As we pivot around snow and ice in wintertime, we pivot around AQI levels in summertime. We planned to hike the PCT from Grouse Gap to Siskiyou Peak, but a high AQI level at Mt. A led us to head eastward to the East Applegate Ridge Trail. To a hiker, it remains a favorite hike. Nine (9) of us followed the trail a bit beyond the high point for a leisurely lunch perched on trailside logs.
The hike amounted to 5½ miles RT with a 700’ elevation gain. Having enjoyed this trek just 4 months ago in springtime, regaled by wildflowers, this hike provided a lovely showcase of contrasting shades--from golden grasses to many shades of green across the hillsides, valley below, and vistas to the west. Many piles of cleared mangrove branches were along the trail for fire remediation. The air was clear under sunny skies. We felt the early signs of fall, given the slight chill in the early morning. It was very comfortable for all.
A highlight of this hike was our encounter with a friendly, trail runner with the trail name of Zoner. As an Ashlander, Zoner took the bus to Jacksonville and began his 46-mile trek on the Jack-Ash trail via SUTA trails and some dirt roads up to Wagner Butte and down the other side to Ashland. He was doing the entire trail run in one day and had water stashed along the route. At this relatively early phase of his journey, he was running, but admitted that he expected to be walking the final miles into Ashland. Zoner was happy to pause and briefly talk with us. We lavished praise on him, and then he was off.
Elisabeth
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