An American wanted to explore the Santa Cruz Mountains in California, USA, on June 11, 2024. His hike was supposed to take only a few hours, but it lasted ten days during which the hiker got lost. More is known about his survival conditions.
He leaves with the bare minimum because his hike is only supposed to last a few hours. On June 11, 2024, a 34-year-old American wanted to explore the Santa Cruz Mountains in California, United States, reports the New York Post.
Lukas McClish, 34, was reported missing six days later when he failed to show up for a Father’s Day dinner, according to ABC 7 Los Angeles.
A lamp and scissors
“I left with only a pair of pants, a pair of hiking boots and a hat. I had a flashlight and a pair of folding scissors […] And that’s about it”he stressed to the American daily.
“I want a burrito”
The lost hiker drank waterfall water from his boot, ate wild berries and slept on wet leaves while calling for help.
“Help, help. I’m here.”he said, quotes him New York Post. Or : “Is anyone there? I want a burrito and a taco bowl.”, That’s what I thought about every day after the first five days, when I began to realize that maybe I was in over my head.”
“I wasn’t really scared,” admits Lukas McClish, who was rather destabilized to find himself without reference points. “That’s one thing I didn’t take into consideration: it was a desert where it’s very difficult to find your way.” But that didn’t stop him from finding the exit, going up and down the canyons.
“A great experience”
Lukas McClish explained to ABC 7 LA that he had difficulty orienting himself because some landmarks had been destroyed by recent wildfires in northern California.
“It was really humbling and I don’t know, it was a great experience.”he said after being found ten days later. The Californian spent a night in hospital and escaped without serious injuries.
