NH4K - Hale, Zealand, and the three Bonds (EXTREME)

Organizer: Michael Blair @ (978) 808-1932

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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.

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Event Summary

The plan is to climb five of the 4,000 footers in NH - Hale (#38 @ 4,054'), Zealand (#31 @ 4,260'), West Bond (#16 @ 4,540'), Bond (#14 @ 4,698'), and Bondcliff (#30 @ 4,265'). Bond is the highest peak in the southern Twin range and is one of the most remote peaks in the White Mountains. From Bond’s summit, there is virtually no sign of human impact in the form of roads or buildings. Part of this trip will pass through the Pemigewasset Wilderness where group size is limited to a maximum of ten (half from Random Hikers and half from AMC).

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. 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.

On this moderate pace (~2.0 MPH) trip we will hike about 21.8 miles and climb about 6,200 feet. It should take an average hiker about 14 hours 0 minutes to complete this trip. This event is considered to be EXTREME because of the pace, distance, and elevation gain. We will begin by using Hale Brook Trail to reach our first summit and then we will use the Lend-A-Hand Trail Trial, the Twinway, Bondcliff Trail, West Bond Spur, and Lincoln Woods Trail during our trip.

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) This trip is being offered to both the Random Hikers and the AMC so you will need to sign the standard AMC liability waiver. If you are not familiar with it you can review it by clicking here (http://www.outdoors.org/pdf/upload/volrelease.pdf).

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

Dogs are permitted on this hike provided they have been hiking as often as you have - bring a leash and a copy of their most recent rabies vaccination.

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Clothing, Gear, Equipment, and Supplies

Hiking safely is about being prepared so that you can respond to an emergency situation or spend a night in the woods if you have to. Failure to bring the basics puts you and the rest of the group at risk. If you don't know what to wear and/or bring with you or if you have any questions refer to the list below or contact me.

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

If you don't have what you need you will not be allowed to participate - even if you carpooled with someone.

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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=44.168661069548676&lon=-71.531982421875) (weather.gov) Sunrise time - 5:07 AM Sunset time - 8:23 PM =====

Directions

We will meet at 5:30 AM in the Lincoln Woods Visitors Center parking lot - it is located on the north side of Route 112 in Lincoln, NH. According to Google Maps this spot is about 135 miles from Boston and it should take about 2 hours 10 minutes to drive there. Since this is where we will end our hike we will leave a few cars here and carpool a little further north to where we will start our hike.

Click for customizable driving directions (https://local.google.com/maps?saddr=Boston,+MA&daddr=44.064056,-71.587604(Lincoln+Woods+Trailhead)&hl=en&sll=44.064056,-71.587604&sspn=0.009066,0.022058&geocode=FZ9WhgIdw7bD-ykbMT0NLWXjiTGg6GIBJL98eA%3BFThdoAId7Ki7-w&oq=Boston,+MA&t=h&mra=ls&z=8) (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.

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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.