CARDIGAN VIA THE SOUTH RIM

INSTRUCTIONS: Please answer the 4 RSVP questions carefully.* If you neglect to respond, your RSVP will (sadly) be deleted. Don't be sad & deleted!--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.

CARDIGAN VIA THE SOUTH RIM
We're going to hike to the fantastically bald summit of Cardigan (3,165ft) via the south rim of the mountain which will take us over eight summits: Brown Mtn., Church Mtn. Grafton Knob, Crane Mtn., Orange Mtn., Rimrock, South Peak, and "Old Baldy" itself. The views and geologic features are fantastic. We will also take a little side trip in search of the hard-to-find Grotto Cave.

DIFFICULTY: INTERMEDIATE (possible winter conditions). DISTANCE: 9-ish miles, ~2,200 feet of elevation gain, PACE: 1.5 to 2.0mph. HIKING TIME is relative. This is a rugged hike with plenty of exposure to the elements. Plan on a full day of hiking--we will likely exit during day light but bring TWO headlamps with spare batteries just in case.

GEAR (read carefully): Light traction is mandatory (Kahtoola Microspikes or Hillsound Trail Crampons). Bring full winter clothing and lighter fall layers, full rain gear, warm hat, gloves, insulated mittens, fleece jacket, face mask, balaclava, emergency shelter or sleeping bag, 1st aid kit, plenty of food and water for the entire day. Bring 2 sets of headlamps + spare batteries. Handwarmers are recommended. More info on gear:
http://files.meetup.com/492954/Winter_Day_Hike_List_ADK.pdf NO COTTON CLOTHING WHATSOEVER.

MEETING PLACE & ITINERARY**: 9:00AM sharp the AMC Cardigan Lodge trailhead, end of Shem Valley Road, in Alexandria, NH. We'll spot a few cars there, then drive a short distance to the Skyland Trail. We'll hike Skyland Trail over Brown, Church, Grafton, Crane, Orange, to Rimrock, thence the South Ridge Trail and Clark Trail to S. Peak and the main summit. We'll hike to the Grotto Cave, which is near the main summit, then descend via the Clark and Woodland Trails to our car spot at Cardigan Lodge.

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 12 participants to responsibly reduce impacts to habitat, trails, and the experience of other hikers.

Carpools: Indicate your carpool preference on the discussion board. If you are driving DO NOT carpool at full capacity, as we will need to facilitate a car spot to make this hike work.

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 your responses seem vague to me, I'll pass you by.

4) This hike requires a car spot. If you're driving, you're agreeing to assist with the car spot by making room in your car.

**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.