Wildcat (Sunday) & Washington (Monday)

Fred Knight (2 days), Steve Bussolari, James Streitman

2012 Feb 19-20

I tried for a little more than I achieved on this two-day outing with hikes on Wildcat Ridge (purple track on map) and Lion's Head (red track on map) and a night in between in the car at the nearby campground. I did not make Wildcat (the peak) but got Wildcat D on Sunday. Then Steve Bussolari and James Streitman joined me on Monday, and we made it to Lion's Head, about 1000' below the Mt Washington summit---turned back due to winds. The weather was bright and clear both mornings and, except for Sunday afternoon when some snow squalls came through, stayed clear. I saw only a few people on Sunday, but the hikers going up Lion's Head were numerous, including a few large groups.

Sunday started bright and cool with little wind. After a 3-hour drive, I set out on the Lost Pond Trail and then up the steep Wildcat Ridge Trail. Along the ridge, after 2.5 hrs, I came to the top of the ski lift for Wildcat Mt. The views across to Mt. Washington were gorgeous; see panorama below.

On Sunday night, I got the last campsite at Barnes Fields Campground, 6.5 miles north of Pinkham. Everybody else had tents, but I couldn't be bothered to set mine on the thin snow covering. I just moved the rear seats forward in the van and make a very comfortable nest for the night---the maiden voyage for my parka-sleeping bag combo. Well, I had three nested bags and inside the car reached only freezing, but it was a cozy test. The parka hood makes a fine head covering, that moves when I do and keeps my neck warm. The only difficulty is my hands are outside the parka, but they did fine. I opened the rear windows to get a good air flow. Yes, quite a pleasant night. I awoke at sunrise and drove to the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center parking lot where things were bustling for another fine day---but windy!

Monday's hike was my second attempt at going up Lion's Head. Last year, I aborted due to being scared---and not having an ice ax. This year I made it up the steepest parts but wanted to stop 1000' from the summit due to strong winds. We three agreed to turn back. James' head cover was insufficient. I was glad to abort at that point. Many others were continuing up in spite of the wind. We got back below tree line around 12:30 and descended back down the steep sections. James made it up without crampons! Ah youth. See Steve's report with GPS-tagged photos and the route.

Sunday Summary: ~10 miles up (Steep!) and over Wildcat Ridge, 7.0 hours, 2300' elevation gain.
Sunday night Summary: triple sleeping bag in the car, windows open, Barnes' Field Campground.
Monday Summary: ~7 miles up to Lion's Head, 5.5 hrs, 3300' elevation rise

--Fred (aka tarpman)

						Fred's Home		11 images

At the Ski Lift The sign shows where I've been.	Lunch with hot tea Near Wildcat B, I stopped, ate, and turned back.	Microspikes all day Trail was packed; a foot of snow on the ridge.
Lunch smile Up and down along ridge brought me to WIldcat B.	Gathering clouds surrounding Mt Washington	Twice-chewed birch Beavers tried twice---and felled the tree from above, indicating typical snow depth.
James and Steve at Pinkham Trailhead Monday, 8:45am, brisk, Tuckerman Ravine Trail	Toward Wildcat Ridge Looking across the valley to where I was yesterday	One reason to smile Sign commissioned and suitably displayed, indicating 330 high-intensity minutes
Ridge attire Lion's Head was windy; goggles worked well	Midway throught the steep part of Lion's Head, Winter Route By this time, we had reversed direction and were back into the trees out of the wind