Liberty & Flume 05/11 (Level 5 - Advanced Hike)

Organizer - Michael Blair @ (978) 808-1932

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UPDATE 05/08: I have closed this hike to new RSVPs since I will not have access to a computer between now and the hike. There are three spots available - if you would like to attend please call me at (978) 808-1932.

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UPDATE 05/08: The weather forecast for Sunday calls for cloudy skies with temperatures in the low 60s. We will need to be prepared for winter conditions at the higher elevations (see gear requirements listed below) but I will continue to monitor other's on-line trip reports to see if we will need to bring snowshoes on the trail with us. Even though we may end up leaving them in the car at the trailhead bring them with you just in case.

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These peaks eluded me on a backpacking trip last year and now I am ready to make them mine. I realize this is Mother's Day - if you want to come along and end up missing a celebration or two you can blame me.

Amidst the scenic Franconia Ridge, Liberty (4,459 ft - #18 on AMC 4K List) bears a sharp, ledgy peak with excellent views of the surrounding area, including nearby Bond and the Pemigewasset Wilderness. Franconia Ridge Trail has numerous areas of alpine habitat, including on the stretch that accesses Flume. Flume (4,328 ft - # 25 on AMC 4K List), a part of the popular and scenic Franconia Ridge, bears a sharp, rugged peak with excellent views of the surrounding area and an array of alpine plants.

This moderate pace hike (2.0 - 2.5 mph) is considered a Level 5 - Advanced Hike because of the distance covered and the conditions described below. Click here for more information about our hike ratings - http://hiking.meetup.....

We will meet at 8:30 AM at the Flume Visitor Center which is located on east side of US 93 at exit 34A. After going over our plans and checking our gear we will begin our hike at 9:00 AM.

We will follow Whitehouse Trail, Liberty Spring Trail, and Franconia Ridge Trail to and from the peaks of Liberty & Flume. This roundtrip hike will cover about 8.6 miles and climb a combined total of about 4,300 feet.

• According to the AMC it should take an average hiker about 8.0 hours to complete this hike so we may end up finishing in the dark. YOU MUST HAVE A HEADLAMP (OR FLASHLIGHT) WITH SPARE BATTERIES TO PARTICIPATE.
  
• Winter conditions are still present at the higher elevations and we may encounter snow and ice. YOU MUST DRESS FOR WINTER CONDITIONS AND YOU MUST HAVE SNOWSHOES AND SOME FORM OF TRACTION DEVICE (e.g. MicroSpikes, Stabilicers or Crampons) TO PARTICIPATE.
  

In an effort to coordinate ride-sharing please indicate in your RSVP if you are able to give a ride or if you are looking to get one.

All RSVPs must be updated 48 hours before this event. A MAYBE will be changed to a NO at that time so that others have the opportunity to participate. Changes or cancellations will be posted on the calendar by 6:00 PM the night before the event and those members who responded YES or MAYBE will also be notified via email.

Please contact me if you have any questions.