A group of overdue hikers were safely found by Alaska State Troopers Monday, the third trio of people this year to elicit a recovery effort in relation to a famed bus where a man died near Healy.
Alaska State Troopers say the three hikers -- Jensen Green of Talkeetna, as well as Nate Perkins and Kia Bridges of Utah -- were headed to the abandoned bus where Chris McCandless starved to death in 1992, as depicted in the book and film "Into the Wild." They left the end of Stampede Trail at about noon Saturday for the hike and were expected back Sunday, but were reported overdue at about 9:45 a.m. Monday.
The hikers were located in good shape at the Teklanika River crossing by troopers, along with medics from the Tri-Valley Fire Department.
AST spokesperson Megan Peters says the hikers became overdue after they decided to rest on the way back.
"Essentially, they decided they were going to stay another night because they were tired," Peters said.
Peters commended the hikers for leaving a plan of their trip behind, prompting the reports that brought the delay to AST's attention.
"Definitely, we're glad they called," Peters said.
Troopers dispatched a helicopter to airlift three German hikers from the vicinity of the bus on May 27, when waters on the Savage River rose after they had crossed it and prevented their departure. In June, another group of three hikers en route to the bus were flown out after one of them suffered a minor leg injury.
Contact Chris Klint