Two hikers were brought safely down Mount Washington early Nov. 4 after darkness left them needing help at the seasonally closed Lakes of the Clouds hut, New Hampshire Fish and Game said.
The department said conservation officers were notified shortly after 5 p.m. Nov. 3 that two 18-year-olds from Rochester, New York, needed assistance. Officers directed them to use an emergency shelter at the hut and wait for rescuers, according to the department's account.
Fish and Game said the hikers were insufficiently prepared and did not have lights. Rescuers from the Androscoggin Valley Search and Rescue Team and a conservation officer began climbing at about 7:15 p.m.
The first rescuers reached the hut at 9:14 p.m. They warmed the hikers and supplied food, lights and extra clothing before beginning the descent of the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail at 10:08 p.m.
The group reached the Cog Railway base station at approximately 1:45 a.m. The department reported that everyone arrived safely.
