Moon shadow sunrise on Pisgah

Bygoatbells_bupekm

Plans were made to meet up with hiking buddy at Pisgah around 9:00 at North Trailhead. Peeking at the weather very early am suggested clear skies >90% full moon yet VERY cold for Willamette Valley @ 25 degrees. Planned then to leave home early enough to catch sunrise atop Pisgah and then swing back down to North TH at 09:00.

As I headed out from the West TH with headlamp on there were 3 other cars in the lot. One couple I passed close to TH and another runner I met coming down; as he passed, I told him to turn off his headlamp (I had just done so) … if he did, he’d be followed by a moon shadow from the full moon. My moon shadow was in front of me.

At the top, the full moon set to the west, while the sunrise dramatically backlit Three Sisters. Basically standing on the summit looking first west and then east.

Time seemed to slow down as the sun came over the ridge behind clouds

The Route

Started from West TH at 6:30 and went straight to Pisgah Summit by 7:00. Then down to East TH and back around the north side to North TH. After meeting hiking buddy, headed back to East TH via Trail #3 and then swinging back around to the top. Buddy headed back to TH and I circled around north side and the summit 1 more time before heading back to West TH.

Trail conditions were fair – north side had lots of icy spots and once it warmed up that sticky mud was back. Trail #3 was muddy as usual. I went until 9:00 without seeing more than the runner and couple at TH. After that, human traffic was light.

Data Geek Corner

  • Shoes: Altra Lone Peak WP lows
  • Pack: Yar.gear
  • Upper Layers: 2 (base layer, med Patagonia tech, Far Pointe fleece until 11:00)
  • Upper shell: none
  • Trekking Poles: Yes – Black Diamond Carbon
  • Approximate Times: 06:30 to 13:30
  • Carbon ratio: 0.5 driving, 7.00 actual – 44.0 hours banked YTD
  • Notes: Solo pace first 2.5 hours and last 1.5 hours

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