NH4K - The Wildcats (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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What We're Doing

The plan is to climb two of the NH 4,000 Footers - Wildcat A (#20 @ 4,422') and Wildcat D (#37 @ 4,070'). We will be climbing up from the Wildcat Ski Area to reach the ridge. From there we will follow the Wildcat Ridge Trail to hike over to Wildcat A before dropping down to the AMC's Carter Notch Hut. After a brief stop we will use the Nineteen Mile Brook Trail to return to the lot where we parked our cars.

We will have to purchase a "Hiking Trail Pass" from the Wildcat Ski Area in order to use the Polecat Trail. I am not sure how much it will cost this season but last year it was $10 per person. When hiking, or manually ascending Wildcat Mountain, the designated uphill route is Stray Cat to Middle Polecat to Upper Polecat and will be identified and posted in the main base lodge at the ticket counter.

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

Dogs are not permitted.

Trip Summary

On this moderate pace (~2.0 MPH) loop we will hike about 8.5 miles and climb about 3,500 feet. It should take an average hiker about 6 hours 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)

What to Bring

Since we are climbing on the ski trails we will need snow shoes so we minimize our impact on the groomed snow. We will also need 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://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=44.2597078524453&lon=-71.20170593261719#.UnGXtRaUdUR) for the current weather forecast for this trip.

Directions

We will meet at the Nineteen Mile Brook Trailhead which is located on the southest side of Route 16 just a bit north of the Mount Washington Auto Road. Since this is where we will finish we will leave a few cars here and then drive to the start. According to Google Maps this meeting spot is 184 miles from Boston and it should take about 3 hours and 6 minutes to drive there.

• Click here (https://local.google.com/maps?saddr=Boston,+MA&daddr=44.301968,-71.220903(Nineteen-Mile+Brook+Trailhead)&hl=en&sll=44.301968,-71.220903&sspn=0.009782,0.021501&geocode=FZ9WhgIdw7bD-ykbMT0NLWXjiTGg6GIBJL98eA%3BFZD-owIdWUHB-w&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 (gas and tolls).

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.