[pct-l] Trail Markings

[StoneDancer1 at aol.com (StoneDancer1@aol.com)]

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