Robert Schock, a 39-year-old musician, embarked on a long-distance run in Washington’s North Cascades National Park on July 31 that turned into a month-long survival ordeal. Setting out with minimal supplies and an outdated map, Robert intended a swift 20-mile run with his dog, Freddy. However, his journey ended on August 30, leaving him feeling he has “aged years” due to the traumatic experience.
Having years of running experience, Robert began his run at Ahnnegan Pass Trailhead, equipped only with a small backpack, a dog pan, and a pair of shorts, intending to finish the route quickly. “I’m not a hiker. I don’t put on backpacks and go out for multiple-day trips. I don’t know how to fish. I want to finish a course as fast as I can and come back home,” he told PEOPLE. But the outdated map led him into the Chilliwack River Trail, unknowingly venturing into partially closed paths due to previous wildfire damage in 2021 and 2022.
On the second day, Robert’s phone died, marking the start of his alarming realization. He knew he was truly lost and, in desperation, sent Freddy to find help. Days stretched into weeks as he roamed the rugged wilderness, surviving on mushrooms and berries. “It tasted like the normal mushroom you would have on a pizza or something,” he shared, though the experience was anything but ordinary.
During his time lost, Robert rested in abandoned bear nests for shelter and cried out for help, but his calls went unanswered. Though he spotted a helicopter on two occasions, his distress signals were unnoticed. Freddy was found on August 4, alerting his family that Robert was in danger, though they had no idea he had ventured into the remote North Cascades. Rescue teams scoured the area after locating his car, but Robert was weakening by the day.
As the days wore on, Robert began to lose hope. “I wasn’t screaming for help very much anymore,” he admitted, describing his final attempts to be heard. On the brink of giving up, he gave one last cry for help, which was miraculously heard by members of the Pacific Northwest Trail Association. The rescue team, returning from trail maintenance work, responded to his call, and he was airlifted to a hospital where he spent a month in recovery.
Reflecting on his ordeal, Robert says the experience left him feeling “aged several years,” though he hopes to regain those lost years. While eager to return to his music in the Northwest, Robert has no plans of revisiting the North Cascades anytime soon.