Ridgeline Fog Soup

Due to the illness floating around our house, I stayed close to home. Dense, thick fog just off the ground filled the valley this morning with temperatures above freezing. Patiently waiting for the fog to lift in early morning (it didn’t), I hit Spring Blvd TH around 11:00.

Cold and foggy with the trees dripping the fog condensation in huge rain drops. Atop Baldy, visibility was limited; and when I arrived at N. Willamette TH 2 hours later the soup remained with less visibility.

As I neared Spencer top the first time, the sun tried so hard to break through the fog. Blue sky showed high above.

Atop Spencer the first time, the views were pretty good over the fog to the foothills and Central Cascades. The air stagnation alert validated as the temperatures were warmer the higher one walked.

The second time the fog blew in and out obscuring the views. Winds were stronger as well.

Gifts from the fog

The fog’s water, the woods and sunlight sometimes meet creating sparkling lichen and spiderwebs. Even fungi flowers came out.

The Route

Start was Spring Blvd TH on Ridgeline Trail from there it was to Spencer Top, then down to N. Willamette and reverse. Simple. No ramblings or wanderings.

Trail conditions were sloppy and perfect – just enough mud cushion without getting your shoes dirty – though my pants bottoms picked up mud. Human traffic was light other than that main trail up Spencer. Dogs were everywhere but unlike Pisgah, most were leashed. Birds were quiet and Steller’s Jays were the biggest wild animal seen.

Data Geek Cellar

• Shoes: Altra Lone TIMP
• Pack: Gossamer Gear GRIT (Full day hike kit)
• Upper Layers: mid-weight Calpine and SkyGOAT fleece
• Upper shell: none
• Trekking Poles: Gossamer Gear
• Approximate Times: 11:00 – 3:30
• Carbon ratio: 1 hours (1.5 hours driving: 4.5 hours hiking); YTD = 4.5 hours banked
• Miles hiked YTD: 24.80
• Notes:
  • Photos: medium
  • Speed: fast
  • Difficulty: moderate
  • Weather: 35-45 foggy below clear / windy above the stairs

All Trails Data different again