Franconia Ridge

Franconia Ridge

Thursday, August 6, 2020

Hike to Wildcat D


Summit: Wildcat D (4,062')
Trail route: Polecat Ski Trail, Wildcat Ridge Trail
Trail conditions: Dry
Weather: Cool to warm, partly cloudy, mostly sunny
Total miles: 5.3
Total time:  2:50


I had no plans for hiking today. At 9:00 AM this morning I felt the cool, dry, refreshing breeze coming through the open windows. I turned to my son, Rick, and asked if he might want to hike up to Wildcat D with me. He was initially reluctant but I managed to cajole him into hiking up the Polecat Trail to the summit with the promise of a nice access road to the top of the ski area.

We got a late start and were on our way up at 10:30 AM. It was a nice hike up with great views across the notch to the Presidential summits. We met a few hikers on their way down. At the top of the ski area I put on a long sleeve layer as there was a cool wind which was refreshing after all of the recent heat and humidity.

We continued on to the summit observation tower. One hiker was leaving as we arrived and we had the place to ourselves. Views were spectacular but we didn't stay long and soon started our descent, it was all downhill from here.

It was a nice hike back down to the base of Wildcat. I was glad to have made the decision to get out for a hike today and take advantage of the beautiful weather. I sure did enjoy the company too!

Enjoy the photos!

 


Looking up from the bottom

 


View from the Polecat Trail

   


Maiden Pink

 


Birdsfoot Trefoil

 


A view across the notch

 


A short break at the top of Polecat Trail

 


A view to the east

 


Mount Washington in a cloud

 


Tuckerman Ravine

 


Mount Adams

 


Mount Madison

 


Eastern view

 


Lots o' peaks

 


Heading down

 






Passing under a chairlift

 


Black-eyed Susans still blooming

 


Blueberries ripening

 


Blueberry pie...or bear scat

 


Sitting in the big boy chair



Having Fun in the Great Outdoors!







 

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