This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
A father and son were rescued Friday after they went for an outing in remote Emery County.
Erik Gundersen and his son had been dropped off 9:30 a.m. Thursday to hike and raft Muddy Creek. But they didn't show up as planned that evening at an airstrip near Hidden Slendor Mine, according to an Emery County Sheriff's Office news release.
The sheriff's office, State Parks personnel and a helicopter searched the area starting Friday morning.
The helicopter crew located the father and son and notified the rescuers. The release does not mention where the helicopter crew found them.
The sheriff's office and State Parks personnel brought the two home in good condition, despite their "unplanned night in the wilderness," according the release.
Apparently, the men had underestimated the distance of the route they planned and how long it would take to reach the airstrip, the release adds.
"Emery County Sheriff Greg Funk would like to stress the importance of being prepared for unforeseen circumstances by packing adequate water, food and clothing," the release reads. "Always make notification of where you are beginning your trip, your intended route of travel and when you are expected to return."
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