CONTACT:
Conservation Officer Lt. James Kneeland
603-744-5470
October 3, 2019
Lincoln, NH – Conservation Officers were called to the Liberty Spring Trail in Lincoln for a hiker in need of assistance. At 6:20 p.m. a call was placed to NH 911 by a hiker who could no longer continue down the Liberty Spring Trail to the trailhead. The hiker, identified as 66-year-old Leonard Weeks of Greenfield, Massachusetts, reported that his legs would no longer allow him to continue. Fearing the onset of darkness and cool temperatures, which he was not equipped for, he decided to call for help. A team of Conservation Officers and volunteers from Pemi Valley Search and Rescue Team responded to the trail.
Initially rescuers attempted to assist Weeks down the trail but quickly realized Weeks would need to be carried. He was placed into a rescue litter and carried a little over one mile to the trailhead. The rescue party reached the trailhead at 9:35 p.m. Weeks was transported from the trailhead by his hiking companion.
Weeks explained that he and his companion had hiked to the summit of Mount Liberty without incident. On the descent, his legs started to give him issues and slowed their pace. Eventually his legs gave out entirely only allowing him to take a step or two before falling to the ground.
As a reminder, the days are getting shorter and nighttime temperatures in the mountains are getting cooler. Outdoor enthusiasts should prepare accordingly and are encouraged to purchase a Hike Safe card at wildnh.com/safe. The card helps support Fish and Game search and rescue activities.
For safe hiking tips and a list of essential gear, visit hikesafe.com.