Heeeyho Readers! I can't sleep.

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Almost midnight. As an early sleeper, I should be dreaming already. But no... so here goes a story: Mom and I generally cook together. Today we had sweet potatoes with meat, prepared on a pressure pan until the meat cubes became soft like chicken. We replaced the regular potatoes with sweet potatoes a while ago — best decision ever! Sweet potatoes are, well, sweeter. All this has nothing to do with this post, but one can imagine why I'm still up after eating such a tremendous nuclear bomb before bedtime. Anyways. The windows are opened, and a sudden inspiration burbles inside me (it's not gas, I swear).

I was checking @traciyork's blog just the other day where I found out about @parul2411’s #ThursdayTreeLove. It appears I have missed the boat, unfortunately, so I won't officially release the post for the contest in question. However, since her post brought back so dear memories, I decided to scavenge my photo archives to retrieve a photo of a tree that marked my visit to El Chaltén, Argentina.

^{Monument to a Careless Hiker}

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This sad-looking parched tree named Caminante Distraído reminds hikers of what a lit cigarette stump can do to nature in such an arid environment. This whole post idea also goes along with @Ecotrain's question of the week. If Not You Then Who? If Not Now Then When?

Why do most people seem to wait for some kind of disaster to happen before doing something about it? Why would a hiker discard a cigarette in nature? As much as I think, explanations don't come to mind.

Whenever I go to nature, I see irresponsible tourists breaking common-sense laws regarding trash and fire safety. We educate, but some people don't learn. Makes me wonder the level of ignorance, nearing selfishness, to ignore basic trail etiquette. And so, my guts are bubbling of anger (it's not gas, for Christ's sake). I guess lying on the pillow will bring answers to those questions. And you,

Have you ever seen people break trail etiquette? How can we educate them?

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Did you know that I have a book out? Check this!

Access Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/6500272773?

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~Love ya all,

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Disclaimer: The author of this post is a convict broke backpacker, who has travelled more than 10.000 km hitchhiking and more than 5.000 km cycling. Following him may cause severe problems of wanderlust and inquietud. You've been warned.

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I'm Arthur. I blog about Adventure Stories, Brazil, Travel, Camping, & Life Experiences.

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