My Sister's Rescue From Shawnee National Forest
by Sherwin Collum Doty on Thursday, January 6, 2011 at 4:01pm
Talked to my sister P this morning and got the harrowing yet funny report of her rescue from The Shawnee National Forest after she was injured in a fall while hiking. I can't tell the funny parts as P would shoot me!
P thought she could make it out with B but the walking was hurting her too much and they were loosing time and light fast. Making a fire proved impossible for them which was bad as it was getting colder all the time with night coming on. So settling P down under a big tree and leaving his coat behind so she would have extra protection from the approaching cold and with the only flashlight between them, B hiked out in the dark seeking help.
Both sis and B were praying hard for the other to stay safe and warm all through this time. Prayer kept P from being afraid for her thoughts were with B and like wise prayer kept B warm as his thought were with P while he hurried on his way.
B walked for some time in the dark trying to keep the trail in sight, in the dark this is not easy. Getting turned around and off trail, B locked on to a star to help guide him through the woods. Following the barking of a dog, led him to the home of an old man with a very long beard who spoke with a mountain twang, whom I identify here as "the mountain man". With his assistance a call for help went out.
Rescue was successful 3 hours later with the help of B, the mountain man & his dog, local fire department and many volunteers. P had to be carried out in a rescue basket, (hence the joke that P was the only member of the family that was a basket case!), sorry P, not! LOL!
Having been taken by ambulance to er, P was found to be very tired and suffering from the cold, her injury was not bad enough to keep her in hospital and B was thought to be mostly tired from his part, so she and B were allowed to go home. Both parties are doing fine now and happy to be back home and sharing their adventure with family and friends.
I did suggested "2" windup flashlights (batteries not needed!) for the next outing. I think they are already discussing other things to carry with, they intend to be better prepared! They are not going to let something like this keep them from enjoying each other and life to the fullest!
Many thanks go out to all that helped with the rescue, you were wonderful! I am so greatfull that all went well, thank you Lord!
P thought she could make it out with B but the walking was hurting her too much and they were loosing time and light fast. Making a fire proved impossible for them which was bad as it was getting colder all the time with night coming on. So settling P down under a big tree and leaving his coat behind so she would have extra protection from the approaching cold and with the only flashlight between them, B hiked out in the dark seeking help.
Both sis and B were praying hard for the other to stay safe and warm all through this time. Prayer kept P from being afraid for her thoughts were with B and like wise prayer kept B warm as his thought were with P while he hurried on his way.
B walked for some time in the dark trying to keep the trail in sight, in the dark this is not easy. Getting turned around and off trail, B locked on to a star to help guide him through the woods. Following the barking of a dog, led him to the home of an old man with a very long beard who spoke with a mountain twang, whom I identify here as "the mountain man". With his assistance a call for help went out.
Rescue was successful 3 hours later with the help of B, the mountain man & his dog, local fire department and many volunteers. P had to be carried out in a rescue basket, (hence the joke that P was the only member of the family that was a basket case!), sorry P, not! LOL!
Having been taken by ambulance to er, P was found to be very tired and suffering from the cold, her injury was not bad enough to keep her in hospital and B was thought to be mostly tired from his part, so she and B were allowed to go home. Both parties are doing fine now and happy to be back home and sharing their adventure with family and friends.
I did suggested "2" windup flashlights (batteries not needed!) for the next outing. I think they are already discussing other things to carry with, they intend to be better prepared! They are not going to let something like this keep them from enjoying each other and life to the fullest!
Many thanks go out to all that helped with the rescue, you were wonderful! I am so greatfull that all went well, thank you Lord!
