Forgetful Camper Rescued After Embarrassing Mistake
The U.K.'s Lake District National Park welcomes millions of visitors every year to take in some natural beauty and go camping to bring themselves closer to nature. One teenager's camping trip, however, took a turn for the worse.
According to BBC Cumbria, the camper set up a tent above Ullswater, the second largest lake in the region. It's not entirely out of the ordinary, as campers typically stay for only one night and set up camp out of the view of others. After he set up camp, the young man decided go for a walk at dusk. But it soon turned dire after he forgot where his tent was and got lost trying to find it.
He called for help around 10 p.m. local time. After a two-hour rescue mission, volunteers from Patterdale Mountain Rescue got him back to his tent unscathed.
"Although rather embarrassed, the young man was unharmed and so was left to enjoy the rest of his evening and ruminate on a learning experience," Patterdale Mountain Rescue said in a report after the incident.
The National Trust, which advocates for heritage conservation in the U.K., explains how smart camping can avoid unwanted situations on your trip.
"Part of the fun of wild camping is finding your own route and spot for the night using your navigation skills," the organization's website reads. "Planning and preparation is essential, including checking the weather, having the right equipment, and being confident you have the skills and experience to safely spend a night away from civilization. You must be able to look after yourself and your group in remote locations."
If the sun is starting to get low in the sky, it's probably best to avoid venturing away from camp at all until the next morning.