After spending more than 24 hours stuck in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, a mother and her small child managed to escape. The two couldn’t contact anyone for help because they didn’t have cell service, so they left handwritten notes in the woods. These notes, hidden behind rocks, enabled search teams to locate the two. On July 12, search teams safely found and rescued the two. Their fast thinking and ability to find solutions were very important to their rescue.
How did the handwritten notes help save the two?
The Calaveras County Volunteer Search and Rescue Team found Tami, 49, and her 9-year-old son, Stirli, in an amazing turn of events. The two couldn’t make any emergency calls because they didn’t have cell phone service. But they left many notes concealed under rocks along the way. Some of them said things like, “Hello.” Without service, my son and I are unable to call for help. These notes were the most important thing for their safe return. Here is the link to our article on the forest fire crisis.
What Were the Hard Parts About Finding Them?
After receiving information that the mother and son had not returned from their trip to Camp Wolfeboro, authorities initiated the search on July 11. At first, search crews weren’t sure where the missing people were, but when campers in the area saw a car that looked like the missing, the owners of the car sent a text message to the police, which helped the authorities locate them. A specialized group employed both off-road vehicles and airborne resources to cover the difficult terrain.
How did the search teams finally find them?
The first big break came when a rescuer found the first handwritten letter. This led the crew to a second note with the names and contact information of the two people. The team discovered Tami and Stirling approximately a mile up the trail after following the road and getting another note.
Tami said that seeing the rescue squad come to get them was “the best feeling ever.” To stay safe from wild animals and use their food, she and Stirling had to sleep in their car on a cold night. Here is the link to our article on Children’s Bus Rescue
What made the two of them lose their way?
Authorities reported that the GPS connection failed in a remote part of the highlands, leading to the loss of the mother and the boy. They lost their way because they couldn’t find their way back. Despite their struggles, their quick thinking and resourcefulness, which included writing notes to each other, saved them.
Final Thoughts: A Little Bit of Hope in the California Forest Rescue
The California forest rescue of Tami and her son Stirling in the Sierra Nevada shows how important it is to be ready and think quickly in an emergency. Even though they didn’t have phone coverage, the handwritten notes they left were quite beneficial in helping rescuers locate them. This story demonstrates how strong people can be when they have to survive and how small efforts, like leaving messages, can save lives. It’s a powerful reminder that basic survival skills remain essential, even in the digital age, especially during situations like the California forest rescue.
