c/backpacking-routes

After seeing erosion, I now believe some routes should stay secret.

Protecting trails means sometimes keeping them off the map.

That time I misheard a bear warning on the PCT

Last fall on the Pacific Crest Trail, a trail runner zoomed past me and shouted something. I only caught the word 'bear' and thought there was danger ahead. I spent the next hour being really careful, checking every noise. At the next water stop, I met the runner again. He laughed and said he was warning about a 'bare' patch of trail with no shade. We both found it funny once we cleared it up. Now, I always carry a small notepad to write down quick messages. This helps avoid mix-ups when words get lost in the wind.

Debate: I quit planning my backpacking routes down to the minute (you know, like obsessing over exact mile markers) and found more fun, but my buddy says it's asking for trouble. Where do you stand?

Am I the only one who thinks the most hyped trails are actually kinda boring?

I had way more fun getting lost on some unmarked path than I ever did on those famous routes everyone raves about lmao.