Finding Civilization if Lost Hiking

Video Transcript

"Hi. This is David Jackel on behalf of Expert Village. And, I'm here to talk to you about how to get back to civilization if you get lost when you're hiking. Now, when I say getting back to civilization, I don't mean finding your way home or getting back to where you started from. I mean coming into contact with people anywhere, anyhow. So that once you find other people, they can help you out and get you back home. So, how are you going to seek out other people? How are you going to seek out towns? How are you going to seek out camp sites? I recommend listening for running water, finding running water, and following it downhill. Because the combination of going downhill and being where the water is means that you're more likely to run into people. Now, some people will argue that this is a bad idea and actually doesn't work. Because they'll say, well, if you follow running water, running water can go into all different directions. It can wind all around in no particular way or order. And then, it can empty out into some lake in the middle of nowhere. Then, you're at some lake at the bottom of the hill with nobody around and you're in a lot of trouble. Well, yes, even if that does happen, you're more likely to be at a place where people are going to be visiting particularly in the United States. If you find a lake, people will probably be there enjoying the lake at least during the summer. And, it's a lot better to follow a stream downhill and run the risk of not ending up near civilization or going around in circles than not having any plan and just sitting there on top of the mountain. So, if you're faced with that situation, I would follow the water downhill. As you get downhill, even if you don't get to a town, you're going to get to the base of the mountain. And, water by the bast of the mountain is where the camp sites are going to be. So, if you get down to the bottom of the town, fine. That's where other people may be camping though because they want to get the water. So, it makes sense to follow water downhill. And, even if it winds and winds and winds and takes you a while to get back, that's better than not getting back at all. And, plus, in the meantime, you don't have to worry about looking for water. Otherwise, everyday you've got to figure out how you're going to get more water. It just makes more sense. Another thing you can do, and I've mentioned this many times, is look for a clearing. Because once you have a good view all around you, you can see civilization in the distance. Civilization doesn't have to mean a town. You're lucky if you see one. It can mean a road. It can mean a camp fire in the distance. Anything like that that shows signs of human beings is the direction you want to be going."