This morning (Thursday 3 March) X found the three hapless individuals huddled in the shelter hut at Scotts Peak campsite following his routine surveillance of Scotts Peak Dam (I understand it is standard practice for the guys to check the campsite for individuals in need after each routine, due to its remoteness, and location at the trail head).
The two Canadians and one American were experienced, well equipped hikers who had set out on Monday on the south-west track, but had to abandon the hike due the extreme weather conditions and impassable river crossings that had swelled with recent rain.
They were wet and cold, and all their gear was soaked. Without X's assistance they could have been trapped there for several days, as they had been dropped off to do the hike, had no car, and weren't expected to be heard from for several days.
X gave them his satellite phone to make some calls and, knowing that myself and Y were returning to Hobart this afternoon, came to Edgar Dam to see if we could give them a lift, which we were only too happy to do.
There was a photo of three very large and very wet looking backpacks with the story.
The thing I find amazing about this is that their gear was apparently completely soaked. Two of the packs had pack covers on, but I wonder if they had pack liners or dry bags or anything at all to keep their gear dry. I'm not sure how "experienced, well equipped hikers" could find themselves in such a miserable situation.
Anyway, I thought it was an interesting little cautionary tale.
Cheers,
Alliecat
I know you don't want to see 'em 
