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[pct-l] Trail Markings
- Subject: [pct-l] Trail Markings
- From: StoneDancer1 at aol.com (StoneDancer1@aol.com)
- Date: Mon Nov 14 17:00:06 2005
Anybody besides me notice that in southern Oregon, while the PCT is fairly
well signed, that most of the signs point to places that are not on the narrow
guidebook maps? I'd rather have no signs at all than signs like that.
In 2650 miles, I only *really* got lost twice... both in Oregon. I was
headed for Mazama Campgrounds at Crater Lake. Lost in space ( as ususal ) I only
belatedly noticed the trail was looking rougher and rougher. I recall
distinctly thinking "this trail needs some maintenance." Then I saw the sign that
said "Stuart Falls 1 Mile." I whispered a few choice obscenities and headed
back (uphill) . In a couple of miles I came to a tree that had a PCT emblem
embedded in the bark. Now confused, I sat down and had lunch. I kept on
uphill and ultimately came to a sign that said, "PCT 1/2 mile." When I got to
the junction, I saw that there was a sign pointing in the correct direction
and a tree branch on the ground that I had blithely stepped across to take the
wrong path. 8 extra miles!!!
Coincidently, a couple of hours later I was overtaken by David Horton, who
had *not* taken the wrong path.
What does all this mean? I've no clue. As Mr. Natural was wont to say, "It
don't mean _$#@%_ (mailto:$#@) !" I guess, if you pay attention (and are
not trying for a world record) then you don't need no stinkin' signs. If you
hike alone and space out ( like me ) then..... you're on your own.
"No Way Ray" Echols