On 7/5/12, at approximately 0915 hours, Alaska State Troopers were contacted by a family member reporting two people were overdue by two days from a hiking and rafting trip from Granite Creek in Sutton to the Parks Highway in Willow. Both men had outdoor experience and were reported as well prepared for a multiple day hike and float down the Kashwitna River or Sheep Creek. Family members supplied troopers with an itinerary and map highlighting the pair's intended route, plus possibly alternative routes. Alaska Wildlife Troopers flew portions of the area using both an airplane and helicopter on 7/5/2012, but were hampered by weather conditions in some sections. On 7/6/2012, Helo-1 flew the area and found the pair at 9:30 a.m. near the headwaters of the Kashwitna River, flagging down the helicopter as it flew overhead. The pair had reportedly got delayed by weather conditions and were running behind schedule. They also lost one of the rafts when loading on the bank. Subject1 suffered minor injuries in his quest to retrieve the runaway raft. The two were convinced to abandon their trip due to worsening water conditions on the creek ahead and not being fully equipped after losing one of the rafts and some equipment. Helo-1 flew the pair out and dropped them off with family in Sutton. Subject1 refused medical attention
Talkeetna                     