Spring & Silly Humans at Pisgah

After Tuesday’s rain and yesterday’s sunshine, I anticipated better conditions at Pisgah but not so – most of the trails were wet, muddy and sloppy – though shoe uppers were not dirty when finished. An after breakfast start from the North TH parking lot that was not as full as typical and the fog was clearing.

This hike was filled with “I can’t believe humans do that – silly human!”.

So many people had their dogs off leash (I can only remember 1 or 2 ON a leash). Some with very small dogs and some with dogs that were under no command at all. I guess they don’t believe the sign. Or, maybe they’re just trolling for coyotes with dog bait.

New leaves were popping everywhere there was enough sun. Grasses were green. Birds were singing, claiming territories more than in months. Red Tailed hawks were building a nest (poor photo, but you can see how large the sticks were) and a Cooper’s Hawk hunted over the meadow. Coyote poo was everywhere but filled with more hair as rodent activity springs. In one nearly hidden meadow with fresh green grass, a group of deer nibbled away (bushes were between them and me so no photo).

The sun faded later in the day and haze settled into the valley. Diamond Peak has new snow!

By the time I circled around Swing Hill near North TH, the haze was complete over Spencer Butte and the sun muted.

The Route

Started at North TH swung around Tr 3 all the way around the hill to the first ascent from the southeast side and went to the top – nobody there. Went back down to the left of the bench to avoid that sticky mud section on Tr 3. Took Tr 3 past East TH to Tr 2 and up to the summit – nobody there. Back down Tr 2 to Tr 4 and back to Tr 3 and TH. (Factoid: with Ridgeline – Spencer on Tuesday, 5 summits without anybody there – hiking in rain, bad conditions has rewards)

Trail Conditions were muddy and sloppy with standing / running water in many places, but none too deep. My shoes were hardly muddy once back at car. With that said …

CAUTION EQUINES: many places trails were heavily eroded and in others there were ‘mud post holes’ where another horse went – I thought quite dangerous – they were 6-8″ deep.

Gear Box

Pedag T-Form Metatarsal pads – recent metatarsal pain required revamping my “feet system”. Different insoles are being tested as well as a new pad that sits on top of the insole. This was my first use and with only ~10 miles, I’m optimistic, but not yet convinced.

Data Geek Cellar

• Shoes: Altra Lone Peak WP Boots (new pair!) w/ Oboz Hiker Insole and T-Form Pad
• Pack: Gossamer Gear GRIT (Full foothills day hike kit)
• Upper Layers: Lightweight baselayer, SkyGOAT fleece
• Upper shell: none
• Trekking Poles: Gossamer Gear
• Approximate Times: 10:30 – 13:00
• Carbon ratio: 3.0 hours (1.5 hours driving: 4.5 hours hiking); YTD = 36.5 hours banked
• Miles hiked YTD: 161.80
• Notes:
  • Photos: low
  • Speed: moderate
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Weather: 40-50 – hazy and some filtered sun

All Trails Data still diverging