Join us for Christmas weekend at AMC's Joe Dodge Lodge in Pinkham Notch, NH for a GO get-together and a Saturday hike.   A four bunk room has been reserved at Joe Dodge for Friday and Saturday nights for anyone who wants to stay at the lodge with the group.    You can also make your own arrangements or just join us for the hike on Saturday.  The plan is to arrive on Friday, check in, happy hour and home-cooked dinner, buffet style starting at 6 PM.  The AMC usually has an activity or speaker scheduled after dinner. 

Due to unseasonably mild conditions and rain we will hike, not snowshoe, either from the Visitor's Center or from a trailhead on Route 16 depending on the planned hike.  Day hikers can meet us in the lobby of the Visitor's Center shortly before 8 AM. Options are Tuckerman's Ravine to Raymond Path to Old Jackson Road (wild and untraveled), Great Gulf or Imp Loop (6.3 miles with great views).  We will collaborate on an exact route before the hike.   Please plan for a strenuous, 6-8 hour hike and a prompt departure in the morning.

Gear/Trip Prep: All participants must be prepared for winter conditions - insulated winter boots, wool or synthetic base layer, mid-weight insulation layer and a windproof / waterproof winter parka (no cotton clothing).    The rest - hats / facemask, winter gloves, wool socks, extra socks, lunch, snacks, headlamp, straps to attach gear to pack, 2-3 liters of water, etc.   Bring your micro spikes, large pack to carry gear and extra layers.

For AMC members, the rate for 2 nights and 2 breakfasts / 2 dinners is $148, slightly higher for non-members.  

There will be a festive Christmas dinner buffet scheduled for 6 PM on Saturday.

Please contact me for reservation details if you would like to join us in the bunk.  Otherwise, just sign up and meet us on Saturday!

More info on AMC, Joe Dodge and trip planning can be found at http://www.outdoors.org.

Driving Directions to Joe Dodge Lodge at Pinkham Notch Visitor Center:

From central and south-central New Hampshire (Manchester, Concord, etc.): 
1.    Take Interstate 93 North to Route 104 East (Exit 23).
2.    Take Route 104 East to Route 3 North (near Meredith).
3.    Take Route 3 North to Route 25 East (intersection in Meredith).
4.    Take Route 25 East to Route 16 North (near West Ossipee).
5.    Take Route 16 North to Pinkham Notch Visitor Center/Joe Dodge Lodge, located on the left side of Route 16 approximately 12 miles north of the Glen intersection.

From eastern and southeastern New Hampshire (Portsmouth, etc.): 
1.    Take Spaulding Turnpike North to Route 16 North.
2.    Take Route 16 North to Pinkham Notch Visitor Center/Joe Dodge Lodge, located on the left side of Route 16 approximately 12 miles north of the Glen intersection.

From Boston and its northern suburbs: 
1.    Take Interstate 93 North to central New Hampshire.
2.    Follow directions above for central New Hampshire.

Or,

1.    Take Interstate 95 North to Spaulding Turnpike North (at Portsmouth, N.H.).
2.    Take Spaulding Turnpike North to Route 16 North.
3.    Take Route 16 North to Pinkham Notch Visitor Center/Joe Dodge Lodge, located on the left side of Route 16 approximately 12 miles north of the Glen intersection.

From western and southern suburbs of Boston:

1.    Take Route 128 North to Route 3 North (near Woburn).

2.    Take Route 3 North to Everett Turnpike North (by Nashua, N.H.).

3.    Take Everett Turnpike North to Interstate 93 North (by Manchester).
4.    Follow directions above for central New Hampshire.

From Portland, Maine:

1.    Take Route 302 West to Route 16 North (at North Conway, N.H.).
2.    Take Route 16 North to Pinkham Notch Visitor Center/Joe Dodge Lodge, located on the left side of Route 16 approximately 12 miles north of the Glen intersection.