It doesn’t mention if she was on her way back. Could be she was expecting to beat the front. Might explain the early departure.

Maybe she almost did, I would think losing the trail would be typical of the later stages of hypothermia.

Sad deal.

"...if the gentlemen of Virginia shall send us a dozen of their sons, we would take great care in their education, instruct them in all we know, and make men of them." Canasatego 1744