FISH CAMP – An afternoon hike from the Tenaya Lodge could have ended badly, but thanks to the efforts of the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office and Search and Rescue, a father and son were returned safely after getting lost in the forest.
On Friday, Mar. 8, at about 8 p.m. the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office was notified of an overdue hiking party from the Tenaya Lodge in Fish Camp.A father and his six-year-old son from Canoga Park, Ca., had become lost in the Fish Camp area and were unable to find their way back to the Lodge. The area was experiencing winter weather including snow.
Mr. Matthew Aiden stated that he and his son went on a hike to enjoy the area at about 3 p.m. but when it started snowing he became confused about direction. Matthew said that when he was confident he was lost, he telephoned a family member, also staying at the lodge, and informed him of the situation.
Tenaya Lodge employees searched the area for the two but had no luck. Due to the cold temperatures and winter weather, the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team was dispatched to the Tenaya Lodge with Sheriff’s Deputies in attempt to locate the party.
Matthew started a warming fire and then telephoned the Sheriff’s Office. He estimated that he and his son walked about five miles before they stopped, built a fire and called for assistance.
At approximately 10:30 p.m. members of the Mariposa County Search and Rescue Team located the two about a mile-and-a-half mile from the lodge.
Both Matthew and his son were in good condition and in good spirits. Both appreciated the concern and assistance delivered by the Tenaya Lodge staff, Sheriff’s Office and Search and Rescue Team.
