Snow, Mud and Sun

Yesterday it snowed at higher elevations the weather peeps had everybody expecting more this morning. I waited for better conditions leaving home around 7:45 and headed for North TH at Pisgah. Uncharacteristically empty parking lot due to conditions …

The hills early held last night’s new snow

Across the valley, Spencer Butte received the same dust

On Pisgah the first time, blowing snow in the air and inches on the ground

This lone kestrel hunting above the meadow later as the sun melted the snow (distance a bit too much for my 40-150mm lens)

Birds everywhere were singing … western meadowlarks, wrens, sparrows, … spring seemed right around the corner

Weather peeps say more rain and snow next week… Willamette Valley needs it; let it rain!

The Route

Started at North TH at 08:00 and went around the hill on trail 3 and then back and forth from top to bottom on trails 2 and 4. Hit the summit 3x once from the south side, once on Tr 2 and last time on the gravel road from Tr 4.

Trail Conditions were sloppy! Almost every trail was either running water, mud, puddles or soaked grass. My feet appreciated the water-proof boots especially early morning in the snow. Human traffic was a total of 3 people until after 10:30 … then like ants climbing all over the hill.

Data Geek Cellar

• Shoes: Altra Lone Peak WP Boots
• Pack: Gossamer Gear GRIT (Full foothills day hike kit)
• Upper Layers: Light-weight base layer, Mid Calpine, SkyGOAT fleece (after first 2 hours)
• Upper shell: none
• Trekking Poles: Gossamer Gear
• Approximate Times: 08:00 – 14:00
• Carbon ratio: 4.5 hours (1.5 hours driving: 6.00 hours hiking); YTD = 29.25 hours banked
• Miles hiked YTD: 134
• Notes:
  • Photos: moderate
  • Speed: moderate-fast
  • Difficulty: moderate w/ elevation, distance in mud
  • Weather: 32-40 snow, clouds, sun with some wind

All Trails Data did not reconcile as expected