[at-l] Getting Lost (was Trail Maintenance: Blazing)

[icw39@ncfreedom.net (Clark Wright)]

For some silly reason, this triggered a memory - when I used to train
new volleyball officials, we would suggest that they wear a rubber band,
switching it to the hand of the team serving so that if there was a long
rally, you would not forget who to award the point or sideout to!  I
reckon we could transfer this very effective memory aid to Draggin'
Anchor and others who have trouble remembering which way they turned off
the Trail to take a whiz or hit a tenting site or shelter! Just wear
that rubber band and switch it automatically to the wrist on the side
you exit the Trail on!  Then you automatically know to turn in the
direction of the rubber band when you re-enter the Trail [assuming, of
course, that you re-enter at the same point you got off, without getting
lost on any blue blazed side trails, that is!]  :)

thru-thinker

Draggin' Anchor wrote:
> 
> Not exactly getting lost - but going the wrong way has been a problem off
> and on.  The cause is usually not being particularly attentive when I'm
> leaving the trail to answer nature's call or treat a blister or take a nap.
> Upon coming back to the trail, do I turn left or right???
> 
> I hate it when I have been walking for 45 minutes or an hour and then
> suddenly recognize a rock outcropping or see a trail sign with the same
> mileage to a given point that I had seen an hour earlier.
> 
> Yeah, I know, using a compass "should" help - with the operative word being
> using.
> 
> When I tent off trail, I make it a practice to position my hiking staff with
> the foot of it pointing in the direction I intend to follow.  That works
> well when I remember to do it - and remember to pick the staff up when I
> leave.
> 
> Al (Draggin' Anchor)
> 
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