Lost for 11 Days, Michigan Hiker Finally Spotted by Kayakers

A 70-year-old Michigan hiker is recovering after spending 11 days lost in the wilderness of Isle Royale National Park.

Michigan Hiker Planned a Weeklong Solo Trip, Got Lost

Craig Berg, from the Detroit suburbs, had planned a weeklong solo hike on the remote Lake Superior island. But on his fourth day, he wandered off a poorly marked trail near Chickenbone Lake and ended up in a swamp.

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He fell, soaked his clothes and gear, and lost his phone. With his food running low and his stove fuel gone, Berg survived by rationing freeze-dried meals and treating water from ponds and rain.

Lost Michigan Hiker Found a Way to Conserve Energy

He eventually found a place to pitch his tent and spent days conserving energy. He even fashioned a radio antenna from wires connected to an old MP3 player, allowing him to hear a station from Thunder Bay, Ontario.

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MLive reports that on his 11th day lost, Berg spotted two kayakers near a lake. The men, both Michigan National Guard veterans, alerted authorities, and a Coast Guard helicopter soon arrived to rescue him. Berg was treated for hypothermia at a Marquette hospital and released. He says he is physically okay but still processing the experience.

His Wife Kept Pushing for a Bigger Search

His wife, Debbie, had pushed officials for a more extensive search as the days passed. Berg credits her persistence with helping bring him home.

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He now wishes he had packed a backup phone or another way to share his location. For now, his hiking adventures are on hold.