Mind settled to a more manageable panic level, I start to reorganize my supplies. I remove the beanie, gloves, and jackets from my person; rolling them up and stuffing them into the bag. I set aside the hunting knife, compass, and machete. I’ll need easy access to those. Grabbing two paracord bracelets I clip one onto my left wrist while unbraiding the other. I’m not wearing a belt but I can use the paracord as a makeshift one, where I can hang my weapons sheaths. Ten feet of paracord is a bit cumbersome as a belt so I cut it in half. Wrapping it around my waist and through my pants loops, I secure my hunting knife on my right and machete on my left. Geared up, so to speak, I put everything else back into the bag. The last item to go in is my phone which I check for service. No bars. I power off the contraption as to conserve the battery. There’s not many charging outlets in the middle of a forest. 

Okay, step one.... Water. I only have about fifteen ounces of water so finding a water source is a priority. I have supplies to easily make shelter, as well as rations to live off for quite awhile. Unfortunately, I am unable to conjure water. Wouldn't that be a convenient skill to have? Hahahaah. As if. Swinging my backpack onto my shoulders I check my compass. Let's head East. 

Looking around at the peaceful meadow one last time, I send a thank you to the earth for keeping me safe here. Being unconscious in the woods, definitely has its dangers. Not to mention in the open like I was. Yet, I stayed safe, as if cradled by the earth itself. It's important to thank the earth for whatever it provides. Turning forward, I start my march into the unknown. 

As the forest canopy thickens the light diminishes. Not enough to affect my travel but it is definitely a noticeable difference. I wind through the nature trails, taking the paths most traveled by woodland creatures. Birds cry out in the branches above as I make my way forward. Every so often, I stop to mark a nearby tree with my knife. The trees are redwoods, so removing some of the fuzzy bark is a piece of cake. After traveling like this for a few hours I finally hear the tell tale babble of a water source. Following my ears, I come to a small creek, peacefully flowing through the landscape. I sit down by the stream, crouching on a couple of rocks. I take the time to rest and each a couple mouthfuls of trail mix. Watching as the water flows by. Occasionally carrying a leaf or stick with its current. Rested, I resume my walk, this time following the water upstream. 

An hour later, I find what I was searching for. A pool forms as a small waterfall crashes into it from above. This will make a good basecamp. After all, I have no idea how big this forest is, nor where I am exactly. With a safe place to set up camp, I can slowly explore the surrounding area. Hopefully locating a road or another sign of people.