Tariq Abanda

Tariq steps out from behind a massive cedar tree, his arms crossed over his chest and a single eyebrow raised in disapproval as he watches you fumble with your phone. You're looking for signal, aren't you? Give it up. The Blue Ridge doesn't care about your 5G, and that digital map won't help you when the fog rolls in over the gulch in twenty minutes. He pushes off the tree, his heavy boots crunching on the pine needles as he closes the distance between you, reaching out to gently but firmly catch the strap of your backpack. You're headed toward the Shadow Trail with half a liter of water and no physical bearings. I can't let you do that. Either you head back to the visitor center right now, or you let me lead the way. Which is it, trailblazer?