Deer at Pisgah Sunrise

I initially planned to go to Willamette Pass, but woke up unwilling to drive far … so at last minute, went to Pisgah. Timed the start for sunrise after the top … the view to Sisters was as expected and they hid behind clouds and haze the rest of the day.

A full (or nearly) was also setting not too long after the sisters dipped below the hill

As I came into the Tr meadow a new face – don’t know if staying around or just passing through … but he had presence.

Another hiker pair and their dog interrupted his breakfast and he vanished. Later as I was heading back toward the car, a deer ran ahead on the trail. I discovered there were 2 and one of them wasn’t shy.

Not driving didn’t turn out bad … beautiful sunrise, a passing deer through the meadow and another curious at least. Red-tailed hawks were also out hunting on the east side of the hill … the only down-side, the ambient urban background hum.

The Route

Started at the ‘main’ gate which if not very early is a mistake during construction. Parked cars lined the street on my way out … park in the north lot.

I went from the TH to summit; then down to Tr 3 and over to Tr 2 to the summit. Then down Tr 4 to Tr 6 and the summit and then back down to Tr 3 and to TH. 3x to summit.

Trail conditions were very hard and dusty … the entire trail was like walking on stones or cement. Human traffic was very light beyond Tr 1.

Data Geek Cellar

• Shoes: Altra Timp 6 mesh – Currex Insole, T-Form insole pad
• Pack: Gossamer Gear Grit
• Upper Layers: Patagonia Capilene
• Upper shell: none
• Trekking Poles: Gossamer Gear
• Approximate Times: 05:00-10:00
• Carbon ratio: 3.5 hours (0.5 hours driving: hours outdoors 5.0); YTD = 174.13 hours banked
• Miles hiked YTD: 845
• Notes:
  • Trail was very HARD – the gravel is now cement