Pinecrest, CA…From the Tuolumne Sheriff’s Office..”On Saturday evening around 6 PM, the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Team responded to the Aspen Meadow Pack Station to search for David Barnes of Modesto. David was hiking near Aspen Meadow looking for a breed of Hawk named Goshawks. He went off trail and became separated from family and unable to find his way back to his vehicle. When he didn’t return for several hours, his family became worried.

David attempted to find his way back to the trail but became lost further off trail. He was able to get a cell call to a neighbor who in turn called our office to send help. Search and Rescue members located David’s vehicle on a forest road 2 miles South of Aspen Meadow. David was able to send a text with his GPS coordinates and information that he was located near a stream and meadow. From the description given, searchers were able to recognize the area as Bell Meadow and began their hike in. As searchers neared his location, David assisted by shining his flashlight at them so he could be seen easily. Temperatures dipped into the low 30’s during the search and although David was cold and tired he was in good health and happy to be reunited with his wife.

As we approach the summer months and more people start to venture out into the beautiful outdoors, we want to remind you to be prepared as you travel. When possible hike with another person or in a group. Let family and friends know of your specific travel plans, location and when you plan to return. This is extremely helpful in the event that a search team is sent out to look for you. It will give them a general location of where to start looking. Give your family and friends a solid return day so that they may notify authorities or call for assistance if you have not returned. Wear appropriate clothing and be prepared for varying temperatures. The great outdoors can be unpredictable. Have plenty of food and water in the event you become lost and your trip is extended. If you do have cell service, gathering your GPS coordinates and relaying specific landmarks you have passed is beneficial as it was for David, so that searchers will be able to reach you quickly. Also stay where you are. This was the difference between rescuers finding David late last night and not having to extend the search for several days.

We were thankful to find David quickly and in good spirits.”