Welcome to the first week of August, that notoriously hot and aimless month. Nothing to do but hike, right? Well, as it turns out, it wasn't hot (barely 70 F and overcast) and everyone had something better to do than hike! As a result, just two of us, Don and I, went forth to conquer Humpback Mountain.
At Exit 47, we took a right from the trailhead to Lake Annette and then took a left on FR 5510. The next landmark was a logging road on the left with a VERY yellow gate - park here. We started a little after 6 PM, and about 15 minutes later, found the yard long rock "marker" on the right side that indicates where the trail begins. From there, it's a straight shot up the southwest ridge of the mountain to the top. The trail is clear yet primitive, for the most part, with much forest debris to overcome. And for the most part, it goes "up"! Near the summit, and on the summit, large granite boulders make the trail more interesting.
We summited in a little over an hour. The limited views of the surrounding peaks were well worth the effort, however. Don and I spent some time scouting "better" routes up Silver Peak, then decided to call it a day. No bees to report on the way out, although Don swears he saw a squirrel. We were back to the car by 8:30 PM. Nice hike - short and sweet!
Next Week: Melakwa Lakes/Kaleetan Peak Overnight Spectacular! Matt and Gretchen (soon to be Mr. & Mrs. TNAB) will be here from Denver! Also, I have it on good authority that Jet City Pizza will be available to cure any pre-hike munchies. Arrive early, get more 'Za! Thus far, I have three confirmed ONs (overnighters) and two maybes. Please let me know ASAP if you plan to go overnight. It's a long enough hike just to get to the Melakwas, definitely a worthy TNAB hike unto itself, so please don't bag it because of the overnight connection. However, Kaleetan Peak is most worthy of an overnight! This will probably be the only TNAB overnight this season, so take advantage!
On Deck: Rampart Ridge. An awesome, if short, hike. May substitute with West/North Granite instead.
Based on my calculations, there are only five "official" hikes left until the Rattlesnake Ledge cookout. Hopefully, Mother Nature will bless us with extended good weather into the Fall, like last year. It's been an awesome year so far - please help finish it off with a BANG! Also, please forward me any ideas you may have regarding the TNAB t-shirt for this year. "Will Hike for ***" seems to be the leading contender.
Thanks! -Mark
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