Silver Lake- Amador Mutual Aid

65 year old male, experienced hiker was reported missing and separated from his ovenight hiking party. Mutual aid callout for 6-10-07. Volunteers from several counties responded.
Subject found on second full day of search. Synopsis provided by SAR 007.

The subject was located in good shape just before 2 pm today in the center of the area bounded by the Beebee Lakes, several miles to the east of Silver Lake. This was a happy outcome most of us had dared not hope for.

He had gotten lost because, despite being experienced outdoors and familiar with the area, his instincts had led him east instead of west. Worse, when his compass said he was going the wrong way, he disregarded it. He made the same mistake pilots sometimes do - he didn't trust his instruments. Fortunately he was equpped with his own sleeping bags and those of his two friends (he was supposed to carry them back to the car).

When he realized that he was lost, he stayed put, though he said it was hard to do. This probably accounts for the lack of clues. He had a fire burning all the time and when the helicopter showed up, he threw pine needles on it to make smoke. That's what led the helo to him - smart. There was nowhere to land so they had to hoist him on a cable and a winch.

El Dorado contributed 20+ people today alone (OHV, Management, Foot, and Mounted), plus the comm van and a portable repeater. There were several other counties represented, too. The helicopter, callsign Spartan 964, was from Fallon Naval Air Station, I believe. Ione Fire Department provided great food. Plasse's Resort made a comfortable (and scenic) base camp.

Amador expressed their heartfelt thanks for all the support. Without it, the outcome might not have been the same.