Emergency responders were called in for a dramatic rescue at French Creek State Park Monday afternoon.
They went out searching for Shannon Gansner.
"We always used to go hiking at French Creek and Mill Creek was the one trail we never did," said Shannon Gansner, a hiker.
Gansner set out on Mill Creek Trail in Union Township in honor of her dog Lacie. Lacie was a 12 year old cocker spaniel who was recently diagnosed with cancer.
Gansner had to put Lacie down in the morning, then went straight to from the vet to French Creek State Park.
"I decided instead of wallowing at home I would go and do something she always loved," said Gansner.
But Gansner's moments of peace turned to panic when she was hiking Millers Point, one of the most difficult parts of the trail. That is where she hit a boulder, twisted her ankle and had to call 911 for help.
"It just took us a while to get back because of the conditions of the trail with all the deadfall from the winter time, it made conditions unfavorable to get back to her," said Captain Barry Katzin, Birdsboro-Union Fire Department.
Crews had to use chain saws to get through the fallen trees that laid in their path.
Gansner put in that call to 911 at 2 p.m. and it was not until about 4 p.m. when rescuers finally reached her. By then, the cold was setting in.
"I was fine in the beginning and then when they came and got me my teeth were chattering," said Gansner.
Emergency responders say thankfully Gansner did everything right. She was prepared, she had a map and knew the coordinates of where she was.
But for other hikers who may be hitting the trails, park rangers recommend you start by knowing the difficulty of the trail you are about to begin, dress accordingly, bring water, stay on the trail and if possible take a partner. A cell phone will also be helpful, but there are some parts of the park that have limited service.
It was quite a day for Gansner, but she says she knew her dog Lacie was with her in spirit.
"I just got lucky with all the people that came to help me," said Gansner.
from 69News:Home http://ift.tt/19u1Ema
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