On a hot mid-August evening, WCSART received a 911 call for a duo of lost hikers with a dog. To locate them, the team sent a link to the hikers, showing their location near the intersection of Swift Camp Creek and Wildcat Trail. They had unknowingly missed the turn off Rock Bridge Trail and ended up on Swift Camp Creek Trail, which is a very long and rugged trail section. Due to the terrain and blistering heat, they suffered from heat exhaustion and fatigue.
WCSART dispatched a hasty team, which found them. The dog was exhausted and that required an improvised carry-out. But thankfully, the dog and hikers are in good condition.
A great lesson for us all is that when we hike in high temps that requires a lot of hydration for humans and pets alike, and when we begin to feel the effects of heat, always stop, rest, hydrate and cool down. Do that before continuing. Thankfully, the call had a happy ending and all were well.
