Actually it's not just random guessing like Diana314 said. You learn to read the trail itself - the worn path, subtle markers on trees, even which way water runs off. If you're paying close attention, you can almost always spot the real route. Getting a bit turned around is part of the fun, as long as you have a basic map for backup.

Now you get to choose between being right or having friends.

My friend's neighbor had a similar thing happen with a gas line last fall. The marks in the grass were faded and the crew hit it with a backhoe. That hissing sound was scary, and they had to evacuate three houses on their street for hours.

That bit about the carpenters laughing hits home because it's a common thing where people doubt stuff just cause it's different. I've seen similar reactions to green materials or diy projects that end up lasting years. Sometimes the new approach quietly wins out.

Wait, you're asking what he gave in return? Lol, that's the wild part. I was just as surprised when he handed over a whole batch of homemade salsa. Like, who does that? But it was actually really good. We've been swapping stuff for months now, and it's always something random. Makes me wonder what I'll get next time, haha.