The Wollongong "snake hunter" who supposedly vanished into the Queensland outback on an epic solo quest has phoned his mum from somewhere near the NSW/Victoria border, according to confidantes of the adventurer.Friends said Andrew Ucles was instantly recognised by occupants of a rural riverside property on Sunday when he knocked on their door and asked to use the phone.
Horsley man vs wild: 100 days in bush Horsley man's jinxed eBay uteThe 22-year-old made contact in order to reassure his mum, Helen Ucles of Horsley, but refused to return home, said spokesman and friend Alee Hadaya."He was okay, he was finding it tough but he was finding food and managing," Mr Hadaya said.Watch Ucles requesting not to be saved."His mum was pretty worried before he left. I guess he saw an opportunity to let her know he's okay and he's alive."Mr Ucles hadn't been heard from since he disappeared on March 21 armed with just a tent, a kayak, a hunting knife and emergency beacon; leaving behind a video stating he did not want to be located.Watch the snake man in actionHe planned to record his 100-day experience of living off the land unaided, and wanted to use his story to promote a message of conservation.His southern spotting is at odds with reports that he was headed to Queensland.The misleading information appears to have originated from Mr Ucles' sister Diana on a Facebook page dedicated to fundraising for the Australian Wildlife Conservancy in her brother's name.Another confidant, Luis Cardoso, said Mr Ucles kept his plans a secret to prevent anyone looking for him.Mrs Ucles denied speculation of a stunt."It's not a stunt, my son is out there," she said."When my son comes back he can tell you his story."
