A lost hiker was retrieved from a mountain east of Armstrong earlier this week, prompting a reminder to be prepared when heading into the wilderness.
As dusk approached on Wednesday evening, May 21, Vernon Search and Rescue (VSAR) was called upon by the RCMP to locate and rescue a hiker and his dogs on the mountain.
The hiker had left earlier in the evening with his two dogs and expected to return before dark, but by 8 p.m. he realized he had hiked much further than he intended and was not able to safely return before nightfall, VSAR said on social media Friday.
The hiker later admitted that while he is usually well-prepared, he did not bring a flashlight, headlamp, food, water, insect spray, a battery pack for his phone or fire-starting tools on this hike.
Recognizing that he needed help, the hiker called 911.
VSAR mobilized and sent a ground team out on foot, as well as a mechanized team with a side-by-side. Contacting the hiker by phone, he was directed to stay with his dogs and wait for the rescuers to find him in the dark.
Once on scene, VSAR members hiked up the mountain and were able to find the hiker. He and his dogs were tired but otherwise OK. The team then led the hiker and dogs down the mountain to safety.
"This successful outcome delivers a strong message to Okanagan residents and visitors, illustrating the importance of calling for help right away once one recognizes they are lost or in danger, and before they are injured trying to push through the wilderness without proper lighting or navigational tools," VSAR said. "Remember, Search and Rescue teams are volunteers available to help you, and that there is no cost for SAR services."
People are advised to check out adventuresmart.ca for a helpful list of tips and tools when planning an outdoor adventure.
"What may seem like a short hike to you may turn into a challenging, life-threatening excursion if you don’t first properly prepare," VSAR said.
