When the trail’s a maze, I break it into data points. First, map every known landmark, then draw the shortest lines between them on paper. Next, weigh each line by risk: terrain, weather, enemy movement. I keep a backup route next to each choice—if the first goes bad, I switch without hesitation. I never rely on luck; I rely on the math and a well‑packed kit. And if the ridge looks good, I’ll try it only if it fits the plan and I’ve already charted a fallback. If it doesn’t, I’ll stay on the safer path—no heroics on a loose ridge.