Route decision
1. The group has to decide whether or not to take a short cut in order to get to camp 2-3 hours sooner than alternate route which is long yet very easy trekking. It is fall and already 2:00pm. The group left the trailhead late as a student was late catching the bus, this student had a groups food and stove on their bag. The original plan was to take the longer route. There are no suitable areas to camp before the designated site.
Do you:
A. Cross the log risking a fall
B. Cross the stream. As it is moderate current and depth. Students will be wet after.
C. Take alternate longer route. Students will walk in dark. Injury risk rises.
Your group is a typical cegep class of wide experience levels and fitness. There are several who have never been camping. Some who do not swim well. All students have a flashlight some being hand held. The weather is cool, 11 degrees and cloudy. Very light wind. You are in a hilly area with heavy forest coverage. The group had already backpacked for 3 hours.