A Mother and Son’s Harrowing Escape from the California Forests
A mother and her son found themselves in a life-threatening situation when they got lost during a camping trip in California. Tami, 49, and her nine-year-old son, Stirling, were on their way to a Cub Scouts event at Camp Wolfeboro in Calaveras County when they took a wrong turn. Their car became stuck after hitting a large bump, leaving them stranded in a remote area with no cell phone service.
Tami tried calling 911 but couldn’t get a signal. Her son, Stirling, remembered the emergency procedures he had learned as part of his Cub Scout training. He started blowing his whistle, which helped them stay alert and signal for help. They spent the night in the car, hoping someone would hear the sound.
The next day, they decided to leave the car to search for assistance. To ensure they could find their way back, they left notes behind. One message read: “HELP! Me and my son are stranded with no service and can’t call 911. We are ahead, up the road to the right. Please call 911 to get help for us.” Another note said, “HELP. Me and my son are stranded up the road to the right. Please get help for us. Follow the strips of brown sheet. Thank you!”
Their efforts did not go unnoticed. Members of the Calaveras County Volunteer Search and Rescue Team discovered the notes and began searching for the pair. Tami explained that they had also left a note on their car, stating that they were walking away on foot. She used a sheet from the car, tearing it into strips to mark their path by hanging them on trees along the way.
When Tami and Stirling failed to arrive at the camp, the Calaveras County Dispatch Center received a report that they were overdue. The volunteer search team, which was conducting its monthly training nearby, was dispatched to locate them.
“It was a very scary experience,” Tami shared. “The longer we were out there, the more we worried that nobody would come for us. Then we heard another honk, and I turned around and saw this truck coming down the road. It was the best feeling ever.”
Due to the remote location, rescuers were unable to communicate with the command post using traditional radio or cell phone signals. Instead, they used an amateur radio frequency, commonly known as HAM radio, to send an emergency call. A retired El Dorado County Communications Supervisor, who was monitoring frequencies from his home, responded immediately.
This communication allowed the rescue team to coordinate and retrieve Tami’s car, bringing the mother and son back to safety. Tami expressed deep gratitude for the support she received from friends, family, and the search and rescue teams. “All the search and rescue people that helped us, they were just amazing. How dedicated they are,” she said.
The incident highlights the importance of preparedness and quick thinking in emergency situations. Tami and Stirling’s resourcefulness and the community’s response played a crucial role in their safe return.
