HUT TO HUT ON THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL

Transcription

1 HUT TO HUT ON THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS JULY 21-27, 2019 TRIP SUMMARY Traversing the windswept ridges & craggy peaks of the White Mountains Hiking Mt. Washington, the highest peak in the Whites Experiencing "hut culture" and meeting "the croo" Relaxing with hot meals and soft beds in the high mountains Phone: Outside the US: Fax:

2 TRIP AT A GLANCE Dates: Jul 21-27, 2019 Location: White Mountains National Forest, New Hampshire Cost: $1, Activities: Hiking Arrive: Arrive at the AMC Highland Center at Crawford Notch at 4:00 pm. If you're flying, plan to be at the Manchester airport (MHT) by 2 pm on July 21. Depart: If you're driving, you can plan to leave anytime after breakfast on July 27. If you're flying, you can plan to fly out anytime after 1 p.m. on the 27th. TRIP OVERVIEW Traversing some of the tallest peaks in the region, this section of the Appalachian Trail is widely regarded as one of its most magnificent and challenging sections. But it's not only the beauty that makes it unique. Spaced a day apart are a series of huts that offer hot and hearty meals and a warm bed at the end of the day. If you want to spend time hiking the AT, without having to carry a full backpack, come join us as we hike hut to hut! Maximum group size: 10 RATING This trip is designed for women in excellent physical condition who have previous hiking experience, who enjoy both spectacular and at times strenuous mountain hiking while staying in rustic huts. You should be prepared to hike uphill for a few hours at a time, on a trail that is rocky, uneven and has few if any switchbacks. Your pack will contain your clothing and lunches for the days you are at the huts and water for a day. Some of the path is exposed and women with a significant fear of heights may find it difficult. This trip is rated 5 and requires a high degree of fitness. Adding some specific conditioning such as strength training, endurance training, and longer aerobic workouts is suggested. Rating: [5]. WHAT'S INCLUDED Two experienced guides Six nights lodging, including two nights at the Highland Center and four in huts Meals from dinner Sunday through the following Saturday's breakfast, except for all lunches Permits Transportation from and to the Manchester, NH airport What's not included: Travel to and from Manchester NH, alcoholic beverages, guide gratuities, lunches, and travel insurance.

3 OUR ITINERARY Below is the proposed itinerary for the trip. As is true on any adventure travel trip, plans for any specific day may be modified due to weather considerations, unforeseen circumstances, new opportunities, and group interests. DAY 1 JULY 21, SUNDAY The trip begins at 4 pm at the AMC Highland Center at Crawford Notch. If you're flying we'll meet you at the Manchester, NH airport at 2 pm. This center, the newest one built and run by the Appalachian Mountain Club, is a great place to start the trip with its showcasing of green construction techniques and energy efficiency. We will start getting to know each other that night at the four-course dinner they serve and review safety considerations before going to bed early. Overnight Highland Center. (D) DAY 2 JULY 22, MONDAY After arranging a car shuttle, we have time to visit the Crawford Notch Depot Visitor Center before starting our hike. Built in 1891, the depot offers visitors informative displays on the surrounding natural environment and provides a good introduction to the area. Our destination tonight is Mizpah Springs Hut. We will take the Appalachian Trail (AT) up on the Crawford Path; this trail takes about 3 hours and gains 2,000 feet. Our hike will be rewarded with great views, not to mention a hot and hearty meal, from the hut. Overnight Mizpah Springs Hut (B, D) DAY 3 JULY 23, TUESDAY We continue north on the AT via the Crawford Path today, which takes us up and over Mt. Pierce, with the option to include Mt. Eisenhower, before reaching Lake of the Clouds Hut. Mt Monroe is next to the hut and once we settle in and re-energize, we head out to hike its loop trail. Although our net elevation gain is only 1,200 feet, our actual elevation gain is considerably more and will take us between 3 and 5 hours. There are two small lakes at the hut and after our hike we'll want to cool at least our feet, and perhaps all of us! The Lake in the Clouds Hut is the first, largest, and most popular of all the huts in the system and undoubtedly has some of the most spectacular views. Overnight Lake in the Clouds Hut (B, D)

4 DAY 4 JULY 24, WEDNESDAY Today is a layover day, meaning we don't have to pack up. We will continue on the AT via the Crawford Path to the top of Mt. Washington, the highest peak in the northeastern United States at 6,288 feet. It is always a bit unsettling to get to the top of Mt. Washington and see people in heels that have driven up or taken the cog railway. Mt Washington is famous (or infamous) for its highly erratic weather, especially its fierce winds. There is a museum on top that is worth seeing and on our way back we will take the Alpine Garden Trail, which is one of the most picturesque ridge hikes in the White Mountains. Overnight Lake in the Clouds Hut (B, D) DAY 5 JULY 25, THURSDAY This is the hike that makes this trip rated a 5. Although not a long hike, about 7.5 miles, the trail requires constant attention because of its' rockiness and that combined with the elevation gain/loss makes this our longest and most demanding day. We will continue on the AT as we traverse around Mt. Washington and pick up the extremely rocky Gulfside Trail to Madison Hut. One fun aspect of this trail is the option of taking loop trails over the summits of Mt. Clay, Mt. Jefferson, and Mt. Adams. If we do all the peaks (which will depend on both the weather and how fast we are going) our total elevation gain is over 4,000 feet and will take all day. Overnight Madison Spring Hut (B, D) DAY 6 JULY 26, FRIDAY On our final hiking day we bid goodbye to the ridges and the AT as we descend 3,500 feet on our hike down off the mountains. There we'll reclaim the van and then head back to the Highland Center for hot showers and a delicious meal. We'll share a final farewell dinner that night, celebrating our achievements, and bidding goodbye to the mountains and each other. Overnight Highland Center (B, D) DAY 7 JULY 27, SATURDAY If you're driving, you can plan to leave anytime after breakfast. If you're flying, you can plan to fly out anytime after 1 p.m. (B)

5 ADDITIONAL TRIP INFORMATION GETTING THERE If you are driving: AMC Highland Center US 302 Crawford Notch, Carroll, NH. The Highland Center is approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes from Logan airport and 1 hour and 50 minutes from the Manchester NH airport. Please contact us for more specific directions if needed. The AMC Highland Center has a parking lot where you can leave your car for the duration of trip. If you are flying: Plan to fly into the Manchester NH airport (MHT) in time to meet the group at 2pm at the start of the trip. The airport is serviced by a number of major carriers including Southwest, United, American and Delta. ACCOMMODATIONS Two nights at the Highland Center Lodge and four nights in rustic mountain hikes In the huts and lodges, we'll be staying in bunk-beds in dorm-style rooms with bathrooms down the hall. We will have rooms for our group when possible but there may be times we need to share our room with others not in our group July 21 - Highland Center Lodge July 22 - Mizpah Spring Hut July Lake of the Clouds Hut July 25 - Madison Spring Hut July 26 - Highland Center Lodge Please understand the huts ability to accommodate some preferences and dietary restrictions may be limited due to the remote nature of this trip. Please contact the office if this is a potential concern for you. WEATHER July is typically a wonderful month for hiking in the White Mountains with temperatures ranging from the low 50's to 70's during the day. July also has the least amount of rain but the weather in the White Mountains' can be very unpredictable and you will want to be prepared for inclement weather, including rain, wind and cooler temperatures. TRAVEL INSURANCE WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND TRIP CANCELLATION/TRIP INTERRUPTION INSURANCE, WHICH COVERS YOUR COST IF YOU NEED TO CANCEL OR INTERRUPT YOUR TRIP for medical reasons, trip delay, lost baggage, and other unforeseen emergencies. Adventures in Good Company will send you information about travel insurance with your registration information, or you may purchase coverage through your own insurance company. In order to avoid disappointment and expense in the event that you must cancel your trip we strongly urge you to purchase some type of insurance coverage. You can also sign up for it online at Travelex Insurance. To get the best rates, use as your location number on the Get A Quote page.

6 PACKING LIST *Note: The huts provide a bed, wool blankets and a pillow, as well as, breakfast, dinner and water. In your backpack, you will need and be carrying clothes and lunches for the 4 days you will stay at the huts. You can leave a bag at the Highland Center, (your first and last night s lodging), with additional items. FOOTWEAR 1 pair mid-weight hiking boots. Boots should be well broken in. Recommended to come above ankle. 1 pair of comfortable athletic shoes, crocs or Teva-like sandals for wearing around the lodges 2-3 pairs of hiking socks (wool or synthetic equivalent: Smartwool, Thorlo, DarnTough) 2 pair synthetic, lightweight liner socks (optional -- not everyone uses sock liners) CLOTHING 2 pair of comfortable supplex/nylon long/capri pants for hiking. Zip-offs work well. (1 pair shorts or hiking shirt if not using zip-offs.) 2 synthetic or lightweight wool T-shirts or short-sleeved shirts 1 lightweight, long-sleeved shirt for hiking. Button up front works well. 1 pair lightweight long underwear top and bottoms: silk, wool or synthetic equivalent (Capilene, Thermastat, MTS, or polypropylene) these can double as nightwear 1 medium-weight top layer: Fleece jacket or pullover. 1 warm fleece/down jacket 1 rain parka and rain pants: coated nylon or a waterproof/breathable fabric like Gore-tex. Underwear 1 pair wool, Capilene, or Polartec gloves 1 warm wool or fleece hat 1 wide-brimmed hat for protection from the sun 1 swimsuit (for alpine swims) (optional) TOILETRIES (small everything) Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, hand sanitizer, shampoo, contact lens paraphernalia, sanitary supplies Small towel or backpacking towel to use at the huts. Sunscreen and lip protection with sunblock of at least SPF 15 Personal first aid/personal patch kit, Band-Aids, 1 safety pin, moleskin, blister bandages, ibuprofen,personal medications, if any. Individuals allergic to insect bites must bring an epi-pen. Please consult your doctor and tell your guide. EQUIPMENT/ESSENTIALS 1 pair Trekking poles (required) Sunglasses (100% UV protection) w/retention strap Insect Repellant Small headlamp or flashlight 1 2 bandanas Ear plugs (for a good night s sleep!) Your favorite lunch/snack 1 daypack (see notes on packing list for recommended capacity) 1 hydration system or Nalgene type water bottles (Total capacity 2 Liters you can refill water at each hut) Capability to waterproof your backpack. Either a raincover or a heavy-duty plastic bag to line your pack. Sleeping bag liner/travel sheet (the huts provide wool blankets and pillows) OPTIONAL (personal preference, not required) Camera (extra battery) and film/memory card Binoculars Short Gaiters Book, notebook, journal, pencil/pen Wristwatch/travel alarm clock

7 NOTES ON PACKING Adventures in Good Company's packing list covers everything you need to assure your safety and comfort. You may not use everything you bring; however, you need to come prepared for all possible weather conditions. At the same time, you must be able to carry your own luggage, sometimes up and down stairs. Bringing a duffel bag or soft-sided suitcase with wheels, rather than a hard-sided suitcase, is easier for packing in the van. Daypacks: Your daypack should be large enough to hold the following items: 2 liters of water, rain gear, lunch/snacks (for the day), sun screen, warm layer (fleece pullover or vest), personal first aid kit, lightweight gloves, warm hat, sleep sack, lunches/snacks while on trail and personal items such as camera,etc. We recommend a daypack with a capacity of between Liters (2,200 and 3050 cubic inches) with a hip belt, padded shoulder straps, and lifters. Line your daypack with a durable plastic bag to keep your belongings dry, or have an elasticized pack cover that fits snuggly over it. Before you leave home check to be sure that it is comfortable to wear all day and has sufficient space for all of your items. Footwear: Well-fitting, sturdy boots or trail shoes are very important to your safety and enjoyment. If you plan to buy new boots, break them in by wearing them around town and taking some short hikes before your trip. For general hiking, lightweight or midweight cordura or leather boots with a Vibram sole work well. If you have weak ankles or are recovering from an ankle injury, get boots that come above the ankle you ll find that this will give you more support in uneven or slippery terrain. Remember to waterproof your boots before the trip. Even boots billed as waterproof need to be treated with a waterproofing product. Clothing: The clothing listed on the packing list has been chosen for your specific trip conditions and for its versatility for layering. NO COTTON for your active wear! It should all be made from synthetic/synthetic blends, down/down blends or wool/wool blends. Layering is the most practical and efficient method of insulating the body. Several layers of varied weight materials provide better insulation than one thick Layer of clothing. Also, adding or subtracting layers allows you to adjust to the temperature at your particular level of activity. Rain Gear: You will need a parka or jacket made of a coated nylon or a waterproof/breathable fabric like Gore-tex, HellyTech, Membrane, H2No, or Ultrex. Be sure it keeps water out. Before making this important purchase, be sure that it fits you properly. It should be large enough to fit over all your layers. In particular, the hood needs to be effective. It should shield your face from the rain and turn with your head. Movement of your arms must not interfere with the hood. Put on your daypack; can you still raise your arms? Your wind/rain pants should be comfortable, allow enough room for your layers, and permit free movement of your legs (for example, can you crouch comfortably?). Partial or full-length leg zippers are useful for easily putting your pants on over your boots. An inexpensive plastic poncho will both leak and tear easily and is not recommended. Hydration: Being able to easily access your water without assistance, so that you can drink frequently, is important to your safety and enjoyment. One method is to have a water bottle attached to your waist strap. Another option is to use a HYDRATION SYSTEM such as CamelBak, Platypus, and MSR bladder bags, which are collapsible water bags with a hose attachment that you drink from. The bags fit inside or outside your pack with the hose positioned over your shoulder so that you can access your water as you hike. Bladder bags can hold 1-3 liters of water. Personal First Aid Kit: Bring a small first aid kit with familiar medicine and first aid supplies you might need. Recommendations include the following: blister or foot remedies like moleskin, Compeed, blister bandages, or similar, a small role of duct tape (always useful!), remedies for respiratory ailments, stomach ailments, sore muscles or joints. The guides will have a first aid kit but having what you know works well for you is a good idea. Trekking Poles: Trekking poles are required for this trip. Trekking poles contribute to your safety by improving your balance and stability, and to your health by saving stress on your hips and knees. If you are not familiar with trekking poles, read this blog post that addresses the most commonly asked questions: