CHOCORUA ON THE EQUINOX

INSTRUCTIONS: Please answer the 3 RSVP questions carefully.* If you neglect to respond, your registration is incomplete and you can't go with us. Don't miss out--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.

CHOCORUA ON THE EQUINOX (INTERMEDIATE)
With it's sunny, orange potassium-feldspar granite ledges and awesome views north and south, Chocorua (3,475ft) is an excellent place to celebrate spring and say goodbye to winter. The pointy summit is one of the most scenic and iconic in the White Mountains (and according to legend a lovely place to leap to your death from--but we won't be doing that on this hike, thanks for your cooperation in advance).

DIFFICULTY: INTERMEDIATE. DISTANCE: 9-ish miles, ~2,700ft elevation gain. PACE: Moderate, 1.5-2.0mph-ish. HIKING TIME is relative. Plan on a full day of hiking--we will exit before dark but bring a headlamp with spare batteries just in case. As things have been icy this winter, full crampons may be needed for this hike. We could get any kind of weather this time of year--be prepared for the usual spring psychosis of the weather gods.

MEETING PLACE & ITINERARY**: We meet 9:30AM sharp at the end Paugus Road, which is off Fowlers Mill Rd via Route 113A in Wonalancet, NH. We'll be ascending the Brook Trail and descending via the Bee Line and Bolles Trails, making a loop.

REQUIRED GEAR (we'll make a determination about snowshoes/ crampons a few days before the hike, but plan on having them if you sign up) :
Light traction: Kahtoola Microspikes or Hillsound trail crampons. Knockoff brands are totally unacceptable. Dull spikes are unacceptable!
Mountaineering snowshoes: Tubbs Flex ALP, Flex VRT, Flex TRK, or Mountaineers; MSR Lightening, Revo, or Evo; TSL Symbioz Elite or Expert; Atlas Aspect, Endeavor, or Series 10/11/12.
Mountaineering crampons may be required for this hike: 10-12 point crampons with prominent front points--be sure they FIT your boots in advance!
Insulated, winter, waterproof hiking boots. Trail runners and summer boots are unacceptable.
Clothing: NO COTTON CLOTHING WHATSOEVER. Full rain shell, heavy insulated mittens, gaiters, gloves, face mask, balaclava, goggles, winter hat, plenty of warm synthetic and/or wool layers for top and bottom.
Emergency/Safety/Other: headlamp with spare lithium batteries. Sleeping bag or emergency bivy or space blanket. Insulated ground pad. 1st aid kit. Insulated water bottles (or wrap your bottle(s) in a heavy sock).
Food: Enough food and water for the duration of the trip.
More info on winter gear: http://files.meetup.com/492954/Winter_Day_Hike_List_ADK.pdf

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. 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.