If the family was willing to pay for a private helicopter to search, you would think that maybe they will offer to drive this elderly lady to a 250-mile destination in the future. I would never have let MY Mom drive that far by herself. Shoot, I wouldn't let an elderly friend or neighbor drive that far. They get tired more easily and might doze off.

Why is it that good judgment only comes retrospectively for some people?

Doug, they probably hired a helicopter because they thought it more likely if they found her near a flat spot, they could pick her up, where even a light plane wouldn't have the room to land.

I'm glad they found her.

When you're on a trip (esp) keep a bag of gear on the passenger seat.

Sue