Spring Below Winter Above
Carter Dome from Wildcat A
The crew had rented a place up in North Conway and I decided to take advantage to not have to complete an over 2-hour drive back home. As I hike the remaining 48 4000 footers they are further away and are more and more of a drive. I remember skiing at Wildcat when I was younger and what stuck in my mind was the cold and wind. Well, for early spring down in the valley it’s still winter above 3000 feet.
The trail had a coating of new snow but microspikes was all that was needed on this hike. I pulled into the 19 mile trail head parking and a group of 6 or 7 was getting geared up to which the leader went around getting them ready. I asked her if she had a free advice and she told me that snowshoes were not necessary because of the freezing overnight and that I could go down Wildcat ski area without them. also I should not get yelled at from the Wildcat Ski people. Good… one less thing to carry. 19 mile was the nicest slope upward for 3.7 miles and was good to just get out there in the woods and walk by the river.
Going up Wildcat Ridge
But then the fun ended, and it went straight up the ridge for a mile. The grade must have been more than 50 degrees the whole time with my toes barely getting traction and my calves burning. The trail also was at 45 degrees laterally with a sharp drop down the ridge which made any slight slip precarious (rolling down the hill in 4-5 feet of snow is precarious to say the least). Slow and steady with toes dug, the side of my right foot edging the grip, and poles at shoulder height made it possible to climb this ridge. To make matters harder the ice monorail of past hikers packing and repacking ensuring ice in some spots with postholes of previous legs deep in the snow just off the side of it. Finally, there were tree limbs crossing over into the trail seeming trying to push me off balance and down the side of the ridge. Gear, focus, and determination was the reason I was able to ascend this gnarly ridge. Looking back and could see Carter dome which I still need to hike.
View on top of Wildcat A
The top of Wildcat A had great views up and down the ridge easterly. I tried to stop and enjoy the view for as long as could… telling myself to soak it all in. Often, I get antsy and want to go on to see what’s around the next bend or the next ledge which makes it hard to pause and be happy about the accomplishment. It was getting colder as well so I put up my hood and off I went. The tree limbs scratched at my hood constantly which sounded an underground subway over the tracks.
As I headed over to Wildcat B and C I was able to get good views of the Presidential range with Mt Washington dead center however a line of clouds was at about 5000 feet elevation and blocked the view for the entire day. A day before or day after it was clear which I feel a little cheated but all well, it’s about the adventure. I only saw two other people today hiking - one went back down the ridge after Wildcat A and the other traversed back over the entire length instead of going down the ski trails. Wildcat D had a nice platform to look at the Presidential range, but the clouds did not change. The chairlift for skiers was right next to it. Strange seeing people get lifted to the top of 4000 feet without any effort and here I was exhausted by the way I got there. Also, walking along the ski trails as people whizzed by me seemed a bit unusual as well. Sometimes it’s nice to hike along more open areas with the sun on your face and constant views while listening to music.
I called Stephanie to pick me up at the ski lodge and drive me a couple of miles back to my car at the trailhead instead of walk along the road. She was gracious enough to oblige. I found myself with an IPA in one hand and in a hot tub shortly after which was a nice way to end another day hiking in the White Mountains.
Date
April 2th 2021
Distance
8.96 miles
Elevation Gain
3,317 feet
All Trails
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