http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/Woman+rescued+days+after+mountainside+crash/3282801/story.html

I think she did pretty well for an 80-year-old. Positive mental attitude counts for a lot. Though a jug of water and maybe a jacket within reach would have helped a lot. Some automatic communications system equivalent to OnStar (which I otherwise loathe) might have been highly useful here.

Note that the family hired a helicopter on day two, and that's how she was found. I wonder how this might have ended if they hadn't taken the initiative.

[EDIT: no idea why the address isn't a hyperlink, sorry 'bout that]

Her intended trip -- to Calgary from Christina Lake, B.C -- looks on map to be around 250 miles. Even with helicopter, in that country, remarkable they found her so quickly.

Try this link: Woman, 80, rescued two days after mountain crash.

HJ

I've visited many times in the Castlegar / Salmo area. It's nice country down there this time of year and I am glad this happened in the summer as the fall/winter conditions could of resulted in a very different story...

Another link for anyone who's interested. It's a good argument for keeping part of your kit in the passenger compartment, ready to grab. Too much of mine is in the trunk due to theft concerns.

I wonder why the family paid for a helicopter? Seems to me a light plane loaded with spotters would be more suited to the job. Then again, in dense brush, it might not. Thoughts?

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/nati...article1641853/

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