Wildcat D through A: August 10 2019

All season we have had good weather. And we were promised more for this past weekend. With MUCH DELIGHT we eagerly planned to get to Isolation on Saturday, with more to come on Sunday. Very excited, we love the lovely sunny weather in the 70's, and 60's up on the hill.

BUT NO, THAT IS NOT WHAT HAPPENED.

Saturday morning, 5 AM, RAINING. The mountain forecast suddenly looked piss poor, with high winds coming off Washington, rain, and pop up Thunder.
Well, that sounded excellent. NOT.

So, plan B. Hit the Cats and check them off the list. Below treeline, much safer, trail options, etc. So off went.

We parked at the $5 Glen Ellis Falls Lot, on Route 16 just after the Pinkham Notch Visitors Center. At 7:30, it was virtually empty (at 2:30, completely full.)

The weather was crabby. Low, dark clouds. Very cool (in the 50's) and you could hear the wind on the Washington side of the road. Fun, fun.
So, as we went through the tunnel that takes you under Rt 16, and we crossed the (very low) Ellis River, we felt we had made a good choice to pass on Isolation. There's always a better day for above treeline nonsense.

Anyway. Up Wildcat Ridge Trail we went.
And yes, I mean UP. Jesus H.

First you up some normal rocks

Then some bigger rocks

Quickly, you get your first view (Washington is socked in)

Anyway. You go up more

You come to another place to see Washington in the clouds

Alternate View

And just for fun, you go up MORE!!!!

And eventually, 2 miles in, you come to Wildcat D (which is a peak with a viewing area, just past the gondola)

Hey, we can see a little something which is good!!

So the two miles of Wildcat Ridge trail to the D peak are no joke. I feel like the Cats are the peaks nobody bothers talking about, as everyone is bagging and tagging the presis, or more interesting peaks. Let me warn you, this is NOT the trail to do for your first 4k footer!!!
The good thing about the trail?
-never a dull moment
-not many other hikers
-well marked!!!
-good exercise
-a good ass kicking
-when it is over

I mean, you basically gain 2k elevation in the first two miles. So use that as your cautionary tale.

So from there, more Wildcat Ridge Trail to the A summit.
Of course, there are quite a few ups and downs, as one must deal with Summits B and C.

Onward!!! Into the rain!!!

 It is about 2 miles in between summits and continues to be NOT dull. Plus, it kept raining. It happens, but it is dumb.

Thrilled

We found the very casual peak of Wildcat A, tucked amongst some trees.

Hi

For a hot minute, the sun came out and we almost had a view of the Carters!!!

A really nice moment!!!!

 However... soon enough we were back into the trees and back into the rain.

Gloom

We didn't like the sound of descending the two miles from peak D to the lot.
Luckily, there is an option.

YAYYY Take the gondola down!!!! JK. We did not. Also- those clouds? THUNDER.

But you CAN take these trails down, and you can also take them up (and YES, it does COUNT!) If you want to cut about 90% of the crap out of the cats, just take the ski trail. It is wicked boring, but wicked safe (and since I have my eye on redlining, I'm glad we took the Ridge trail. but only for that reason, haha!!)

God damn super highway

Love the lovely ski trail

 Just when we thought we were in the clear, we heard a HUGE RUMBLE OF THUNDER.
SHIT.
We looked at one another. "LET'S RUN" we cried! As we dashed madly down the mountain. Just in the nick of time we made it to the ski lodge, and took cover for 20 or so minutes while the skies opened up.
There was no way we were getting a ride back to the car on this particular day (grouchy looking tourists with tantrum children do not want to give hikers a lift!) So we hoofed it back down death trap route 16.

Luckily, at Pinkham one is able to connect to the Lost Pond trail (which is kind of a disaster after the first little stretch.) Regardless, nobody should walk on Rt 16.

On cue, the sun came out. 

About a mile or so of walking, and we made it back.

DONE

Don't let the sunny pic fool you. It was still raining!!!! Ridiculous!

Absolutely the most challenging hike of the season. You legit need some miles under your belt before attempting this trail (or, take the ski trail. this really eliminates much/most of the hardship!!)
A crummy weather day in the mountains is still a good day, so despite all my bitching I still had a nice time with my lovely husband, and terrific dog (who loved her day!!)

Plus, this checked #23 and #24 off the list. Officially half way there!!!

Strava data: (we take this with a grain of salt) 
-elevation climbed: 3,826
-miles covered: 10.5
-elapsed time: 6:51

Difficulty: Strenuous. Certainly a trail that will wear you right out. However, my belief is if one was to stick to the ski trail this would rank as moderate. 

Views: Several spots within the first mile, nice view of Washington from the ski trails, and the observation deck. And a good look at the Carters from the A peak view point. 

Bugs: Nope

Dog friendly trail? Ish. Our dog loved it but she cray. Awfully steep at times, could be tough for a wimpy canine friend.