NASHUA, N.H. -- It was supposed to be day hike in the mountains with some friends, but for Dan Cashman, it ended up being a night alone in waist-deep snow and freezing weather.

The Nashua electrician spoke out Monday after being rescued in the mountains of Franconia Notch.

Fish and Game workers rescued Cashman Sunday afternoon. He was missing for more than a day.

It turns out the experienced hiker had a stroke of bad luck in treacherous conditions.

It was Friday when he and two friends went for a day hike in Franconia Notch. Pictures taken that day show that the hikers were well dressed, but the trio didn't expect what they call whiteout conditions.

"We got above the tree line and it was just brutal," Cashman said.

At about 2 p.m. Friday, seven hours into the hike, Cashman lost his two friends in the snow. As he tried to catch up to them, he misstepped and fell 200 feet off the trail.

"I rolled like a snowball. I couldn't stop myself," Cashman said.

Cashman said that after hours of trying to find the trail, he realized he was lost. By now, his friends had reached safety and called 911, but no one knew if Cashman was even still alive.

"It was probably the longest 20 hours of my life. I was just kind of numb," Cashman said.

Cashman used a silver "heat blanket" to try and keep warm in 10-degree temperatures and snow. He had food and water, but no map, and his legs were exhausted.

"Every time I wanted to stop I said, 'No. I have family to go to.' That kept me going all night long," Cashman said.

By Saturday morning, Cashman was walking again in the mountains but still very lost.

He found nothing until about 4 p.m.

"Then I heard yelling. The first human thing I had heard in a day. I started yelling," Cashman said.

After 26 hours on his own, he was rescued and immediately called his wife.

With the exception of some torn hiking gear, Cashman was OK.

One thing he didn't have was a map, which he vows to take with him next year.

It turns out he wandered 11 miles from the place he lost his two friends.

Cashman said that he lost 11pounds during his extra-long hike.