| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Wildcat A, Wildcat B, Wildcat C, Wildcat D, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Nineteen Mile Brook Trail, Wildcat Ridge Trail, ski trails |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Sunday, May 5, 2013 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Left cars at Wildcat Ski Area and parked at Nineteen Mile Brook Trailhead. No issues. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Wet Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Snow/Ice - Monorail (Stable), Mud - Significant, Snow/Ice - Monorail (Unstable), Standing/Running Water on Trail, Slush, Snow - Trace/Minimal Depth, Snow/Ice - Postholes, Snow - Spring Snow |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes, Light Traction |
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
The bridges at the river crossings before the junction with the Carter Dome Trail have not been replaced yet (building wood stacked in the woods so maybe soon) but they were easy to cross by hopping rock to rock or walking along the logs that someone laid there. There were no other issues. |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
There were a few blowdowns between the Hut and Wildcat A but they had been cleaned up a bit so they didn't pose a problem. There were also quite a few along the ridge, but again they had been cleaned up some. There will be some work to do once the snow is gone and the trail maintainers get back out there. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
We didn't have a dog with us but did pass a couple along the trail that had their Yorkshire Terrier with them. They went up Wildcat Ridge Trail from Pinkham and all the way over to Nineteen Mile Brook. We know they made it because we have them a ride back to their car. |
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 | Bugs: |
No bugs yet. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
Nothing lost but did find a quarter and a nickle in the mud at the base of the ski trails. If yours let me know. |
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 | Comments: |
What a great day to be outdoors - it was a warm day, the sun was out and the skies were clear. The trails were snow-free but a little muddy up to about 3,000 feet and then there was snow after that. We expected a well packed mono-rail up to Carter Notch since there is so much traffic (passed a group of 40 Boy Scouts on their way down from the hut) but didn't expect the same conditions from the hut to the ridge. Pleasantly surprised - well formed "steps" pretty much all the way up to Wildcat A. Some wore microspikes while others bare booted. We were treated to excellent views of the Carters from the lookout at Wildcat A. From there the trail was a bit more sloppy so Monica and I put on our snowshoes (carried them, might as well use them) and kept them in until Wildcat D. The rest of the group managed fine (a post hole or two but nothing too bad) sticking with their spikes or just bare booting. Had some great views of Washington and the rest of the Presidentials along the way. Decided to skip Wildcat E and started down Polecat but then just headed straight down Cat Traxx. Managed to get in about 300 yards of sledding in along the ski trails - a bit too soft for much more than that. Another great trip with the Random Group of Hikers - also got to meet some people that we've only known through some of the Facebook hiking groups.
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|
 | Name: |
Michael & Monica |
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 | E-Mail: |
akafuzzjones@yahoo.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2013-05-06 |
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 | Link: |
 https://www.meetup.com/random-hikers/events/115901272 |
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Disclaimer: Reports are not verified - conditions may vary. Use at own risk. Always be prepared when hiking. Observe all signs. Trail conditions reports are not substitutes for weather reports or common sense. |
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