June 7, 2009
Today I decided to head up to the Wildcats via the Polecat ski trail. I got a late start and hit the trail about 10:30. I had awesome views on the way up.
Washington still had a few patches of snow on it.
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View to the northwest
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Mounts Adams and Madison
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I took three pictures of the northern Presies and created a panoramic photo.
Use the scrollbar to see more of the photo.
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A.T. kiosk near the summit of Wildcat D
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Looking east into Maine
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The gondola
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I skipped Wildcat E, but went up and tagged D. This was today's big prize as it completed my 3rd loop of the White Mountains 48. Somewhere between Wildcat C and B I ran into Larisa Dannis.
She startled me at first. She hikes without poles so I didn't hear her coming. She probably heard me from a mile away. After bagging the Wildcats, she was on her way to Moriah to finish her single season Spring. Congrats Larisa! I've heard of hikers doing all 48 in 1 winter, but not all 48 in 1 spring. Perhaps she has started a new club.
I crossed some bog bridging near the summit of Wildcat A
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On the summit of Wildcat A, I met peakbaggers Scott and Anita. This was #21 for them. Scott and Anita, you are almost halfway. Keep up the good work.
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Looking way, way down to Carter Notch Hut.
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Looking across to mighty Carter Dome
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Middle Carter
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I returned over the same route. Once back at the base of the gondola I decided to take a little side trip.
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I ditched my pack and headed off.
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This nature trail is also the trail to Thompson Falls.
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It was a nice, easy trail with interpretive markers giving a little history of Wildcat Mountain and the Whites.
The trail then split so I headed to the falls.
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We haven't had much rain lately so the falls weren't flowing very well.
The best spot was at the bottom where I took this picture.
For a video clip click here.
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The trail got steep after this so I kept heading up. The trail dead ends at the top of the falls.
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I returned to the split in the trail and finished the Way of the Wildcat self-guided tour.
I returned to my truck about 4:15.
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