| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Wildcat E, Wildcat D, Wildcat C, Wildcat B, Wildcat A, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Wildcat Ridge Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, July 2, 2011 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Glen Boulder parking had a fair number of cars by the time we arrived around 8:50, but surprisingly it wasn't quite filled on our return, but it had a cars going in and out. Maybe the parking fee was keeping out the mosey arounders? But get there late wnough and there may not be a spot. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Ellis River mostly rock jumps for me with poles assisting. Pepper decided a mix of rock hop and swim worked best for him. We saw others use a fallen log as part of the crossing. I can imagine there are a few who would rather avoid this crossing and use Lost Pond Tr. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
No problems. There has been a fair amount of trail work between A & C with more to come. A couple sections have had extensive brushing; several areas have had new planks installed with more to go. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Pepper had fun especially on the slower return hike where he got lots of attention. Some dogs may balk at the Ellis River crossing, and others may find the steep bouldery trail with open angled ledges difficult. There is a bit of running water around 3400' and some mud pools in further up towards E and on the ridge, but I'd strongly recommend bringing water for any dog to drink and maybe to put on the back to cool them off. We saw a nice black lab, Ziggy, doing the entire Wildcat & Carter peaks, and a white Westy named Bud going up late. |
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 | Bugs: |
No problems with biting insects, but N of D on my return the air was thick with small bug swarms and despite my best efforts I inhaled a fair amount of them. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Finally we saw the sun and had a true summery hike, but temps, shade and breeze were such it wasn't too hot for Pepper. There were a fair number of people on the trails, but not as many as a nice Fourth of July would suggest.
The river crossing and steep trail probably keeps the casual hikers down, and few would have been leaving the AMC Hut today. The ski area was generating very little traffic around D. We met one mom and young daughter excitedly climbing up D having just seen a young moose stroll acoss the path in front of them. I leashed ol' moose chaser for awhile in case we saw it too, but none seen. It was a splendid summer day for a hike with the mighty tough little dog. |
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 | Name: |
Pepper and Me |
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 | E-Mail: |
windriversjohn at gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2011-07-02 |
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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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