While on the Hike

Stay with the group. Inform the coordinator if you must leave the group for any reason. In the event of any problems, obey the coordinator. Beware of group stupidity that occurs when each person assumes that someone else is doing the serious thinking (lemmings operate that way). Stop and think whenever necessary. Communicate unambiguously. (Our research department is working on telepathy, but haven't got it working yet.)

The group very often gets split up as fast hikers speed far ahead of slower hikers. The people in front should STOP and WAIT occasionally, but especially at all trail junctions. Fast hikers are as likely to get lost as slow hikers, by missing an important turn-off. People in front should make FREQUENT TWO-WAY EYE CONTACT with people farther back. Having the whole group lost but together is much safer than having people scattered all over the wilderness moving in all directions.

Remember! Take only pictures, leave only footprints.