I'm not all that good with a map and compass, but I am damn good at reading terrain and maps and if I can see the sky once in a while can keep my direction pretty constant.
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I'm not all that good with a map and compass, but I am damn good at reading terrain and maps and if I can see the sky once in a while can keep my direction pretty constant.
It is an important skill to have or develop, so many people today have never even held a map in their hands let alone a terrain map.
I've looked at a terrain map a few times but need to spend a little more time on figuring out how to properly use one. It's one of those things you wish to never need it but when you do it's a life saver!
We were taught a bit when young about night sky, sun is easy and normally something we do have daily. I'm more of a bad penny never been lost, might go slightly astray for a short while...
I have a 'directional bump'. I basically know which way I'm going all the time. Like you, Joan, I might be 'astray' for a bit, but not very long.
Never had that lost feeling, grateful to nature giving direction most times.
One time, on an island just offshore in Washington State. Got there after sundown and had a hard time getting oriented when the sun came up in the WRONG place. Took a couple of hours for me to get comfortable.
Being lost until orientated, sunlight puts you on the path reasonably quickly, at least it did not last too long to find your way again.