NH4K - All 5 Wildcats (INTERMEDIATE)

Organizer: Michael Blair @ (978)[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.
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 two of the 4,000 footers in NH - Wildcat A (#20 @ 4,422') and Wildcat D (#37 @ 4,070'). Located along the Carter-Moriah Range, these peaks offer dramatic, close-up views of Mount Washington and the Presidential Range. Wildcat D is home to Wildcat Ski Area. We will use Nineteen Mile Brook Trail to get to the AMC's Carter Notch Hut (open year-round) before heading up and over the peaks using the Wildcat Ridge Trail. Because the ski area is now closed we will come down the Polecat Ski Trail (if there is any snow left we might be able to get in some end of the season sledding).
Guests are not permitted - all participants must be members of the Random Group of Hikers.
Dogs are not permitted on this hike - while I don't mind having them along in the summer they can sometimes cause problems in the winter while walking along narrow snow shoe paths or climbing icy sections.
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What to bring...
Be sure to look at the gear information listed below - if you have any questions about what to wear and/or what to bring let me know.
I don't know about snowshoes but you will need light traction (e.g. microspikes or hillsounds). Bring your snow shoes to the trailhead and we can figure it out there. Click for a list of items needed for a day hike (http://files.meetup.com/492954/Three_Season_Dayhike_gear_list.pdf). I will update everyone if weather conditions dictate that we bring more than what is described below.
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.
If you don't have the required items you put yourself and everyone else at risk.
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Trip Summary
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.
On this moderate pace (~2.0 MPH) out and back trip we will hike about 8.5 miles and climb about 3,800 feet. It should take an average hiker about 6 hours 15 minutes to complete this trip (this does not include time for rest 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 (http://www.trailsnh.com) (trailsnh.com) =====
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 (http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=44.25897020133368&lon=-71.20170593261719) (noaa.gov) Sunrise time - 5:30 AM Sunset time - 7:53 PM =====
Directions
We will meet in the Wildcat Ski Area parking lot on the east side of Route 16 north of the AMC's Pinkham Notch Visitors Center. According to Google Maps this spot is about 156 miles from Boston and it should take about 3 hours 4 minutes to drive there. Since this is where we will end our hike we will leave a few cars here and car pool a little further north on Route 16 to where we will start our hike.
Click for customizable driving directions (https://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=Boston,+MA&daddr=WILDCAT+MOUNTAIN,+New+Hampshire+16,+Pinkham+Notch,+NH+03581&hl=en&sll=44.264487,-71.239471&sspn=0.008621,0.022058&geocode=FZ9WhgIdw7bD-ykbMT0NLWXjiTGg6GIBJL98eA%3BFexqowIdJvnA-ylbxicHIJKzTDHNGZghSQ3pYQ&t=h&mra=ls&z=8) (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 (http://www.hikesafe.com/); 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.