| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Wildcat A, Wildcat B, Wildcat C, Wildcat D, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Bog Brook Trail, Wildcat River Trail, Nineteen Mile Brook Trail, Wildcat Ridge Trail, logging road |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Sunday, November 7, 2010 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
We were the only car at the end of Carter Notch Rd. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Ice - Black, Wet Trail, Mud - Significant, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Snow - Trace/Minimal Depth |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
The crossings on Bog Brook Tr and Wildcat River Tr were running high but were manageable. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Only a couple of insignificant blowdowns. Bog Brook and Wildcat River Trail both had some very soggy spots and many of the bog bridges are in poor shape. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Marlie and her brother Brewer had a long but good day. Plenty of streams along the way to taste and the lack of other hikers allowed them to run free most of the time. This was Marlie's second time conquering the cats this year. The first time it was almost 90 degrees, this time it was below freezing. Both dogs were able to sport their winter coats. |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
Found only a few food wrapper corners and a random piece of fabric. |
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 | Comments: |
After setting the clocks back we knew that there was a good chance that we would have to walk some in the dark so we planned accordingly. The hike up to the hut was easy with god views through the woods looking at the south side of Carter Dome. Once in the notch it felt like a mid winter day. The Ramparts were almost completely fogged in and the wind was steady. Both Carter lakes were iced over with 3/4 inch of ice. Due to the temperatures and wind we weren't sure at first if we should continue past A peak with the dogs, but once up on the ridge the weather became quite pleasant (27 degrees and light wind) and we stuck with the original plan. From the view on A Peak only the top of Carter Dome and Mt Hight could be seen, but from the trail on C Peak a beautiful undercast surrounding the Presidentials could be seen. You could see the whole ridge of the northern peaks and the tips of the southern ones in a sea of white clouds with the sun in the background and scattered clouds above. In all my years hiking this is the first time I was fortunate enough to see this. That made the whole trip worthwhile, regardless of anything else that may happen. The D Peak was completely engulfed in clouds so we did not stay long and started on our return. We both brought Microspikes but opted not to wear them as there was still more rock than ice on the trail and careful foot placement was all that we needed. Many others may disagree but it is a matter of preference I suppose. The section just east of A peak was the iciest but still manageable. Our goal was to make it back to the highest river crossing on the Wildcat River Tr before dark and we did with about 5 minutes to spare. We then had about another hour walk with the headlamps and we decided to follow the logging road back around instead of dealing with the brook crossings on Bog Brook Tr. This added about .3+- miles but took the same amount of time and was much easier. Just below the Wild River Tr we were passed by a girl who was trail running at night. She came up behind us and was gone in less than 30 seconds! I'm not even sure if the dogs knew what happened. Total trip 14.7 miles 9hr 15min. |
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 | Name: |
IQuest |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2010-11-08 |
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 | Link: |
 https:// |
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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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