How to not get lost
Think ahead
You know where you are going, but what are the local landmarks, the likely
hazards and sources of help (like people in the area) if things take a bad turn.
Have a “guardian angel”
Tell someone where you are going, when you plan to be back and what to do if
you are not back on time. In remote areas, local police encourage you to file trip
plans. Do it.
And let them know when you return safely. Otherwise you could trigger the all-
too-frequent “bastard search,” wasting scarce resources and putting others at risk.
Learn and use navigation tools
Take a compass and a topographical map of your area, and consult it frequently.
Know your “safety bearing” – if you go into the bush at a bearing of 090 degrees,
your “safety bearing” back
to the road or some other
large known feature will
be 270 degrees. Write it
down!
Consider buying a
GPS (Global Positioning
System) and mark your
departure point so you
can return.
Talk to locals ahead of
time, but don’t assume
that what people tell you
will actually work. “You
can’t miss it” too often
means you will miss it.
Communications Tools
In some areas near settlements or close to highways, cellphones may work. Often
they don’t, so think about a satellite phone, radio, a personal locator beacon (PLB)
or a SPOT. If you don’t know much about these devices do some research online, in
stores where they sell them or talk to people who use them.
Batteries, waterproofing and back-ups
Anything that goes “beep” will eventually stop, get broken or be lost, so at least
carry extra batteries. If your GPS falls into the river, a map is going to be really handy,
especially if it’s waterproof. If your expensive compass gets stepped on, the $5 one
on your coat zipper may get you back. LED headlamps are great but a penlight in
your pocket is extra insurance.
First aid kit
Take it along and learn how to use it by signing up with St. John Ambulance for
training.
Water and food
Take enough with you. It may be warm and sunny now, but what happens when
the rain hits, the sun goes down and you get lost?
Survival tools
Waterproof matches, a whistle, a survival blanket or large orange plastic garbage
bag.
Stay together
Convoying to the trailhead or put-in is an excellent idea and so is hiking or
paddling at the speed of the slowest. A divided group can generate confusion, delay,
frustration and disaster. Taking a shortcut, exploring on your own, or going to get
help are risky. And when the outing is over, don’t leave the last vehicle alone in the
parking lot until you are sure it will start!
www.ottawaoutdoors.ca OTTAWA magazine fall/winter 2009/2010 19
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38