Update

Dale is home. What a relief. I can't say enough how very grateful I am. The emotions are still running wild, knowing how this could have ended up and how different my emotions would be today. It all came at a good time- New Years Resolution time. I am going to make such a greater effort this year to embrace him and our love for each other. So often we get caught up in the daily grind and forget to take time to love each other. Not anymore. This really taught me and made me realize that life is so very unpredictable and I need to cherish every moment with him. In my mind, I could' ve lost him forever.

On a happier note, I am so proud of him. He shrugs off the experience, but I think he only does this because he was so prepared and experienced in outdoor survival and safety. If ever I was to be caught out in the woods, or if you are, hope and pray your with Dale. He is just so smart and knowledgable. A few things he told me...

• they decided to hunker down at about 5 or 6. It was dark, and there was too much snow to find their way out. He was very confident they would be alright for the night and then ride out in the morning.
• he said they had plenty of food and liquid. Even a frozen Red Bull served up some much needed energy!
• They estimated they cut down about 15 trees to make a massive fire... with a handsaw. His hands are still swollen
• one guy they were with wasn't at all as well prepared as the others- he was wearing cotton undergarments and was cold almost instantly. They wrapped him in some bubble wrap they had ( they had a new motor with them wrapped in it )and placed pine boughs on him and put him next to the fire

Dale rode out at first light to a little chalet/hut and called me. When I saw his number on the call display, I lost it. He lost it when he heard me losing it. Needless to say, everything was on the up and up from then on in. He made a fire, went back and got the rest of the guys and then made their way out without the help of Search & Rescue. He got home about 5 o'clock that night- about 24 hours since he was supposed to be home.
Crazy. Crazy. Crazy.