During the ordeal, Rodgers and her dog walked more than six miles from the vehicle. She tried to climb several ridge lines in an attempt to establish cell phone reception, which she did March 31 at 3:32 a.m.

Rodgers called a friend and told him she was lost in the forest but did not know where. The friend reportedly tried to file a missing-person report with a law enforcement agency, but Holmes said he does not know what the outcome of that report was.

“The body can do without food, but you need water for nourishment,” said Holmes. “She was hiking along a creek so she had water. She also left a note at the ‘HELP’ sign saying she ran out of food and water but would continue down the creek to find a ranch or civilization,” Holmes said. The note was dated April 2. The help sign was about 3 feet tall and was near a skeleton head of an elk.

Rescue workers made contact with Rodgers’ dog, which was three-quarters of a mile from the car walking toward it on the dirt road, before they met Rodgers, who was about three miles from the car, said Holmes.

“Everybody was glad she was found alive. There was a big sigh of relief,” said Holmes.

He advised travelers: “If you are traveling and your car breaks down, or you are lost, stay with your car on the road. The likelihood of being found is much higher,” said Holmes. “Also, always let people know where you are going and what route you are taking.”

Contact reporter Carmen Duarte at cduarte@tucson.com or 573-4104. Twitter: @cduartestar

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