I've been there a couple times. I had all the needed gear to spend the night, but after spending weeks on end in the same place I just "knew" I was going the right way. The gps units (yes I carry two) even said I was going the right way. But after crossing two fences that I know I never crossed before I busted out the map only to find I had just walked three miles... in the wrong direction. Once I had my location I easily walked back out to where I should have been. Good to hear everything turned out for the better. I'm not familiar with the area, but couldn't they see the trail continue on the other side of the river?