Two hikers fine after being rescued near Monte Cristo trailhead early Thursday morning

<strong>LOGAN—</strong>A Clinton couple is safe and sound after calling Cache County Search and Rescue crews late Wednesday evening when they became stuck on the Monte Cristo trail. Emergency crews received a call from the couple around 10 p.m., and responded.

Jason Krotts and Shellie Baughman, both 37, parked at the Monte Cristo trailed on Dec. 19, and went for a hike according to Sgt. Jake Peterson of the Cache County Sheriff’s Department. Peterson said Krotts was able to call 911 after the pair got bogged down. They were able to start a fire, and waited for search and rescue to respond.

“He’s the one that contacted us via telephone. I was able to speak with him and kind of get a general idea of where he was,” Peterson said. “He had started a fire, and he had I think an emergency blanket around her and they were just huddled up by the fire when we got to them.”

Peterson said Cache County Search and Rescue reached the pair around 1:15 a.m. on the morning of Thursday, Dec. 20, with the temperature at negative 10 degrees. The spot where the couple was found was actually located in Weber County.

“Cache County Search and Rescue made contact with the subjects – they had built a fire – and were able to take them back down to the Weber County Snowcat via our snowmobiles. They were turned over to Weber County at the trailhead, and I think they went merrily on their way,” Peterson said. “They were out there for several hours … I think it was upwards of five hours that they were out.”

Peterson said it was good that the Krotts and Baughman were at least somewhat prepared with the ability to start a fire and stay warm in the frigid temperatures. He said it is very important to make preparations before venturing outdoors into remote places – especially in sub-zero temperatures.

“Make a plan and stick to it. Make sure somebody knows where you’re at, and make sure you have the appropriate cold weather gear, including avalanche equipment such as an avalanche beacon and probe,” Peterson said. “(Pack the) basic essentials – food, water, and means to start a fire. The main thing is to let people know your plan and when you’re going to be back.”

<em><strong>@TheRealTO</strong></em>

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