I used to keep a Trip Journal in my younger years. One trip occurred when I was 22. I went backpacking with some college pals. In the evenings, we read selections from our writing.

Friend: As the sun went down I reflected on the wonders of nature and the elemental feeling of oneness with the world. The amazing colors on the horizon led me to blah blah blah....

Mine: Trail peters out at mile post 6. Try going right toward shore to find it. Good water source 100 yds right of large rock formation.

I was mocked for writing a "fact book" not a journal. But as I reminded my friends, in 5 years when we return, whose writing would come in handy?