### Hiker Survives 50-Day Ordeal in Canadian Wilderness

In an astonishing tale of survival against harsh odds, Sam Benastick emerged as a ghostly figure on a forestry road in western Canada. Equipped with a walking stick in each frostbitten hand and a cut-up sleeping bag wrapped around his legs for warmth, he was found by two oil and gas workers who had been surveying the trail. Near collapse when the workers helped him into their truck, Benastick's ordeal was revealed to have lasted 50 harrowing days in the Canadian wilderness.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police confirmed on Wednesday that the 20-year-old was being treated at a hospital in Fort Nelson, British Columbia. Suffering from frostbite and smoke inhalation, Benastick's incredible story began on October 7, when he set off on what was supposed to be a 10-day camping trip. He was reported missing by his family on October 17 after failing to return.

The remote backcountry where Benastick had ventured lies 50 miles from the nearest road and is known for its unforgiving terrain and unpredictable weather. As winter set in, temperatures plunged below -20°C, and snow covered the area. Despite these challenges, Benastick's family held onto a glimmer of hope.

Efforts to find Benastick included a large coordinated search involving over 50 people and search dogs. On October 23, his aunt Karen Crocker Essex updated that helicopters and additional crews would join the search, but despite the exhaustive efforts, no trace of him was found. However, Benastick's family refused to abandon hope and continued their search long after the official efforts were called off.

Speculation suggested that Benastick might have faced trouble early into his hike and possibly returned to his car. Despite scouring various locations, including the Sikanni Chief River, family and friends came up empty-handed. Astonishingly, Benastick was eventually found near the original search area.

The oil workers who discovered him provided food and took him to a place where he could call his father. Speaking weakly, Benastick recounted his experience of camping near a creek for nearly 15 days before moving to a dried-out creek bed. His perseverance and survival instincts led him to the road where he was finally rescued.

The Central Okanagan Search and Rescue, along with other regional search crews, hailed his discovery as an "unbelievable miracle." Mike Reid of the Buffalo Inn in Pink Mountain, where Sam's parents had stayed during the search, described the news as "unbelievably good."

Reid recalled trying to keep the family's spirits up by sharing a 1969 newspaper clipping about two plane crash survivors who endured 49 days in the cold before being found. He had told Benastick's mother that a similar miracle could happen for her son. Reflecting on the ordeal, Reid noted that Sam's love for the outdoors likely played a crucial role in his survival.

The joy of Benastick's safe return contrasts with recent local sorrow, as hunter Jim Barnes and his dog Murphy remain missing since October 18. Despite finding his truck and belongings, search teams have yet to locate Barnes and his dog, with only a frozen boot print and dog print discovered near a riverbank.