05/17/2025
This One Hit Close to Home
Yesterday afternoon, a hiker went missing from the Brick House Campground along the Palmetto Trail—just a little over a mile through the woods from the Woodsrunner School. For many of our alumni, they will know this spot well. It’s our rally point where we meet before training.
I was asked to assist early, before the full-scale search was underway. I brought in our ATV and began checking the Palmetto Trail and Buncombe Horse Trails—areas I’ve traveled many times. But once you leave the main trail, it becomes a different place. The terrain is rugged—deep gullies, heavy underbrush, and trees still laid down from Hurricane Helene. It’s slow going and disorienting, even when you know what you’re doing.
Local search and rescue crews searched until dark—with atvs, drones, and by air with South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) helicopter support. The terrain and lack of daylight forced the search to pause overnight, and teams returned at first light.
Before leaving the area last night, I had the chance to pray with this gentleman's family. There wasn’t much to say—just a moment to ask for peace, strength, and a safe return.
And this morning, the hiker was found safe along the highway. Praise God.
I don’t know what led to the situation, and I’m not here to speculate. But what I do know is that this can happen to anyone. One wrong step. One missed trail. One choice made under pressure. The woods don’t ask how much experience you have—they just respond to how prepared you are.
I’ve hunted, hiked, and trekked this land most of my life—as well as taught on it. And I’ll be the first to admit: knowledge and experience don't make you invincible. What it gives you is a way to respond when things go wrong.
That’s the difference. That’s the value of training.
Not to eliminate risk—but to keep your head when it shows up.
We don’t teach survival so people can feel tough. We teach it because reality doesn't care how confident you are. What matters is whether you can think clearly, stay found, and stay alive when things stop going according to plan.
This situation serves as a real reminder: get training—from someone reputable, somewhere. Even just the basics. Not to become an expert… but to make it back.
I’ll post the news article in the comments below for those who want more information.
-Joshua