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Took the PCT shortcut near Kennedy Meadows. Big mistake.
Saw a side trail that looked like it shaved off 3 miles. Took it without checking my map. Ended up on a dead end ridge at sunset. Had to bushwhack back down in the dark. Lesson: stick to the main route, even if it's longer.
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torres.sage1mo agoMost Upvoted
That shortcut sounded good on paper but bad in real life. Getting stuck on a ridge as the sun goes down is no joke. Bushwhacking back in the dark is a hard lesson to learn. Always check your map first before taking any side trail. Saving three miles is not worth getting lost or hurt. Stick to the main route next time for sure.
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elizabeth9001mo ago
Whoa, I really think people underestimate how much a shortcut can mess with your group's morale too. I once had a friend insist on a "faster" trail and we ended up arguing for an hour about which way to go (not fun when you're all tired and hungry). The tension just builds when you're off course and everyone starts blaming each other. It's not just about getting lost, it's about the whole vibe of the trip going south. A safe, easy route keeps everyone happy and that's worth way more than saving a few miles.
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