bush walk 3:00:00 [1] 12.0 km (15:00 / km) +500m 12:25 / km
Tanderra saddle return (outer track)
Passed a guy with a big pack looking a bit disconsolate between 4 and 5 km signs. Left Lyra and Alexa at 5 km sign, then bustled up to the saddle and back before setting off back with Lyra (who was a bit sick), while Alexa carried on.
We come across two guys I had seen earlier with big packs. They ask if we have seen their friend, since they have found his backpack and water bottle at the bottom of a cliff. I can see the backpack about 60m away down the slope (which is steep but not a cliff).
The description of the guy fits disconsolate dude. I suggest retrieving the guys gear but they seem happy to leave it there, but claim they have a GPS reference. Then they just walk off back towards the trail head.
Somewhere between odd and scary.