Her husband posted this on her PCT trail journal:
Those of you following Gesh’s or Manynames Tom’s journals may have learned that Sandals became quite ill on the trail on Sunday evening, and had to be evacuated on Monday morning. She is now currently in the hospital in Bakersfield, is out of danger, is expected to make a full recovery –and has already started talking about how to get back on the trail.
To Manynames Tom –who found Sandals on Sunday evening, stayed with her the entire night, hiked as many as 8 extra miles, first to replenish her water supply, and then to contact 911 and guide the rescue team back to where she was located– words cannot adequately express our gratitude for the assistance rendered –it was, quite literally, a lifesaver. Thanks also to Marmot, who also interrupted her hike for several hours to stay with Sandals while Manynames Tom went for help.
Gesh’s account is here.
The Tehachapi Mountain Range allows a single day crossing, and the
descent leads through a huge windfarm, giant turbines buzzing above. We
couldn’t help but notice other activity in the sky, a rescue helicopter
had circled much of the day. Arriving at the highway, we found a trail
register where Out of Bounds relayed that they were looking for Sandals,
a woman we’ve met off and on. The details were sketchy, and we all grew
very concerned.
The hitch into Mojave was a rough one. Standing beside the blazing
asphalt for over an hour, finally a woman stopped and offered a ride. She
was a trail angel, had actually been going the opposite direction, but
was willing to turn around and take us the twelve miles in to the city
of Mojave. Here, at the Motel 6, we caught up with Out of Bounds and
got the scoop on Sandals. Apparently Many Names had found her the night
before, vomiting and dehydrated. They think she might have had food
poisoning. He stayed with her through the night and went for help this
morning. She is alright now, recovering at a local hospital. That came as
a huge relief, and is a perfect example of how we do look out for each
other out here. Sandals, if you read this, keep your head up and get
better soon. We all hope to see you down the line.
Glad to see all’s going well. After following this year’s desert travails it amazes me anybody gets on the trail south of Kennedy Meadows, much less stays on it for 700 miles.