Kitadrift,
Reading your story made the hair stand up on the back of my neck. I am very glad it had a happy ending. THIS just goes to show, KNOW BEFORE YOU GO, before these kind of situations happen know where to go and do not be afraid to ask for directions or help.
A couple of years ago this happened to a couple as a snow storm blew in and they froze to death. Before they died they wandered around on my old homestead in the village. If they would have only gone over one more hill they could have gotten help from others.Or they could have started a fire from my left over fire wood I had there. If they would have found my lighter. Could have would have or should have known before they had gone.
Life is dear and precious. Cherish each day and be glad for it.
My brother and I were just talking about this when I realized I have lost 5 close friends to motorcycles in the past 3 years.
Thanks for the reality check ;~o