Crescent moonset on Ridgeline

ByMichael Goatbells

Longer days, warmer temperatures and a crescent moonset … After a couple of hard rainy days and raging valley rivers from melting snow, Ridgeline Trail seemed like a good idea – waiting for further snow melt in the cascade foothills for later in the week. I started early at 0600 from Spring Blvd trailhead and on the other side of Baldy met the hand-light runner as usual. After that human traffic was beyond comfortable – too many people, too many dogs and way too much noise from the neighborhoods – I swear every house had a leaf blower going.

The rain came a couple of times for a few minutes and then disappeared. Oddly, I was unaware of the moonset, and was pleasantly surprised as I passed over Mt Baldy pre-dawn.

Atop Spencer Butte right after sunrise the air in all directions was so unstable – sun, rain, blue sky and dark threatening clouds … I quickly went back under the trees for that first rain storm.

After that first rain, the birds came back out and the sky opened blue

The Route

Started at Spring Blvd trailhead around 06:00 with headlamp. From there, to Spencer top and then down to Blanton Ridge trailhead and back to Spencer Top. Then, down to the summit / Ridgeline junction and back to Spencer top. Finally, back to Spring Blvd.

Trail conditions were wet and sloppy. Nothing above shoe-sole, but was happy to have on WP shoes. That one spot after Dillard that collapsed is much worse and even collapsed more during the day.

Human traffic was extreme and probably the most since September … too many; time to head to the foothills and leave the valley park hikes for next winter.

Data Geek Corner

  • Shoes: Altra Lone Peak WP boots
  • Pack: Yar.gear
  • Upper Layers: 2 (base layer, med Patagonia tech)
  • Upper shell: none
  • Trekking Poles: Yes – Black Diamond Carbon
  • Approximate Times: 06:00 to 14:00
  • Carbon ratio: 0.5 driving, 7.5 actual – 63 hours banked YTD
  • Notes: Moderate pace – a few breaks

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