Despite Tuesday’s swiftly passing flurries and Wednesday morning’s winterish chill, spring is here and with it a resurgence of hikers in the Monadnock region.
Surely, all of us can name one or two diehard climbers who scale Monadnock with no concern for the season. But when the weather turns warm, hikers are like mayflies – we call ’em black flies around here— they come out in droves.
Because hikers come in all shapes and sizes and all ages and abilities, there are the men and women who guard the mountains and all who venture on and up them – our state Fish and Game and conservation officers – as well as our local mountain patrol on Monadnock in Jaffrey.
In the last week alone, three rescues were made on Monadnock, one of which certainly could have been avoided had the hikers been prepared.
On Monday, Monadnock rangers as well as Fish and Game officers were called to the mountain at 9 p.m., long after most casual hikers have finished safe descents. The hiker reported that his two friends had set out to hike the White Dot Trail at 7 p.m. The two did not have flashlights or proper hiking gear for the predicted weather conditions, according to conservation officers. Once the overdue hikers returned, it became clear that the trio had not discussed their hiking arrangements and didn’t have a meeting time or place.
In contrast, conservation officers called a carryout on April 17 “easy” after a 71-year-old Rhode Island man was injured during an ascent. Officer said the man had followed simple hiking protocols, such as hiking with companions and carrying essentials such as food, water and proper clothing.
Anyone with an ascent planned would do well to remember:
Be prepared:
With knowledge and proper gear.
To leave your hiking plans with someone.
To stay together.
To turn back if need be.
For emergencies.
For more information on hiking safely and the Hiker Responsibility Code, visit hikesafe.com. People who obtain the cards are not liable to repay rescue costs if they need to be rescued due to negligence on their part.