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05.18.09
Four Hikers Rescued in White Mountains
Four young hikers
lost in darkness without map or lights on the Attitash Mountain Trail in
Bartlett, N.H., were rescued late last night (Sunday, May 18) by New
Hampshire Fish and Game Department Conservation Officers. They are Julie
Davenport, age 21, from North Brookfield, Mass.; Kyla Batchelder, age
21, of Stoughton, Mass.; Joslyn Phelps, age 21, Pittsfield, Mass.; and
Tim Bergman, age 20, North Brookfield, Mass. The rescued hikers are all
in good condition.
The four were staying in the Barlett area and decided to go for a hike
on Sunday. They set out on the Attitash Mountain Trail, in the White
Mountain National Forest in the town of Bartlett, at about 5:00 p.m.
They did not have a trail map, backpacks or any lights with them. They
mistakenly thought that the trail was a loop trail that would return
them to the trailhead. In fact, the trail they were following was a more
than eight-mile hike over two mountaintops.
As darkness fell, the hikers lost the trail. They stopped by a stream,
Lucy Brook, and were able to use a cell phone to call for help at about
9:00 p.m. Sunday evening. Two N.H. Fish and Game Conservation Officers
hiked in and found them at around 11:30 p.m., using whistles and lights
to signal their presence to the hikers. The group was 2.8 miles from
trailhead when they were located. The search team then helped the hikers
walk out, reaching the trailhead with them at 1:00 a.m. today.
No further information is available at this time.
New Hampshire Fish and Game urges all those enjoying New Hampshire's
outdoors to review and practice the hikeSafe Hiker Responsibility Code
(below), and encourage others to do so. You are responsible for
yourself, so be prepared:
* With knowledge and gear. Become self-reliant by learning about the
terrain, conditions, local weather and your equipment before you start.
* To leave your plans. Tell someone where you are going, the trails you
are hiking, when you'll return and your emergency plans.
* To stay together. When you start as a group, hike as a group, end as a
group. Pace your hike to the slowest person.
* To turn back. Weather changes quickly in the mountains. Fatigue and
unexpected conditions can also affect your hike. Know your limitations
and when to postpone your hike. The mountains will be there another day.
* For emergencies. Even if you are headed out for just an hour, an
injury, severe weather or a wrong turn could become life threatening.
Don't assume you will be rescued; know how to rescue yourself.
* To share the hiker code with others.
For information on being safe while hiking, including ten essential
items to have with you, visit
http://www.hikesafe.com.
-N.H. Fish and
Game |
