Santa Cruz County, California — A hiker who went missing in Northern California has returned home after more than a week in the mountains, and a heartwarming reunion has been captured on camera.
Lucas McLeish, 34, said he spent 10 days in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
On Tuesday, June 11, McLeish set out on a three-hour hike from his hometown of Boulder Creek when he got lost and couldn’t remember some landmarks that had been destroyed in the fire.
He was declared missing on Sunday, June 16th after he failed to show up for a Father’s Day dinner.
Four days later, McLeish was rescued.
“I was tired, I was in a little bit of pain and I lost my voice,” McLeish said.
We spoke with McLeish on Friday about what he had in his possession at the time.
“I set out with just my pants, hiking shoes and a hat. I had a flashlight and some folding scissors, like a Leatherman, and that was it,” McLeish said.
The sheriff’s office said McLeish did not suffer any major injuries.
Mr McLeish said he survived by drinking large amounts of water.
“I was trying to drink a gallon of water every day, but then, towards the end, my body needed food and some kind of nourishment,” McLeish said.
The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office announced it had deployed the drone. Cal Fire The San Mateo-Santa Cruz Fire Department, Boulder Creek Fire Department and California State Parks assisted in the search.
The sheriff’s office said witnesses reported hearing someone screaming for help around 3 p.m. Thursday, and McLeish was found in a secluded ravine in Big Basin State Park.
He was moved by the sight of people searching for him, leaving boot and footprints on the ground.
“It was really humbling and an amazing experience,” McLeish said.
He and his family are grateful for all the help they have received.
And they won’t be hitting the trails anytime soon.
“I think I’ve got enough hiking to last me the rest of the year,” he said.
“Me too,” said his father.
“We’ve all done a lot of hiking,” his mom said.
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