Seems this is one of those "it could never happen to me" issues. When I first read the story I found it interesting, but of course "it could never happen to me". Um, except this similar story I remembered earlier today. Oddly it involves my car, a much larger object than a tent....and in the middle of the day.
Years back I made a trip to Courtright Reservoir for a quick hike up to Eagle Peak. Eagle Peak is a little off trail escapade which is achieved by walking up a ridge line to the west of the parking area for the Cliff Lake trail head (at the end of the dirt road on the N/W side of the reservoir). The hike was so simple, I didn't think much about it, I just parked my car at the end of the road, got out and started the short hike uphill. There was snow on the ground, and as fate has it, my car is the same color as the trees surrounding the parking area (Nissan calls it "Canteen").
So I got to the top, enjoyed the views for a few minutes and started my leisurely descent back to the car. I got to the bottom of the ridge and kept walking to, uh, where is my car? Seems I had walked just north of, and beyond my car. If I had been a little further south I would have crossed the obvious road or parking area, but with snow on the ground the trail was covered to the north.
While I did find my car soon thereafter, it was one of those moments. I now drive a bright red Jeep.

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