When the first part of our group got to the bike trail entrance, they found a woman lying by the road, badly beaten and barely conscious. We had just passed this spot about 45 minutes earlier. I was sent back to have the campground host contact the ranger while others called 911 and found a blanket to cover her.
The authorities arrived, our contact information was taken, the campground was closed, and we were sent back to our campsites. What followed seemed almost surreal to me; I expected Frannie Shoemaker to walk by. I have spent so much time imagining and creating scenes almost exactly like this. The speculation, the further questioning, the rumors. The possibility that the perpetrator was still in the park. About 8:00 pm, the park was reopened but the search for the assailant goes on. Apparently the woman was able to give the authorities a description.
We had a pleasant supper and visited around the campfire with a nice couple from Sumner. Another lovely sunset ended the day--Letha's birthday, as well as the woman from Sumner. But it was a grim reminder of the need to be vigilant and take caution even in the most beautiful places.