I totally agree with you about the utility of paper and pencil, although a ballpoint will write on skin, which I almost always have with me - can't recall any exceptions. But this being the digital age, press your camera into service. I am just realizing with a digital camera and a half way decent memory card, there is no realistic limit to the number of photos you can take, so you can take pictures of critical junctions, distinctive landmarks, the way the trail looks on the way back home - whatever suits your fancy. If you don't need them, just delete and wait for another day.

I've just got a little point and shoot, but it has capabilities superior to any camera I have ever used, which includes several types, from subminiatures to 35mm to 4x5 models. Digitals rock!

Just wait until my batteries run out some fine day - wonder what I will post then?