December 18, 2011: Wildcat A (#23) & Wildcat D (#24)

As we pulled up at the Nineteen Mile Brook trailhead, the thermometer read 4 degrees Fahrenheit.  The sky was the bluest I'd ever seen it (other than last winter on Mt. Jackson) and the massive Presidential Range was garbed in white.  Today would serve as an epic stepping stone between two halves of a journey.  As unbelievable as it seems to typing these words, today I completed Part I of the White Mountain 48, and opened the door to Part II.

To be honest, it was completely freezing.  It was impossible to stop moving for more than a few minutes at a time before becoming unbearably cold.  Soon into the hike, we put on Microspikes which aided our climb significantly.
Our first challenge came in the form of a broken bridge.

The icy, rushing water prevented us from any type of convenient crossing.  We bushwhacked up stream and were able to cross with care over slick stones.

Though there were no particularly steep pitches on the Nineteen Mile Brook Trail, I found my energy fading quickly, along with my spirits.  I think this is partly due to dehydration/hunger.  All I knew is that I couldn't wait to get to Carter Notch and take a rest at the hut.
When we arrived in Carter Notch, we warmed up and snacked at the hut.  I think the food and water helped, and I was soon energized for the steep climb ahead.  The phenomenal scenery of Carter Notch also helped to boost my spirits.

Wildcat A rising sharply above Carter Lake

The opposite side of the notch is full of huge boulders from the cliffs of Carter Dome

Now that my engine was running, we began the steep climb up Wildcat A.  Views soon opened up of the Carter Range frosted in snow.

Middle Carter and South Carter

Like the climb up North Hancock, the trail is 0.7 miles and climbs over 1,000 vertical feet.  Constant switchbacks on the Wildcat Ridge Trail made the steep climb much more manageable, and we soon arrived at the stunning vista below Wildcat A.

The views of Carter Dome and Mt. Hight were breathtaking.  We could even see the Carter Notch Hut far below.

I was able to snap several pictures, but the cold soon became an issue.  My hands were getting numb, so I figured it was a good indication to move on.
A few feet up the trail, we found what appeared to be the true summit of Wildcat A, in a wooded area off the trail.
Though the walk across the ridge is full of ups and downs, it also offers spectacular views of the Presidential Range, directly across Pinkham Notch.

Mt. Adams

Mt. Jefferson

Tuckerman and Huntington Ravines, below the summit of Mt. Washington

There were many very steep section along the ridge and we were glad to have our spikes on.

Though the dominating view was of the Presidential Range, we also had views into Maine, and south toward Mt. Carrigain and the Osceolas.

After two miles on the Wildcat Ridge, we closed in on my 24th peak, the halfway point of my journey.

Enjoying hot tea on Wildcat D

If you're anything like me, you probably check the Mt. Washington webcams on a daily basis (usually several times a day).  Let me assure anyone who hasn't been up Wildcat...the view from Wildcat D (which can be seen on the Ravine Webcam) is a million times better when seen with your own eyes!
The detail visible on the Presidentials was unbelievable.

Mt. Madison

We had lunch on the platform and watched the sinking sun create dramatic shadows in the Presidentials.  It was particularly cold, and beginning to get dark, so we pried ourselves away to begin our descent.
We stopped at the top of the ski lifts, hoping to get into one of the Ravine Webcams pictures.
We skipped E Peak and descended via the Polecat Ski Trail, which allowed us consistent views for our entire descent.  A truly incredible day in the mountains, and the best way to close out Part I of my quest.

Reflections from halfway...
One year and five months ago, I climbed Mt. Washington.  I didn't climb Washington because it was on a peak-bagging list or because it represented any kind of mountaineering "checkmark" or milestone.
I climbed Mt. Washington because I wanted to.  I climbed Mt. Washington for the thrill of alpine hiking.  I climbed Mt. Washington to enjoy a day outdoors with friends and family.
The following 23 peaks were fueled by the exact same motivation.  It has never been about peak-bagging.
I come to the mountains for great conversation and spectacular views.  The view is much more important to me than a checkmark on a list, which is why you will notice that nearly every one of my hikes so far has been on a bluebird day (this is partly good luck).  The people are equally important.  I've been lucky enough to hike with every member of my immediate family, as well as several friends.
I'm thankful for the list because it has brought me to new places I may never have visited otherwise.  It has helped to give me an appreciation of all seasons and the sheer beauty of nature.  As I begin the second phase of this journey, I can only hope for as great weather and camaraderie as I've found so far.
And with that, we enter "Owen Hikes the New Hampshire 48 --- Part II"