Return to article: How to Get Unlost in the Wilderness
on 11/22/2005 In case a team of mountaineers get separated, and neither team knows how far apart they are; the team who is ahead can mark a tree trunk or anything visible when they pass through the area by marking the time . i.e. 1-24 . The following team would know how far they are apart by comparing their own time upon reaching the same area.
on 11/22/2005 Six blasts on a whistle for a distress signal, with a 60 second gap between groups of six. Three blasts for OK or Safe.
on 11/22/2005 Watch, quietly, for what animals eat. They're much smarter than people at these things - water, too, as a rule. Doesn't have to be clear or bug-free. Strain through shirt, cloth. Drink BEFORE you're thirsty, UPstream from where you went to the bathroom!
on 11/22/2005 If are lost/stranded and must travel, taking too many things with you will slow you down and wear you out faster. Try to limit your carrying weight. Example: A flashlight can be used as a mirror during the day and illuminate your position at night.
on 11/22/2005 When lost or stranded in the desert, do not travel during the day! The heat and sun will exhaust you. Find or make shade. Travel at night when it's cooler using the North Star to navigate your direction.
on 11/22/2005 1. Compasses will give unreliable readings in areas with ironstone substrate. 2. The roots of many trees will provide potable water. 3. Carry a small kitchen plastic bag. Tied over a leafy branch overnight will also catch transpirated water.
on 11/22/2005 When traveling in strange country, every few minutes, stop and check your back trail. If you retrace your steps, country looks different when approached from a different direction. This trick saved me much embarrassment one time.
on 11/22/2005 When the leaves on trees, particulary maple, show their underside I have found a change of weather is coming. Time to seek shelter or make camp.
on 11/22/2005 Take a map reading course if you know you'll be in the wilderness or off the beaten path. Buy a GPS, this could save your life!
on 11/22/2005 Also bring a knife with you and some food that can last a long time without spoiling.
on 11/22/2005 Use non-toxic colored chalk to mark your direction on a tree or other noticeable landmark about every 50 to 100 paces so you can always retrace your steps.
on 11/22/2005 A small handfull of multivitamins in a plastic bag takes up very little room in your backpack. Confusion accompanies hunger, but the vitamins will offset this, taken half a tab twice a day. A clear mind will keep you alive long enough to find food.
on 11/22/2005 Chip bags can be used to conserve body heat and to signal for help. Open both ends and turn the shiny side out, then pull over your arms. Leave the shiny side in to reflect heat back to you.
on 11/22/2005 Place a stick vertically in the ground. The shadow will be to the south and travel to the east.
on 11/22/2005 Follow a watercourse downstream.
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