DANCING HIKERS

This video clip was taken in the Kurdish city of Irbil on July 29, 2009, two days before Shane, Sarah and Josh were detained. It shows the three friends dancing and fooling around in what looks like an unfinished cinder block dwelling.

This clip was filmed by the fourth hiker Shon Meckfessel. Shon had stayed behind at their hotel in the town of Suleimaniya with a cold when Shane, Sarah and Josh hiked to the Ahmed Awa waterfall, close to the border with Iran. He was on his way to meet up with them the next day when he got a cell-phone call from Shane saying they were being taken into custody.

If ever there was even the slightest doubt that we were in Iraqi Kurdistan to relax and have fun, this should surely remove it. I hope the Iranian authorities see these clips, realize my friends are harmless young people who may have made a simple mistake and let them come home, Shon said.

For more information about the hikers and their plight, please visit http://freethehikers.org. Thank you!

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• ssj
• dance
• silly

[Quanuck]

I pray for their release. why did nthey even go there... right at the Iranian border? They must lack in mapping skills to be so stupid to get themselves in this position. I love to hike and explore other countries too, but I know where to go and where not to go.

[gwrightmd]

They were sending home "code" to the CIA in that dance. lol

[rakovsky]

I read he happened to stay home sick that day.

[rakovsky]

It says: "Shon had stayed behind at their hotel in the town of Suleimaniya with a cold"

[artemishal]

As far as that region goes, and the natural beauty that some people might want to see of Iran.. its absolutely true; I vouch for the fact that Irans natural beauty is outstanding . I will try and put together a video for the hikers, to show this fact to the skeptics& I pray for your loved ones immediate release.

[JadedAlien]

It says right there in the info box (full text is available by clicking 'more info') - he had a cold and stayed at the hotel. He was on his way to meet them when he got the call that they were being taken in to custody.

[monte382002]

God Bless You and your family

[bryanguy1]

for someone who says they Like to hike and explore, Why do ask the ? why did they even go there. Also yes Trekkers do use maps the also have guides which in this case they did. Also IRAQ/IRAN has a very Abstract border. I am Glad they went out traveling the world they will Learn what the world looks like outside the US. Plus not to say u but Most Americans have no Clue its always about Them and the US. get out travel the world and not just to the touristy areas but explore The Real World

[bryanguy1]

The camera Man stayed Back at the Hotel

[belisamasana1]

I hope they're released soon. I'm praying for their safe return.