Missing Tucson hikers found in good condition
by Sheryl Kornman on Dec. 18, 2008, under Body, Local, SpecialTwo Tucson hikers missing for four days in snow-covered mountains near Payson “are fine and happy to be back with our friends,” one of them said yesterday..
John Mizell, 26, and Kira Runtzel, 21, were reported missing after they didn’t return home Sunday after a planned three-day hike. They were rescued in good condition early Wednesday morning.
Authorities say the two drove last Thursday to Bear Canyon Lake in the Forest Lakes area, about 35 miles east of Payson.
Searchers combed a snow-covered forest and mountainous area of central Arizona on foot and in snowmobiles for the pair, who were described as experienced hikers.
Mizell gave an account of the incident in an e-mail interview with a reporter Wednesday evening.
“While nights were cold, we never feared an unmanageable night,” he said. Mizell said they checked weather forecasts for the area before they left Tucson
“We also discussed storm predictions with a ranger at the trail head,” Mizell said. “While we felt our time line was adequate, both our inexperience in the region and (on the) trails, as well as the advancement of the storm, clearly became problematic.”
Mizell said he and Runtzel “outfitted ourselves in layers,” to try to keep warm.
Mizell said he had a sleeping bag tested to keep a person warm in 32-degree weather. “Kira had a 30-degree bag. We also packed a wool blanket and Thermarests.” Those are self-inflating mattresses used by hikers and campers.
“We made a camp fire our first and second nights, but none after the snow began to fall,” Mizell said.
The couple made it back to his car.
“Once we were at the car, we did not operate outside except to clear snow from the vehicle and to use the restroom,” he said.
The two hikers had enough food to keep them going.
Mizell said “Scott, from the outstanding Coconino County Search and Rescue team, arrived on a snowmobile at 12:30 a.m. on Wednesday. The team then pulled (his vehicle) out with a snowcat,” Mizell said.
He said he learned from the experience that “preparedness never ends and an understanding of true trail and weather conditions can never be underestimated.”
Also, “effective and clear communication before and during a trip with friends, family, rangers or strangers can be instrumental in saving your life,”
Mizell and Runtzel told people where they were going and when they expected to return to Tucson.
He said neither of them was injured mentally or physically “in any major capacity” by getting snowbound.
“I don’t imagine I will plan a hike for a while – mostly due to my car’s condition,” he said.
“My pride is a bit hurt and I feel quite guilty putting, friends, family, Search and Rescue, and everyone else into a position of fear and anxiety because of my poor choices,” Mizell said Wednesday night, as he relaxed at home.
