Organizer: Joe Ciarcia @[masked]

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Read the entire description before you RSVP and answer all questions that are part of the RSVP. Failure to answer them will result in your removal from this event.

If you RSVP from a mobile device the questions may not show up - be sure to use a computer to update your RSVP so you can answer them (go back to the event page, click change "RSVP", click "YES", then answer them.

RSVPs for this event will close one day before it is scheduled to occur.

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 before you decide to participate.

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What we're doing

The plan is to climb to one of the 4,000 footers in NH - Cabot (#33 @ 4,170'). It's the highest peak in New Hampshire’s North Country, offering spectacular views from the site of a former fire tower, just southeast of the summit

We will use the York Pond Trail, Bunnell Notch Trail, and the Kilkenny Ridge Trail to reach the summit. From there we will follow the same route in reverse to get back to the trailhead.

Gear

Light traction such as Kahtoola Microspikes or Hillsound Trail Crampons are required. Also be sure to pack mountaineering snow shoes, and mountaineering crampons. This week's weather is for rain in the north. If we get a freeze the day before the hike we may experience slick conditions that require more than just microspikes. Although winter is officially over, and it has been much warmer in the Boston area, it was still quite nippy this past weekend in the Whites. As such you still need to prepare for a full winter hike. Be sure you have plenty of layers, face protection, and eye protection. Also, since it could be toasty as well, don't forget to pack the sunscreen and perhaps a nice, dorky wide-brimmed hat.

If you don't know what to wear and/or bring with you or have any questions either refer to the list below or contact me. 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.

• Click for a list of items needed for a winter day hike.

We start as a group, hike as a group, and finish as a group. Our pace will be that of the slowest hiker. This trip isn't for you if you are faster than the group and don't want to stay with us, if you want to head off on your own, or if you are slower than the group and expect us to constantly wait for you.

Guests are not permitted - all participants must be members of the Random Group of Hikers.

Dogs are not permitted on this hike however I may change this based upon trail reports and the weather forecast as we get closer.

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Trip Summary

On this moderate pace (~2.0 MPH) out and back trip we will hike about 9.6 miles and climb about 3,100 feet. It should take an average hiker about 6 hours 30 minutes to complete this trip (this doesn't include time for rest/food breaks).

This event is considered to be INTERMEDIATE because of the pace, distance, and elevation gain. We could alter our plans because of fatigue, weather, and/or other conditions and there is no guarantee that we will complete the entire event as described here (i.e. we might not reach the summit).

I did my research using the Appalachian Mountain Club's "White Mountain Guide", a trail map, and the Internet. You need to become self-reliant by becoming familiar with the route, terrain, and potential hazards since you are ultimately responsible for your own safety.

• Click for current trail conditions (trailsnh.com)

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Weather

Mountain weather is subject to rapid changes and extreme conditions. Dangerous weather conditions will cancel - I will post an update and/or send an email to all confirmed participants a day or two ahead of time. We will assess travel and weather conditions during the hike and make changes to our planned trip as necessary.

• Click for the current weather forecast (noaa.gov)

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Directions

We will meet in the parking area on the south side of York Pond Road near Jefferson, NH. According to Google Maps this spot is about 196 miles from Boston and it should take about 3 hours 46 minutes to drive there.

• Click for customizable driving directions (google.com)

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. If you do share a ride be sure to share the expenses - suggested donations per person are $20 from Boston MA, $15 from Salem/Nashua NH, and $10 from Concord NH.

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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; 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.