New Hampshire Fish and Game officials said the hikers will be billed for the rescue.
Two hikers who had to be rescued on New Hampshire’s Mount Cardigan Monday night were unprepared and will be billed for their rescue, according to New Hampshire Fish and Game officials.
At 6:55 p.m. on Monday, April 14, conservation officers received a report of two hikers who felt “stuck” near the summit of Mount Cardigan in Orange, New Hampshire.
Neither hiker had any injuries, but they reportedly felt unsafe to move because the trail was steep and icy. Feeling they could not proceed up or down safely, they called for assistance.
The two hikers — Madeleine Wu, 20, of Hanover, New Hampshire, and Bridge Liu, 20 of Los Angeles, California — had started their hike up West Ridge Trail at approximately 4:30 p.m. While descending South Ridge Trail, they ran into snow and ice that they could not maneuver around.
The two hikers reportedly did not carry microspikes, food, extra clothing, or headlamps. Fish and Game officials said if they had packed those items, they would not have needed assistance.
Conservation officers reached the pair at approximately 8:55 p.m. and provided clothing, warm fluids, and microspikes.
The group made it down to the trailhead at 10 p.m. without incident.
Officials said Wu and Liu will be billed for this incident.
Though technically it is spring and warmer weather is approaching, officials said it is imperative that hikers prepare for the outdoors. With recent snowfall in the mountains, the next few weeks will still have winter conditions.
Officials said hikers should think about having proper footwear, a headlamp, and proper clothing layers for the changes in temperatures and precipitation.
