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Event 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 process. Failure to answer them will result in your removal from this event.

Answers DO NOT carry over from one event to another so you must answer them for EACH EVENT. Also, questions might not show up if you RSVP from a phone or tablet so if you don't see them you will need to use a computer.

If you underestimate the demands of this event; overestimate your experience, knowledge, skills or abilities; or come unprepared you put yourself and others at risk. Consider this before you RSVP.

=== What We're Doing ===

The plan is to hike to four of the 4,000 footers in New Hampshire - North Twin, South Twin, Galehead, and Garfield. This is an aggressive plan if the trails aren't broken out so I will be watching the trip reports and the weather forecast to see if in fact we will do all four or adjust the plan the accodingly.

We will use the Little River Road winter access to Haystack Road and then climb using the North Twin Trail, North Twin Spur, Twinway, Garfield Ridge Trail, and Garfield Trail. Because both Haystack Road and Gale River Road are closed in winter we will start and end the day walking along a road.

Use these links to get information about the summits that we'll climb and the trails that we'll use to get there:

• http://trailsnh.com/peaks/nh/4000/8-South-Twin-4902--12-North-Twin-4761

• http://trailsnh.com/peaks/nh/4000/44-Mt-Galehead-4024

• http://trailsnh.com/peaks/nh/4000/17-Mt-Garfield-4500

If you are interested in participating in this event sign up for the waiting list. I will add people that (1) answer all of the questions that are part of the RSVP process and (2) have done similar hikes within the past three months. If this isn't something you would do in the summer winter isn't the time to try. The maximum group size for this trip will be 12 people.

Guests aren't permitted.

Dogs aren't permitted.

=== Trip Summary ===

On this moderate pace (~2.0 MPH) trip we will hike about 20 miles and climb about 5,600 feet. It should take an average hiker about 10 hours 45 minutes to complete this trip. This event is considered to be EXTREME because of the pace, distance, and elevation gain.

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=-71.55298&lat=44.19009#.VI4AjsYtx_Y

=== What to Bring ===

Don't wear ANY cotton - this includes your socks and underwear. You will need winter hiking boots - if you wear them in the summer they aren't designed for winter use (e.g. insulation). You will need snow shoes. All snowshoes aren't the same - some are designed for steep terrain with potentially deep snow and others aren't. These are the acceptable brands and models:

• Tubbs Flex ALP, Flex VRT, Flex TRK, or Mountaineers.

• MSR Lightening, Revo, or Evo.

• TSL Symbioz Elite or Expert.

• Atlas Aspect, Endeavor, or Series 10/11/12.

You will also need some form of traction like Kahtoola Microspikes or Hillsound Trail Crampons.

The days colder so put the hydration bladder away and switch to insulated water bottles. Bring enough food to keep your energy level high - you will burn more calories hiking in the winter. The days are shorter so be sure to have a headlamp with a spare set of batteries (preferably lithium since they work better in the cold).

Use this link for a list of items needed for most winter day hikes:

• http://files.meetup.com/492954/Winter_Day_Hike_List_ADK.pdf (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.

=== Directions ===

We will meet in the winter parking lot for south end of Gale River Road which is located on the south side of Route 3 south of Twin Mountain. The road is gated but the lot is just before the gate. According to Google Maps this meeting spot is 146 miles from Boston and it should take about 2 hours and 17 minutes to drive there. Here is the Google Map link:

• https://goo.gl/maps/xogdY (https://goo.gl/maps/eCgbd)

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.

=== 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.

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