LAST DAY OF WINTER BONDS SKI-IN/HIKE UP (Extremely Difficult)

LAST DAY OF WINTER BONDS SKI-IN/HIKE UP (Extremely Difficult) Event Organizer: Paul-William, cell 508-885-4522.

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Read the entire description and disclaimer, respond to the RSVP question and double check your response to make sure it went through. You will be prompted to message me with your hiking experience--please do so promptly. Everyone will be waitlisted until responses are screened. If you fail to follow through with the RSVP process you will be skipped over and/or removed. If you are having difficulty with the RSVP interface, message or call me (the RSVP question is also shown below* for your convenience). Similar, recent hiking experience is required.

Responses DO NOT carry over from one event to another--you must fill them out each time. Please have your preferences for this Meetup set to receive messages from other members, in case I have further questions for you.

=== WHAT WE'RE DOING ===

We're going to hike the three remote Bonds (4,698ft, 4,540ft, 4,265ft) from the south. We'll be skiing 8-10miles (round trip) on the Pemi River flats and hiking the remaining miles on the steeps. Views of the Pemi Wilderness from the three peaks are famously grand. Skiing the flats tends to make this long trip more enjoyable, less exhausting, and faster than the standard snowshoe round trip or traverse. NH4Kx3.

DIFFICULTY: Extremely difficult. DISTANCE: 22.6 miles. PACE: Moderate to fast, 2.0+ on average (hiking pace--skiing will be faster); we will stop for breaks, views, and to smell the roses. ELEVATION GAIN: 4,800ft HIKING TIME is relative. Plan on a full day of hiking-- we will not finish the hike until after sunset--bring TWO headlamps with spare LITHIUM batteries for the cold. This hike involves significant exposure above treeline, wet or icy ledges.

• Put your name on the waitlist if you would like to go. I will add people that respond thoroughly to the RSVP question(s) AND have done similar hikes within the past three months.
• No Guests--have your guests sign up and RSVP, please.
• No Dogs.
• This trip limited to 10 participants to responsibly reduce impacts to habitat, trails, and the experience of other hikers and comply with federal wilderness regulations .
• 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. Positive/cooperative attitudes are welcome.
• Medical issues/ disclosures: YOU are responsible to disclose to the event organizer any medical issues, allergies, medications or other issues that could complicate your ability to safely participate in this event or affect any 1st aid treatment in the event of an emergency. You must convey this information to the event organizer in advance AND keep a written summary of it located within an easily accessible part of your backpack. You must also include an emergency contact and phone number as part of this information.
• Rain or shine event. Difficult weather may cancel and/or modify the event. As usual, we do not wimp out about weather until forecasts solidify 24 hours before the event--mountain weather predictions can change rapidly. I will post FYI updates on weather in the days preceding the event, derived from multiple forecast sources (please refrain from posting reactive "forecast panic" messages on the event discussion board--it's not at all helpful).

=== REQUIRED GEAR ===

NOTE: If you show up without the required gear you will be turned away at the trailhead. NO COTTON CLOTHING WHATSOEVER.

We anticipate hiking in winter conditions--be prepared.

WINTER GEAR--READ CAREFULLY. Bring it or stay home; test, fit it & know how to use it before you set out:

• Skis:You must have either Backcountry skis or Telemark skis with metal edges or very good XC skis with metal edges. Backcountry/ Tele skis are preferable. Skis without metal edges, short skis, skate skis, downhill skis, no skis, are unacceptable. You must also have insulated ski boots. You can rent backcountry ski packages for less than $30/ day in Lincoln--message me for details. If renting, please rent backcountry skis with 3-pin bindings.
• Light traction: Kahtoola Microspikes or Hillsound Trail Crampons (knockoff brands are totally unacceptable).

• Mountaineering snowshoes: Not all snowshoes are the same - some are designed for steep terrain with potentially deep snow while others aren't. These are the acceptable brands and models: 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.
• Boots must be insulated and designed specifically for winter use (summer or 3 season boots aren't acceptable). Due to the type of terrain/distances involved, hard plastic mountaineering boots ARE NOT recommended for this hike.
• Clothing/ Misc: Full rain shell, insulated mittens, goggles, gaiters, face mask, balaclava, warm hat, insulated water bottles (hydration sacks & hoses do not work well in cold so do not bring them), sleeping/bivy bag for emergencies, trail map, 2 pair of headlamps with spare lithium batteries (for the cold), sunglasses for snow glare, multiple clothing layers and extra socks. Bring enough food & water to get you through the day. Emergency hand warmers are strongly recommended. Refer to this link for a full list of items needed for a winter day hike: http://files.meetup.com/492954/Winter_Day_Hike_List_ADK.pdf ]

=== DETAILED ITINERARY & DIRECTIONS===

We meet at the Lincoln Woods Trailhead parking area. We will ski on the flats of the Lincoln Woods and Bondcliff Trails until the going gets too steep for good skiing. We will stash our skis and ski boots, put on traction or snowshoes, and hike out to the peaks. We will repeat the process in reverse.

===*RSVP QUESTION===

"Did you read the EVENT DESCRIPTION & DISCLAIMER? Will you bring the MANDATORY GEAR? You must SEND ME A MESSAGE describing your last 3 months hiking experience (provide details)."

=== 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 have informed the event host/organizer of any medical issues or other limitations you may have that could complicate your ability to safely participate in this event, you understand that the organizers and event hosts 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 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.

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.