A pair of siblings suffering from the early stages of hypothermia was rescued from the Lincoln Brook Trail in Franconia, N.H., early Sunday after they fell into the brook twice, soaking two sets of clothes amid near-freezing temperatures, officials said.
Xander Dalke, 20, of Hanover, N.H., and Aylen Dalke, 18, of South Hadley, Mass., had begun a planned two-day hike around Owl’s Head Mountain about 7 a.m., but their plans were disrupted when the pair fell into Lincoln Brook, according to a statement released by New Hampshire Fish and Game.
The siblings changed into dry clothing, but later fell into the water a second time, soaking their remaining clothes, according to the statement. Temperatures in Franconia were nearly freezing at the time, according to the National Weather Service.
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After falling into the water, the hikers decided to make camp and attempt to warm themselves, but upon setting up a tent, they began experiencing the early stages of hypothermia, according to the statement. Both hikers came well equipped, and used a satellite messaging device to contact Dartmouth Outdoor Programs despite not having cellular phone service.
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Coordinates from the device showed the pair was located more than 8 miles from the trailhead, according to the statement.
Conservation officers were notified of the rescue request around 7 p.m. Saturday, according to the statement. Around 2:30 a.m. Sunday, two conservation officers reached the tent site and found the Dalke siblings inside sleeping bags. The siblings were given dry clothing, and around 3:30 a.m. they began hiking back to the trailhead, where they arrived around 7:15 a.m.
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No further injuries were reported. Officials did not specify whether the pair required medical attention.
Conservation officers encourage any prospective hikers to expect wintry conditions and to prepare for hikes with essential equipment, including “a map, compass, warm clothing, extra food and water, headlamp, fire starter, first aid kit, whistle, rain/wind jackets & pants, and a knife,” according to the statement.
Collin Robisheaux can be reached at collin.robisheaux@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @ColRobisheaux.
CONCORD, NH — From all of us to all of you, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy Holidays.
We hope you have a great time with family and friends during this joyous time of the year.
Unlike last year, when it was kinda dreary due to not having any snow, there is a little bit on the ground this year, thankfully. It’s incredible how something as simple as a little white stuff on the ground can make the mood festive.
If you need some posts and videos to get into the holiday spirit, check out some of the ones I put together this season:
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The Concord Nativity scene outside the Statehouse on Christmas Eve 2024. Credit: Tony Schinella
This year, I ran out of time and did not get to put together a Christmas lights video. I ran out of time last year, too. However, I’ll make a mental note to do one in 2025; it’s work to put together, but they are a lot of fun.
If you haven’t seen the prior videos, check them out here:
Christmas Lights in Concord 2022:
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Christmas Lights in Concord 2021:
Christmas Lights in Concord 2020, Part 1:
Christmas Lights in Concord 2020, Part 2:
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I’ll have a few “Best Of” posts next week, and we can then welcome in the New Year.
Until then, stay safe and enjoy your time with your family and friends.
Got a news tip? Could you send it to tony.schinella@patch.com? View videos on Tony Schinella’s YouTube.com channel or Rumble.com channel.
Dec. 24—The state Supreme Court has issued a ruling in a legal fight over a proposed jet fueling station at Portsmouth International Airport, determining only landowners are able to offer environmental concerns on matters before the New Hampshire Wetlands Council, not renters. Million Air, an international fixed-base operator (FBO) provider based in Houston, Texas, and doing business as Pease …
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