Lost women are found safe in Sierras

The Fresno Bee, August 1991

Two women who became lost in the Sierra National Forest Saturday morning were found at sunrise Sunday, said Lt. Robert Hagler of the Fresno County Sherrif's Department.

The women, Beverly Hill and Hope Smalley, both of Camarillo, were found in good condition along a trail near Helms Meadow, northeast of Courtright Reservoir.

"They were found huddling along the trail," Hagler said. "They were hugging each other."

Hagler said the women, both in their 60s, were dressed in light clothing and shorts. Overnight temperatures dropped to the 40s, he said.

The women had been camping at Cliff Lake with a church group from the Ventura County community. The group had planned to drive back Saturday.

The women left the campsite early to get a head start from the rest of the campers.

"They were headed back to the trail head at Courtright Reservoir when they took a wrong turn in the trail," Hagler said. "They were cold, but in good condition."

The Fresno County Sheriff's Search and Rescue Team, along with local volunteers, searched the area all night for the women, Hagler said.

Bev's Rendition