Caroline Meister, 30, was reported missing Monday night after she failed to return from her hike. Her body was found on Friday, March 22.
Caroline Meister, a 30-year-old California hiker who had been missing for 10 days, has been found alive in the Northern California mountains.
Meister was reported missing on Monday night after she failed to return from her hike in the Snow Mountain Wilderness, located about 100 miles northeast of San Francisco.
California Hiker, Missing for 10 Days, Found Alive in Northern California Mountains
Search and rescue crews from multiple agencies immediately began searching for Meister, but their efforts were hampered by heavy snow and rain.
On Friday morning, a California Highway Patrol helicopter spotted Meister waving from a clearing in the forest.
California Hiker, Missing for 10 Days, Found Alive in Northern California Mountains
A rescue team was dispatched to the area and hiked in to reach Meister. They found her in good condition, but she was tired, hungry, and had suffered some minor injuries.
Meister was flown to a nearby hospital for treatment, and she is expected to make a full recovery.
California Hiker, Missing for 10 Days, Found Alive in Northern California Mountains
The Placer County Sheriff's Office said in a statement that Meister's survival was "nothing short of a miracle."
"She was exposed to the elements for 10 days, and she had very little food or water," the statement said. "But she never gave up hope, and she kept fighting to survive."
California Hiker, Missing for 10 Days, Found Alive in Northern California Mountains
Meister's family and friends have expressed their gratitude to the search and rescue crews who worked tirelessly to find her.
"We are so grateful to everyone who helped bring Caroline home," her family said in a statement. "We can't thank them enough."
Meister's story is a reminder of the importance of being prepared when hiking in remote areas. She was fortunate to have the skills and knowledge to survive for 10 days in the wilderness, but not everyone is so lucky.
Before you go on a hike, make sure to tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. Bring plenty of food, water, and clothing, and be prepared for the possibility of getting lost.
If you do get lost, stay calm and don't panic. Follow these tips:
* Stay in one place and make yourself visible.
* Build a fire to keep warm and signal for help.
* Use your whistle or other noise-making device to attract attention.
* If you have a cell phone, use it to call for help.
Even if you are well-prepared, there is always the possibility of getting lost or injured in the wilderness. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of being found and rescued.
