Date: 2021-06-27
From: Mahoosuc Notch

To: Mahoosuc Notch 
Miles today: 0.0

Slept pretty well with an occasional wake-up to realize I was a bit parched. I was still a bit disoriented . I packed up and headed out,  downhill, at 7:30. No water, no breakfast. Pretty soon I spotted a shelter! That meant water! Cool! Then I realized I was at Full Goose Shelter, a place I had been at a couple of days earlier. The full realization of my being headed in the wrong direction hit me! Very disorienting. Both my wingman Bob and my Guardian Angel, were at my side and working the magic. There was a group of guys there, one with extra food, another with a battery pack and cord compatible with my phone.Things were looking up.  I filtered water and worked hard at rehydrating. Tried to choke down some food. When dehydrated, eating food is not easy. My new best friends headed out but my phone was now at 75% power and I was also getting some energy restored in my body. But still quite depleted. At 9:30am I activated my Personal Locator Emergency Beacon. I got a pretty quick call from the Air Force Emergency Center in Panama City, FL. Apparently they coordinate this system around the world. This contact would have been impossible without a charged phone. My info was eventually passed to the local rescue and law enforcement who, in this case, were the Maine Game Wardens who have oversight for this area of the White Mountains. I then received a call from Sara Miller,  a Maine Game Warden, who was tasked with getting me out. I asked for  a helicopter to extract me. I felt so tired I didn¢t think there was any other way to get out. Turns out they only send a helo for life or death cases. Too risky otherwise. Sara said I should start hiking out when I was ready. Yes, back up and over Fulling Mill Mountain for the third time!  I called my wife who was a bit concerned by this time not having heard from me (dead phone) but having heard from the rescue system. I can¢t believe she puts up with me overextending myself. A saintly woman! :-)  I was about a half hour into the hike out when I was met by Sara and a colleague, fellow game warden, Mindy. Mindy, God bless her, carried my pack out. That helped a lot. They gave me electrolyte tabs, lots of encouragement and patience as we hiked up the mountain 0.5 miles then down the other side 1.5 miles. At the base of the mountain we were met by four rescue volunteers who, on a Sunday mind you, came out to help in case I needed to be carried out Warms your heart to see this dedication to help us folks in need. They even offered a Gatorade and a banana - very much appreciated. We hiked out a flat side trail that followed a beautiful, peaceful stream. Good for my soul at this point. They were patient enough to let me rest frequently since my energy was still low. Finally, after 4.4 miles we made it to a logging road where yet another volunteer and a full rescue equipment truck and trailer was waiting. Wow! Brings tears to your eyes - kind, caring folks. (I later donated to their local volunteer rescue outfit- I was touched!) . After I profusely thanked them, Wardens and volunteers went on their way and the rescue truck driver drove me 1.5 hours back to a convenience store for some food and beverage for me then to my hotel at 9:30pm. Luckily the front desk was staffed and I got into my room, a hot shower, a cold beer and some food. Lights out at 11:45pm. Long, long day! Think I dodged a bullet today. Lots of things lined up in my favor not the least of which was the professional rescue effort - at no cost to me! So glad I had enough energy so I could walk out. Not fun any more this year. Going home!