Ice crystal palace on Ridgeline Trail

After last week’s drive to Mary’s Peak, burning less carbon this week and getting an earlier start hiking had me back on Ridgeline Trail. The air inversion had lessened and a clear fog-less sky early as I drove to Spring Blvd trailhead. After such a cold dry spell, the roads were mostly clear. The coldest temperature on car was 21 degrees.

From the trailhead, the temperatures warmed up quickly … there were two humans at the top of Baldy waiting for sunrise. Unlike Mary’s Peak, birds, squirrels and deer were out a-plenty, especially in the Spencer Butte section between Fox Hollow and Willamette!

— clicking on photos opens higher quality resolution version —

I reached Baldy a half an hour from sunrise

The Route

I started out around 7:00 with headlamp on and that’s when I found myself surrounded by ice crystals reflecting my headlamp … magical light show of frozen pixie dust – truly amazing walking through an ice crystal palace. Within 30 minutes, headlamp was off.

From Spring Blvd straight to Spencer Top and then down to S. Willamette TH and back to Spencer Top and down to Blanton TH returning to Spring Blvd with a pass over Spencer top.

Trail conditions were hard, dry surface. Without any rain or snow the trail has dried and turned near concrete. Trail crews were working to replair the washout between Dillard and Fox Hollow … at least the stones are moved to trail site ready to be placed.

Human traffic was heavy for January, but not surprising with the sunshine. Dogs a-plenty after 8am. Funniest dog was this little terrier type dog trail running with two humans – so small, adorable and just bouncing down the trail. Reminded me of my favorite dog (below) with a happy face ready to go – though this one running up the hill was working hard!

Cold and clear

Visibility was greater than expected and the valley floor near fog-less. Distant cascade peaks and an air inversion around the Willamette River.

At different places on the trail in small valleys with low points, the ice hung on until afternoon.

Data Geek Cellar

• Shoes: Altra Lone Peak WP low
• Pack: Yar.gear
• Upper Layers: 2 (base layer, med Patagonia tech, Far Pointe fleece first 1.5 hours)
• Upper shell: none
• Trekking Poles: Yes – Black Diamond Carbon
• Approximate Times: 07:00 to 14:30
• Carbon ratio: 0.5 driving, 7.5 actual – 28.25 hours banked YTD
• Notes: took longer breaks than normal on same route. also very disciplined stride and trekking pole use to guard knees

All Trails data – 10% delta on elevation