In a remarkable tale of endurance and sheer willpower, 89-year-old Bing Olbum defied the odds and survived nearly 10 days in Idaho’s rugged wilderness. Armed with just 19 pounds of supplies, Olbum set out on what he intended to be a five-day hiking trip through the vast Salmon-Challis National Forest, but the journey took a dangerous turn that led to a nearly two-week ordeal.
A Trek Through the Wild
Olbum, a seasoned hiker, embarked on his adventure from the Hunter Creek Trailhead in east-central Idaho on August 1st. His plan was straightforward: hike through some of the most remote and challenging terrains in the continental United States and exit five days later at the McDonald Creek Area. However, the dense and unforgiving wilderness had other plans.
Salmon-Challis National Forest spans over 4 million acres, filled with steep peaks, deep valleys, and thick forests. Some of the mountain passes Olbum navigated were over 8,000 feet above sea level. Despite his advanced age, he managed to cover more than 20 miles through this harsh environment.
The Search Begins
When Olbum failed to arrive at his planned exit point, concern quickly mounted. By August 6th, after days without any word from him, Olbum was reported missing. The Custer County Sheriff’s Office immediately launched a search operation, mobilizing the Custer County Search and Rescue team. Given the expansive area and the challenging terrain, the search was no small feat.
Ground teams began scouring the forest, focusing on trails they believed Olbum might have taken. But the vastness of the wilderness made their task incredibly difficult. Despite their best efforts, after five days of searching, they had found no trace of the elderly hiker.
A Community Comes Together
In a small, close-knit community like Custer County, the disappearance of someone like Olbum resonated deeply. The Custer County Search and Rescue team, made up entirely of volunteers, rallied together, with many locals leaving their jobs and daily commitments to join the search. These volunteers were not just strangers; they were neighbors, friends, and fellow adventurers who understood the peril Olbum faced.
The search intensified with the assistance of the Idaho National Guard and a private pilot who provided helicopters, and the Idaho National Laboratory, which deployed drones to sweep the forest. The combined efforts from the ground and air seemed promising, but as the days passed without any sign of Olbum, hope began to wane.
A Daring Rescue
As the search dragged on with no success, the reality of Olbum’s situation became increasingly grim. The Custer County Search and Rescue team was preparing to hand over the search to Olbum’s family, acknowledging that the chances of finding him alive were diminishing with each passing day.
However, the local community refused to give up. On the evening of August 10th, a group of determined locals on horseback made a breakthrough. They discovered Olbum’s camp in a remote area of the forest. The following morning, on August 11th, they found Olbum himself, miraculously alive and in relatively good health considering the circumstances.
Defying the Elements
When Olbum was finally found, it was clear that his survival was nothing short of extraordinary. He was slightly dehydrated and sore from the grueling trek, but otherwise unharmed. Given the conditions he had endured, it was a remarkable outcome.
Olbum had set out on his hike with minimal supplies. His provisions included beef jerky, salted nuts, and iodine tablets for purifying water. He also carried a one-man tent, a blanket, and a sleeping pad. Importantly, he had no tracking devices and relied solely on a compass and a paper map for navigation.
Despite the freezing temperatures that plummeted into the 40s at night and soared into the 90s during the day, Olbum did not build a fire to stay warm. His resilience and mental fortitude kept him going, even as his limited food supply dwindled.
The Power of a Positive Mindset
Custer County Search and Rescue Coordinator Lincoln Zollinger was among those who were astonished by Olbum’s survival. Zollinger, who spoke with Olbum after his rescue, emphasized the role that Olbum’s mindset played in his endurance. Even after nearly ten days in the wilderness, Olbum believed he could survive for another three days if necessary.
“The biggest thing I see in him is his mindset,” Zollinger said. “And he said, ‘Well, it was mostly my mind to keep going, to keep setting goals and keep moving forward.’”
Olbum’s ability to stay focused and mentally strong was a crucial factor in his survival. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the importance of determination in the face of adversity.
A Happy Reunion
After his rescue, Olbum’s family expressed their relief and gratitude to the community that had come together to bring him home. Although they declined interviews, it was clear that they were overwhelmed with emotion after such a harrowing experience.
The Custer County Sheriff’s Office praised Olbum’s resolve, noting in a Facebook post that his “will to survive has resulted in an unbelievably good ending to this incident.” Indeed, Olbum’s story is a testament to the human will to survive, even in the most challenging and dangerous of circumstances.
Conclusion
Bing Olbum’s ordeal in the Idaho wilderness is a story of survival that will not soon be forgotten. Against all odds, this 89-year-old hiker endured the unforgiving terrain, severe weather, and isolation with minimal supplies. His remarkable mental strength and the unwavering support of a dedicated community made his rescue possible. Olbum’s experience is a powerful reminder that even in the most dire situations, the human spirit can prevail.
Source: CNN
