For Geoff Keys, a British round-the-world adventurer, it no doubt looked like a handy shortcut. Keen to avoid a long trip back to camp during a journey by river through the Australian Outback, he decided he would march through the bush instead.
Two days later, his wrong turn earned him worldwide attention after he became hopelessly lost in one of the world's most hostile terrains.
The 63-year-old had been swimming down a river in Jardine National Park, Queensland, when he decided that he could cut across the bush - without shoes.
He soon became disoriented in the 2330sq km park, wearing only shorts, a T-shirt and a hat and without any food. He was found 12km from his camp, two days later, by rescuers who spent $890,000 flying helicopters to find him.
He later admitted he felt "stupid but lucky". He said: "I'm sorry about the worry caused to friends and family. I won't be doing it again."
