In a remarkable tale of survival, 34-year-old Lukas McClish endured 10 harrowing days lost in California’s Santa Cruz Mountains before being rescued on June 20. What began as a simple three-hour hike on June 11 turned into a life-threatening ordeal. McClish set out woefully underprepared, wearing only pants, hiking shoes, and a hat. His only tools were a flashlight and a multi-tool. As days passed and McClish failed to return, concern grew among his family and friends. It wasn’t until he missed a Father’s Day dinner on June 16 that he was officially reported missing.
… To survive McClish drank water from natural sources, consuming up to a gallon daily. McClish used his boot as a makeshift cup to collect water from waterfalls. He supplemented his diet with wild berries, though the lack of substantial food took its toll as the days wore on.
… On June 20, rescue teams finally located McClish, and he emerged with only minor injuries — some soreness and a lost voice.