The temperature last night turned out to be very moderate. We leave camp this morning just after 8:00. Part way up we come across an abandoned backpack and an almost full gallon of water. Although we look around extensively, we don't find anyone. The terrain is very steep and difficult here. I sure hope someone didn't fall over the edge. Maybe the hiker was feeling badly, left his pack here, and hiked back up to the top. In about one more hour, we find another full gallon of water. Whoever left that here made no effort to conceal it.
When you come to this large rock outcropping, you know you are getting pretty close to the top. We reach the trailhead sign about two hours after leaving camp. Darcy is waiting for us in the parking lot. He even brought beer for a little post-hike celebration.
Traci loads our packs in her truck. Adrian, Emily, and Darcy get in Adrian's car while Traci, Craig, and I ride in Traci's truck. They drop me off at Grandview Point so I can pick up my car. Then it's on to the Maswik for a hamburger. Adrian and I stop by the Backcountry Office to report the abandoned backpack, but they are closed during the lunch hour. We'll just have to call in our report. Adrian, Emily, and Darcy head for Arizona. Traci and Craig head for Texas while I'm going to Oklahoma. MAIN INDEX | HIKING INDEX | BACK TO DAY 5 | FORWARD TO POSTSCRIPT
|