EDMONTON – A 28-year-old man who was separated from his group while quadding near Grande Prairie Thursday night has been safely located after spending two nights alone in the wilderness.
Police say a search helicopter located Craig Drysdale around 3 p.m. Saturday on the banks of the Wapiti River. RCMP were alerted of the missing quadder around 2 a.m. Friday.
Late Thursday night, five people were quadding near the Canfor haul road, about 10-20 kilometres south of Grande Prairie, when they realized Drysdale was missing. After searching for him for four or five hours the group notified police.
RCMP say the experienced outdoorsman lit a small fire and spent Thursday night in a densely treed area. While walking Friday morning Drysdale came across the Wapiti River and spend the next day-and-a-half walking along the river bank.
During his travels Drysdale came across a trapper’s cabin where he spent Friday night. He was able to dry his clothes and found a can of chicken noodle soup to eat.
Saturday morning Drysdale continued walking along the river bank until he was found by the search helicopter.
Officers say Drysdale was wearing a helmet and was dressed for the conditions. He was checked out by medical staff and determined to be in good health.