| | 
--
FEATURE NEWS | |
A TALE OF SURVIVAL FOR SIX DAYS IN A COLD NORTHWEST FOREST
A “miracle” that mushroom pickers were found alive in Oregon
February 05, 2012
 Belinda and Daniel Conne, found alive after surviving along with their son for six days in an Oegon forest with no food or shelter or warm clothing.
After six days in a dense Oregon forest with no food, water or warm clothing and no tent for shelter, Belinda and Daniel Conne, along with their 25-year-old son, Michael, were found by a search helicopter after spending an agonizing week trying to stay alive while injured and cold to the bone.
The chopper spotted them spotted them several miles outside the community of Gold Beach, about 330 miles south-southwest of Portland.
The Curry County Sheriff John Bishop said it was “a miracle” they were alive.
It all began a week ago with a simple walk in the woods to pick some mushrooms and “they just got turned around,” says Bishop. They survived by drinking water from streams and taking shelter in a hollowed-out tree at times.
The three were airlifted to a Gold Beach hospital where the family told Bishop they could see helicopters just a few hundred feet above them while they were lost, but couldn't signal rescuers. They were in dense forest and they had nothing to signal with.
Daniel Conne suffered a back injury and his wife Belinda Conne suffered from hypothermia and their son had a sprained foot and minor frostbite. All of them were also dehydrated and quite hungry.
Their survival ordeal began last Sunday when the three went out looking for hedgehog mushrooms, an orange-topped fungus that is prized by mushroom hunters. The family had been living in a trailer at a campsite after leaving Oklahoma for Oregon last summer.
As they were out darkness began to fall so they started to return to their Jeep but then couldn't agree on directions on how to get back to the vehicle and soon they were lost.
When the family was finally found Saturday, they were only 200 yards from the nearest group of searchers -- searchers who had started the day out with little hope of finding anyone alive.
Hiking and climbing experts say even a day hike in the mountains or anywhere off the beaten path can turn deadly in the blink of an eye due to a variety of unforeseen circumstances such as the Conne family encountered. Besides telling someone specifically where you are going and when you should return, outdoors experts advise carrying what are called The Ten Essentials in a backpack.
THE TEN ESSENTIALS FOR STAYING ALIVE
In the 1930s, the Mountaineers, a Seattle-based hiking, climbing, and conservation organization, came up with a list of 10 essential items that no climber or even casual day hiker should be without.
Map. A map not only tells you where you are and how far you have to go, it can help you find campsites, water, and an emergency exit route in case of an accident.
Compass. A compass can help you find your way through unfamiliar terrain—especially in bad weather where you can't see the landmarks.
Water and a way to purify it. Without enough water, your body's muscles and organs simply can't perform as well. You'll be susceptible to hypothermia and altitude sickness, not to mention the abject misery of raging thirst.
Extra Food. Any number of things could keep you out longer than expected: a lengthy detour, getting lost, an injury, difficult terrain. A few ounces of extra food will help keep up energy and morale.
Rain Gear and extra clothing. Because the weatherman is not always right, especially above tree line, bring along extra layers. Two rules -- Avoid cotton (it keeps moisture close to your skin), and always carry a good hat. Most body heat is lost through the head and other extremeties.
Fire starter and matches. The warmth of a fire and a hot drink can help prevent an encounter with hypothermia. And fires are a great way to signal for help if you get lost.
First aid kit. Prepackaged first aid kits for hikers are available at outfitters. Double your effectiveness with knowledge: Take a basic first aid class with the American Red Cross or a Wilderness First Aid class, offered by many hiking organizations.
Army knife or multi-purpose tool. These enable you to cut strips of cloth into bandages, remove splinters, fix broken eyeglasses, and perform a whole host of repairs on malfunctioning gear—not to mention cut cheese and open cans.
Flashlight and extra bulbs. For finding you’re way in the dark and signaling for help.
Sun screen and sun glasses. Especially above tree line when there is a skin-scorching combination of sun and snow, you'll need sunglasses to prevent snow blindness, and sunscreen to prevent sunburn.
| |
|
BACK TO
HOME
| |
|
