1/2 Grafton Loop, Baldpates to Puzzle

Come with us on a beautiful hike on the east side of the famous Grafton Loop. The Baldpates themselves are nice, but will we be stopping there? Oh no we will not! We'll continue on down the Grafton Loop Trail until we get back to Route 26 under Puzzle Mountain. Very nice woods walks along the way, lots of PUDs (Pointless Ups and Downs) to test your enthusiasm, and with any luck some stupendous views from the Baldpates and Puzzle

Having said all that, THIS IS A LONG HIKE. 23 miles, 6000' gain. Allocate 12 hours minimum for this adventure. But if all the above is a "yes you bet!", then please join!

=== What We're Doing ===

We'll meet at the Puzzle Mt trailhead at 6:30am for a car spot, then migrate up Rt 26 to the Old Spec / Baldpates lot whence we'll begin the hike. We'll travel out to the Baldpates, take a sharp right at the east peak and descend into some very nice wilderness. The trail bumps along til we get to Long Mountain (named that for a reason!), which we summit and descend, then proceed through some more very nice wilderness until we get to Puzzle. After a rather sharp descent we'll end up at the parking lot where we began our day.

Pace will be moderate, 1.5 - 2.5 mph depending on terrain.

=== Particulars ===

Everyone starts on the waitlist pending answers to the RSVP questions. Please answer them completely. Be sure your answers do not exceed 250 characters, since NOTHING will come through otherwise.

We will stay together as a group. 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. Underestimating your abilities will put you and the group at risk, so please be real. This should be a fun if tiring hike for you, not envelope pushing.

RSVPs close the of the day before the hike.

Group size is 10 max.

Guests aren't permitted.

Dogs are not permitted.

Dangerous weather conditions will cancel this event - I will post an update and/or send an email to all confirmed participants.

=== What to Bring ===

Bring regular day hike gear, which is this

• http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/day-hiking-checklist.html

pay special attention to

• WATER. There are sources near various campsites. It's early and wet enough they should be running OK, but you'll need to filter. Otherwise, carry enough for a 23-mile hike.
• HEAD LIGHT and extra batteries. We should be done before dark but never tempt fate. Fate always wins.
• Footwear. Probably some prodigious mud in spots, so gaiters and extra socks might be a reasonable accessories.

Do not rely on others to have extra items to share with you at the meeting spot or on the trail.

=== Pre/Post Hike Accommodations ===

It's an early(ish) start and potentially a late finish. There's plenty of campsites around and in particular the excellent Grafton Notch Campground has space at the present time (5/28).

=== RSVP Requirements ===

Medical Information: You are responsible to let the event organizer know if you have any medical conditions or allergies that (1) could affect your ability to safely participate in this event or (2) could affect any first aid treatment that may become necessary while participating in this event. You can either provide this information to the event organizer beforehand via email or you can have a written summary of it located within an easily accessible part of your backpack.

Emergency Contact Information: You are responsible for providing emergency contact information to the event organizer in case we need to contact them. You can either provide this information to the event organizer beforehand via email or you can have a written summary of it located within an easily accessible part of your backpack. It's also a good idea to tell someone where you are going, who you are going with, and when you expect to be back.

=== 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.