| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Wildcat E, Wildcat D, Wildcat C (attempt), Wildcat B (attempt), Wildcat A (attempt), NH |
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 | Trails: |
Lost Pond Trail, Wildcat Ridge Trail, Polecat ski trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Friday, February 19, 2016 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Parked at Pinkham |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Ice - Black, Ice - Blue, Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Snow/Ice - Frozen Granular, Snow - Drifts |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Traction |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
None of note |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Make ice go away? |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Some difficult spots for Bear, mainly the chimney. Otherwise he was able to go around tough spots by going off trail through the woods. |
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 | Bugs: |
Not yet... |
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 | Lost and Found: |
My friend lost a pair of LL Bean trekking poles. They may or may not be on the trail, as we think she may have lost them while we were bushwhacking to avoid a particularly icey spot. If in the woods they would probably be less than 15' in. Lost before 1.5 mile mark (last ledge of note before E). If found please contact me. |
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 | Comments: |
So. Much. Ice. We planned on an out-and-back of the whole ridge to A peak, then when we saw trail conditions we planned to go to A then back to ski area and down polecat. When it took us FIVE hours to go 1.5 miles due to ice, we decided D was enough for the day and revised our plan again to just head back from there on polecat. Avoidable ice on ski tails, FYI. Terrible conditions before E, wouldn't recommend this trail. I did it years ago and the only tough spot was the chimney, but there was a heck of a lot more snow back then. We were crawling at (many!) times - as evidenced by our pathetic pace. Drifts and some post holes around E, nothing major. No one else out there until ski area. Saw a couple skiers go up to D on our way back but no hikers seen. Saw crampon tracks (headed up) on polecat so someone was there today or yesterday probably. We took the ridge trail because we hate *everything* about hiking on ski trails, but this trip demonstrated the importance of having a backup plan and being willing to yield to the mountains if needed. Wildcat A will always be there - and we'll leave it for summer when we can go in NMB trail and take a dip in the pond! 😀
Overall the day was great, beautiful blue skies, plenty of humor to lighten the frustration of the trail conditions. My friend's 30th! |
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 | Name: |
Emily L. |
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 | E-Mail: |
eglenz at gmail |
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| Date Submitted: |
2016-02-21 |
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 | Link: |
 https:// |
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Disclaimer: Reports are not verified - conditions may vary. Use at own risk. Always be prepared when hiking. Observe all signs. Trail conditions reports are not substitutes for weather reports or common sense. |
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