Summer Gathering (Sep 9-11) FAQ
What is it?
The summer gathering is an annual weekend event that we (AMC Boston Chapter Mountaineering Committee) organize for you (Boston area climbers and friends of Boston area climbers = pretty much everyone). The organization is "casual" (that's putting it lightly). We guarantee a spot to camp for two nights and a catered dinner served (very) alfresco style Saturday night. We facilitate, as much as possible, daytime activities focusing on, but not limited to, climbing. The emphasis is on "as much as possible". This event is much less formal then, say, the "New Seconds" weekend at the Gunks in May. In that case partnerships are arranged by the leaders and participants don't need to worry about finding a partner - no climber left behind. In this case participants are STONGLY encouraged to make partner arrangements themselves - ideally ahead of time. This is NOT an instructional weekend. If a participant wants to climb (or bike or canoe) it is expected that they know enough to participate at the level they want to.
OK, with the disclaimers out of the way, the real skinny is a bit friendlier. While this should not be viewed as a "learn to climb" weekend or a "first time climbing outdoors” experience, no one will be left behind. The ideal situation is to have a partner and plans pre-arranged but the reality is that a lot of plans will be made, and changed, on the spot. It's a sure bet that the majority of the next day's plans will be formulated at the campground the night before. There is no way of knowing much in advance what the mix of sport leaders, trad leaders, seconds, top-ropers, hikers and bikers will be but it always works out. Some accommodating leader will likely take a flock of non-leaders and set up top ropes. But - if you need a leader to climb with then now is the time to be proactive and ask around.
The focus is clearly on climbing (sponsored by the Mountaineering Committee after all) but there is an abundance of hiking, biking (road and mountain) and paddling opportunities. There should be plenty of non-climbing activities for spouses/family members/friends of the non climbing persuasion. The time of year should be perfect - still almost summer warmth but no bugs. Of course there has been a history of the occasional tropical storm visiting on that weekend - but it can't happen again - right?
Where is it?
Base camp is at the White Mountain National Forest Group Campground in Campton, NH. Directions: From Highway 93, take exit 28 and follow Highway 49 (Mad River Road) east for 2 miles. It's ~110 miles from Boston north on I-93. We have group site "B". The location at the entrance to Waterville Valley is very convenient - there is good biking "out the door", good hiking within a few minutes’ drive, climbing at Rumney (primarily sport) about 20 minutes away and Franconia Notch (primarily trad) about 25 minutes away. Here is a map of the Campton Group Campground:
http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/white_mountain/recreation/camping/campton_group.html
What exactly do I get?
Two nights camping at the WMNF CG. This is a simple tents-only campground. Picnic tables, toilets, running (cold) water. A catered meal served buffet style at the campsite Saturday night. The basic meal will be something like chicken parm, pasta and salad. If you have any special requests or restrictions please let me know and we should be able to accommodate you. Camaraderie - the chance to meet and mingle with old and new friends - especially an opportunity to meet new climbing partners (or reconnect with old ones) - always a good thing,
What do I need to bring?
Camping stuff - tent, bag and pad. I wouldn't expect the temp to go below 40F - but you never know. Breakfast and lunch food and whatever you need to prepare and eat it (stove, utensils). Rain gear (oh I hope not - but it’s better to be safe than soggy). Warm (enough) clothes appropriate for whatever you are going to do. And the gear you need for that activity(s). What would be really nice is if some person(s) took it upon themselves to provide (and set up) a tarp(s) over the picnic tables - just in case. Also if someone wants a campfire they should arrange to get wood, etc.
How do I sign up?
Easy, just sign up online at:
http://www.amcbostonclimbers.org/register/summer_application.php
What about rain, hurricanes, monsoons, earthquakes, volcanoes.....?
All too often that is the $64K question. It's unlikely that the whole weekend will be a washout so the policy is "rain or shine". But if another one of those pesky hurricane is forecast use your own discretion. I will have a mailing list of registered folks and will send out a few notices including a last minute status on noon Friday. All the expenses will have been paid by then so refunds won't be possible.
I can’t get there until late Friday night – is that a problem?
Not really. In fact the distance is short enough that a lot of folks won’t come up until Saturday morning. If you wait until Saturday then the only issue is finding out where people are – that’s where the prior arrangements become crucial. For a lot of the potential areas – Rumney for sure – you would want to go directly there and wait to go to the campground after climbing or whatever Saturday.
Any suggestions for arranging carpooling? Finding climbing partners?
Be creative? One possibility is to use the yahoo group – amcbostonclimbers (another resource brought to you by the AMC Mountaineering Committee). If you are not already a member you can join by mailing
amcbostonclimbers-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. Mail out your request and wait for a response.
Is there a fee for climbing at Rumney or Franconia Notch?
There is no fee for actually climbing at Rumney. The Forest Service charges a fee for parking in one of the 2 lots there. $3 for a day fee or $20 for an annual pass (good for any Forest Service parking lot in the WMNF). Most of the climbing parking in Franconia Notch is in the New Hampshire State Park and is free.
What is the approach like for Rumney or Franconia Notch?
The Rumney approaches are very casual (for the most part) – some as short as ~1 minute from the parking lot – none longer then ~25 minutes. The trails can be steep but they are short and mostly are meticulously groomed and graded. At Franconia they vary from moderate (Echo Crag) to quite strenuous (Cannon) but again won’t be very long (< 1 mile) unless you partner with a particularly ambitious (or directionally challenged) leader. If you find yourself about to do a route on Cannon beware that the approach and descent will entail (quite a bit) more effort.