Lost hiker survives 10 days on wild berries and waterfall water
A 34-year-old man set out for a hike in the mountains, but his trip took a turn for the worse, lasting 10 days instead of the planned three hours. He survived thanks to nearby waterfalls and wild fruits, even drinking water straight from his shoe. Upon being rescued, he joked that he had had enough of being outdoors.
6:47 AM EDT, June 24, 2024
CNN reports the incredible story of 34-year-old Lukas McClish from California. The Americans went for a hike around Boulder Creek in the Santa Cruz Mountains in the San Francisco area along the Pacific Ocean coast. McClish got lost because recent fires had burned a large part of the area, which may have disoriented him.
His family reported him missing on June 16, five days after he failed to show up for a family dinner organized for Father's Day. He was finally found on June 20, thanks to a drone from the Santa Cruz sheriff's office. The drone was deployed to locate sounds, as witnesses reported hearing desperate cries for help.
McClish was found in Big Basin Redwoods State Park, California's oldest state park. The park is known for its ancient coastal sequoias and diverse wildlife. It is also home to numerous swamps inhabited by bobcats, foxes, deer, coyotes, cougars, opossums, and one of the most dangerous snakes—the Pacific rattlesnake.
He ate wild berries and drank water from streams
The man was found alive, and witnesses repeatedly heard his calls for help. McClish revealed he had left home with pants, shoes, and a hat. He brought along a flashlight and folding scissors.
CNN reports that McClish survived by drinking water from streams and waterfalls—straight from his shoe. Remarkably, he drank at least one gallon of water each day. He also ate wild berries and made a "bed" from wet leaves. After being examined by medical services, it was determined that the 34-year-old had no injuries.
In a conversation with the media, McClish joked that he had enough of being outdoors and hiking probably until the end of the year.
