ADK4K - Cascade & Porter (MODERATE)

Organizer: Michael Blair @ (978) 808-1932

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

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 so consider this before you decide to participate.

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What We're Doing

The plan is to climb two of the Adirondack 4,000 Footers - Cascade (#36 @ 4,098') and Porter (#38 @ 4,059'). While we have hiked these peaks in summer this will be our first time during the winter. If you haven't spent any time hiking in the Adirondacks the one thing that you need to know is that most of the trails are steep.

Group size is limited to ten people since we will be traveling within a designated wilderness area.

We will use the aptly named Cascade Trail to reach the summit of Cascade and equally well-named Porter Trail to reach the summit of Porter before turning around to retrace our steps back to the cars.

Guests are not permitted. Dogs are not permitted.

Trip Summary

On this moderate winter pace (~1.5 MPH) trip we will hike about 6.2 miles and climb about 2,500 feet. It should take about 6 hours to complete this trip. This event is considered to be MODERATE because of the pace, distance, and elevation gain. We could alter our plans because of fatigue, weather, and/or other conditions - there is no guarantee we will complete the entire event as described here.

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.

You need to become self-reliant by learning about the route and potential hazards since you are ultimately responsible for your own safety.

Use these links for more information about these peaks:

Cascade: http://alavigne.net/Outdoors/FeatureReports/Adirondacks/?p=peakdetail&peakname=cascade (http://alavigne.net/Outdoors/FeatureReports/Adirondacks/?p=peakdetail&peakname=whiteface)

Porter: http://alavigne.net/Outdoors/FeatureReports/Adirondacks/?p=peakdetail&peakname=porter (http://alavigne.net/Outdoors/FeatureReports/Adirondacks/?p=peakdetail&peakname=esther)

What to Bring

You will need snow shoes and mountaineering crampons (e.g. microspikes or hillsounds can be brought as back if you want). I will update the this a few days before the hike when I know more about what we can expect to encounter out on the trails. 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.

Use this link for a list of items needed for a winter day hike:

http://files.meetup.com/492954/Winter_Day_Hike_Clothing_and_Gear_List.pdf

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.

Weather

Dangerous weather conditions will cancel this event - I will post an update and/or send an email to all confirmed participants.

Use this link for the current weather forecast:

http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=44.21884648968813&lon=-73.86001110076904#.Uuxwf3kVV_Y (http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=44.36755103353625&lon=-73.90193939208984#.UusEc3kVV_Y)

Directions

We will meet at the Cascade Trailhed which is located off of the west side of Route 73 about 4.5 miles south of Adirondack Loj Road near Lake Placid, NY. According to Google Maps this meeting spot is 296 miles from Boston and it should take about 4 hours and 39 minutes to drive there.

Use this link for customizable driving directions:

http://goo.gl/maps/BgVq4 (http://goo.gl/maps/Afj8l)

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 (gas and tolls).

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 Hike Safe 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.