Carter-Moriah Range

(Wildcats A-43, B, C, D-44, E)

“Like a true nature’s child, we were born to be wild. We can climb so high. I never wanna die…” The heavy metal thunder of the countless motors’ puuuurrrr fills the air, as the brigade of Harleys wiz by me while a pedal my bicycle from down route 16 in Pinkham Notch. I had forgotten that this was bike week and I must look quite comical on my little mountain bike pedaling away as the procession of hogs make their way to Mount Washington Auto Road for the annual “Ride to the Sky”. This was another point to point hike ending up at Wildcat ski area I spotted my bike, and beginning at Nineteen Mile Brook trailhead where I was currently coasting back to my car- the finishing touch on a great day in the Cats.

It all started at 7am (my new favorite start time) at the trailhead as I made my way up the familiar 19mb tr I had traveled a few times before in my winter treks in the Carters. The scene was much different now on this sunny mid-June Thursday. Long gone were the ice-flows and snow and all that remained was the babbling brook alongside this typical winding rock-strewn mountain trail bounded by lush greenery.

I had originally wanted to tackle this ridge in the winter but ended up pushing it off until today, for no reason in particular, other than I just wasn’t feeling it on that new year’s weekend. So here I am making my way into Carter Notch where I will begin a steeper climb up the east side of Wildcat Mountain (aka Wildcat A) for the first of two 4,000 footers along the 5 peak Wildcat Ridge trail.

The turnoff comes around 9am, 3.5 miles into the trip, just before Carter Notch Hut. I had thought about giving the hut a visit but opt to continue upward since I’ve been going at a good rhythm this morning so far, aside from a brief nature-call (which I’ll spare the details of).

        The 2 switchbacks up to WC-A offer a few good through-the-tree type views of Carter Dome and some of the distant smaller peaks beyond the Presidentials, and then the views begin to widen upon arriving at a slide area of the trail.

Further up there is a view point at a ledge below the summit with a great look down into Carter Notch and the Hut with its ramparts and 2 lakes. I’ll have to make a point to visit this area next time. Maybe in the fall when I’m sure the foliage adds to this peaceful little hideaway. I have yet to stay at a Hut but it’s on my to-do list for sure.

(click here for Video of Wildcat-A ledge view)

Already I can tell this is going to be an uneventful pleasant day where I can just enjoy the scenery and the exercise without any drama or huge hurdles to overcome – Quite a contrast to my last hike through the Pemi Wilderness to the remote Owl’s Head.  It’s good to have a hike this every so often. Certain hikes there is so much to tell about inner and outer struggles, victories of battles fought with 3 headed monsters and dragons to be slayed. Not today, just a sunny calm day in the mountains.

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Before too long a make it to my second 4K WC-D where there is a lookout platform and grand views of Washington and its impressive Huntington and Tuckerman Ravines. There are a group of section hikers and a group of AT through hikers joining me on the platform sharing their adventures along this 2,200-mile voyage, which perhaps I too will someday have the pleasure (or torture) of experiencing.

(click here for video of Wildcat – D summit view- with AT through hikers in the background tooting their own horn)

After some more conversation, some more views, and some more sandwich, I head over to the chairlift on the now deserted ski slopes and then a quick jaunt over to E-Peak and back (just so I can say I did them all) then begin a leisurely finish to my day walking down the gentlest of the ski slopes Upper/Middle/ Lower Polecat.

I enjoy constant open views of Washington all the way down, in the company of the wildflowers and butterflies, and the distant rumble of Bikes along route 16, which echoes louder with each stride.

  

(click here for video of ski slope descent)

I conclude the day at the ski area parking lot, swapping my pack for 2 wheels and start my downhill coast down the road. Sorry if a CAT’s got my tongue on this one, and there wasn’t much to report on this uneventful day, but sometimes I like it like that and certainly deserve a day like this after recent more epic efforts. I got just what I needed today. No more No less. It’s funny how the mountain somehow knows what you need, even if you don’t necessarily know. If you asked me today was the “Cat’s Meow”!

AND NOW ONTO THE FINAL FOUR!!!!