The Wildcats. September 3, 2018

Wildcat ski trails, Wildcat Ridge Trail, 19 Mile Brook Trail, 8.7 miles, 3,150 feet of elevation gain

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We started before dark at the Wildcat ski area parking lot, after dropping off Alex at the 19 Mile Brook trail head.  We did this so she could do the Wildcat traverse solo, going in the opposite direction of us.  We were hiking with John Myers, so we car spotted with him.  Here is a blurry picture of me when we started out, walking up the ski slope.

Photo by Trish Herr

As we got farther up, it started to get lighter, and we realized the scenery around us was really quite beautiful.

There were a lot of wildflowers on the ski slope...

We continued up the slope, noticing the humidity and heat that was hanging over everything.

Looking  back...

We made it to the top of the ski area and then took the short path to the summit platform and viewpoint.  The view point was extraordinarily beautiful, as the sky was orange and you could see far into the distance.

We then went up the stairs to the viewing platform and took a short break.

Photo by Trish Herr

Photo by Trish Herr

Then, we continued over to Wildcat A.  In the middle of the ridge walk, we met Alex going the other direction.

Photo by Trish Herr

Finally, we got to Wildcat A.

Photo by Trish Herr

Then, we started to head down toward John's car and Route 16.

 After a stretch of steep descent, we reached the intersection between Wildcat Ridge Trail and 19 Mile Brook Trail.

We headed down quickly, mindful of Alex, who had already made it down the ski slope and to the Wildcat parking lot.  We didn't want to make her wait any longer than necessary.

The water was so green and beautiful here, I had to take a picture of it...

We hurried down the trail...

We eventually got to the trailhead.  From there, John drove us over to the Wildcat ski area to pick up Alex and get our car.  It was a fun hike for all of us, with great views and good company.

Solo Moosilauke. July 10, 2018

7.4 miles, 2,550 feet

Gorge Brook Trail

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Look for Alex's blogpost of her solo hike of Moosilauke on her blog.

Originally, Alex was planning to do a solo hike of Mount Moosilauke, so on a good weather day she would go up one trail and Mom and I would go up a different one.  On this day, however, the forecast said there was a good chance a storm was going to come around noon.  So, since Gorge Brook trail is the only trail up Mount Moosilauke that doesn't have a large section above tree-line, we all thought it would be best for all of us to go up that trail.  We therefore decided that I would start out 15 minutes after Alex started, and Mom would start out 15 minutes after me.  This way, Alex, Mom, and I would be going partially solo.  This would be my first hike even going partially solo, and I was very excited.  We started out walking together to the newly renovated Moosilauke Ravine Lodge (which is very beautiful). After making last-minute adjustments, we reviewed our plan for the day.  Then Mom and I said goodbye to Alex and she set off.  Fifteen minutes later, I set off.

The trail was relatively flat starting out...

The bridge was a little bit wobbly, and I was very glad it didn't break underneath me...

Selfie!

Yay!  I made it to the halfway point a lot sooner than I thought I would, so I took a short break.

After the trail turned right and away from the stream, it got a lot steeper, so I slowed down a little bit.

More selfies!

The first viewpoint showed me a beautiful sky, full of blue and puffy white clouds.

  

More views!

Water break...

More sky views -- breathtaking!

Yay!  I made it to the above-treeline part of Gorge Brook Trail to a wonderful weather day.  I could see for what seemed like hundreds of miles in every direction.

Looking back...

I got to the summit!  As I made my way to the summit sign, I saw Alex sitting against one of the rock structures. I went over to sit by her once I was done taking pictures.

After we renourished ourselves for about 15 minutes, Mom got to the summit.

After we chatted for a little bit, Alex started down.

The rock structure by which we took a break...

  

Fifteen minutes after Alex started down, I packed up my backpack and started walking down Gorge Brook.

The bridge from the other direction!

  

Yay!  I went into the lodge and waited with Alex for Mom.  When she got down, we all agreed the hike had been beautiful and successful and that everything had worked out well.

Since we are going to camp soon, this will be our last post for about a month.  Have a good summer!