PLACER COUNTY, Calif. – A California couple missing since Monday was found Wednesday afternoon in their car, which had gotten stuck in snow, Fox40.com reports.
Mark Schroeder and Janette DeGrace of Sacramento were out sightseeing in Placer County, Calif., when they traveled down a remote road that had not been plowed and their car got stuck in snow.
A friend says Schroeder hiked about 6 miles in 2-foot deep snow to find cellphone reception, with his cellphone almost dead and no charger.
Miraculously, he was able to get to high enough ground to call 911. The couple was rescued soon after.
The couple survived by turning on their car every 30 minutes for warmth. They rationed out peanuts and Girl Scout cookies and melted snow for drinking water.
Searchers say it was difficult to find the couple because they were searching in the wrong area. The couple did not tell friends or family where they were going.
Schroeder is being treated for minor frostbite. DeGrace has a medical condition that, rescuers say, would have killed her if they stayed stuck a day longer.
Friends say being reunited with the duo was "surreal," as they had thought the couple was dead.