Lichen

Not long, actually. Didn’t know how long the hike to the top was and realized the parking lot was going to get locked at sunset and I was cutting it close. Also it was extremely windy and cold with the fog coming in, and I was dressed for the hot weather 900 feet lower.

If I’d been more prepared I would have stayed a lot longer.

View of the ocean:

It varies a lot, some lichens are more sensitive than others. There are species you won't find in areas with poor air quality but some species will thrive in the the same conditions. I have even read about lichens growing in areas polluted by toxic slag.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/what-lichens-can-tell-us-about-climate-and-pollution-1.6989959