NH4K - Washington & Monroe (INTERMEDIATE)

Organizer: Michael Blair @ (978) 808-1932

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

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 so consider this before you decide to participate.

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Trip Summary

The plan is to climb two of the NH 4,000 Footers - Washington (#1 @ 6,288') and Monroe (#4 @ 5,384'). We will use the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail (ascent), Crawford Path, Gulfside Trail, and Jewell Trail (descent). The AMC's Lakes of the Cloud Hut and the Mount Washington Visitor's Center will be closed for the season.

On this moderate pace (~2.0 MPH) out and back 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 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 - there is no guarantee we will complete the entire event as described here.

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.

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 learning about the route and potential hazards since you are ultimately responsible for your own safety.

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

Guests are not permitted - all participants must be members of the group.

Dogs are permitted - be sure to bring a leash in case you need to use it and a copy of their current rabies vaccination.

What to Bring

We will be above treeline for most of this trip and there will be snow and ice - you MUST have some sort of light traction (e.g. microspikes or hillsounds). Be sure to look at the gear information listed below - if you have any questions about what to wear and/or what to bring let me know.

• Click here (http://files.meetup.com/492954/Winter_Day_Hike_Clothing_and_Gear_List.pdf) for a list of items needed for a "winter" day hike.

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.

Weather

Dangerous weather conditions will cancel this event - I will post an update and/or send an email to all confirmed participants.

• Click here (http://www.mountwashington.org/weather/forecast.php) for the current weather forecast for this trip

Directions

We will meet in the hiker parking lot (lower lot) near the Cog Railway Base Station - do not park at the base station. This lot is about 1/4 mile past the signed trailhead parking lot. According to Google Maps this meeting spot is 162 miles from Boston and it should take about 2 hours and 42 minutes to drive there.

• Click here (https://local.google.com/maps?saddr=Boston,+MA&daddr=Base+Station+Rd&hl=en&sll=44.267637,-71.355021&sspn=0.009757,0.021501&geocode=FZ9WhgIdw7bD-ykbMT0NLWXjiTGg6GIBJL98eA%3BFbN7owIdKT2_-w&oq=Boston&t=h&mra=ls&z=8) for customizable driving 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. If you do share a ride be sure to share the expenses.

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 Hike Safe 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.