The next day, Randy decided to walk in search of help while Boni stayed with the vehicle. Hours passed, and Randy eventually found assistance from a passerby who helped him contact local authorities. Meanwhile, Boni remained hopeful and continued to ration the supplies they had brought along.
Rescue teams arrived later that day, ensuring Boni and Greta were safe. The authorities praised the couple’s preparedness and resilience in the face of adversity. Despite the unexpected challenges, Randy and Boni expressed gratitude for their safety and the support they received from rescuers. They reflected on the experience as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of their adventurous pursuits and the importance of being prepared for any situation.Randy and Boni Bernal of Reno embarked on a road trip Thursday morning that turned into an unforgettable ordeal. The couple, both military veterans, set out in their 1987 Suzuki Samurai to explore the ghost towns they love in Nevada. “The ghost towns, everywhere, I love Nevada,” they said. “We just go out for the day, we come back. It might be three in the morning, but we come back.” However, their adventure took a turn when their vehicle became stuck in the playa desert southwest of Gerlach. “We had water, three bottles of water, we had food,” Boni said. Accompanied by their dog Greta, the couple huddled together with a thin blanket, using the car’s heater sporadically throughout the night.
On Friday morning, thick fog prevented them from seeing any landmarks, complicating their efforts to hike out. Once the fog lifted, Boni attempted to call for help from a ridge, but her phone died after unsuccessful attempts to reach 911 and SOS services. The Bernals spent another night in the desert, enduring cold winds and a winter storm. They sought shelter against a sand dune and a prickly bush. Meanwhile, a friend who knew of their day trip grew concerned when they didn’t return, prompting police to issue an alert. By Saturday morning, the couple reached a pottery shop near Gerlach, where the owner drove them to town to contact their family. In total, they walked approximately 25 miles from their car to find help. “We’ve never had that situation happen before… never lose your cool, make a plan and go,” they advised.
The Suzuki remains stuck in the mud on the playa, but the Bernals and their dog are safely home. Despite their harrowing experience, they plan to continue exploring Nevada’s backcountry, though they vow to avoid the playa in the future.
The post Stranded in the Desert The Unforgettable Rescue of Randy and Boni appeared first on SierraDailyNews.com.
