NH4K's North and South Hancock (INTERMEDIATE)

Organizer: Monica Trust (978) 877-1119

=====

Read the entire description before you RSVP and answer all questions that are part of the RSVP. Failure to answer them will result in your removal from this event.

If you RSVP from a mobile device the questions may not show up - be sure to use a computer to update your RSVP so you can answer them (go back to the event page, click change "RSVP", click "YES", then answer them.

Your safety, and the safety of the group, is the most important thing. If you underestimate the demands of this event; overestimate your experience, knowledge, skills or abilities; or come unprepared you put yourself or others at risk – consider this before you decide to participate.

=====

What we're doing

The plan is to climb to two of the 4,000 footers in NH - Mt Hancock (4420 Ft #) and South Hancock (4319 # ). The Hancocks are two official 4000 footers, which lie by themselves between Mt. Carrigan and the Pemigewasset Wilderness, just north of the Kancamagus Highway. Neither peak affords great views from their wooded summits. The experience is more Zen then picturesque: As you climb you glimpse many familiar peaks around you, and the views you get give you the challenge of trying to figure out which mountains you have in sight. There is also a panoramic view towards the west and northwest from the lookout on the North Peak. The approach is easy, but then you find yourself at the junction on the Hancock Loop Trail, deciding which of the two peaks you wish to climb straight up. Whether you turn north or south, a short but steep challenge lies ahead.

Be sure to look at the gear information listed below - you will need warm layers, wind protection, snow shoes, and traction among other things. Dig out the winter boots and put the hydration bladders away - it's winter. I will update everyone if weather conditions dictate that we bring more than what is described below. If you don't know what to wear and/or bring with you or have any questions contact me.

Click for a list of items needed for a winter day hike (http://files.meetup.com/492954/Winter_Day_Hike_Clothing_and_Gear_List.pdf). Do not rely on others to have extra items to share with you at the meeting spot or on the trail. If you don't have the required items you put yourself and everyone else at risk. You should know how to use all of your equipment - test and adjust it prior to this trip.

Guests are not permitted - all participants must be members of the Random Group of Hikers.

Dogs are not permitted on this hike - while I don't mind having them along in the summer they can sometimes cause problems in the winter while walking along narrow snow shoe paths or climbing icy sections.

=====

Trip Summary

We start as a group, hike as a group, and finish as a group. Our pace will be that of the slowest hiker. This trip isn't for you if you are faster than the group and don't want to stay with us, if you want to head off on your own, or if you are slower than the group and expect us to constantly wait for you.

On this moderate pace (~2.0 MPH) out and back trip we will hike about 9.6 miles and climb about 3601 feet. It should take an average hiker about 6 hours and 35 minutes to complete this trip (adjusted for slower winter travel but this doesn't include time for rest/food breaks).

This event is considered to be INTERMEDIATE because of the pace, distance, and elevation gain. We could alter our plans because of fatigue, weather, and/or other conditions and there is no guarantee that we will complete the entire event as described here (i.e. we might not reach the summit).

I did my research using the Appalachian Mountain Club's "White Mountain Guide", a trail map, and the Internet. You need to become self-reliant by becoming familiar with the route, terrain, and potential hazards since you are ultimately responsible for your own safety.

Click for current trail conditions (http://www.trailsnh.com) (trailsnh.com) =====

Weather

Mountain weather is subject to rapid changes and extreme conditions. Dangerous weather conditions will cancel - I will post an update and/or send an email to all confirmed participants a day or two ahead of time. We will assess travel and weather conditions during the hike and make changes to our planned trip as necessary.

Click for the current weather forecast (http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=44.08388589964452&lon=-71.49421691894531) (weather.gov) =====

Directions

We will meet at the Hancock Notch parking area, on the Kancamagus Highway, N.H. Rte 112, about 10 miles east of Lincoln. According to Google Maps this spot is about 150 miles from Boston and it should take about 2 hours 30 minutes to drive there.

Click for directions (https://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=NH-112+E%2FKancamagus+Hwy&daddr=NH-112+E%2FKancamagus+Hwy&hl=en&sll=44.035437,-71.516833&sspn=0.01555,0.038409&geocode=FfYEoAIdIqO8-w%3BFd8EoAIdVKO8-w&t=h&mra=mift&mrsp=1&sz=15&z=15) for directions to the car spot at Hancock NotchTrailhead. (google.com)

While carpooling is encouraged you are responsible for coordinating your own rides. Use the comments section below to communicate with others who may also be looking to share a ride. If you do share a ride be sure to share the expenses - suggested donations per person are $20 from Boston MA, $15 from Salem/Nashua NH, and $10 from Concord NH.

=====

Random Group of Hikers Disclaimer

As a condition of your voluntary participation in this activity you acknowledge and agree to the following: this activity involves inherent risks that can cause property damage, injury, illness, disability, and/or death to participants and/or others; you assume all risk associated with this activity; you are responsible for having the necessary knowledge, skills, abilities, clothing, and equipment to safely participate in this activity; you know and will follow the Hiker Responsibility Code (http://www.hikesafe.com/); the organizer(s) of this activity are volunteers; and you release, hold harmless, and indemnify the organizer(s) and all members of this group from any and all claims for property damage, injury, illness, disability, and/or death - including those caused by negligence and/or other reasons.