HUT TO HUT ON THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL JULY 23 -­‐ 29, 2017 TRIP SUMMARY HIGHLIGHTS 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: 877-­‐439-­‐4042 Outside the US: 410-­‐435-­‐1965 Fax: 410-­‐435-­‐3084 Email: [email protected] TRIP AT A GLANCE Dates: Location: Cost: Activities: Arrive: Depart: Jul 23 -­‐ 29, 2017 White Mountains National Forest, New Hampshire $1,550.00 Hiking 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 23. If you're driving, you can plan to leave anytime after breakfast on July 29. If you're flying, you can plan to fly out anytime after 1 p.m. on the 29th. 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 very good 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 very rocky and 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 rating requires aerobic conditioning for at least 40-­‐50 minutes 4-­‐5 times a week. Additional endurance exercise (e.g. going for a 2 hour hike once a week) and/or strength training is usually required. Rating: 1 2 3 [4][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 • Round trip transportation from/to the Manchester, NH airport • • • Not included: Transportation to Manchester NH, alcoholic beverages, guide gratuities, all lunches. 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. D A Y 1 JU L Y 2 3 , S U N D A Y 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) D A Y 2 JU L Y 2 4 , M O N D A Y 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) D A Y 3 JU L Y 2 5 , T U E S D A Y 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) D A Y 4 JU L Y 2 6 , W E D N E S D A Y 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) D A Y 5 JU L Y 2 7 , T H U R S D A Y This is our longest and most demanding day, about 7.5 miles, which will feel longer than it sounds. 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) D A Y 6 JU L Y 2 8 , F R ID A Y 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 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) D A Y 7 JU L Y 2 9 , S A T U R D A Y If you're driving, you can plan to leave any time after breakfast. If you're flying, you can plan to fly out any time after 1 p.m. on the 30th. (B) ADDITIONAL TRIP INFORMATION GETTING THERE AMC Highland Center 3575 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. If you are driving, the AMC Highland Center has a parking lot where you can leave your car for the duration of trip. If you would like help with any travel plans we recommend our travel agent Sara Schuitemaker at [email protected] or call 800/727-­‐2157 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 23 -­‐ Highland Center Lodge July 24 -­‐ Mizpah Spring Hut July 25-­‐26 -­‐ Lake of the Clouds Hut July 27 -­‐ Madison Spring Hut July 28 -­‐ Highland Center Lodge WEATHER July is typically a wonderful month for hiking in the White Mtns 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 Mtn’s 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 20-­‐0016 as your location number on the Get A Quote page. 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. OPTIONAL (personal preference, not required) __ Camera (extra battery) and film/memory card __ Book, notebook, journal, pencil/pen __ Binoculars __ Wristwatch/travel alarm clock __ Sleeping bag liner/travel sheet (the huts provide wool blankets and pillows) __ Short Gaiters NOTES ON PACKING Adventures in Good Company's packing list covers everything you need to assure your safety and comfort. Because we stay indoors every night, you may be tempted to skimp on the warm clothes. Don't. Weather in the mountains can be quite variable. It may be warm and sunny, cool and drizzly, or both. It is essential that you have the rain gear and clothes to stay warm during the day when you are out on the trail. You may not use everything you bring; however, you need to come prepared for all possible weather conditions. Packing in a duffel bag or soft-­‐sided suitcase, rather than a hard-­‐sided suitcase, will make packing our van easier. Please do not bring more than one duffel or suitcase. Daypacks: You will need a daypack that is large enough to hold the following items: 1 – 2 liters of water, rain gear, lunch/snacks/clothing (for 4 days), warm layer (fleece pullover or vest), lightweight gloves, warm hat and any other desired personal items such as camera, journal, etc. We recommend a daypack with a capacity of between 2400 and 3600 cubic inches and preferably with a hip belt, padded shoulder straps and ‘lifters’. Pack Cover: These are waterproof, usually elasticized covers designed to go over your daypack and keep both the pack and its contents dry in case of inclement weather. Pack covers are sized. If you are purchasing a pack cover be sure to either take your pack with you or know the size cover you need. Many daypacks do come with built in pack covers. Alternatively you can use a plastic bag to line your pack to protect the contents from rain. Footwear: Well-­‐fitting, sturdy hiking boots 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 trekking, lightweight cordura or leather boots work well. Leather boots may be waterproofed in various simple ways, and cordura boots will be waterproof if they are lined with Gore-­‐Tex. If you have weak ankles or are recovering from an ankle injury, get good quality boots that come above the ankle– you’ll find that this will give you more support in uneven or slippery terrain. Personal First Aid Kit: Small first aid kit with familiar medicine you might need for personal use, ESPECIALLY blister or foot remedies like moleskin (not molefoam), gelskin, blister bandages or similar. The amount and kind you bring will depend on your tendency to blister but many people get blisters on hiking tours. Other suggestions: remedies for respiratory ailments? Stomach ailments? Sore muscles or joints? We will have a first aid kit too, but if you already know what works for you it’s better to have it Clothing: 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. You can use long underwear as your base layer, your mid-­‐weight top or vest as your second layer, and your fleece jacket as a third layer. You use your rain gear as your outer layer, and warm hat and/or gloves as needed. 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? Lastly, the wind/rain pants. They 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. Hydration: It is very important to your safety and enjoyment to have an independent ability for accessing your water. As you are hiking you will need water to be accessible in order to drink frequently. 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 simply a collapsible water bag with a hose attachment that you drink from. These fit inside your pack with the hose positioned over your shoulder where you can access your water without the use of your hands. Some models are designed to attach to the outside of your pack. Bladder bags can hold 40-­‐100oz. of water.