MtnMagic
New member
Date Hiked:
February 25, 2006
Trails Hiked:
Nineteen Mile, Wildcat Ridge, Polecat Ski
Total Distance:
The traverse was 9.2 miles, 3,620 feet of elevation gain, and 7.5 hours including views,
photo op's and breaks.
Difficulty:
Moderate, to a seasoned hiker.
Conditions:
About 4-6" of fresh powder over hard packed snow and ice, up to 2' of snowdrifts on the slope of Wildcat Mountain and very light wind on the ridge.
Special Required Equipment:
Full winter gear always! Snowshoes were not needed on this day, crampons are most definitely essential. Goggles, trekking poles, a talkative group, a carspot and skis or snowboard helpful.
Trip Report:
Saturday morning Ghostdog and I arrived at the Wildcat Ski Area on Rte 16 a bit early and watched 100's of cars full the parking lot rapidly. Soon Pucknuts, New Hampshire, Jen, Dave, Freddi, and Wildpeaks showed in their 3 vehicles. Two vehicles were left in the parking lot, whereupon the group drove in two other vehicles to the Nineteen Mile Trail, 3 miles North.
We geared up, hit the trail at 9 am with a temperature of 11 degrees, and little to no wind. It felt 20 degrees warmer as the sun strongly sizzled in our faces. We where psyched for this traverse as half had never bagged the Cats and the other half had done the traverse in the opposite direction. Something new and exciting for each member of our hiking group.
Later in the morning, the only two hikers we were to see all day stopped and exchanged pleasant conversation with us. They were a nice couple from Montreal, who drove here Friday, spent the night in the Carter Notch Hut's bunkhouse, summited Mounts Hight plus Carter Dome, and were heading back to their car and returning to Canada. You meet the nicest people on the trails.
Deciding to skip a visit to the hut, we all donned our crampons soon after turning on to the Wildcat Ridge Trail to gain traction up the steep slope and the brief section of the open slide. The slope had up to 2' of snowdrifts. At times I wondered if snowshoes were a better choice but stayed with the crampons. The sky changed quickly in just minutes from clear to see for miles, to cloudy and not see a mile.
Soon we reached the summit of Wildcat Mountain (4422'), sat down to rest, had lunch, beverages plus hot tea, and enjoyed great fellowship. As we continued on the ridge, snow started falling adding to the joy in our group. We cheered upon reaching Wildcat D Peak (4062') and stopped for another break on the observation platform. Having no views did not bother us as we delighted in the moment.
From peace and tranquility in the serene mountains, we arrived at the top of the ski lift with 100's going everywhere and many more arriving each second. What a change, just like the weather. The group chatted and discussed our next hikes while descending the 2.8 miles of the Polecat ski trail. Back to the vehicles and to Nineteen Mile lot where we bid each other farewell and goodwill. Another perfect winter day to play in the majestic mountains.
February 25, 2006
Trails Hiked:
Nineteen Mile, Wildcat Ridge, Polecat Ski
Total Distance:
The traverse was 9.2 miles, 3,620 feet of elevation gain, and 7.5 hours including views,
photo op's and breaks.
Difficulty:
Moderate, to a seasoned hiker.
Conditions:
About 4-6" of fresh powder over hard packed snow and ice, up to 2' of snowdrifts on the slope of Wildcat Mountain and very light wind on the ridge.
Special Required Equipment:
Full winter gear always! Snowshoes were not needed on this day, crampons are most definitely essential. Goggles, trekking poles, a talkative group, a carspot and skis or snowboard helpful.
Trip Report:
Saturday morning Ghostdog and I arrived at the Wildcat Ski Area on Rte 16 a bit early and watched 100's of cars full the parking lot rapidly. Soon Pucknuts, New Hampshire, Jen, Dave, Freddi, and Wildpeaks showed in their 3 vehicles. Two vehicles were left in the parking lot, whereupon the group drove in two other vehicles to the Nineteen Mile Trail, 3 miles North.
We geared up, hit the trail at 9 am with a temperature of 11 degrees, and little to no wind. It felt 20 degrees warmer as the sun strongly sizzled in our faces. We where psyched for this traverse as half had never bagged the Cats and the other half had done the traverse in the opposite direction. Something new and exciting for each member of our hiking group.
Later in the morning, the only two hikers we were to see all day stopped and exchanged pleasant conversation with us. They were a nice couple from Montreal, who drove here Friday, spent the night in the Carter Notch Hut's bunkhouse, summited Mounts Hight plus Carter Dome, and were heading back to their car and returning to Canada. You meet the nicest people on the trails.
Deciding to skip a visit to the hut, we all donned our crampons soon after turning on to the Wildcat Ridge Trail to gain traction up the steep slope and the brief section of the open slide. The slope had up to 2' of snowdrifts. At times I wondered if snowshoes were a better choice but stayed with the crampons. The sky changed quickly in just minutes from clear to see for miles, to cloudy and not see a mile.
Soon we reached the summit of Wildcat Mountain (4422'), sat down to rest, had lunch, beverages plus hot tea, and enjoyed great fellowship. As we continued on the ridge, snow started falling adding to the joy in our group. We cheered upon reaching Wildcat D Peak (4062') and stopped for another break on the observation platform. Having no views did not bother us as we delighted in the moment.
From peace and tranquility in the serene mountains, we arrived at the top of the ski lift with 100's going everywhere and many more arriving each second. What a change, just like the weather. The group chatted and discussed our next hikes while descending the 2.8 miles of the Polecat ski trail. Back to the vehicles and to Nineteen Mile lot where we bid each other farewell and goodwill. Another perfect winter day to play in the majestic mountains.
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