5th Annual Festivus Trek 2013 (EASY)

Organizer: Monica Trust (978)877-1119

=====

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 two days 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.

=====

What we're doing...

Does the commercialization of the Christmas season make you want go into hibernation until December 26th? Are you sick of all of the holiday parties? Then why not join us on December 23rd for a hike to celebrate Festivus, a holiday for the rest of us.

Click here for more information about Festivus (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Festivus).

No trees. No lights. No gifts. There will be unadorned aluminum "Festivus pole" (we will use the summit fire tower for this). There will be an "Airing of Grievances" (each person will get to tell others all the ways that they've disappointed them over the past year) and we will use our hike to the summit, instead of a wresting match, as our "Feats of Strength".

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

Dogs are not permitted on this hike.

=====

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 3.2 milesand climb about 800 feet. It should take an average hiker about 2 hours to complete this trip (adjusted for slower winter travel but this doesn't include time for rest/food breaks). We will be hiking up and down the Harrington trail.

This event is considered to be EASY 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).

Click here (http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/central/wach.htm) for more information about Wachusett and the surrounding area from the Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation

=====

Clothing, Gear, Equipment, and Supplies...

Be sure to look at the gear information listed below - you will need warm layers, wind protection, and traction among other things. Dig out the winter boots an put the hydration bladders away - it's winter. I will update everyone if weather conditions dictate that we bring more than what is described here. If you don't know what to wear and/or bring with you or have any questions contact me.

Click 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. If you don't have the required items you put yourself and everyone else at risk. You should know how to use all of your equipment - test and adjust it prior to this trip.

=====

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=42.49020073655701&lon=-71.8893814086914) (weather.gov)

=====

Directions...

We will meet at the parking area on the north side of Westminster Road in Princeton, MA. According to Google Maps this spot is about 65 miles from Boston and it should take about 1 hour 18 minutes to drive there.

Click for customizable driving directions (https://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=Boston,+MA&daddr=Westminster+Rd&hl=en&sll=42.476592,-71.892278&sspn=0.009543,0.013797&geocode=FZ9WhgIdw7bD-ykbMT0NLWXjiTGg6GIBJL98eA%3BFWQbiAIdJvq2-w&mra=ls&t=m&z=10) (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.

=====

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.