INTO THE WOODS
Knowing how to use GPS, compass can make trips into woods more pleasant
Exploring always better with navigational tools.
It was a late summer evening. The air was warm and muggy and threatening rain. The sunlight was quickly disappearing.
Five volunteer searchers from Cape Breton Search and Rescue were preparing themselves to head into the woods behind the Mayflower Mall. This preparation is always a bit of song and dance. We must make sure we have everything we need for survival in the woods so that searcher doesn’t become the second victim.
On these types of nights, there is always a bit of internal debate about which clothing to wear. Trying to straddle the fine line between overdressed and underdressed is a delicate balancing act on nights like this. This evening, I ended up on the overdressed side.
We weren’t here to search for anyone. This was one of our regular training sessions. This evening, we were going into the woods to practice our navigation skills. Each of us was armed with a GPS unit and a compass. We were going to use these tools to help us reach the powerline that is a bit of a distance into the woods behind the mall. I was planning to rely solely on the compass on the way in and the GPS on the way back.
Of course, I was also relying on my teammates for support if anything went wrong.
We entered the thick woods and started to guide ourselves through using the navigation tools we had and helpful landmarks along the way. Being late summer, it was a lovely night for the type of wildlife I love – the type that makes you think of fall and Halloween.
There were intricate spider webs hanging in the trees everywhere. In the centre of these architectural wonders, we usually would see a large spider either eating or waiting patiently for a fly who had lost its way.
We discovered numerous salamanders and frogs and we heard a raccoon and an owl. The woods at night are equally as beautiful and interesting as they are during the day.
Having the navigational skills and instruments opened up this experience for us. Without them, this would be a miserable experience of getting lost, scared and tired quickly. With the compass and GPS, it was as if there was a pathway appearing before us as we walked and we were able to enjoy the wonderful experiences of the nighttime woods.
We are moving into hunting season and hiking season in Cape Breton. It is a great time to enjoy the woods. But since we at Search and Rescue don’t really want to go looking for lost people, as much as we train for it, we recommend that everyone arm themselves with the skills and tools to navigate in the woods. And make sure that you use those skills and tools. Rely on them because they can save your life and make the difference between a wonderful experience of nature and a nightmare.
To help you, Hike Nova Scotia is offering a Navigation Maps and Compass Course in Sydney on September 30 and October 1. Participants will receive Outdoor Council of Canada (OCC) national certification. The cost is $125 ($115 for current paid Hike NS members). For more information, go to www.hikenovascotia.ca.
So, get out there and enjoy our great outdoors. We at Search and Rescue hope not to see you.