11 mile Hike to the Summit of #11 at 11:11 on 11/11

Organizer: Michael Blair @ 978-808-1932

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Be sure to read the entire event listing before you RSVP and answer all of the questions that are part of the RSVP process.

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

Hiking safely is about being prepared to respond to an emergency situation or being able to send a night in the woods if you have to. The Clothing, Gear, Equipment, & Supplies List has been updated to reflect what you need of the changing seasons. Bring your own stuff and know how to use it.

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What we're doing

The plan is to hike up Edmunds Path to the summit of Eisenhower (#11 on the NH4K List @ 4,780 feet) and then continue on to summit Pierce (#27 @ 4,310 feet), Jackson (#39 on the NH4K List @ 4,052 feet), and perhaps even Webster (not on the list but close at 3,910 feet) on the our way back to the cars. If we time it right we will hit the summit cairn at 11:11 AM - if not we can pretend we did. Expect winter conditions (see updated list of stuff to bring below) and remember that it will be getting darker earlier now.

Guests are not permitted - all participants must be members of the Random Group of Hikers. This allows us to keep track of and communicate with each person who signs up to participate in our events.

Dogs are permitted on this hike provided they are well-behaved, you bring a leash in case you need to use it, you clean up after them, and you have a copy of their most recent rabies vaccination.

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Trip Summary

On this moderate pace one-way trip we will use Edmands Path, Crawford Path, Webster Cliff Trail, and Webster Jackson Trail. Along the way we will summit Eisenhower, Pierce, Jackson, and Webster. The AMC Mizpah Hut is CLOSED. There is a possibility that we skip Webster - we will return to the same spot either way. While the trails aren't considered steep you will need to be prepared for icy trails and muddy conditions.

We will hike about 11.4 miles and climb about 4,300 feet - for perspective the top floor of the Empire State Building is about 1,250 feet. Without including time for breaks it should take an average hiker about 7 hours 51 minutes to complete this trip. It is considered INTERMEDIATE because of the pace, distance, and elevation gain.

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

Click here (http://www.peakbagger.com/peak.aspx?pid=6965) for more information about Eisenhower and the surrounding area from peakbagger.com Click here (http://www.peakbagger.com/peak.aspx?pid=6966) for more information about Pierce and the surrounding area from peakbagger.com Click here (http://www.peakbagger.com/peak.aspx?pid=6967) for more information about Jackson and the surrounding area from peakbagger.com Click here (http://www.peakbagger.com/peak.aspx?pid=6968) for more information about Webster and the surrounding area from peakbagger.com
We start as a group, hike as a group, and finish as a group. Our pace will be that of the slowest hiker.

If you are faster than the group and don't want to stay with us or want to head off on your own, this isn't the trip for you. Likewise, this trip isn't for you if you are slower than the group and expect us to constantly wait for you or want us to go on without 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 (e.g. we might not reach the summit).

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Weather

Mountain weather is subject to rapid changes and extreme conditions. The higher we climb the colder, windier, and wetter it will be - we will need to be prepared. Remember, on average it gets 3-4 degrees (Fahrenheit) colder for every 1,000 feet of elevation gain.

Dangerous weather conditions will cancel - I will post an update and/or send an email to all confirmed participants a day or two before this event. We will assess travel and weather conditions during the hike and make changes to our planned trip as necessary.

Click here (http://www.mountwashington.org/weather/forecast.php) for the current weather conditions. =====

Clothing, Gear, Equipment, and Supplies

Below is a list describing the minimum required items to participate in this event. 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.

Do not rely on others to have extra items to share with you at the meeting spot or out on the trail. You should know how to use all of your equipment - test and adjust it prior to this trip.

Footwear: Sturdy (insulated) hiking boots with synthetic or wool socks. Gaiters to keep the snow out of your boots. Snowshoes are optional at this point - will know closer to trip. Traction - while 10-12 point mountaineering crampons aren't necessary, microspikes (or something similar) are. If you bring crampons make sure they are the correct type for your boot. Clothing: Dress in synthetics, fleece, and/or wool layers to easily regulate body temperature. Make sure your layers fit comfortably over each other. DO NOT WEAR COTTON - while cotton is a great insulator when it is dry, once wet it doesn't dry easily and conducts heat away from the body. Outerwear: Insulated jacket (e.g. fleece). Windproof/waterproof shell with hood and pants (e.g. gore-tex). Make sure your outerwear fits comfortably over all of your other clothing. Fleece/wool hat, balaclava or face shield, neck warmer, and glove liners. Windproof/waterproof over-mittens (e.g. gore-tex). Food and Water: Bring high-energy snacks, food for lunch - pack extra "just in case". Bring enough water to stay properly hydrated during the trip - it's time to switch from a hydration pack (e.g. camalbak) because the hose tends to freeze. Use insulated wide-mouth bottles instead (e.g. nalgene). Shelter: You should always be prepared to spend a night in the woods if you have to. Options include an ultralight tarp, a bivy sack, or an emergency space blanket (which packs small and weighs just ounces). Other Essential Gear: Map and compass - don't just bring them know how to use them. Plastic whistle. Headlamp with two sets of spare batteries (lithium work best in colder temperatures). Personal first aid kit with an emergency space blanket (e.g. mylar). Small pocket knife or multi-purpose tool. Matches or wind-proof lighter and fire starter. Toilet kit (e.g. hand sanitizer, toilet paper and a zip-lock bag to pack out your used personal hygiene items). Sunscreen. Lip balm. Sunglasses. Waterproof cover for your pack. Optional Items: Waterproof/windproof pants. Trekking poles. Camera. =====

Directions

We will be meeting at the parking area on the south side of Route 302 (Crawford Notch Train Depot - NOT the AMC Highland Center) near Hart's Location, NH. According to Google Maps this spot is about 161 miles from Boston and it should take about 2 hours 46 minutes to drive there.

Click here (http://local.google.com/maps?saddr=Boston,+MA&daddr=44.215221,-71.407902(Webster-Jackson+Trailhead)&hl=en&sll=44.215221,-71.407902&sspn=0.009274,0.019376&geocode=FZ9WhgIdw7bD-ykbMT0NLWXjiTGg6GIBJL98eA%3BFbWrogId4ma--w&vpsrc=0&mra=ls&t=m&z=8) for the driving directions. Since this is our ending spot we will leave a few cars here and then drive the short distance to the Edmands Path parking area to begin our hike.

Once you open Google Maps simply change the generic starting point ("Boston, MA") to your own starting point to get customized directions.

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.

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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/index.php?page=hiker-responsibility-code); 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.