Ridgeline fog, Spencer sun

Weather report was foggy and low 30s – no chance of rain. Sounded like one of those days with valley fog and sunshine above. The northern valley was colder with possible freezing fog that ruled out a longer drive to Marys Peak. Time for a Ridgeline Trail hike with as much time above the fog as possible in lightweight mesh trail runners (no heavy waterproof shoes).

The Route

Started earlier around 6:45 with headlamp from Spring Blvd TH. From the TH, up to Spencer top, then down to S. Willamette TH and back to Spencer top; then down to Blanton Ridge TH and back to the top; finally back to the Spring Blvd TH. The fog was so thick at the beginning, my little 400L headlamp hardly pierced through — I see why some folks use 1000L

Human traffic was very light until Spencer top path. I went up to Spencer top first time from Spring seeing only 1 person. Sadly, there were two large groups of very noisy young people the second time up Spencer.

There is one trail issue between Fox Hollow and Dillard. I passed this first time in dark with headlamp on … whew – saw it just in time!

— clicking on photos opens higher quality resolution version —

The first time up Spencer caught sunrise over the valley fog perfectly …

Contrast of fog

While the sunrise photo above gives a good picture of the dense fog and the sun above, later in the day the contrast was even more pronounced. On the left, 3 Sisters looms in the background and on the right, communication towers poke out above the fog with Marys Peak in the background.

Then below the fog looking down the trail and up into the forest crown.

Busy Spider

Along the way a spider web and the heavy fog made this basket-like structure …. inspiring

Data Geek Cellar

  • Shoes: Altra Lone Peak mesh trail runners
  • Pack: Yar.gear Ultra 38L – full shoulder season kit
  • Upper Layers: 3 (base layer, med Patagonia tech, FarPointe Fleece)
  • Upper shell: None
  • Trekking Poles: Yes
  • Approximate Times: 06:45 to 14:00
  • Carbon ratio: .5 total driving – 1.5 target, 6.75 actual – 11.25 hours banked YTD
  • Notes: Fast hiking mode for much of it – trekking poles strapped on

All Trails recorded track data – so strange that GPS data can be so different using the same GPS radio – different apps, different data.

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