Missing hiker stories don't always end well, but yesterday brought happy news in the walking world as a 70-year-old man lost for five days in the Sierra Nevada wilderness was found alive and well.
This story comes on the heels of a man who was found over the weekend after being missing for two weeks in Kentucky's Red River Gorge and the California hiker who was found alive after spending 10 days in the wild drinking water from his hiking boot back in June.
According to a Facebook post by the Placer County Sheriff’s Office, Warren Elliot went missing on Friday, July 19 when he was camping in an area west of Lake Tahoe. He had gone for a walk at around 3 p.m. that day in an area he says he is familiar with.
"When he went to walk back to the area they were camping in Rubicon Springs, he began walking in the wrong direction," writes the PCSO.
That wrong turn took Elliot on a detour lasting five days and at least nine miles, during which time the sheriff's office says he drank water from a river and ate berries to keep his energy levels up. During that time, between 50 and 100 searchers scoured the surrounding area looking for Elliott each day.
"From the point he was last seen, near Cadillac Hill, to the area he was found, Hell Hole Reservoir, is roughly 9 miles as the crow flies; however, he walked much further than that over the five days. Mr. Elliott was not hurt and is in good spirits."
In a heartwarming video which you can watch below, Elliot is seen looking a little dazed and tattered but otherwise healthy as he is escorted on foot to a waiting helicopter which transports him back to a command post. Once there he is seen in an emotional reunion with family members and his trusty cowboy hat.
Staying safe in the wild
Incidents like these show that any of us can get disoriented in the wild and take a wrong turn and underscore the need to carry a map and compass even when you think you know the area well. Carrying a charged Apple device with the SOS function or a satellite communicator which works when cell phones don't can also help you find help quicker.
It's important to carry a water filter and water bottle so that you can stay hydrated if you do end up spending the night outdoors, and an emergency blanket, bag or shelter can help to protect you from the elements. Learn more in our article on how to survive a night in the wild.
