HJ, when all is said and done I would have been more than willing to make the run and it would have made an even more scandalous story...it's win/win when it comes to crazy adventures in the wilderness. On the other hand, if you lose your ring in downtown LA, well, you're on your own at that point...
Sharp-eyed was the hiker who found it, erm, despite the directions.
The ring made it all the way to Rae, trying to roll on home to you.
(cue Neil Young ;) --which is a lyrical reminder to take great care with that symbol.
Hope you're have some great time with the family, and summer hikes.