| August 29, 2008 Rescuers help stranded Mass. hikers in Washington
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(NECN/ABC) - Helicopter crews are preparing to bring the stranded hikers off the
mountain . Early this morning, in the thick clouds at 8 thousand feet,
searchers hiking on foot found 33-year-old Matthew Edwards and 27-year-old
Robin Gibson amazingly unharmed despite their frightening ordeal:
BILL GIBSON: "There were safe they were alert now we've had the medical evaluation and
they don't even have hypothermia so this is a blessed day."
The couple, both experienced outdoorspeople, had been hiking a portion of
the pacific crest Trail when they took a wrong turn-- and became stuck on
an 18 inch ledge near Spire point.
Deputy Brad Holmes, Skagit Co. Sheriff's Dept. "They were kind of in a panic. they were starting to they were really
afraid and scared."
They were cold and wet, with only a sleeping bag and a piece of a tent to
keep them warm. The rest of their gear and their food had been lost over the
edge. It was Wednesday when they first called for help:
"We're trying to get people in there but you know it's a long way. What's
the weather doing? Tell me what it's doing."
The thick clouds and fog prevented rescuers from reaching the hikers for
two long, cold nights.
Even today, the couple have to hike down 2-thousand feet to a point
below the cloud cover where the helicopter can safely pick them up.
One family members say the fact that they are
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