A hiker attempted to go to the lengths and winded up in an unexpected emergency on a recent expedition in California. The incident in question involved a large cliff and a woman who was heralded previously as a “very experienced hiker.” It took place on the famous Pacific Crest Trail, and it just goes to show that a terrifying situation can happen at any moment. Even when you’re the one seeking out the thrills and hiking challenges.
A woman who had previously tackled various hiking adventures head-on was in for the surprise of her life when she took an unexpected fall on the trail. Videos shared on Instagram showed the hiker clinging to the side of the cliff for dear life in a precarious position.
It became more and more difficult for her to hold on through the exhaustion. Luckily she was to alert authorities through an emergency communication device. And good for her for being prepared. It’s not uncommon for hikers and climbers to heighten the thrill by not having any way to contact help.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit immediately jumped into action instead of leaving this story on a cliffhanger. When the Aviation Unit located the hiker, they found that she was “death gripping the cliff.” It also didn’t help she had a heavy pack on her back.
A rescue specialist commented, “When I first saw her on our first pass, it looked like she was hanging on for her life on the side of that mountain. We could definitely see her silhouetted out on that steep angle.” The adrenaline was palpable for both the hiker and rescue units. It only heightened when they reached out to grab ahold of her and bring her to safety.
Aside from some bruising and cuts, the hiker was otherwise uninjured. She was also surprised to hear that she wasn’t the first one who had to be helped off the side of the Pacific Crest Trail. It likely won’t be the last, as many make the arduous trek each year.
The vast majority of the comments on Instagram were positive and giving the rescue unit props. “Her poor legs were shaking so bad. Well done everyone,” one person said.
Of course, this is the internet, so naturally someone had to take a shot at her. “What a d*****s, yes I’ve hiked the pct. She had to have been trying to do something dumb to end up there on that section of trail,” one person said. Even the most experienced can’t account for every situation.
One major pilot from the rescue mission, Corporal Mike Calhoun, said that the PCT is a “lot to get over.” Fortunately for this hiker, help was easily obtained and she can now continue her future hiking missions with confidence. Don’t forget methods of communication, folks. It could quite literally save your life!
