BEST RIDGE WALKS PART IV: CARDIGAN-ELWELL RIDGE (ADVANCED)

BEST RIDGE WALKS PART IV: CARDIGAN-ELWELL RIDGE (ADVANCED), 15mi. This is the 4th* in a series of treks over some of the most scenic, iconic ridgelines in New England. For this spring trip, we'll hike Mount Cardigan and along its Elwell Ridge extending to the shore of beautiful Newfound Lake. Cardigan, 3,155 feet (52WAV list), is a spectacular, barren granite dome. We descend over six other peaks on the ridge with open ledges on all. (There will be an optional after hike swim in Newfound Lake for the truly insane!)

--IF YOU DO NOT PROVIDE ANSWERS TO THE RSVP QUESTIONS, YOU WILL NOT BE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS HIKE. EVERYONE WILL BE WAITLISTED UNTIL THEIR RSVPs QUESTIONS ARE REVIEWED-- (note that some mobile platforms do not show the RSVP interface--the questions are alternately provided in the event description.)

DIFFICULTY: This is an ADVANCED (difficult) hike due to the distance, elevation gain, and rugged terrain. DISTANCE: 15 miles, about 4,000 feet of elevation gain for the day. We'll take stops to rest and enjoy the frequent views. PACE: Moderate (about 1.5mph).

TIME is relative. Plan on a full day of hiking. We'll should be back before dark, but bring a headlamp just in case.

MEETING PLACE & ITINERARY**: Have your bags pre-packed and your feet ready to hit the ground upon arrival--we will not be dallying long. We meet 8:30 am at the Elwell Trailhead lot, on West Shore Road in Alexandria, NH, about 100 yards north of Wellington State Park. We will car spot there, drive to the start of our hike at the AMC lodge. We hike up the notoriously steep Holt Trail to the summit of Cardigan, and from there hike easterly along the ridge over Fire Screw, Mowglis, Oregon, Bear, Big Sugarloaf, and Little Sugarloaf to our car spot at the lake. Much of the way is via the very primitive Elwell Trail which sees very little use. In order to make the car-spot work, do not fill your car with passengers--leave some room.

GEAR (read carefully): We'll dress for a full day of spring hiking in rugged terrain. Bring plenty of food and water (we will NOT be stopping for take-out). Bring rain shell, light layers for the day and warm layers for morning and evening. Bring a hat with a brim and sunsecreen--there are not leaves on the trees yet to protect us from the sun. You'll want insect repellent. Bring a headlamp just in case. NO COTTON CLOTHING! We will do a gear check before we set out--those who do not come prepared will not hike with us.

What the group will expect of you: This is a social experience folks. We're going to hike together as a group, at the pace of the slowest member of the group. 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 -wicked- carefully before you sign up.

Rain or shine event-- extreme weather will cancel or modify. As usual, we do not wimp out about weather forecasts until 24 hours before the event--things can change quickly. I will post updates on weather. No Guests--have your guests sign up and RSVP, please. Dogs by special arrangement with the event host in advance. This trip limited to 12 participants to responsibly reduce impacts to habitat, trails, and the experience of other hikers.

Carpools: Indicate your carpool preference on the discussion board.

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.outdoors.org/recreation/hiking/hike-safe.cfm); you understand that the organizers of this activity are volunteer facilitators; 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. (In other words, you may be hiking with us but you and you alone are responsible for your personal safety. The host of this event is a facilitator not a guide or a trip leader).

May the Force be with you.

RSVP QUESTIONS: If you want to participate, answer the following using the RSVP interface (may not work on some mobile platforms--please check your RSVP to see that you have answered) or via email/ message/ smoke signal to me.

1. Have you read the event description and disclaimer and do you have the appropriate gear, physical ability, and experience to undertake this hike at the pace described? Please divulge any medical conditions that you have which could complicate your ability to participate safely in this hike.

2. Describe all equivalent hikes you have done in the last three months (provide details on pace, distance, etc. Don't be vague).

3. Please provide your full name, your phone#, and the name and phone # of an emergency contact person.

4. You understand that this trip involves a car spot. If you are driving, you agree to not fill up more than half of your car seats with passengers in order to facilitate the car spot.

*For a full list of possible ridge walks in this series, message me. I have potential hikes in mind for all six New England States, with challenges ranging from Easy-Intermediate to Advanced.

**Your event host reserves the right to alter the itinerary before or during this event based on prevailing circumstances and conditions. Your flexibility is appreciated and required. The itinerary of this trip is a Hobson's Choice.