Looking back towards camp. I'm interested in evaluating the viability of staying on this side of the river until the final crossing. The maps show the trail crossing to the other side, then back, then back again. I don't want to try to attempt three river crossings. I suggest we bushwhack our way on the east side of the river until we find the trail crossing back to our side. If this is possible, it will save us a lot of time and aggravation on the way out with heavy packs.

As it turns out, this is extremely easy with few obstacles in our path, but at one point, the river closes into the edge of the rocks and to avoid making Andra uneasy, I decide to just go over the rocks rather than hop a small gap to the other side. Unfortunately, one of the rocks is very rough, with lots of quartz sticking out of it. As I climb over, a sharp piece of quartz punctures through my thumb like a hot knife through butter. While waiting for Andra to come over, I look down at my hand and notice I'm spewing blood all over the place, down my trekking poles on the ground, etc.

Again, this is why I always tell beginners learning to backpack, "never leave camp without the essentials." Only a fool goes for a day hike without things like a headlamp, jacket, first aid, fire starting stuff, knife, water, etc, etc. Once Andra is on my side I have her break out the first aid kit and we clean up and dress my wound.

Rivers are dangerous - especially ones running hypothermia-inducing cold water in the spring. Never underestimate the risk.