Some people are not getting the message. The weather in the higher altitudes of the White Mountains are always more severe than the climate at the base. In the past four days, six hikers had to be rescued by New Hampshire Fish and Game, and this morning, a male hiker was found dead on the Kinsman Pond Trail in Franconia Notch.
Glen Lucas, former NH Fish and Game Sergeant
Bad weather and lack of preparation are almost always the culprits. Hikers are often fooled by the placid weather conditions when they park their cars alondside busy Route 93, the route that runs through Francoia Notch. I wrote previously on the tragic, and useless, death of Emily Sotelo in this same area.
I have hiked this area many times and can attest to the weather changes experienced as the hikes advanced up the various peaks. Cold, snow and high winds can wreak havoc on those that are unprepared mentally and physically for what can beome an ordeal.
Fish and Game personnel and other searchers often risk their own lives in such rescues and body recoveries. They deserve better.
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