Refer to Figure 69, the sectional chart excerpt. A VFR pilot is plotting a cross-country course from the airport near the southwest edge of the chart to the airport near the northeast edge. Considering topography and pilotage checkpoints for dead reckoning navigation, which plotted route is MOST appropriate?

While plotting a course on a VFR sectional chart for a cross-country flight, the magnetic variation changes from 5°W near the departure airport to 10°W near the destination airport. To determine the magnetic course, the pilot should select the variation