In two separate rescues yesterday, cell phones aided hikers to safety.
In the afternoon, a family was coming down from the summit of Mount Chocorua (pictured above), a 3,490-foot peak in the Sandwich Range.
A 12-year-old boy in the family visiting from Florida hiked ahead of the group and took a wrong turn at a junction. He ended up on the Champney Falls Trail while his parents used their cell phone to call authorities.
Word was spread across the mountain to other hikers about the missing boy. One hiker reported a possible sighting and rescuers were sent to the area. The boy was found in good condition and reunited with parents at the trailhead.
In a separate incident, a mother, father and five children, ages 6 to 17, on vacation from Toronto were hiking to the North Doublehead Mountain Shelter. They were unable to find the cabin and started down the mountain when the sun set.
In darkness, and unfamiliar with the landscape, the family became disoriented and used their cell phone to call for help. Rescuers arrived to the area and while a family member was on the phone, whistles were used to locate the missing family.
Around 10:30 p.m., the family was located and they were escorted down the mountain.
These two groups were lucky to have cell phone service on the mountain. Without it, they would still be on the mountain wandering around helplessly.
Authorities warn hikers that cell phones do come in handy sometimes, but they should never be considered safety gear because service can be spotty in the wilderness.
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