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The debate about trailblazing vs sticking to established routes - a story from the Appalachian Trail
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alexlewis29d ago
Yeah, that bushwhack through the rhododendron hell is a perfect example of what @sean_murray is talking about. In my experience, the few times I've tried an "exciting" shortcut off trail, I ended up wasting more time and energy than just following the blazes.
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sean_murray29d ago
A buddy of mine hiked the AT last year and he told me about a guy who took a "bushwhack" shortcut through a rhododendron hell and ended up losing three days. That story stuck with me because it showed how a bad gamble off the beaten path can mess up your whole plan. It makes sense to stick with the white blazes when time and safety are on the line, even if the unknown route sounds more exciting.
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