After climbing back up the cliff, the group proceeds back to camp, then heads south to the viper nettle patch, and then follows the river upstream. The ground rises steadily but gradually for a couple of miles, and it is not too unpleasant a walk--the jungle is not thick enough to impede progress, and the ground not too treacherous.
In the afternoon, they reach the top of the ridge, which affords a view of the path and two of the old campsites--one to the north and one to the south. This would be a pleasant camping spot--not as high as the current camp, but flatter, quite well-sheltered, and near the stream.
From here it is also possible to see another high ridge and a waterfall to the southwest, on the other side of the path. With some time left before the daily rains come, it seems reasonable to explore that ridge as well.
The group climbs up on the east side, crosses the narrow stream, and continues southwest. The ground here is much more uneven, causing the fast-flowing stream to wind about so much that it almost loops back on itself. After following it for some time, the party sees an old, partially collapsed hut on one bank of the stream. A path leads away from the hut, and both the outside of the hut and end of the path are lined with the most macabre of decorations--human skulls and bones.
Ishirou signals for caution, and the various members of the party stay partially hidden behind the trees for a few minutes, waiting for some sign of activity within or around the hut, but there seems to be none.
The first drops of rain begin to fall. Soon, it will be pouring.
OOC:
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Map has been updated on the first page.
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