Camping and water needs
Upon our arrival, greg and I left our car and got into David Stiles vehicle and proceeded to the Smokemont Ranger Station, on US Hwy 441, where we completed the required permit for back country hiking and camping. 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.
The female Ranger rode behind me and periodically asked me how I felt and kept an eye on greg.
We eventually arrived in the parking lot at the Deep Creek Campground where we were met by wife and my Mother. There were several NFS and Park personnel there as well as another female Ranger, who I believe was Ranger Stewart.