January 25, 2010
Monday

Ketchikan, Alaska - Teens, the "iron man posse", and rescuers had what might be described as a fortunate chance meeting on Deer Mountain Saturday. The chance meeting came about as eleven teens were hiking up Deer Mountain.

The teens were headed for the summit or cabin - although they were reportedly not sure how to get to either. Michael K. Schuler and Kathy Holcomb, both members of Ketchikan Mountain rescue, talked the young people in to turning around due to dangerous ice and snow conditions on the mountain and their lack of food, water, light sources, and clothing.

Schuler said, the young hikers happily posed for a photograph after several other hikers from the fireworks team - better known as Ken Arriola's "iron man posse"- had donated all non-essential food and water to the young people. The teens were then sent on their way back down to Ketchikan with the understanding that they were to stay together as a group, and not take any shortcuts.

All the young people apparently made it down safely said Schuler.

Schuler said a great day had by all, other than the fact that when the fireworks team hit the summit of Deer Mountain it was snowing with high winds and a lowering cloud deck. A fireworks display had been planned for the evening. It will be rescheduled. The annual new year fireworks' event was the brain-child of Ken Arriola.

Schuler said, "Despite what some may say - about their appearance - this group was very polite and appreciative of the attention given them. Ketchikan teens are pretty great!"

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Ketchikan, Alaska