Rainy Pisgah with Umbrella

ByMichael Goatbells

To close out that broken backpacking trip (Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3), the final stage was a local hike (minimum driving of 30 min total) at Mt Pisgah. The weather was rain, fog and cool temperatures at least until 10-11am. It rained all the way to the TH (North TH), and I started hiking with rain jacket. Within 10 minutes, I was too hot, and swapped the Gor-tex for my trusty Gossamer umbrella.

Umbrella

I think the umbrella was open 3 of the 4 hours I hiked. I got damp, wet but not soaked. The only issue w/ umbrella in the rain is how it rolls off onto pack and my bum. A bit more work required to hone in the usage model, but the umbrella is now standard equipment if rain or t-storms in the forecast. Two uses now w/ umbrella – thunderstorms and low elevation rain – good for both!

The Route

North TH on trail 3 to trail 4 and then to the summit and then back down to East TH. Back around on trail 4 to the summit and then back down to 4 and around on 3 to North TH and car. Very few people were out until after 9am and trail conditions were good given the rain.

I avoided the south side of the hill and the main trail (except the very top) to minimize rain and human interactions. I did not see 1 deer nor even that many prints; birds were few as well – seems everybody was sleeping in on the first rainy day in weeks …

Early in the hike, I took a short detour to the rope swing and caught the weather full on – even raindrops on camera lens.

After circling around the summit and heading to the east, the weather cleared – but just for a moment or two.

Data Geek Cellar

  • Shoes: Altra WP Low #2
  • Pack: Gossamer Gear Fast Kumo. 36
  • Upper Layers: 1 (Long sleeve tech)
  • Upper shell: Gortex for 10 minutes – then umbrella
  • Trekking Poles: Gossamer Gear
  • Approximate Times: 06:00 – 10:00
  • Carbon ratio: 2.25 hours (.5 hours driving: 4 hours hiking); YTD = 138 hours banked
  • Notes:
    • Photos: almost none – rain
    • Speed: medium
    • Difficulty: easy