Rescuers in Vermont are reminding hikers of the importance of carrying a paper map after rescuing a hiker on Mount Mansfield recently after the hiker had phone problems.
Members of Stowe Mountain Rescue helped a hiker Saturday night hiking on the Halfway House Trail on Mount Mansfield.
According to members of the rescue team, the hiker in her 70s had already summited Mount Mansfield, but her phone with her digital map had died. Rescuers said she was unfamiliar with the mountain and became confused on the trail.
Feeling disoriented and exhausted, and because it was late in the day, the hiker called for help.
Rescuers praised her decision to call for help early. They said if she had held off into the night and become more exhausted, it could have led to a difficult full-team litter carry in the dark.
Instead, two rescuers reportedly drove up the Toll Road and had an “enjoyable” hike along the ridge to help the hiker out.
Rescuers said the hiker was fairly well-prepared, but could have used a spare battery pack for her phone and, they said, a paper map would have served her well.
