Home»All Photographs»2020 Hikes»Lineham Ridge 09-26-20

Clayton and I went for a chilly hike to Lineham Ridge today. This was the first outing of the fall that had a definite late season feel to it.
We started off on a great little trail (a few 2013 flood detours, but nothing big) up to and along Lineham Ridge. We didn`t know how far along the scramble route we would continue - it would depend on exposure and weather conditions. After lunching just past the hikers summit, we helmeted up and took a closer look.
The wind buffeted us from the west, so we made use of scree ledges on the east side that ascended in the lee of the worst wind. We continued up and the terrain never really got worrisome. Before we knew it, we were at the true summit of Lineham Ridge.
From here, we agreed to not contend with the wind along the ridge on return. Instead, we enjoyed a fast and easy descent to the valley below.
At first, this was a great choice - rolling, open scenery with no wind and random travel - my favorite part of the day. But a while later, we were bushwacking through small, steep ravines. We took second lunch for a rejuvenation break. We would need it.
What followed was a few kilometers of heinous, cobbly, flood debris-strewn creekbed - my least favorite part of the day.
Once we found the return trail along our "alternate" descent, the weather deteriorated and snow began to fall in earnest. At the same time, we both noticed a distinct darkening of the late afternoon sky that had me wondering if my clock was right. Indeed, winter was coming to the mountains.