Eventually the trail started one final push up towards the summit of Wildcat 'E' -- the first named bump along the ridge. On this steep section, there are again some great lookouts back towards the Presidentials. I stopped and took several shots with my zoom lens of the major points of interest. Great viewing conditions today, and as you can see, there's nary a hint of snow on the higher terrain even though it is the end of November!
Pleasant Ridgecrest Trail
A bit more steep hiking through the trees brought us to the nondescript highpoint of Wildcat 'E'. Apparently Wildcat 'E' was once considered the second official 4000-footer highpoint along Wildcat Ridge, but more accurate measurements moved that honor from Wildcat 'E' to Wildcat 'D'. (Apparently the NH 4000-footer club still accepts ascents of 'E' previous to that point as an official 4000-footer summit).
Soon after Wildcat 'E', we emerged into brilliant sunshine at the cleared area at the top of the Wildcat ski area. The top of the ski area ends right on the ridgecrest, and the Wildcat Ridge trail cuts across it. We stopped here and enjoyed the artifically-cleared lookout (as well as soaking up some of the very nice late November sunshine).
View of the Presi range from ski area
