Stand by: YOLO Total Lunar Eclipse Overnight Adventure

RIDGELINE HIKE (Intermediate ) via Welch-Dickey loop trail.

Celestial event chasers come on out! I've been tracking the forecast and sky coverage so at the moment thinking most likely doing the Welch-Dickey loop, if the skies clear more than 50%. Other options could be Mount Kearsarge South or lastly, Plum Island Beach. Yes, I know what a toss up--but really depends on where viewing is best, so I am planning to be slightly unplanned :)

Event Organizer: Liza
Elevation trivia: 35,387 feet' (the hightest point of the moon's surface)
Total elevation Gain: 1,690' (Welch Mountain: 2,605′. Dickey Mountain: 2,734′)

NOTE: Read entire post before you RSVP for waitlist. If you underestimate the demands; overestimate your knowledge, experience, skills or abilities; or come unprepared, you put the group at risk. This event is considered INTERMEDIATE because of nighttime winter conditions, pace, and distance.

=== THE PLAN ===
Will be determined the night before.

DIFFICULTY: INTERMEDIATE
DISTANCE: About 4.5 miles
PACE: We'll move at a steady pace and coordinate start time to be on a ridgeline with open sky by the time the transition starts. The duration of totality will be roughly an hour from 2:26 am to 3:31 am but it's pretty cool to watch the transition happening.

HIKING TIME is relative so please plan on a full night regardless--depending on location, conditions, and interest, we could watch the sunrise. Expect exposure to be at or below freezing temperatures with snow and ice.

1. RSVP for the waitlist. I'll add people that respond to RSVP question(s). Be sure your response went through--ask if you have questions about how to fill out the RSVP.
2. No Guests. Please sign up for yourself. We limit to 10 people to reduce impacts to habitat, trails and the hiking experience.
3. What we expect: Humanity, humility, and cooperation. We hike together as a group at the pace of the slowest member. Please be positive/cooperative!
4. Medical issues/ disclosures: You agree to disclose 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 case of an emergency. You must convey this info to the event organizer in advance AND keep a written summary of it located within an easily accessible part of your backpack. Please include an emergency contact and phone number as well.
5. Difficult weather--including sky cover percent--may cancel and/or modify the event. Since mountain weather can change rapidly, I will post updates on weather preceding the event, derived from multiple forecast sources and do final checks the night before AND evening of the hike. Please watch for updates.

=== REQUIRED GEAR ===

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

REQUIRED GEAR: Bring it or stay home; test, fit it & know how to use it:

• Ice traction: Microspikes
• Insulated boots designed for winter use.
• Clothing/ Misc: Full rain/wind shell, insulated puffy coat, mid-layer fleece, wicking base layer, insulated mittens and glove liners, eye protection, winter gaiters, warm hat, insulated water bottles (not hydration bladders), sleeping/bivvy bag for emergencies, trail map, headlamp with spare lithium batteries (for the cold), extra socks. More food than you think you'll need that will not freeze & enough water to produce warmth.
• Emergency hand/foot warmers.

===MEETING LOCATION ===
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ko2jjsVfdbxG5Dj46

===*RSVP QUESTIONS===
1. Describe comparable hikes you've done the last 2 months. 2. Have you used your microspikes and/or snowshoes this season? 3. Can you embrace hiking in freezing temps for 3 hours or more?

**Please answer in under 250 characters--Meetup deletes longer responses without notice. To say more, please message me.**

THE FINE PRINT
Disclaimer: As a condition of your voluntary participation, you acknowledge and agree: 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. (Note, you may be hiking with us but you alone are responsible for your personal safety. I am a facilitator not a guide or a trip leader).

I reserve the right to alter the itinerary before or during this event based on prevailing circumstances and conditions. Your flexibility is appreciated and required.

PLEASE COMMENT OR DM WITH QUESTIONS!