A Phoenix resident is extremely grateful to be alive after a four-day stint in the California backcountry during the Christmas time.

Brent Lendriet, 65, a native of Phoenix, was not sure if he would be able to make it out of his situation.

Although Lendriet had the fundamentals of wilderness survival, he was not equipped for what he faced.

Having been on a journey in the Los Padres National Forest, Lendriet was in search of a gold legacy that had been passed down through his family. On the 23rd of December, he returned to the region unaccompanied.

Making the journey through the rough terrain was extremely challenging. The U.S. Forest Service had decided to close the gates for the winter as a safety measure, but he went ahead and bypassed the second one anyway.

Lendriet knew that in order to travel along that path, a special vehicle is required and that he was usually able to traverse it without issue.

He regretted his decision after his truck got stuck in freezing cold water, and he had to spend the next four days enduring extreme conditions, trying to survive in the elements.

Lendriet recounted that he had taken off his freezing garments and thrown them into his truck, replacing them with some warm clothing. When he awoke the following morning, his water soaked clothes had become frozen solid. The evening temperatures dipped down into the teens.

Lendriet was able to connect with help but noted that it was not easy for the authorities to locate him. On the 26th, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office declared that they had pinpointed Brent and was successfully able to rescue him and his canine companion.  Two days later authorities assisted him in getting his truck out.

Lendriet cautions others that no matter how experienced they are or what type of vehicle they are operating, Mother Nature may still have the upper hand.

Brent Lendriet is eagerly anticipating the return to Phoenix with his canine companion.