NH 4K ... Garfield and Galehead (INTERMEDIATE)

• What we'll do
Read the entire description before you RSVP to this event - that means expand the writeup by clicking the "read more" link. If you underestimate the demands; overestimate your knowledge, experience, skills or abilities; or come unprepared you put yourself and others at risk. Consider this before you RSVP.

The plan is to hike two of the 4,000 footers in NH - Garfield and Galehead. We will use Mount Garfield Trail and Garfield Ridge Trail to reach Garfield and then Garfield Ridge Trail and Frost Trail to reach Galehead. We won’t be able to use the AMC Galehead Hut since it is closed for the season. From there we’ll use Gale River Trail to get back to the trailhead. There may be a road walk at the beginning and end of this hike if the road is closed.

If you are interested in participating in this event sign up for the waiting list. I will add people that (1) answer the question that is part of the RSVP process and (2) have done similar hikes within the past three months.

RSVPs close 24 hours before the event.

The maximum group size will be 12 people.

Guests aren't permitted.

Dogs are only permitted with prior approval.

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 (1.5-2.0 MPH) trip we will hike about 13.5 miles (16.5 if road is closed) and climb about 4,500 feet. It should take an average hiker about 9 hours to complete (this doesn't include time taking breaks). This event is considered ADVANCED because of the pace, distance, and elevation gain. Use these links for more information about where we are going and how we will get there:

http://trailsnh.com/peaks/nh/4000/17-Mt-Garfield-4500
http://trailsnh.com/peaks/nh/4000/44-Mt-Galehead-4024

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=44.188&lon=-71.613#.Who7tbhOmf0

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.

• What to bring
Its now winter in the mountains - you will need to bring mountaineering snow shoes and some form of traction - spikes are OK for now. We will decide what we need to use once at the trailhead. Use this link for a list of items needed for a winter day hike:

http://hbbostonamc.org/docs/Gear_lists/Winter_Dayhike_equip.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.

• Important to know
I will finalize the meeting location the day or two before the hike once I know if the road will Ben open or not. If it’s open we will meet at the Gale River Trailhead and if it’s closed we will meet at he Beaver Brook Cross Country Ski Parking Lot.

While carpooling is encouraged you are responsible for coordinating your own rides.