7/18/06 Tuesday: NH16 Pinkham Notch to Gorham,NH (21.2mi)

PICTURES:
1. 0816: Picture of Mt. Madison from Wildcat Mtn.
2. 0926: Continued ascent of Wildcats multiple peaks
3/4/5. 1158: Carter Notch high mtn pond
6. 1252: Picture of Carter Notch Hut and pond from Carter Dome

We arose early for breakfast and were the first in line at the opening at 0600. By 0700 we were back on the trail heading north up Wildcat Mtn, another 2500" climb. There were predictions of scattered thunderstorms today, so we kept a look out. We got through the Wildcat range without incident and by 1200 we were decending into Carter Notch for a visit with the custodian of the hut down there and lunch... The descent wasnt too bad but shortly after our departure from the hut, the first of 2 T-storms hit us... The rain from the first storm was heavy and very cold, chilling us to the bone... We had been sweating throughout most of the day and chose not to don our rain jackets. The storm began pretty abruptly as we were ascending Carter Dome but calmed a bit while we crossed the top and then slowly desipated until about 2 hours later when another less severe one came up on us as we were in the North Carter Mtn area... This second storm brought noticeably cooler weather to two already chilled hikers... We continued our trek, undaunted by the weather but cautious of the effects it would have on the rocks and roots we were traversing. Protozoa would fall twice this afternoon, injuring his pride more than anything else but landing hard on wet rocks each time. We finally reached US2 outside of Gorham and attempted to hitch into Gorham unsuccessfully for 45min until we gave up and called a taxi for the 4.5mi ride to our hotel... Definately not a hitchhiker friendly place.... We ordered pizza for delivery, showered and after eating and phoning our loved one turned in for the night...