U
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I took the day off and did an unplanned hike up Wildcat A, Carter Dome and Hight, and to my surprise a trail report might be useful due to snow. No problem stream crossings. No bugs. About 1 blowdown per trail section beyond 19 Mile, but I sawed through one and the others were easily stepped over or walked under. 19 Mile Brook, and Wildcat Ridge up to A were in good shape as expected. Carter Moriah to Carter Dome was dry and clear until around 4000’ when a rotten monorail appeared. It took care to keep from postholing when it couldn’t be avoided or to do otherwise would have widened the trail. Being warm it felt good to put some of the snow on the wrists and forehead. Between Carter Dome and Hight there was considerable snow, sometimes quite deep, sometimes with a very narrow monorail rising high above it in places, but with care it held me up. I noticed the sides had considerable deep postholes and in places melting was undercutting it. There were also a couple of wading pools going up to Hight. Gaiters, real hiking boots and poles recommended for this stretch and the next. From Hight down to Zeta Pass there was a mix of monorail and clear sections, which slowed us down a bit being a steep downhill, but again with care postholing generally avoided. Carter Dome below Zeta Pass was in great shape high and only a couple of mud spots low. The mighty tough little dog had an easy time of it, snow or not, but the brooks were so great to cool off in. Came home in time to see the last of a USFS prescribed burn which looked great. What a great day to be on the trails and away from the computers
