From Buzznet – thanks to Bob P.
Over two million tourists visit Alaska every year, and many go hiking. But some of these hikes are dangerous. A deaf college student went on a hike alone and fell 700 feet down a mountain. What she found was that there was something else down there, too. Here is the unexpected story of how she was rescued.
A College Student’s Vacation Went Wrong
Amelia Milling was a college student at the Rochester Institute of Technology. That year she decided to spend some of her summer break on vacation in Alaska.
Although Milling is deaf, she is more than capable of handling a solo journey. The student flew from her native state of Tennessee to Anchorage, one of Alaska’s largest cities.
A Treacherous Three-Day Hike
While on vacation, Milling decided to hike the Crow Pass Trail. The trail, which is 30 miles south of Anchorage, is a three-day hike.
Crow Pass cuts through the scenic Chugach State Park. In June, the weather climbs over 50°F and the skies clear. It was the perfect time for that hike.
She Was Well Prepared For This Difficult Hike
Milling packed everything she needed for the hike: food, water, clothes, a tent, a sleeping bag, and other hiking gear. She even bought trekking poles, which act as a separate set of limbs that help people keep their balance.
Although Crow Pass is gorgeous, it is also challenging. The terrain can be rough, and the weather can change unpredictably.