Wasn't there a Grandmother and an Aunt back at the AirBnB with the other two children? Were there other children besides Zaynab's children along for the vacation?
Imagine this. The only restrooms are located at the trailhead where you begin the trek. You might not see the restroom again until 4.5 hours later, depending on how far you go on the trail. I'm not sure I could hold it for that length of time. It's not as if I go looking for troubles but I do like to plan ahead, just in case.
This lady's fall makes me feel sad. Is there wifi service on the mountain trail? What if the baby became colicky, fussy and wanted their own bed for a nap. Could they phone a friend? Phone batteries drain quickly when searching for a signal.
MOO
Yes, in links posted up thread, it has been stated the other children had been left back at the AirBnB with family.
Here is a link from a Sedona hiking trail website which explains the many difficulties associated with hiking this trail.
It does state there there is “… some cell coverage on the final two sections of the trail.”
http://www.sedonahikingtrails.com/bear-mountain.htmI
It has been my experience that cell service is hit or miss/spotty throughout much of Sedona. I remember when I was young, naive, and thought I was all but immortal, I would go out there in the middle of nowhere (often by myself) trying to hike to the Sedona “vortexes.”
Back then, I would even go into Joshua Tree National Park and go repelling, top roping, etc. THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NO CELL SIGNAL WHATSOEVER.
Since that time, I have been bitten by a Western Diamondback rattlesnake (another danger in AZ hiking trails that has not been discussed), my best friend was murdered, and I have given birth to two boys.
Hindsight being 20/20, if I had my life to live over again, I would not choose to engage in those risky activities/under such potentially dangerous circumstances.
I am thankful nothing bad happened to Z’s child. There is just so much that could have gone wrong (and in this case - DID).
Just my .02 & all is MOO.
**edit to update phrasing in quote from article to match correctly**