WAPACK RANGE TRAVERSE, SOUTH SECTION (Intermediate)

WAPACK RANGE TRAVERSE, SOUTH SECTION (Intermediate) Event Organizer: Paul-William, cell 508-885-4522.

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Read the entire description and disclaimer, respond to the RSVP question(s), and double check your response to make sure it went through. Everyone will be waitlisted until responses are screened. If you fail to answer, you will be skipped over and/or removed. If you are having difficulty with the RSVP interface, message or call me (the RSVP question is also shown below* for your convenience). Similar, recent hiking experience is required.

Responses DO NOT carry over from one event to another--you must fill them out each time. Please have your preferences for this Meetup set to receive messages from other members, in case I have further questions for you.

=== WHAT WE'RE DOING ===

We're going to hike half of the Wapack Range in southern New Hampshire (with a little bit in Massachusetts). The steep and narrow range rises sharply above the surrounding countryside and has many open ledges with excellent views. We'll pass over summits Barrett, New Ipswich, Stony Top, Pratt, Nutting, and Watatic.

DIFFICULTY: INTERMEDIATE. DISTANCE: 9-ish miles. PACE: Moderate, 2.0mph on average; we will stop for breaks, views, and to smell the roses. ELEVATION GAIN: 1,850ft. HIKING TIME is relative. Plan on a full day of hiking--we intend to get out by dark but could be a little late--bring a headlamp and spare batteries just in case. This hike may involve wet or icy ledges.

• Put your name on the waitlist if you would like to go. I will add people that respond thoroughly to the RSVP question(s) AND have done similar hikes within the past three months.
• THIS HIKE REQUIRES A CAR SPOT--if you're driving to the event, you're agreeing to assist, so don't fill up all your car seats!
• 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 [and comply with federal wilderness regulations] .
• 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. Positive/cooperative attitudes are welcome.
• Medical issues/ disclosures: YOU are responsible to disclose to the event organizer any medical issues, allergies, medications or other issues that could complicate your ability to safely participate in this event or affect any 1st aid treatment in the event of an emergency. You must convey this information to the event organizer in advance AND keep a written summary of it located within an easily accessible part of your backpack. You must also include an emergency contact and phone number as part of this information.
• Rain or shine event. Difficult weather may cancel and/or modify the event. As usual, we do not wimp out about weather until forecasts solidify 24 hours before the event--mountain weather predictions can change rapidly. I will post FYI updates on weather in the days preceding the event, derived from multiple forecast sources (please refrain from posting reactive "forecast panic" messages on the event discussion board--it's not at all helpful).

=== REQUIRED GEAR ===

NOTE: If you show up without the required gear you will be turned away at the trailhead. NO COTTON CLOTHING WHATSOEVER.

We are hiking in the mountains in the shoulder season and subject to possible winter conditions--be prepared. Bring both warm layers and light clothing layers. Bring a full rain shell, headlamp with spare batteries, emergency shelter or bag, trail map, warm hat and gloves, 1st aide kit, and enough food & water to get you through the day. Refer to this link for a full list of items needed for a 3-season day hike: http://www.outdoors.org/trip-ideas-tips-resources/gear-advice/three-season-gear.cfm

There is a possibility that we could need microspikes--please plan on bringing them. Wearing a bright orange clothing item for hunting season is also recommended.

=== DETAILED ITINERARY & DIRECTIONS===

We will meet at the old ski area access road off Bennett Road in Ashby, Massachusetts (this is located on the east side of Watatic and should NOT be confused with the main parking lot on Route 119), spot cars, then drive north to the Wapack Trail crossing at Routes 123/124 in New Ipswich, New Hampshire and hike south over Barrett Mountain (1,853ft), New Ipswich Mountain (1,881ft), Stony Top (1,780ft), Pratt Mountain (1,817ft), Nutting Hill (1,620ft) and Mount Watatic (1,832ft). We descend via an abandoned ski area to our car spot.

===*RSVP QUESTION===

"Did you read the entire EVENT DESCRIPTION and DISCLAIMER? Will you have the MANDATORY GEAR? WHAT HIKES have you done in the last 3 months? Where did you go/ what was your pace/ how long did it take (provide details)."

=== 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 have informed the event host/organizer of any medical issues or other limitations you may have that could complicate your ability to safely participate in this event, you understand that the organizers and event hosts 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 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.

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.