Got that big backpacking
trip coming up? Take a second to read this and learn how to help prevent getting lost in the woods and what to do if you get lost.
Don’t pull an “Into
the Wild”
Get on the move
Don’t stay in one spot.
Staying in one spot will, literally, not get you anywhere. Only by moving are you going to get yourself
back to where you want to be.
Track yourself
Chances are you weren't on a trail. There
should be signs that you have been through there. Footprints, disturbed
terrain, snapped branches, etc. On a prevention note, take a leaf out of Hansel
and Gretel’s book and leave a trail. Not of bread crumbs or garbage but just
occasionally take the time to mark your way. Roll a rock into an open area on
at an odd angle or lay a thick stick against a tree.
Get to a high spot
Get Loud
Check the map
Bring a topographic map and a good
compass with you. Be sure to mark your vehicles location on it, your camp site
and the location of any roads if they are not on there already.
Use a GPS or even a light weight mini GPS tracker. A GPS will give you an overview of your
surrounding area. A GPS tracker can attach to whatever you want. Attach it to
your truck or something in your campsite. If you get lost switch on your GPS
tracker and it will guide you straight back to your vehicle.
Follow a river
Depending on how serious
your situation is, if you are very far out and need to find civilization,
follow a river. There is always life along a river and a road (or even town)
will eventually meet up with it. If we are looking at a potentially long haul,
it has the means to sustain you. If you get desperate, it has water and food,
whether it is fish or plants or whatever critters that
go to the river.
Thanks go out to Dave for an excellent guest post.
Dave Burr is a freelance
writer for Spyville. In his free time, he enjoys backpacking in the
Seven Devils with his kids or reading in his backyard.
Staying above the water
line!
Posts
6 comments:
One thing I taught my step-daughter, when she would decide to go exploring from our campsite, was to look behind her frequently. The scenery is different on your way back, so try to pick out landmarks...oversize trees, especially those with odd shaped branches, rocks, breaks in landscape appearance, etc.
I grew up in a wilderness area. These are all outstanding pointers. One thing my Dad always drilled into me as well was to let someone know where you are going (general hike,camp plans) and when you will be back. Always take food for more than one day and water, even if going for a couple hour hike if you're outside of a city park.
I'd also suggest breaking a branch when you change direction of travel, the'white' on side of expected viewing. Arrows scratched in dirt where path 'forks', though wind / rain can smooth over these.
Lost-in-the-woods...isn't that in Missouri?
I'm pretty sure that everything I've ever read about being lost in the woods says to stay put, not get on the move. It makes it that much more difficult for someone to find you if you're constantly on the move, as well as deplete your energy. Now, if you've simply lost your bearings, and aren't actually stranded in the wilderness, maybe you can get on the move and find your way out, but I had to do a double take when I read "get on the move."
To: anonymous 12:24
There are good reasons for both staying put and being on the move. It really depends upon your individual circumstances.
If you are low on water, you may need to move from your current position to perhaps find a needed water source to prevent hydration.
If you are under the 24 hour mark, it may be wiser to remain where you are but this is also dependent upon who you informed of your whereabouts and when they expect you to return. If no one is expecting you for several days, you may need to get a move on.
Common sense will be your best guide in deciding to stay put or get moving.
RW
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