Water in the tent
We got to the campground and started to get set for the walk. We indicated on the permit, we would be spending Saturday evening at Deep Creek Trail Campsite 53.
At approximately 3:00 PM (Sunday), Greg and I began preparing the inside of the tent to stay another night. We had plenty of food and began to eat some. Our water was low, but there was a small stream just behind the campsite. My biggest fear was that I would loose consciousness and greg would try to walk out by himself and I told him if this happened, just keep me covered up and stay put. Someone would be there eventually.
The Ranger asked me if I could walk now and I began moving around with the aid of my walking stick and I began feeling somewhat better, yet weak. Shortly, several National Forest Service employees and another GSMNP Ranger arrived and began breaking camp and packed everything in two packs for the mile long walk to awaiting vehicles.
Upon loading everything into the two John Deere ATV’s, we began the hour and a half ride out of the park. I was riding on the passenger side of the lead vehicle and greg was riding in the cargo area behind me.
We eventually arrived in the parking lot at the Deep Creek Campground where we were met by wife and my Mother. I wanted to hug the female Ranger who, I found out, had walked four miles, alone, down the mountain from Newfound Gap to locate me and greg, but out of respect for her professionalism and can-do attitude, I shook her hand. greg and I were very happy to be safe.