MOUNT WASHINGTON VIA RAYMOND RAVINE (Extreme)

Want to hike with us? Follow the instructions below very carefully.

MOUNT WASHINGTON VIA RAYMOND RAVINE FALLS (part bushwhack, EXTREME). Here's something epic for you. We're going to ascend Mt. Washington (6,288 feet) via trail-less Raymond Ravine where there are a series of hidden waterfalls. Involves some bushwhacking in difficult terrain. The falls are extremely difficult to get to-- 99.99% of those hiking the mountain never see them.

INSTRUCTIONS: There is one RSVP question. You must answer it. Equivalent recent hiking experience is also required.

DIFFICULTY: Yes, it's an "Extreme" (though I hate that cliche word) hike. DISTANCE: about 13 miles. Significant alpine exposure, bushwhacking through challenging terrain. Expect some scrapes and scratches from sticks. Expect wet feet. PACE: 2.0mph or better on trails.

HIKING TIME: we will probably exit before dark but don't count on it.

MEETING PLACE & ITINERARY**: 8AM start, non negotiable. We meet on the porch of the AMC visitor's center. We ascend via Tuckerman, Huntington, and Raymond Path until a point where we will begin bushwhacking up the creek bed. Raymond Ravine is a narrow ravine located between Huntington Ravine and Tuckerman Ravine. It's a bushwhack of about 1.5mi past the hidden falls up to the Alpine Garden Trail above treeline. It'll be hand over hand in dense vegetation for part of the way. There are nice views from the falls and above at the Garden. From there we ascend the summit via Tuckerman Ravine Trail, and descend via Nelson Crag & Old Jackson Road for the diversity of it. 13-ish miles for the day.

GEAR (read carefully): Bring everything you would normally bring to hike Mt. Washington. If you do not know what gear you need for Mt. Washington, you're not ready for this hike. For bushwhacking, you'll certainly need long pants, a long sleeve shirt, and eye protection (cheap hardware store safety glasses are fine), and a pair of sturdy gloves. Bring two extra pair of socks because your feet WILL get wet. If your hiking poles do not fold up and cannot be lashed to your pack without a bunch of pole poking out, don't bring 'em because you'll lose 'em. Consider adopting a stick instead. Pare down on extraneous gear that you don't need in order to keep your pack slim and easier to push through the brush.

What the group will expect of you: Humanity humility and cooperation.

Rain or shine event-- this is pretty much a clear day hike. A lot of rain will cancel. As usual, we do not wimp out about weather forecasts until 24 hours before the event--things can change quickly. I will post updates on weather. No Guests--have your guests sign up and RSVP, please. NO Dogs due to terrain challenges not suitable for most dogs.

Carpools: Indicate your carpool preference on the discussion board.

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 Hiker Responsibility Code (http://www.outdoors.org/recreation/hiking/hike-safe.cfm); you understand that the organizers of this activity are volunteer facilitators; 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. (In other words, you may be hiking with us but you and you alone are responsible for your personal safety. The host of this event is a facilitator not a guide or a trip leader).

May the Force be with you.

RSVP QUESTION:

Give me a good reason to believe you can do this hike at the pace described. That's the only question.

**Your event host reserves the right to alter the itinerary before or during this event based on prevailing circumstances and conditions. Your flexibility is appreciated and required. The itinerary of this trip is a Hobson's Choice.