After alternating Pisgah and Ridgeline hikes, a farther-out hike in the snow-less foothills (sadly) was the call. I debated between Alpine Tr from Westfir or Hardesty Mt Tr from Lowell area. The weather was about the same – 40-50 and small chance of rain. The 40 min less total drive time to Hardesty won the…
The below freezing temperatures may be over for now in the valley, but the stagnant air remains – at least until a rain scours it out. I left home after breakfast knowing that sunshine would be scarce if any and left the car-full North TH around 10:45. With the air conditions and valley people still…
As I posted around Winter Solstice about voting with our dollars and the advice another blogger posted about choosing what brands match your values and principles – and then supporting them with your purchases. Here are my top brands, what I buy from them and why. (I receive $0 kickbacks) My gear list by season…
The weather peeps said Oakridge 33-50 degrees with fog early and some sun; Eugene was 26-45 with same fog and sun combo. Alpine Trail was a good idea, but driving an hour longer for just a tad more solitude? – no, Pisgah was carbon karma rational destination. Started from the West TH (the BIG one)…
Fog soup continued in the mornings on the valley floor, so driving early made 0 sense 2x in one week – carbon karma awareness kicked in, so after breakfast an urban hike camera in hand from home. No car, no carbon spent on logistics … but birds for sure! Early in the morning the frost…
Due to the illness floating around our house, I stayed close to home. Dense, thick fog just off the ground filled the valley this morning with temperatures above freezing. Patiently waiting for the fog to lift in early morning (it didn’t), I hit Spring Blvd TH around 11:00. Cold and foggy with the trees dripping…
After head cold forced downtime, crisp frosty weather delayed a short hike until later morning. Around 10:45, I landed at the North Pisgah TH with the sun shining but frost lingering in the shadows. Water streamed out of sources I do not know. Does the hill just absorb water like a sponge and then it…
It’s January 12 … some Rhodies working to bloom and daffodils are coming up in the yard – not just sprouts, but blooms Roses are blooming though they look a bit tired / warn out. And a real surprise … while the bugs have had a feast, it’s still blooming or blooming early btw, all…
I short walk yesterday to Alton Baker Park and there were flowers still hanging on, or coming out early – only they would know. clicking a photo opens in higher resolution
Getting things set up for 2026, but for those data lovers a look back at just hiking data first. Carbon Karma Bank For every 1 hour driving to hike, 3 hours of hiking is “net zero” carbon karma; I’m balancing the environmental cost with sufficient time in the woods. I started tracking in 2024, but…
