OLD FORGE, N.Y. (WKTV) - Rich Cote, a friend of John Lawler, says the 76 year-old has been released from the hospital. Cote says beyond being tired, Lawler is in good condition and will be returning to New Jersey on Tuesday.

As friends hugged, elation filled the North Country, and many sighed a big sigh of relief.

"Get your shoulder right under my shoulder," said one of the rescuers, as they placed the discovered Lawler over his shoulder.

They were welcomed words for the New Jersey hunter after being lost for two days.

Lawler was last seen on Saturday morning between Bloodsucker Pond and Woodhull Lake. He was found by search volunteers just northeast of Sand Lake at 11:15 a.m. Monday morning - two-heavily wooded miles from his original location.

And when his hunting buddies first set their sights on Lawler, emotions warmed the chilly air.

You can tell from the wintry crunch under the rescuers' boots that it was not an easy 48-hours.

"It rained Saturday, it froze Saturday night, and snow last night, so he was out in some harsh conditions," said Lt. Doug Riedman, a Forest Ranger involved in the search.

And considering that Lawler is 76-years old...it was against some tough odds he battled...and won.

With rain gear and a map, Lawler pulled through, and Monday he was just as thankful as those who love him were to see him again.

"Thank you," said Lawler as he was rescued. "I have to do something for you guys."

But rescuers say that they already have their thank you.

"Unfortunately, some of the searches we're on don't have good endings - they end up in recoveries," said Greg O'Hara of Adirondack Search & Rescue. "But this one really makes it worthwhile."

As he held Lawler's hand, one rescuer and friend brought him hope and a smile as they loaded Lawler into an ambulance Monday morning.

"I'll see ya John," the friend said.