Wings of a Bird

Dad: ‘Homesick’ Boy Scout strayed from troop - A.P.
Tent mate says boy, 12, lost in N.C. mountains wanted to hitchhike home
The 12-year-old Boy Scout who survived on creek water for four days alone in the North Carolina mountains had told his tent mate before wandering off to try to hitchhike home that he didn’t want to go on camping trips anymore, a fellow Scout said Wednesday.
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Once rescued, the first thing he said to searchers was that “he wanted a helicopter ride out of there,” said Blue Ridge Parkway ranger David Bauer.
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[His dad] said Michael had been a bit reluctant to go on the trip. The boy had asked his dad if he would give him $5 if he didn’t have a good time. Auberry said he assured his son that if he wasn’t happy on the trip, they would do something fun together the next day.
After the rescue, Kent Auberry said: “To have our son back is a tremendous blessing.” But he offered a plea from Michael about making up his sixth-grade schoolwork.
“He’s worried about make-up work in Miss Self’s class,” Auberry said. “So if Miss Self could cut him a break, he would be very, very grateful.”...