CALDWELL COUNTY, N.C. — Caldwell County said Monday afternoon they located a hiker and her 8-year-old son who were last seen in the Harper Creek Trail area of Wilson Creek.
“There are many areas where the terrain gets extremely traitorous," Chief of Department Emergency Services Director for Caldwell County Dino DiBernardi said.
According to officials, the mother and son split from their family at the trailhead around 5 p.m. on Sunday and never met back up with them. They were found uninjured around 11 a.m. Monday when a person on the search spotted them coming out of the woods.
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Officials said the two were novice hikers and were not dressed for an overnight stay. The mother, later identified as April Tester, was wearing shorts, a pink tank top and flip-flops. Her son Desmond was wearing black shorts, a T-shirt and sneakers.
Agencies on the search included the sheriff's office, department of corrections (K9), Collettsville, Gamewell, Patterson, Little River, North Catawba Fire Departments and Emergency Services Special Operations Team, totaling about 80 searchers who were looking for Tester and her son.
“You’re in a time of year when wildlife is coming out, which can be from snakes or bears or in between so we were thankful for the positive outcome, it could’ve ended much worse," DiBernardi said. “Divine intervention she was able to be found by a family friend, a fellow hiker."
Authorities said Tester and her son were appreciative of all the effort put forth to find them.
DiBernardi said hikers should always have a plan, and never get separated from their group.
“Always be prepared for something to happen, have your rain gear, proper footgear, food and water," DiBernardi said.
The National Park Service also urges hikers to do the following:
- Plan ahead: Know your destination and how to get there, where water is available, and the forecast
- Be kind to yourself: Know and respect your abilities
- Travel as light as possible: "The heaviest items in your pack should be food and water"
- Avoid huffing and puffing: If you're huffing and puffing while walking, it means you aren't getting enough oxygen. Walk at a pace at which you can walk and talk.
- Take a break: At least once an hour, break for 10 minutes. Sit down, prop your legs up, eat some food, drink water, and take in the view. NPS urges people to eat often -- but don't force fluids
- Watch your time: Keep in mind the time for one way of the hike won't be the same for returning to where you started
- Be aware of others on the trails: If you encounter any mules and mule riders on trails, know that they have the right of way
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