At 3:00 PMR received a request to assist in the search for an overdue hiker in the Gorge. The subject was a 60 year old male who had planned a solo hike to Wauneka Pt (2440'. Due to difficulties encountered on the route he related that he would continue south on the ridge to Nesmith Point, then on to his car.

PMR teams followed the subject's ascent route as well as the proposed alternate route. Eventually, the subject regained cell service and called his wife with an updated location. The hiker was in the process of retracing his tracks because he had been unable to locate the necessary trails in knee-deep snow. He was in good shape, well-equipped and been able to build a fire overnight. PMR was able to locate the subject and escort him down.

Gorge weather conditions change rapidly. It is important to research the weather, current conditions, and route before entering the wilderness. PMR always recommends traveling with a partner and having a back-up plan in case problems arise.