Mother's instinct helps save hiker on the Pacific Crest Trail

When Nancy Abell met Katharina Groene, she was worried about the young hiker's safety on the Pacific Crest Trail. She decided to take action. Steve Hartman has their story "On The Road."
Subscribe to the "CBS Evening News" Channel HERE: bit.ly/1S7Dhik
Watch Full Episodes of the "CBS Evening News" HERE: cbsn.ws/23XekKA
Watch the latest installment of "On the Road," only on the "CBS Evening News," HERE: cbsn.ws/23XwqMH
Follow "CBS Evening News" on Instagram: bit.ly/1T8icTO
Like "CBS Evening News" on Facebook HERE: on. 1KxYobb
Follow the "CBS Evening News" on Twitter HERE: bit.ly/1O3dTTe
Follow the "CBS Evening News" on Google+ HERE: bit.ly/1Qs0aam
Get your news on the go! Download CBS News mobile apps HERE: cbsn.ws/1Xb1WC8
Get new episodes of shows you love across devices the next day, stream local news live, and watch full seasons of CBS fan favorites anytime, anywhere with CBS All Access. Try it free! bit.ly/1OQA29B
---
The "CBS Evening News" premiered as a half-hour broadcast on Sept. 2, 1963. Check local listings for CBS Evening News broadcast times.

[@grumpyoldlady_rants]

This is nothing short of a miracle! The fact that Ms Abell was believed is amazing. The miracle part is that she gave searchers the correct area to search and then they actually found Katharine.

[@johnbrattan9341]

She was, afterall, following the PCT.

[@grumpyoldlady_rants]

@@johnbrattan9341 - your point is?

[@Emilia-wv1kj]

​@@grumpyoldlady_rants that they probably calculated the general amount of ground she could cover in 7 days and created a grid to search. That's of course not factoring in that Catarina might have told her a rough estimate of where she would be. A lot of times on trail we share our approximate itineraries.

[@sorellman]

There is no miracle here. This is about caring, acting on good instinct, fact, and reason, and about the law enforcement not dismissing that despite rules and regulations.

[@sorellman]

@@Emilia-wv1kj Yes, it was relatively easy to find her. They knew where she was seen last, where she was heading to, and they knew the trail she was on. The important thing is that they did not stick by the rule saying that there is no missing person if someone does not claim there is a missing person or that there is no reason to look for someone if there is no distress call. Even when someone claims a person is missing, they wait for at least 24 hours before they start searching.

[@JackycClark]

That's absolutely amazing . Props to the rescuers for listening to her.

[@johnbrattan9341]

Yea. Most likely the most profound message in this vid.

[@jbass6665]

It took well into my adult years to realize that maybe my mom knows a thing or two. Love you, Mom.

[@MoogieB]

If she’s still around, you would make her heart so full by telling her that!💖. I regret not telling mine as much as I should before she passed away.

[@teddy922]

I bet your mom loves you to

[@daphnelattimer9952]

Love you MORE.

[@nancywhitney1156]

AMEN...ME TOO. LOVE MY MOTHER & GRANDMOTHERS 💕

[@inquirewue2]

"When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years."

[@jjhlk6737]

Nosy Nancy saves the day.

[@h.plovecat4307]

I prefer Mother Martha.

[@JAVONEETHEMOMMY]

Lovecat Productions yeah nancy sounds annoyin like she'd call the cops on her n say she crazy

[@tannerdylan5972]

God bless America! “ if you need to restore your faith in humanity, come to America.” Ive never heard a more true statement in my life. We’re number one, we’re number one!!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 ☝️ ☝️☝️☝️

[@0116Lori]

@Rye Bread Yeah, and you would have minded your own business and that girl would most likely be dead. She didn't sound so disappointed that she was still alive.

[@Allen-by6ci]

Kudos to the authorities for taking her concerns seriously. Nice job everyone

[@danmcclellan2451]

You could tell just from Nancy’s demeanor she a genuinely beautiful person 👏👏

[@jb6712]

I often wish my son would have listened to my maternal instincts 15 1/2 years ago. He might be alive today if he had, but he was 31 years old, he claimed to know what he was doing---he was very intelligent, it wasn't a matter of ignorance/lack of knowledge---but he was also in that mindset of "Momzer, you worry too much. I know what I'm doing...." And then he was gone, just days before Thanksgiving of 2007.

[@sterlingmatsui154]

Sounds exactly like my Dear Boy, who just turned age 31 last week~I never know what might happen on all his alone adventures☆☆~Truly sorry for the passing of your Sweetest Son♡♡...Sending Prayers Tonight, from one Mother to Another, in the Desert of Arizona, Holly:)

[@SarahPriceHancock]

I'm so sorry to you both.

[@MountainTess]

I'm so very sorry for your loss.

[@burntthetoast]

I'm very sorry for your loss ma'am.

[@burntthetoast]

@@sterlingmatsui154 I'm also very sorry for your loss ma'am. I'll pray for you both.

[@sooz9433]

Wow!! That's impressive! I'm the Mother of 4 sons and twice my instincts have pushed me to deny permissions to my son as teens. Both sons disobeyed me and one was struck by a car and wound up in I.C.U.. The other wound up laid up at home in bed for a few days. All things considered they were lucky. Great job Nancy! I'm so happy you were rescued Katharina! God bless you Steve Hartman. 🧡

[@LaughingblueSu]

I can't believe they listened to her. Amazing!

[@JP-lu9ed]

I’m curious what she said after that opening line to 911. She must know the trail really well.

[@eldiablo7785]

Her reason for that hike choked me up.

[@Lord6]

Someone that can walk 2,500 miles dedicatedly, if that's a word, is ... just astounding.

[@kimberlyking9523]

I know. I would give up at 25 miles.

[@davidr4523]

This women is an angel. In a world where no one cares about you except maybe your parents, you hear a story like this and you believe there is some hope for goodness in humanity.

[@lydiaanderson824]

This story had me in tears. What came to me is that mothers save lives every day in extraordinary and ordinary ways. Such a beautiful story…makes me even more committed to honoring my mothering instincts.

[@gailthomas2631]

I have learned to ALWAYS GO WITH YOUR GUT, sometimes too late. So glad mother instinct took over for these ladies and that Nancy was able to convince the rescuers.

[@DavidMcCoul]

What an uplifting story!

[@MariaLoysen]

OM what a beautiful story 🩷 thank you Nancy! And young lady Katarina, dont give up honey 💐 there are good people in the world

[@robinlindner7220]

Steve Hartman, I hope you read these comments!!!!???? You certainly have a gift of finding the life stories that touch our hearts! This one in particular, but I will always remember with a warm heart the story of the elderly man who had lost his wife and found that young girl in the grocery store! I cried my eyes out! So sweet and tender! Mr. Hartman, keep bringing us these stories! In this day and time we need to remember the human condition and we need love and hope! God Bless You Sir! Robin

[@NoBootyBeauty]

Robin Lindner - these are my exact same thoughts!!! I just watched the elderly guy with the 4 year old angel-girl last week! It's the loveliest story I've ever heard, I cried for an hour afterward. Thank you Steve Hartman!

[@lenziany]

Very sweet of you.. And very well said.. 💕

[@cornonthecob1268]

Well said Robin.

[@kelseystump112]

He unfortunately passed away....the "old person". Sometime this year, not Co-Vid.

[@blogistics6009]

Nothing more powerful than a mother.

[@ronaldmcdonald9147]

Katherina, 'Citygirl' I'm so happy that you are ok. You were the first person I met on my PCT hike in late September. I will always remember. You have a way of making an impression that few others do. It was near midnight when we met, and I last saw you as you were leaving Oregon, crossing the Columbia River with much determination at zero-dark-thirty. Although we only met once, I want you to count me among your trail friends. A US Marine is not a bad friend to have. If they have boyscouts in Germany, find one to teach you all about map and compass navigation. He will surely get more in return to learn your story. Take care, rest up, and keep hiking. - VT

[@Atmanmahatma]

Ronald McDonald you didn't tap that you no nuts having pansy

[@Mashoulan]

Oh please. Its a nice note. And the job description would help her remember who he was. You meet a lot of people hiking such a long way.

[@peachykeen799]

@Madhuryamoy Ray ironically youre more cringe for being so bothered you had to write a comment about it lols

[@alinatheresa702]

I think this is a wonderful comment and definitely not cringeworthy. I hope she saw it.

[@johnbrattan9341]

@Madhuryamoy Ray I agree. Not to mention his name 'Ronald McDonald.' People are so gullible. "Ronald" is still laughing. While lying in his bunk bed. Geez.

[@ps603]

What a great story & a great Mother's instinct. God put Katharina in her way. Nancy was just who she needed.

[@marthareis5873]

Such an inspiring story. I hope the young hiker is doing better.

[@betweenthepoles]

Nancy is a wonderful woman and along with her strong Motherly instinct, it helped that she is an experienced hiker and not only recognized the dangers but also how to direct the rescuers. Katarina was so lucky she met Nancy. I hope Nancy can stay in her life in some way. It seems she really does need someone to care about her.

[@cindysmith6833]

Wow, what a great story. Thanks for sharing.

[@deanouellette1868]

No "instinct" here. Ms. Abell was The Mother of Common Sense. And it appears Snohomish County Search & Rescue agreed.

[@mbPhase23]

Wonderful. Well done Nancy, for following your instinct and for the incredible act of saving a life. Brilliant and inspirational.

[@patsystreasurehunt4251]

That's a great story! I'm glad her faith was restored. What a great mom.

[@memehunny7168]

A mother’s work is never done, as they say 🥰

[@k.mcdonald1960]

What a beautiful woman, following her instincts and believing in her gut feelings to convince others is conviction and bravery that saved this lady’s life. I too have lost faith in humanity and have been constantly searching for stories like this to restore it.

[@margaretblack8538]

I wonder if they have kept in contact during the last 4 years. Amazing woman, both of them. ❤

[@vt-yp7yq]

This story moved me to tears today. Intuition is a great thing, along with trusting humans again in your life's journey.

[@GldnClaw]

The Holy Ghost is a wonderful thing when we listen to it

[@nancymac6970]

So glad to read about a good deed being done without god being mentioned. Nancy was intelligent and knew what needed to be done.

[@JeantheSecond]

Katerina: The lady was right. I’m going to die. Nancy: Not on my watch.

[@Food4CriticalThought]

Truly a miracle. Not the helpful lady. The miracle is that the authorities responded.

[@sharonloomis5264]

Listened to her guardian Angel and saved a life

[@kathrynjohnson201]

Heart warming story of humanity.

[@teresabarras6416]

Girl you should thank God for sending you an angel. I'm glad you're okay. May God bless you and keep you.

[@YanksandBritsProductions]

I'm pleased she was found safe and well! Wow that story scares the crap out of me after only finding out about the Highway of Tears recently in British Columbia, and all the females who have been killed over the years on that stretch of highway.

[@dixietenbroeck8717]

When events like this occur, some say "luck" while others say "miracle." I always say *"Don't jump to conclusions, as 'the jury isn't in,' yet."* I feel that people somehow form "connections" during their encounters with others. While some connections are tenuous, others can be very, very firm. My personal belief is that, by having great concern for the wellbeing of another human being, _NO MATTER HOW BRIEF IN TIME THAT CONNECTION MAY HAVE BEEN,_ their connection can be *_INCREDIBLY STRONG!_* I've seen similar events, both large _AND_ small, transpire throughout my lifespan, so the situation shown here has simply reinforceed my beliefs. There is nothing here ... but butterflies, fireworks, & smiles! 🦋🎉🤗🎉🦋

[@mjremy2605]

Yup! Moms have a fine tuned instinct for nurturing and sensing danger. Just look at wildlife moms and how they protect their chicks. Good story. She sensed or picked up some telepathic signals no doubt from the young woman. Very satisfying ending. What a story.

[@inotherwords14]

Those guys are heroes, too, for believing her

[@jameskeener7251]

That's why they're called trail angels.

[@seviregis7441]

Beautiful story of two great women. God bless them both.

[@MaireTreasa]

I think He already has. I believe God was working through Nancy to restore hope in Katharina.

[@mamamia4183]

Thank you! Please bring more stories like this to Light, please!

[@nancywhitney1156]

Wow what a wonderful story. Faith in humanity restored. New lifelong friends. Who would give this video a thumbs down...sad. Prayers for both women from Kentucky ❤

[@TomCrosman]

Beautiful story. Made my day.

[@scarlettirinco4022]

Steve Hartman's stories are always heartwarming. Kudos sir!

[@BidenSUCKSS]

God sent an intervention to save hiker’s life!

[@JK-nk8cp]

If only hunches were followed and listened to more often. Sometimes we just know!

[@JEWELZYOUTUBE]

You are an amazing person. God bless you for your mother instincts and saved a new friend/ daughter

[@villanuevafamily4]

What an amazing story. Hikers are some of the kindest people I know.

[@ccam504]

We should all be like that now more than ever ! Only takes a second to show caring concern. 😊

[@jam20230]

What an amazing woman!!!!!

[@karenmorita]

Good job Nancy , saving a life of a stranger who now is a special person in your life is priceless. Well done, we need more people like you , who care and give a dam, and will not give up. Thank you .😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊💜💜💜💜💜💜💜👍👍👍👍👍👍👍🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺

[@Snappy60]

Divine intervention, a miracle!

[@Happybidr]

Wow, heckuva story. I’m glad Steve included the first part of her 911 call, because it shows what an uphill mountain she had to climb to get anyone to go along with her hunch, no pun intended. Yeah to Moms everywhere!

[@tranquility9325]

This is beautiful. At least some ppl care about others.

[@karenheredia5034]

How beautiful. This is who we are. Wonderful! ❤️

[@BenitoRManzo]

I do agree, but the interview could of been 2 more minutes.

[@alinatheresa702]

This story makes me cry whenever I watch it! I think much of it has to do with Steve Hartman’s voice. 😆

[@alienonion4636]

Katerina I have been there. And while hiking and climbing. And there were those who came to my rescue some were unseen

[@bajoobiecuzican]

I needed to hear this today. Thank you Steve 💜

[@theprayingiguanabengalmomma]

Mommy’s are THE BEST!!!!!

[@marilynmainwaring9978]

I’m crying 😭I love this! I tend to Over-Mother and I can’t tell you how many times it has paid off!

[@Gizziiusa]

Seems there is more to the story than meets the eye. She was on her last leg of her hike, AND she said she had given up on people. Thats a telltale sign of depression, and it could be she was actually going to let the elements take her (as in suicide by wilderness).

[@chilledmonkeebrains]

God works sans religion. All it takes is genuine kindness and love

[@thoslwwillis]

She is a wonderful hero.😇😍 !

[@Michelle.Leslie]

Way to go Nancy!

[@lizmaurer3830]

Amazing story. Northern Americans are golden.

[@thoslwwillis]

What a wonderful hero ❤️

[@irish73tjk]

If only all news could be this uplifting!!! Ty to all for this clip!!

[@SisterRose64055]

Wow they look like actual mom & daughter!

[@tracyshively4885]

Damn you Steve Hartman! Every time! You make me cry every time! 😅 Wonderful story!

[@secretehouse7163]

Thank God that the rescue team listened to her..and went to find her Or she would have surely parished

[@janetpattison8474]

Yes, indeed! Great job done by the rescue team for listening to Nancy, and then going out and finding Katrina. Great job to Nancy for caring, and then taking action. Life is good!

[@decafmocha211]

Amazing story. Great job Nancy...a true hero

[@OWK000]

This is a good story. Strains of "Into The Wild", only with a happy ending.

[@bnln1939]

What a wonderful life changing event.

[@marvinjacobtiu]

What a wonderful way to experience lost of faith in humanity and the restoration of it. And as always Steve and the researchers mase our hearts warm again. 👌

[@russellfuller2890]

I am so moved. CBS, thank you for sharing.

[@delfoloveakadellasmissiona1369]

A wonderful and caring woman

[@dorothypage7410]

Always a Mom.

[@ww-ti6js]

Had to watch this twice because I loved it so much 💗

[@MsSheilaC]

I watched it several times too 🥹🥹🥹

[@teresacorley7874]

What a beautiful story thank you for looking out for her

[@marymcandrew7667]

What a great story to start my day with!

[@fraracci]

More of this please American Media! ❤

[@TheZenGarden_]

These are the type of things that happen when we are lead by the "better angels" of our nature!! And on the other hand there are three people who disliked this story! 🙄

[@jaysreetad9980]

That girl was lucky to meet Nancy

[@hilarymoloney1711]

Terrific woman, Nancy is.

[@denysarcuri1213]

THAT . . . is a great story!

[@jeffsiegwart]

I love this story!

[@EmilyBoltz]

Wow that is an amazing story!!!

[@ut561]

wow great story, just shows everything happens for a reason :)

[@glenngangan5876]

Wow. Love this story.

[@analogecstasy4654]

This is the best story EVER.

[@HEISRISEN7777]

What a beautiful soul

[@NS-lx4hx]

GO NANCY!! wonderful woman ❤️

[@gew9487]

Wonderful uplifting event. That instinct that the hiker needed rescuing a miracle!! Well done to all who helped save the hiker!!😊👍

[@birdsoul5731]

Truly a hero❤

[@charmnGUY]

I helped a hiker as well in the Sierra Nevada mountains! Hopefully he'll on schedule to finish before the snow season up north!

[@dorrainecrump3396]

I love this story.

[@bobbyotay8817]

Finally real news. Very good, very very good.