http://www.irishtimes.com/news/environment/rhododendron-rescue-hillwalkers-trapped-by-plants-for-five-hours-1.1835371
It took five long hours for two hillwalkers trapped in a thick forest of Rhododendron plants in the Knockmealdown Mountains to be rescued.
The couple, in their 50s, were helped from a treacherous area of steep ground overlooking Bay Lough by the South Eastern Mountain Rescue team on Sunday.
The two are experienced hillwalkers and were able to guide rescuers to their location in the dense Rhododendron forest on the Tipperary-Waterford border near an area referred to locally as the Vee, a V-shaped steep turn on the road leading to a gap in the Knockmealdown mountains.
Cahir River Rescue responded to the last leg of the journey to avoid the “risky and arduous trek” back up the slopes of Knockshanahullion.
Rhododendron plants are an invasive non-native species that are widespread in Ireland.
It was introduced to the country in the early 19th century as an ornament and game cover.
Killarney National Park said they spend hundreds and thousands of euros in an effort to eradicate the “destructive” plant each year.
Rhododendrons .... they'll be taking our jobs soon enough.
Why didn't they just walk back the way they came if they're "experienced hillwalkers"?
