Charlie Peachey, weather observer and research & IT specialist at Mount Washington Observatory, spoke with FOX Weather about the recent wind gusts measuring more than 100 mph around the observatory and why the observatory is home to such powerful winds. He also spoke about Nimbus, the kitty mascot of Mount Washington Observatory.
SARGENT’S PURCHASE, N.H. – Two Canadian hikers needed rescuing after becoming stuck in steep terrain on New Hampshire’s Mount Washington Tuesday, according to officials.
The hikers called for help via cell phone, and the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department told the hikers to stay put along their perch on the Huntington Ravine Trail and wait for rescuers to reach them.
After two hours, rescue teams climbed down into the Huntington Ravine from an area known as the Alpine Gardens, officials shared. First responders eventually reached the two hikers and used a climbing harness to assist them back up the mountain by using ropes at the steeper parts of the trail.
A view from the auto road on Mount Washington, standing at an elevation of 6,288.2 ft, looking out to the surrounding White Mountains, in the Presidential Range of the White Mountains in New Hampshire on June 12, 2020.
(Joseph Prezios / AFP / Getty Images)
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“The Huntington Ravine Trail is considered to be the most difficult hiking trail in the White Mountains, but there are many other trails that hold similar perils regarding steep ground and technical terrain,” read a statement from the NH Fish and Game Department.
The two hikers, visiting from Quebec, admitted that they had read the trail description prior to the hike, but underestimated the difficulty of the trip.
Everyone involved in the incident arrived safely after the rescue was completed.
Cars traverses the auto road that leads to the top of Mount Washington, standing at an elevation of 6,288.2 ft in the Presidential Range of the White Mountains in New Hampshire on June 12, 2020.
(Joseph Prezios / AFP / Getty Images)
Ten essentials to bring on a hike
The National Park Service suggests bringing these items to best prepare for hiking expeditions:
- NAVIGATION – Map, compass, and GPS.
- SUN PROTECTION – Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat.
- INSULATION – Jacket, hat, gloves, rain shell, and thermal underwear.
- ILLUMINATION – Flashlight, lanterns, and headlamp.
- FIRST-AID SUPPLIES – First Aid Kit.
- FIRE – Matches, lighters, and fire starters.
- REPAIR KIT AND TOOLS – Duct tape, knife, screwdriver, and scissors.
- NUTRITION – Food.
- HYDRATION – Water and water treatment supplies.
- EMERGENCY SHELTER – Tent, space blanket, tarp, and bivy.
