NH4K - Washington & Monroe (INTERMEDIATE)

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.

RSVPs for this event will close two days before it is scheduled to occur.

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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What we're doing

The plan is to climb to of the 4,000 footers in NH - Washington (#1 @ 6,288') and Monroe (#4 @ 5,384'). Washington is the highest peak east of the Mississippi River and north of the Carolinas. The upper part of the mountain has a climate similar to that of northern Labrador and supports a variety of alpine flora and fauna. Monroe is the highest of the Southern Presidentials, and is a sharply pointed peak rising abruptly from the area around the Lakes of the Clouds.

We will be using Jewell Trail and Gulfside Trail to reach the summit of Washington. From there we will follow Crawford Path and Mount Monroe Loop to reach the summit of Monroe. We will then turn around and use the Mount Monroe Loop Trail and Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail to return to the parking lot. While we will pass the Observatory on top of Washington and the AMC Hut near Madison they are closed for the season.

A good portion of this hike will be spent above treeline so you will need to be prepared appropriately. It could be cold and windy, it could snow, or it could be warm with blue skies. Be sure to look at the gear information listed below - you will need wind protection, goggles, and traction among other things. If you don't know what to wear and/or bring with you or have any questions contact me.

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 thistrip.

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

Dogs are not permitted on this hike.

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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 10.5 miles and climb about 4,500 feet. It should take an average hiker about 7 hours 30 minutes to complete this trip (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://www.mountwashington.org/weather/forecast.php) (mountwashington.org) =====

Directions

We will meet in the parking area on the south side of Base Station Road just before the Mount Washington Cog Railway Station. According to Google Maps this spot is about 163 miles from Boston and it should take about 2 hours 57 minutes to drive there.

Click for customizable driving directions (https://local.google.com/maps?saddr=Boston,+MA&daddr=44.267341,-71.361377(Jewell+Trailhead)&hl=en&sll=44.267341,-71.361377&sspn=0.009143,0.019741&geocode=FZ9WhgIdw7bD-ykbMT0NLWXjiTGg6GIBJL98eA%3BFU13owIdnxy_-w&mra=ls&t=m&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.