Who Needs GPS? Scientists Paddle 140 Miles in a Canoe Built Like Our Ancestors!

A team of intrepid scientists just took a wild ride, paddling 140 miles from Taiwan to Japan in a canoe built the way Paleolithic people did—yes, you read that right! Armed with nothing but ancient stone tools and their navigational instincts, they set out to replicate the journey our ancestors might’ve taken, all while battling one of the strongest ocean currents known to humankind. Talk about an adventure with a splish-splash of history!

This wasn’t just a casual day on the water; these researchers from the University of Tokyo and Taiwan encountered challenges that would have made even the most seasoned kayaker sweat. They relied on the stars, the sun, and their good ol’ instincts, showcasing that, long before smartphones and GPS, our predecessors were already mastering the art of navigation. Who needs a map when you have the darn cosmos, right?

Their findings helped deconstruct the idea that rafts were the primary means of long-distance travel; instead, they discovered that dugout canoes were far more efficient. So, next time you’re pulling together your game plan for a weekend getaway, just remember: ancient peoples had some serious skills navigating the unknown—and you’re probably better off camping than crossing an ocean without a cellphone! What would you choose: modern comforts or the thrill of venturing into the past?

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