Seventy Year Old Hiker Wisely Calls for Help on Mansfield Summit Before Running Out of Light, and Energy

Keeping an eye on the remaining daylight and your physical capacity is crucial, and on both counts she was right to call when she did.

By Stowe Mountain Rescue

Our rescue last night was a perfect demonstration of why you should call for help earlier, rather than later. A woman in her 70s had summited the Chin and was on the Halfway House Trail on Mt Mansfield.

Her digital mapping technology had failed and, unfamiliar with the mountain, the side trail had her confused. A combination of disorientation and exhaustion and the time of day led her to play it safe and call for help.

First off, it has to be said, some credit to her for being up on Mt Mansfield in the first place – we respect that instinct to blaze past 70 and keep adventuring and enjoying the outdoors. She called us in the early evening and two team members drove up the Toll Road and took an enjoyable hike along the ridge to go help her out. If she had held off from calling and soldiered on to the point of collapse, it would have been a full-team litter carry in the dark.

Everyone, no matter what age or physical condition, should do an honest assessment of their capabilities and preparedness before heading into the backcountry. Our friend from last night was fairly well-prepared, but she could have used a spare battery pack for her phone. Needless to say, a paper map would have served her well. Keeping an eye on the remaining daylight and your physical capacity is crucial, and on both counts she was right to call when she did.

---