The couple managed to stay alive by drinking water from a puddle that they found, according to authorities. Both were found wearing only light clothing, and Kiparsky had no shoes. She also didn't have her scarf because she used bits of the fabric as a marker to help her get back to Irwin when she once tried to find help alone.

\"PHOTO:
Marin County Sheriffs Office via AP
PHOTO: In these undated photos released by the Marin County Sheriff's Office are Carol Kiparsky and Ian Irwin.
>

\"We've all come to the conclusion that Carol and Ian surviving is a miracle. We are ecstatic,\" Schneider said.

Quincy Webster, a member of the team that spotted Kiparsky and Irwin, said he was searching in the area when he heard shouts of \"help.\"

He said the two told the members who found them, \"Thank God you found us. We're so happy.\"

The Marin County Sheriff's Office shared some photos of the couple with some cuts and bruises but said they were in \"great spirits.\"

Update from Carol Kiparsky and Ian Irwin. They are in great spirits and want to thank every single person who has kept them in their thoughts.

On behalf of the Irwin and Kiparsky family, Thank You. pic.twitter.com/t3OS6rgas7

— Marin County Sheriff (@MarinSheriff) February 23, 2020

Authorities said they'd gone out for a hike on Feb. 14 and gotten lost. They were last seen at a rental home in Inverness/Seahaven.

Just two days ago, officials were less optimistic and deemed their efforts a \"recovery mission,\" saying that if the two were responsive or reachable by foot, \"we believe that our extensive search efforts\" would have found them.

\"I think from what it sounds like, they thought this was the end for them,\" Schneider said. \"Thankfully, all the folks you see behind me are as dedicated as they are.\"

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