by Michael Hodgson

It has been rumored that famed outdoorsman Daniel Boone was never lost, although he did admit to being "mighty disoriented for several days in a row." In this day and age of search and rescue teams, maps, compasses and high technology, lost most often means that at best you will be late for dinner and at worst that someone else will find you. The following are some tips aimed at helping you and your loved ones stay found:

• Always tell a family member or close friend where you are going, when you will be leaving and when you plan on returning--and then stick to your plan.
• Be prepared for the worst. Just because you are heading out for a day hike under sunny skies doesn't mean you won't be forced to spend a night out under adverse weather conditions. Extra food and clothing are a minimum must. Carry a lightweight survival kit with a space blanket, plastic tarp, nylon cord, waterproof matches, fire starter, whistle, signal mirror, water purification tablets, a metal cup to heat water in, a small flashlight and a knife.
• Don't just carry a map and compass, become proficient at using these tools. Join an orienteering club near you for added instruction.
• Pay attention to your surroundings. Staying on the correct path and then being able to find your way back again requires 360 degree observation. Make mental notes of landmarks as you are walking toward them and then as you are walking away from them.
• Should you get lost, don't panic. Recognize the difficulty and then rationally work your way through it. Most often, if you sit down and calmly reflect for a few minutes, mentally retracing your steps, the solution to the situation becomes clear.
• If you come to the conclusion you are definitely lost, stay put! Drink plenty of water. Your body can do without food for a few days, but it cannot function without water. Signal your position by building a smoky fire. If you run out of food, don't eat anything unless you are sure you can identify it as edible.
• Shelter yourself from the elements as best as possible. Use the tarp in your survival kit to fashion a lean-to. Use dry leaves other dry plant debris (not poison oak or stinging nettles) to insulate you from the ground and heat loss.
• Never get lost again. Learn more about basic and advanced navigation techniques by reading Compass & Map Navigator, published by Brunton, written by Michael Hodgson.

© 1999 Michael Hodgson; All Rights Reserved