Winter Storm Traps US Students in New Zealand Bush for 9 Days


As the Scouts say, “Be prepared”   ©virginsuicide photography

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Two U.S. students survived nine days in the New Zealand bush after their camping trip was hit with unexpected, inclement weather. Alec Brown and Erica Klintworth had plans to spend a few days camping near hot springs on the country’s South Island. When a snowstorm and heavy rains prevented them from crossing a river and eventually returning home, the couple used the hot springs to keep warm. Over the nine days, they rationed a meager amount of food containing trail mix, carrots, rice and peanut butter.

Brown said he relied on his past experience hiking and camping and felt confident in the couple’s ability to survive. ‘I believe when you go into the bush you take your life into your own hands and need to be prepared to handle whatever conditions occur. We could have been more prepared, but in the end we were prepared enough to walk ourselves out.’

More on the students’ ordeal can be seen at Huffington Post.

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