Date: 2013-07-27
From: Stealth Camp near Wildcat Trail

To: Osgood Campsite
Miles today: 10.5

Day 21, July 27th. Stealth camp by Wildcat Ridge Trail to Osgood Campsite. 10.5 miles.Attack of the day hikers!The day started slow as we opted to ignore the 5 30 alarm in favor of sleeping in and staying out of the cold. At 6 30 we roused ourselves, uncrushed by any wimpy pine trees, and started hiking by 7 15.After some steep morning climbing we made it to Wildcat D where the gondola to the ski lodge at the base of the mountain stops. Unfortunately for us the gondola doesn't actually start taking people down until 10am, so we killed time by drying gear for an hour.Eventually it was gondola time and woody got to try something knew. We enjoyed the ride down, easiest change in elevation we've had yet! At the bottom we pigged out on the lodge food while taking advantage of the wifi.After procrastinating for a while we had to set off hiking again and did the remaining 3 miles into Pinkham Notch where we took another nice long break at the visitor center. They had a really neat 3d model of the whites so we could see what the trail through the mountains really looks like. Eventually we settled on a plan that would have us do 5 miles to Osgood tonight (the last water source before the big mountains) then wake up early after a short easy day to crush either 16 or 20 miles of the highest altitude hiking on the while trail. 16 will get us to a site at 3800 feet, while 20 will let us drop down to a warmer 2000 feet so we'll be gunning for 20. Tomorrow is going to be a bruiser, and the forecast of possible afternoon thunderstorms doesn't help. As long as we're past Mt Washington by 1pm we should be okay.Todays hiking was nice and easy except the two times I landed on my ass coming down Wildcat E. Some small scrapes, but nothing too bad. The trail was manageable for the most part, and the afternoon was a well graded easy climb. The weather was perfect, scattered clouds and lots of sun without a drop of rain. As a result of that and it being a Saturday there were tons of hikers out. The trails felt like highways. It was nice to see so many people out enjoying the mountains. With the good weather we also caught our first fill glimpse of the presidential range that includes Madison and Washington and they looked awesome. Can't wait to climb them tomorrow.In the afternoon we got to hike and camp with a pair of sobo thrus, ninja and clueless. They move at a bit slower pace so after today we won't be seeing then again, but they're nice and ninja has a clever funny sense of humor that matches well with woodys. We chatted a bit about gear since ninja has a pad and hammock that have been on my radar as future purchases. I also talked more with woody about winter hiking and winter gear and the list seems to keep getting bigger. Oh well, disposable income has to go somewhere I guess. One downside with the campsite is that it was tough to find good trees, so now woody, ninja, and I are all hung in a little cluster by the few good we'll-spaced trees.Worst part of the day by far was the discovery that one of my trekking poles lost its little carbide tip. While technically still useable, that one will be much more prone to slipping and that's not something I want to risk. I'll be hiking poleless the next few days until I can get in touch with Black Diamond and figure out a repair. I hear their customer service is pretty good so we'll see. Is a shame because before this the poles were my most solid, dependable piece of gear. With this along with some additional tearing on the side pockets of my pack, its my quilt that vaults into 1st place as my best equipment. Definitely going back to Enlightened Equipment for my winter quilt. A 10 degree one should do the trick.Big day tomorrow that starts with a 2500 foot climb in about 2.5 miles, and after an unusually large dinner of mashed potatoes, ramen, pop tarts, and a brownie I'm stuffed and ready to sleep. Goodnight!