so far away.

Signage letting me know I haven't gotten lost as I start off.  Always a good thing to know you're on the right trail.

My kind of trail with dangling limbs, shade and packed dirt.  I checked to make sure no trolls were beneath the bridge before crossing it.

Lookey, it's getting closer.  Not really.  I think I've hiked about .5 mile.  Already the temperature is heating up at 10am.

Yay, back in somewhat shaded area.  I came across hikers and a few mtn bikers as I continued on my merry way.  The climb is gradual unlike cycling up Mt. Um.  I came across the remnants of a house that belonged to a woman named Gwendolyn Scott.  Apparently she decided in the late 1800s to live in the woods by herself.

I'm bad.  I'm tough. Watch out aliens and trolls.  Actually I was sweating buckets and swatting insects.

Out in the open again taking in the sweeping views.

The end is near.  Now I only have to climb 159 steps to the top.  Wow, there were some elderly people on the stairs.  Good for them.  I learned that the military who were here until 1980 had a swimming pool.  I could use a swim about now.

Ta da. I made it. I saw a tiny snake and a pretty butterfly at the top. It took 1.5 hours to go and 1.5 hours to return; 7.4 miles altogether.  Yep, Um I did it.

Despite the Weather

Despite the weather, my friend Peter and I ventured over to the coast (Half Moon Bay area), for a delightful walk along the cliffs and beaches.

I don't think I've been in March.  Much of our trip was not passable because the tide was in!

Looky -- harbor seals!  Omg, what a treat.  This was at the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve.  They come in when it's cold or when it's time to make little ones.

The nearby wooded area -- breathtaking and calming.

Simply divine.  We had to drive back to Princeton by the Sea given the tide had made much of the walk not possible. 

I started to write something and then I thought why?  Appreciate the scene. 

Miss P. -- we could not enjoy the tidal pools because the tide was in.  I remember how you walked way out and well that was simply not possible today.  And the storm came closer.

My dear friend.  We were lucky that we got to have our day at the beach.

Our adventure coming to a close as raindrops began to fall.  I treasure these getaways.