PETCH
New member
Wildcat D
Date of Hike: 07/03/09
Participants: Petch, Teresa
Trail Conditions: Lost Pond Trail very wet and slippery with many footbridges under water. Wildcat Ridge Trail also very wet and slippery. Polecat ski trail wet and spongy.
Special Equipment: poles helpful (as long as they can support your weight)
Comments: Being from the other end of the earth (Northern Maine), I had still yet to see a black bear in the wild. On our way to Pinkham, we took the North South road which bypasses some of the strip malls and shops of North Conway. As we drove down, there on the right was a black bear probably planning to do a little "dumpster diving". We couldn't get the camera out in time.....so be it. We made it to the Pinkham Notch Visitors Center which was buried in fog to start the trip. Took the Lost Pond Trail which was more technical than the guide book would leave you to believe. It didn't take very long for the slick conditions to do their damage. Teresa went down and soaked her feet. Then I went down and wasted a hiking pole, and soaked one boot. Off to a rough start with plenty of climbing to go. Began the steep climb up the Wildcat Ridge Trail. The look-outs provided little rewards, but on a clear day I can see how this trail would offer great views across the notch. I really liked this trail as it was plenty steep and technical. For moments of time you felt like you were in the middle of nowhere. Then the distant sound of Harley's cruising up Rt 16 would remind you of your proximity to civilization. Didn't see any hikers on the trail until we got to the top. This was Teresa's first 4K, and she did a great job on this rough trail. Met a few guys, one of which was hiking the whole ridge. The rest of the people we met were heading down the Polecat ski trail, which is what we were planning to do as well. Going down the Wildcat Ridge Trail in these conditions was going to provide a sore tail-bone. Had lunch at the top and came down the ski trail. The sun finally came out about 1/2 way down and we started getting some views of Washington, Adams, and Madison. Down at the bottom we took the road back to the visitors center. EMS nicely replaced the lower section on my hiking pole (no charge), so all is well in the world once again........
About 6 3/4 miles.
Pictures: http://picasaweb.google.com/mpetcher
Date of Hike: 07/03/09
Participants: Petch, Teresa
Trail Conditions: Lost Pond Trail very wet and slippery with many footbridges under water. Wildcat Ridge Trail also very wet and slippery. Polecat ski trail wet and spongy.
Special Equipment: poles helpful (as long as they can support your weight)
Comments: Being from the other end of the earth (Northern Maine), I had still yet to see a black bear in the wild. On our way to Pinkham, we took the North South road which bypasses some of the strip malls and shops of North Conway. As we drove down, there on the right was a black bear probably planning to do a little "dumpster diving". We couldn't get the camera out in time.....so be it. We made it to the Pinkham Notch Visitors Center which was buried in fog to start the trip. Took the Lost Pond Trail which was more technical than the guide book would leave you to believe. It didn't take very long for the slick conditions to do their damage. Teresa went down and soaked her feet. Then I went down and wasted a hiking pole, and soaked one boot. Off to a rough start with plenty of climbing to go. Began the steep climb up the Wildcat Ridge Trail. The look-outs provided little rewards, but on a clear day I can see how this trail would offer great views across the notch. I really liked this trail as it was plenty steep and technical. For moments of time you felt like you were in the middle of nowhere. Then the distant sound of Harley's cruising up Rt 16 would remind you of your proximity to civilization. Didn't see any hikers on the trail until we got to the top. This was Teresa's first 4K, and she did a great job on this rough trail. Met a few guys, one of which was hiking the whole ridge. The rest of the people we met were heading down the Polecat ski trail, which is what we were planning to do as well. Going down the Wildcat Ridge Trail in these conditions was going to provide a sore tail-bone. Had lunch at the top and came down the ski trail. The sun finally came out about 1/2 way down and we started getting some views of Washington, Adams, and Madison. Down at the bottom we took the road back to the visitors center. EMS nicely replaced the lower section on my hiking pole (no charge), so all is well in the world once again........
About 6 3/4 miles.
Pictures: http://picasaweb.google.com/mpetcher
Last edited:
