As a kid, I was terrified of going hiking. I had a basic knowledge of how to use a compass, but the idea of getting lost in the woods was too strong to even risk it.
These days, things like GPS and cell phones make it much safer to go out into the wilderness, but they aren't infallible and accidents happen. That's why we should always appreciate the efforts of search and rescue professionals.
One couple from Marin County are very happy for the rescue they received after eight days trapped in a deep drainage ditch.
Carol Kiparsky and Ian Irwin of Palo Alto had rented a cottage and gone for a short stroll when they disappeared. After days of searching, the worst was beginning to look more and more likely.
Groot is a very good boy!
Once alerted to the discovery, Quincy Webster was among those who joined Groot to help and call for a helicopter. He told the Marin Independent Journal that the couple was dressed only in light jackets and Kiparsky had lost her shoes.
Thankfully, they were able to subsist on water pooled on the ground and milder weather for the season, but the last few nights had fallen below freezing and hypothermia had begun to set in.
The likelihood of finding the couple alive by that point were incredibly low.
But Groot was there and he found them, alongside dozens of volunteers and professional searchers.
Just look at that proud smile! Groot had better have gotten all the treats as a reward.
The couple is still recovering from their ordeal and has requested privacy until they are ready to share their story.
