A couple became disoriented while snowmobiling and ice fishing on the Canadian side of Lake of the Woods, hunkered down beside a fire all through the day and night before unknowingly crossing into northern Minnesota, where they regained their bearings and came in from the cold.
The couple, both 20 years old and from Steinbach, Manitoba, came out of it remarkably well, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in Winnipeg said Tuesday. The man was treated in Roseau for a touch of frostbite, the RCMP added. Authorities declined to identify the couple.
According to the RCMP:
A party of four was ice fishing about 7 miles east of Birch Point in far southeastern Manitoba. The couple got on a snowmobile for a short ride back to their vehicle but didn't return to the others in the foursome.
Amid blowing snow and extreme cold, the lost couple started a fire and spent the day and night in the bush.
After daybreak Monday, the couple traveled nearly 30 miles on their snowmobile, unknowingly crossing well into the United States. The man then walked up to a home in Roosevelt, Minn., and explained his plight.
Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482
