Riverwalker's Pics - Following the Mountain Stream - Part Three

In my efforts to determine if following a mountain stream downhill is actually a good thing to do when you may become lost on a mountain, several actual truths became very evident in attempting this course of action. Surprisingly enough, a little common sense would have sufficed to realize the truth of the matter concerning this action in a survival situation.

First, the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. Small creeks and streams don't run in a straight line (see pic above) and they quite literally have more curves than a mountain road. So be prepared to do a lot more walking. This will also take extra time and effort on your part.

Second, not all streams and creeks empty into a river at their journey's end. Some disappear or just plain fizzle out and become little more than a trickle of water. Dave and Cody from the show Dual Survival found this out in the Valley of the Volcanoes when the stream they were following literally disappeared into the ground.

Third, streams don't always lead you back to civilization. In this case, the mountain stream led to a nice valley but no discernible signs of civilization (Duh! RW...why do you think they call it a wilderness area).

There were a couple of things gained in the effort. The temperatures were a lot more moderate at a lower elevation and the trees were sparser...which would make it easier for a rescue team to spot you and a lot easier to bear the more moderate temperatures with an improvised shelter. There was also a lot more open ground to build a signal fire without the risk of starting a major forest fire. In the pic below, you can see the nice valley that the stream eventually led to on its way down the mountain.

Following a mountain stream is a great way to enjoy nature but may not be your best course of action if you're lost. Use common sense survival techniques that will serve you a lot better if you become lost. These simply involve being prepared ahead of time.

First, make sure someone else knows where you are going and when you will be back. Second, have a set of good maps and a thorough knowledge of the area you will be traveling in before you set out. Third, have a means of communication (RW, Jr. had his hand-held radio on the trip and one back at the cabin so we could stay in touch with the others) that is effective for the type of terrain where you are traveling. Fourth, don't forget a good survival kit...just in case!

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker