>>49228492When you reach Azalea its such deep sigh of relief. You pass through a cave with a bunch of annoying zubat, defensive ground types, and some trainers with previously unseen type matchups, then you have to pass a hiker with a pretty solid team combo, and finally, you reach Azalea.
Not only does it offer a little plot development and key trainer values, but it gives lots of new pokemon to encounter and you can buy repels starting there. Its the perfect adventure stop to continue onwards after some much deserved rest.
I also really like how you go from a somewhat open coastline forest path with the previous routes to a part of the region dotted with caves and thick conifers as far as the eye can see, shrouding your next leg of your journey in darkness.
Then when you reach Goldenrod its another breath of fresh air as you discover a much more urban route ahead of you with a large city, a park, a pokemon daycare, and you also get the bike here.
You are now actively encouraged to backtrack even further with your cut and bike.
Man, Johto is just built different.
