THE WILDCATS (NH4Kx2) BY THE SOUTH DOOR (ADVANCED)

INSTRUCTIONS: Please answer the 3 RSVP questions carefully.* If you neglect to respond, your RSVP will (sadly) be deleted. Don't be sad & deleted!--double check your responses to make sure they went through--the interface has known glitches. Everyone will be wait-listed until responses are screened. Please have your preferences for this Meetup set to receive messages from other members, in case I have further questions for you. Similar, recent hiking experience is required. Organizer: Paul-William 508-885-4522.

THE WILDCATS (NH4Kx2) BY THE SOUTH DOOR (ADVANCED)
We're going to hike the Wildcat peaks A, B, C, D and E via an unusual loop from the south using hiking & XC ski trails. Along the way, we'll visit the scenic, boulder-filled Carter Notch and Carter Lake, and Hall's Ledge for a glorious vista near sunset. There are multiple views from the Cats (two of the peaks, A & D, are on the NH4K list, 4,427 & 4,062ft).

DIFFICULTY: ADVANCED (possible winter conditions). DISTANCE: 12.2 miles, ~4,200 feet of elevation gain, PACE: 2.0mph. HIKING TIME is relative. This is a rugged hike with several water crossings (if the water is too high, we'll use a high water route which will extend the hike another 1.5 miles). Part of our route will be along 2.8 miles of trail maintained as XC ski route--it may be boggy and brushy in places. Plan on a full day of hiking--we may exit after dark so bring TWO headlamps with spare batteries just in case.

GEAR (read carefully): Light traction is mandatory (Kahtoola Microspikes or Hillsound Trail Crampons). Bring full winter clothing and lighter fall layers, full rain gear, warm hat, gloves, insulated mittens, fleece jacket, face mask, balaclava, emergency shelter or sleeping bag, 1st aid kit, plenty of food and water for the entire day. Bring 2 sets of headlamps + spare batteries. Handwarmers are recommended. If snowshoes are needed, I'll send a message. More info on gear:
http://files.meetup.com/492954/Winter_Day_Hike_List_ADK.pdf NO COTTON CLOTHING WHATSOEVER.

MEETING PLACE & ITINERARY**: 8:30AM sharp the Wildcat River Trailhead, at the very north end of Carter Notch Road, Jackson, NH. We'll hike north on the Wildcat River Trail, with several water crossings, to Carter Notch, thence westerly out of the notch and over the Cats via Wildcat Ridge Trail. We'll descend from E Peak using the Wildcat Valley XC ski trail to Hall's Ledge, then loop back to our cars by Hall's Ledge Trail.

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. No freewheelin.'

Rain or shine event-- If snow closes the Carter Notch Road trailhead, we'll hike a slightly different route +1 mile. Extreme weather will cancel. As usual, we do not wimp out about weather forecasts until 24 hours before the event--things can change quickly. I will post updates on weather. No Guests--have your guests sign up and RSVP, please. Dogs by special arrangement with the event host. This trip limited to 12 participants to responsibly reduce impacts to habitat, trails, and the experience of other hikers.

Carpools: Indicate your carpool preference on the discussion board.

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 understand that the organizers 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 and 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.

*RSVP QUESTIONS:

1. Indicate you have read and understand with the full event description with disclaimer and have the necessary gear and experience to do this hike at the pace described.

2). Please provide your full name, phone number and the name and number of an emergency contact person. Disclose any medical condition that could limit your ability to participate safely in this event.

3) Describe what you have hiked in the last three months. Provide BRIEF DETAILS on ROUTES, PACE, MILEAGE, DATES. If your responses seem vague to me, I'll pass you by.

**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.