''GOOD to see you'' was the first thing bushwalker Karina Scott, 31, said to her brother with a beaming smile after she was found alive and well after three nights missing in Namadgi National Park.
Then it was a hasty apology to her mother Rhonda for putting her family through the ordeal.
Ms Scott was spotted waving a white shirt in the air by helicopter pilot Colin de Pagter from Heli-surveys Jindabyne about 8.30am yesterday as the search for her entered its third day.
Mr de Pagter hovered over her and radioed her coordinates back to the Police Forward Command inside the park. Within 10 minutes a team of ACT Policing Specialist Response and Security members were there.
Rescuers said she was in ''good spirits'' with only a few cuts and bruises although tired and hungry.
After some baked beans and ham and a quick clean of the teeth she was walked out to a clearing before being flown by Snowy Hydro Southcare to The Canberra Hospital.
Ms Scott was reported missing by her partner Danny Joyce last Wednesday night after she failed to return from a 9km walk she set out on early that morning.
A massive search involving ACT Police, National Parks rangers, the State Emergency Service and helicopter crews was then launched.
Mr Joyce said she was prepared for only a six-hour trip.
It is believed she was wearing shorts and a lightweight waterproof jacket.
Her relieved father Lindsay said yesterday she had kept herself warm by continually walking.
''She didn't let herself sleep,'' he said.
''I think she thought if she settled down to sleep she may never wake up.''
He said Ms Scott, who recently moved to Canberra from Bathurst, was fit and often bushwalked although she was not familiar with Namadgi.
An outdated map of the area in a current guide book saw her attempt a walking track that no-longer existed and she soon became lost.
Older brother Brendan said they had remained positive she would be found alive, even as the days passed.
''We knew Karina and how tough she is and practical and determined,'' he said.
''Of any one of us, it was always going to be Karina who would get through this.
''She is all heart and all guts, very determined.''
''It is probably the best phone call we have ever had I think.''
Brendan extended his family's appreciation to all those involved in the search. ''I can't say enough. They have been wonderful. Thank you for the huge effort ... and support ... everything they have done has been terrific.''
Lindsay said he couldn't have wished for a better Father's Day gift.
With the family joking it wouldn't surprise them if Ms Scott returned to bushwalking sooner rather than later, her father said she would be getting a rescue beacon and some bright clothes so she could be seen more easily, for her birthday in two weeks.