Lost hiker survives 10 days in California wilderness, drinks from shoe

A 34-year-old man went for a hike in the mountains. His walk ended severely because he spent ten days there instead of the planned three hours. He survived thanks to nearby waterfalls and wild fruits. He drank water straight from his shoe. After being found, he joked that he had enough of being outdoors.

CNN reports the incredible story of 34-year-old Lukas McClish from California. The Americans went for a hike around Boulder Creek in the Santa Cruz Mountains in the San Francisco area along the Pacific Ocean coast. The 34-year-old got lost because recent fires had burned a large part of the area, and he might have lost his sense of direction.

His family reported him missing on June 16, five days after he did not show up for a family dinner organized for Father's Day. He was finally found on June 20, thanks to a drone from the Santa Cruz sheriff's office. The drone was launched to locate sounds. Witnesses reported hearing helpless cries for help.

McClish was found in Big Basin Redwoods State Park – the oldest state park in California and home to the largest stand of ancient coastal sequoias. The park also has numerous swamps inhabited by bobcats, foxes, deer, coyotes, cougars, opossums, and one of the most dangerous snakes – the Pacific rattlesnake.

The man was found alive. Witnesses repeatedly heard cries for help. The tourist revealed that he left home wearing one pair of pants, shoes, and a hat. He took with him a flashlight and folding scissors.

CNN reports that McClish survived because he drank water from streams and waterfalls... straight from his shoe. Interestingly, he made sure to drink at least 4 litres every day. Additionally, he ate wild berries. His "bed" was made from wet leaves. After being examined by medical services, the 34-year-old had no injuries.

In a conversation with the media, the man joked that he had enough of being outdoors and hiking probably until the end of the year.