wrote:

Anyway, as I said originally I'm sorry to hear about this. But having
lived and played in and around the high country (CO front range
mountains), I find this lack of preparation irresponsible and frankly
not very smart. Leaving your car in the 1st place is a BAD MOVE...

Generally, I'd agree. Especially if I was leaving an airplane.

But in this case.... I'd have left the car sooner than 8 days. Either
folks weren't looking for me, or they were looking in the wrong place.
However, I'd have NEVER left the road. Searchers can see you on a
road. They can't see you in the trees.
He did his best. Too bad.