Teenagers Lost While Hiking: Darwin or Dumbass Award?

By Jim on November 17th, 2008

I can’t decide which award to give to them. What do you think?

Four teenagers were rescued yesterday morning after having gotten lost while hiking down from Saddleback Mountain.

The four could get the bill from authorities for the rescue, which followed a hike the four began at 7 p.m. Saturday. Rescuers from Northwood and Deerfield assisted Fish and Game.

“Billing will be recommended, given the lack of planning, lack of preparation and lack of judgment going in at that time of night,” said Fish and Game conservation Officer Mike Matson.

According to Matson, the four decided to hike up Saddleback Mountain with the intent of seeing the view from there. However, he said, they embarked on the trip woefully unprepared.

“They had no water with them, no compasses, no maps,” Matson said.

Matson said the four carried a single flashlight, but it gave out on them during the hike.

In addition, the four were not dressed properly for the outing, Matson said. One wore a T-shirt for the hike. In the midst of deer-hunting season, another wore a gray sweatshirt, while a third wore a brown-and-white sweatshirt, according to Matson.

Hmmm…a brown and white shirt during deer hunting season? And a t-shirt for a November hike?

I guess somebody didn’t visit Hike Safe site before they left the house. Guess this is a good time to put another link to that site.

The Hiker Responsibility Code is a set of principles that all hikers can look to before they hit the trail. Similar to the Skier’s Responsibility Code endorsed by the National Ski Areas Association, the Hiker Responsibility Code was created to help hikers become more self aware about their responsibility for their own safety every time they are on a hike. It also acknowledges the inherent danger of hiking in the backcountry, and encourages hikers to be better prepared every time they are on the trail. 1. With knowledge and gear. Become self reliant by learning about the terrain, conditions, local weather and your equipment before you start.

2. To leave your plans. Tell someone where you are going, the trails you are hiking, when you will return and your emergency plans.

3. To stay together. When you start as a group, hike as a group, end as a group. Pace your hike to the slowest person.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. To share the hiker code with others.

hikeSafe: It’s Your Responsibility.
The Hiker Responsibility Code was developed and is endorsed by the White Mountain National Forest and New Hampshire Fish and Game.