LAST DAY OF DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME SPECIAL! PAUGUS -WONALANCET LOOP

INSTRUCTIONS: Answer the 3 RSVP questions.* If you do not respond your RSVP will be skipped over without notice. Double check your responses to make sure they went through--the interface has known glitches. Everyone will be wait-listed until responses are screened. Please have your preferences for this Meetup set to receive messages from other members, in case I have further questions for you. Similar, recent hiking experience is required. Organizer: Paul-William 508-885-4522.

LAST DAY OF DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME SPECIAL! PAUGUS -WONALANCET LOOP (INTERMEDIATE)
We're going celebrate the last day of Daylight Savings Time with a scenic loop in the Sandwich Range Wilderness over four peaks: Mt. Wonalancet (2,760ft), Mt. Hibbard (2,940), Mt. Paugus (3,198), and Mt. Mexico (2,020). It's a ledge-lover's loop with challenging scrambles and views out over the Lakes Region. Along the way we'll visit Big Rock Cave. We'll recite Dylan Thomas' "Do not go gentle into that good night" on the summit ledge of Paugus.

DIFFICULTY: INTERMEDIATE. DISTANCE: 10.2 miles, ~3,700 feet of elevation gain, winter conditions possible, PACE: 1.5 to 2.0mph-ish. There are several difficult scrambles along the route and a few water crossings. HIKING TIME is relative. Plan on a full day of winter-ish hiking. We could exit slightly after dark so bring TWO headlamps with spare batteries just in case. GEAR (read carefully): Light traction is mandatory (Microspikes or Hillsounds). Bring full winter clothing and lighter fall layers, full rain gear, warm hat, gloves, fleece jacket, balaclava, face mask, emergency shelter or sleeping bag, 1st aid kit, headlamp with spare batteries, plenty of food and water for the entire day. handwarmers are recommended. Bring poles and spare socks for water crossings. NO COTTON CLOTHING WHATSOEVER.

MEETING PLACE & ITINERARY**: 8:00AM sharp at the Ferncroft Road Trailhead of Route 113A in Wonalancet, NH. We'll spot some cars there, then drive a short distance to the Cabin Trail to start our hike. We'll hike counter-clockwise using the Cabin, Big Rock Cave, Old Paugus, Lawrence, Walden, and Wonalancet Trails.

What the group will expect of you: Humanity humility and cooperation. This is a social experience. We hike together/stick together as a group at the pace of the slowest member. No freewheelin.'

Rain or shine event-- Extreme weather will cancel. 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. This trip limited to 10 participants maximum per Federal wilderness regulations and 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 have consulted the appurtenant hiking guides and maps; 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:

1. Indicate you have read and understand with the full event description with disclaimer and have the necessary gear and experience to do this hike at the pace described.

2). Please provide your full name, phone number and the name and number of an emergency contact person. Disclose any medical condition that could limit your ability to participate safely in this event.

3) Describe what you have hiked in the last three months. Provide BRIEF DETAILS on ROUTES, PACE, MILEAGE, DATES. If I cannot be sure of your experience, I'll pass you by.

**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.