Hikers Finally Found After Surviving 18 Days In Wilderness
Jessica O'Connor and Dion Reynolds went on a 5-day hike in the Kahurangi national park but they ended up being lost for 19 days.
Jessica O'Connor, a kayak guide, and Dion Reynolds, a chef, are experienced hikers but even they found themselves in a life-threatening situation when a wall of fog caused them to lose their way in Kahurangi national park, in New Zealand.
Yet, their story shows that they know one or two things about survival.
They spent 18 days in the wilderness
Both 23, Jessica and Dion started their hiking journey on May 9th. Little did they know that what should have been a 5-day trip would end up lasting 18 days.
But when the fog caught the young friends, they were sidetracked in their adventure, causing them to get lost in the forest. Not only that, but they were also both injured in a fall and had run out of food. Jessica had hurt her back while Dion had strained his ankle.
Their story could have turned morbid, were it not for the tenacity of these two heroes.
A search party was gathered
A large search party including 50 people, five tracking experts, three dog teams and two helicopter crews were set in place to find Jessica and Dion.
Since the Kahurangi national park is the second largest one in New Zealnd--more than 450,000 hectares--covering an area of and the area was heavily forested and rugged, the search was a difficult one to say the least. Some areas in the park don't even have trails.
Another hiker, Heather Simpson, told the news organization Stuff that the hikers had stopped at her campsite as they set out before continuing alongside a river.
But the two were lucky, as Heather Simpson had seen them at her campsite a little before they were reported missing.
They had seemed in good spirits and excited to go on an adventure together. They were young, fit and experienced in the wilderness.
Heather Simpson in The Guardian
The two had told her that they had enough food to last several days and they planned to ration it so it would last for as long as possible.
Their parents never lost hope
What saved Dion and Jessica was the decision to stay in place. They found water, lit a fire and stayed put in a small clearing in the woods that measure just 3 meters by 3 meters. The smoke from the fire saved their life, as it helped the search team to spot their location.
"They did the right thing," Sergeant Malcolm York. "They stayed put and they made themselves visible."
The pair were in good spirits but "had been without food for some time," he said. On top of the injuries and the shortage of food, they survived the heavy rain and low temperatures too.
Jessica's mother, Simone O'Connor, never gave up hope.
"I never had doubts about that because she knows what she's doing," she told TVNZ.
They left the emotions for after their rescue
Upon their rescue, Simone reported that Jessica's relief was immense.
She was very emotional. I think she was in tears and couldn't talk much...we will talk more once we see her.
Simone O'Connor
Dion and Jessica's survival story also prove that making level-headed decisions, even in the most panic-inducing situations can pay off. Instead of wandering off and tiring themselves, they spared their energy and did what was the best thing for their survival.
While few of us will ever find ourselves in a situation like theirs, we can certainly apply that learning in our day-to-day lives. From decision making to reacting to events, it's always good to try being level headed, when possible.
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Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.