"Helicopter and ground searches turned up nothing in the Siskiyou Mountains south of Medford, where the couple got stuck for four hours while getting their tree last year,"

Thank goodness they didn't take their children on this outing. Big mistake not leaving behind their specific route. The article says he is a camper who knows the woods well so hopefully they are somewhat prepared. But if they went off the road then all bets are off.

I grew up on Mt. Hood and every year we got a USFS permit and made a day of hunting for our Christmas tree. It's a wonderful tradition. Mom made her fabulous chili and we had plenty of hot cocoa. Always had a couple 4x4s along as my Aunt and Uncle joined us.

Countless trips over the years on the backroads of northern California, Oregon and Washington. Never a problem, other than getting stuck occasionally but then after some effort we'd get unstuck. Drove my '69 Mustang on snow-packed roads with nary a worry. Studded snow tires. Tire chains always in the trunk. I had no appreciation for the peril or how luck could instantly turn bad.

God bless these people, I pray that they come through this.