Winter is in the air

I ended up hiking my third selection after discarding the other 2 due to too much driving for their experiences. Spencer Butte had not been hiked in weeks, so logically Ridgeline Trail from Spring Blvd starting early in morning.

From Spring Blvd at 6:22, it was straight to Spencer Butte summit with headlamp on between white and red until almost Fox Hollow. Once atop, sunrise and valley fog … cold winter winds, too!

The fog rolls over the low hills as if alive stretching out toward the valley below …

Heading down the hill on one of the busiest trail sections, a local resident just grazed along the lower bushes – I left the area before he did

I doubt if that’s the same guy encountered last two times at Pisgah, … probably just that season when all the guys are looking for company.

Atop the second time, the fog had thinned but the vistas no less interesting.

Going down toward Blanton around the N. Willamette TH, the familiar thud, thud, thud … of a pileated woodpecker. I quickly tried to get photos, but the light was terrible … then another bird flew right in front of me and landed near by – 2 of them!

Trail conditions were almost perfect – just enough mud to make the trail softer without getting shoes dirty. Human traffic was less than anticipated and limited to the summit trail and the Blanton Ridge area. 4-legged ones were almost all leashed …

Route

Spring Blvd TH on Ridgeline to Spencer Summit; down to S. Willamette TH and back to Spencer Summit; down to Blanton Ridge TH and back to Spencer Summit; down to Spring Blvd.

Data Geek Cellar

• hoes: Altra WP Boots
• Pack: Gossamer Gear Grit (New Pack)
• Upper Layers: 3 – base-layer, mid-weight Calpine and SkyGOAT fleece
• Upper shell: none
• Trekking Poles: Gossamer Gear
• Approximate Times: 6:15 – 14:00
• Carbon ratio: 5.75 hours (1.5 hours driving: 7.25 hours hiking); YTD = 180 hours banked
• Miles hiked YTD: 1124
• Notes:
  • Photos: medium
  • Speed: moderate
  • Difficulty: moderate – elevation gain