by john m » Wed Dec 06, 2006 5:24 pm
Hi Yichus:
I have to believe the tent and backpack are not hiker related and involve someone seeking refuge and a place to stay, for whatever reason good or perhaps bad, in a place where they are unlikely to be found. My gut feeling is that it's not a good thing. You're not an alarmist by any means.
This is perhaps one time when it would be nice to have the availability of an official park related person to assess and resolve the situation. That said, all hikers should keep their head up when hiking in the lower sections.
I highly doubt the cigarette smoking, soda drinking, artist will be seeking refuge higher up as temperatures cool!
Any chance you'll be going up on the 15th or 22nd? weather permitting? and not at 3am!