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Lost Hiker found
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, September 1st, 2010
 Ventura County Sheriff's Department On 8-30-10, (V) Karl Windinwood went hiking on the Camino Cielo Trail in the Los Padres National Forest near Ojai, Ca. During Windinwood’s hike, he lost the trail. He searched for a long time trying to locate the trail to hike out, but after several hours, was still lost. Windinwood had a cell phone and contacted his family. He explained that he would spend the night in the mountains and then try to find the trail again in the morning. Windinwood had prepared for his hike by bringing food and water. On 8-31-10, Windinwood attempted to find the trail again, but had no success. Eventually, he drank his last bit of water and called his family. His family then called the Sheriff’s Department for help. The dispatchers were able to get a detailed location from Windinwood since he was familiar with the area. Deputies located his vehicle and Air Squad 6 was sent into the mountains to locate him. After a short time, Air Squad 6 located Windinwood on the old and overgrown Camino Cielo trail. The helicopter was able to get close enough to the trail to hover load Windinwood on board. The flight paramedic examined Windinwood and determined he was fine with the exception of a few scratches. He was flown down to a landing area near the river bottom where deputies met with the helicopter crew and took Windinwood to his vehicle. The Sheriff’s Department would like to remind everyone who goes hiking to take plenty of food and water and a map of the area if you are unfamiliar with it. Windinwood had properly prepared by knowing the trail and taking the above precautions. Had he not done that, his situation could have been much worse. Location: Camino Cielo Trail, Los Padres National Forest, Ventura County, Ca. Date & Time: 8-31-10 / 1015 Hours Officer Preparing Release: Sr. Dep. Shane Matthews |
