Rhody Seth
Active member
Part 2 of our Hut Adventure.
I was disappointed that due to a late start and very tough conditions, we didn't get to Wildcat D. This was my second time staying at Carter Notch Hut with friends where we attempted the Wildcats but came back with only one. Last time it wasn't a big deal but this one stung, knowing it meant another trip to grab that winter peak. But Pete said he was game to make another attempt the following day and that was enough for me.
I slept very warm in our bunkhouse - temp was probably in the upper teens in there by morning and my 0° Top Quilt was more than up to the task. It has these elastic straps which snap to the quilt and secure it to an inflatable sleeping bag. This works very well to eliminate any drafts. It was snowing heavily when we woke up and I was looking forward to hiking in the storm. A few people had set off up Wildcat A before us and we were happy to let them break trail. Not that you'd know it - their prints were basically gone by the time we came through. But the trail itself was much more stable than the previous afternoon and not nearly as difficult. It probably took us 30 minutes less to reach the summit of A.
The hike to D along the ridge was enjoyable winter storm hiking. Again, barely any prints to follow so we had to follow the blazes carefully. Ran into a fellow also staying at the hut who was on his way back and we appreciated his effort. No views from the lookout on D but we continued briefly to the top of Wildcat ski area. People were fascinated by us, wondering where we came from. Sort of funny. The hike back to the hut became a slog and I was definitely tired before we reached the summit of A. We started our hike around 9:30 and got back to the hut around 3:00. Many hours were spent playing various board games. We thought it might be pretty sparse at the hut. Another scout troop was scheduled to stay but we though the storm might keep them away. But no sir, they arrived just at dusk.
Another good night of sleep but man my boots were frozen in the morning. Good thing I was able to thaw them in the hut because my shoelaces were a mess.
The hike out was cold but lovely. Nice easy walking and as a bonus, we didn't have to do much digging to get out of the parking lot. Overall another great trip in the books.
I was disappointed that due to a late start and very tough conditions, we didn't get to Wildcat D. This was my second time staying at Carter Notch Hut with friends where we attempted the Wildcats but came back with only one. Last time it wasn't a big deal but this one stung, knowing it meant another trip to grab that winter peak. But Pete said he was game to make another attempt the following day and that was enough for me.
I slept very warm in our bunkhouse - temp was probably in the upper teens in there by morning and my 0° Top Quilt was more than up to the task. It has these elastic straps which snap to the quilt and secure it to an inflatable sleeping bag. This works very well to eliminate any drafts. It was snowing heavily when we woke up and I was looking forward to hiking in the storm. A few people had set off up Wildcat A before us and we were happy to let them break trail. Not that you'd know it - their prints were basically gone by the time we came through. But the trail itself was much more stable than the previous afternoon and not nearly as difficult. It probably took us 30 minutes less to reach the summit of A.
The hike to D along the ridge was enjoyable winter storm hiking. Again, barely any prints to follow so we had to follow the blazes carefully. Ran into a fellow also staying at the hut who was on his way back and we appreciated his effort. No views from the lookout on D but we continued briefly to the top of Wildcat ski area. People were fascinated by us, wondering where we came from. Sort of funny. The hike back to the hut became a slog and I was definitely tired before we reached the summit of A. We started our hike around 9:30 and got back to the hut around 3:00. Many hours were spent playing various board games. We thought it might be pretty sparse at the hut. Another scout troop was scheduled to stay but we though the storm might keep them away. But no sir, they arrived just at dusk.
Another good night of sleep but man my boots were frozen in the morning. Good thing I was able to thaw them in the hut because my shoelaces were a mess.
The hike out was cold but lovely. Nice easy walking and as a bonus, we didn't have to do much digging to get out of the parking lot. Overall another great trip in the books.
