NH4K - Hale, Zealand, West Bond, South Twin, and North Twin (EXTREME)
Details
Organizer: Michael Blair @ (978) 808-1932
=========================
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.
=========================
What We're Doing...
The plan is to climb five of the NH 4,000 Footers - Hale (#37 @ 4054'), Zealand (#31 @ 4260'), West Bond (#16 @ 4540'), South Twin (#8 @ 4902'), and North Twin (#12 @ 4761). While these peaks aren't often done together I want to visit Hale, West Bond, and North Twin and figure this is the best way.
This event is considered to be EXTREME because of the pace, distance, and elevation gain. DO NOT SIGN UP FOR THIS TRIP UNLESS YOU HAVE DONE A SIMILAR HIKE DURING THE PAST THREE MONTHS. I will be using a waiting list for this trip - if you are interested and meet the requirements answer the questions and join the waiting list.
We will do this unconventional cluster of peaks as a loop from the North Twin Trail parking area using the abandoned Fire Wardens Trail to get up to Hale. From there we will use Lend-a-Hand Trail, the Twinway, and North Twin Trail to return to our cars.
Use these links for more information about the summits and trails:
• http://trailsnh.com/peaks/nh/4000/37-Mt-Hale-4054
• http://trailsnh.com/peaks/nh/4000/31-Mt-Zealand-4260
• http://trailsnh.com/peaks/nh/4000/14-Mt-Bond-4698--16-West-Bond-4540--30-Bondcliff-4265
• http://trailsnh.com/peaks/nh/4000/8-South-Twin-4902--12-North-Twin-4761
Guests are not permitted.
Dogs are permitted - be sure to bring a leash in case you need to use it and a copy of their current rabies vaccination.
Trip Summary...
On this moderate pace trip we will hike about 19.5 miles and climb about 6,500 feet. It should take an average hiker about 13 hours to complete this trip. We could alter our plans because of fatigue, weather, and/or other conditions.
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.
You need to become self-reliant by learning about the route and potential hazards since you are ultimately responsible for your own safety.
What to Bring...
I will update the this a few days before the hike when I know more about what we can expect to encounter out on the trails. Use this link for a list of items needed for most three season day hikes:
• 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.
Weather...
Dangerous weather conditions will cancel this event - I will post an update and/or send an email to all confirmed participants. Use this link for the current weather forecast:
• http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-71.55476&lat=44.18766#.U7oI2xaMp_Y
Directions...
We will meet at the North Twin Trail parking area which is located at the end of Haystack Road near Twin Mountain, NH. According to Google Maps this meeting spot is about 152 miles from Boston and it should take about 2 hours and 33 minutes to drive there.
Use this link 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.