- #1
Loren Booda
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Is there any general rule to avoid walking in circles in the wild?
Ranger Mike said:If you are in the woods, moss grows on the north side of the tree for north hemisphere.
Borek said:Urban legend - that is, this is a story repeated by those that have never been to the forest
you are wrong.
Although this is not universally true, it has a basis in fact.
Moss does tend grow preferentially on the north side (in the northern hemisphere, that is, opposite would be true in Australia or Argentina) of trees because it prefers moist conditions. In sparsely wooded areas, you get more sun on the south side of the trunk, thus that side will dry out faster and will be less conducive to the growth of moss. So, there will be moss on all sides, but it will tend to be thicker and healthier looking on the north side.
But, yes, in a dense forest, moss will grown on all sides of the trunk without one side being noticeably lusher than any other. like anythong in life you have to master the basics before moving forward. that is why an area study of the terrain, foilage, indiginous population and their culture is critical for survival..also a gold rolex watch and star saphire ring help..
Ranger Mike said:Although this is not universally true, it has a basis in fact.
redargon said:ummm, I'm sure i knew a few, but the only one i can think of right now is keep the sun on your back or face or side, depending what direction you're going. You could also "aim" for something in the distance and walk towards that, which is kind of the same as the sun thing, or follow a canyon, river, valley.
Borek said:No doubt about it. Let me reword what I wrote. "Moss grows on the north side of the trees" is a rule that is simplified to the point where it has no practical application.
Integral said:This is a recipe for walking in a circle. Remember the sun moves in an arc.
Borek said:That said - many years ago we got lost in a forest. We went to pick mushrooms one afternoon and I have missed the moment when clouds covered the sky, long before the sunset. Then it was too late and my feeling of direction (that usually keeps me well oriented) failed. We were back to our tent well past midnight, luckily we meet people camping and knowing where they were. Once I get a reference point it was few minutes to the lake shore and follow the shore. Not that we were in some deep wilderness, three to four hours walk in ONE direction would solve the problem.
The problem occurs when you have lost your bearings and realize that you don't know the direction back out to your point of origin. From that time onward, walking in circles becomes an unproductive pastime.jobyts said:Just curious, what's wrong with walking in a circle? You want to come back to the point where you left, rt?
(from someone who hasn't been to any deep forest.)
Don't ask me. I was following you.Loren Booda said:Is there any general rule to avoid walking in circles in the wild?
Moonbear said:Wear a watch when you travel. That way, if you're following the sun, you know what time it is to figure out generally what direction to head.
I think I might opt to walk downhill. You might be walking in a giant spiral, but as long as you don't walk uphill again, you can't wind up back where you started. Besides, it's easier than walking uphill, and probably more likely to lead to water at the bottom somewhere.
jobyts said:Just curious, what's wrong with walking in a circle? You want to come back to the point where you left, rt?
(from someone who hasn't been to any deep forest.)
Monique said:Is it true that if your right foot is dominant, that you'll walk in a circle to the left? I think it was Ray Mears that once suggested that every-some-many-steps you should step twice with your non-dominant foot in order to compensate. It could also have been Bear Grylls.
Monique said:Is it true that if your right foot is dominant, that you'll walk in a circle to the left? I think it was Ray Mears that once suggested that every-some-many-steps you should step twice with your non-dominant foot in order to compensate. It could also have been Bear Grylls.
Pythagorean said:continuously pick three land marks that are in a line in the direction you're walking. Everytime the farthest back land mark disappears, use the remaining two to chose a third land mark ahead of you.
You won't necessarily go perfectly straight, but you won't go in circles either. This is what we were taught in the Alaskan chapter of the Boy Scouts. I've been "lost" in the woods probably three times. But:
"You're not really lost if you can find your way home"
-somebody famous
lisab said:Ah...interesting. An alternative solution: turn around and walk backwards 10 steps for every 10 forward steps you make .
That would surprise me, but I bet there is a relationship between dominant hand/foot and which direction you walk around obstacles.Monique said:Is it true that if your right foot is dominant, that you'll walk in a circle to the left?
Huckleberry said:Always pay attention to your direction even if you're not alone. Then if the other person gets lost you can argue about which way is right.
If you are in a hilly area, walking in one direction may require you to walk up and down hills.Moonbear said:I think I might opt to walk downhill. You might be walking in a giant spiral, but as long as you don't walk uphill again, you can't wind up back where you started. Besides, it's easier than walking uphill, and probably more likely to lead to water at the bottom somewhere.
If you are walking in this area, you will definitely be "steered" by terrain. My silly Massachusetts-raised neighbor did not realize this, nor does he have a good feeling for the topography. He went for a walk on his property, got lost for over 3 hours and wound up walking along a highway miles from here until his nephew happened to pass by, stopped, and took him home. My lot and his are just about 1/2 mile deep (N-S), so it's not like he was out in some trackless forest.Evo said:If you are in a hilly area, walking in one direction may require you to walk up and down hills.
Monique said:Is it true that if your right foot is dominant, that you'll walk in a circle to the left? I think it was Ray Mears that once suggested that every-some-many-steps you should step twice with your non-dominant foot in order to compensate. It could also have been Bear Grylls.
russ_watters said:That would surprise me, but I bet there is a relationship between dominant hand/foot and which direction you walk around obstacles.
The main reason for avoiding walking in circles in the wild is to prevent getting lost. Walking in circles can disorient a person and make it difficult for them to find their way back to their starting point.
Walking in circles can significantly decrease your chances of survival in the wild. It can lead to exhaustion, dehydration, and can make it difficult to find food and water sources.
One technique is to use natural landmarks, such as mountains or rivers, to orient yourself and maintain a straight path. Another technique is to use a compass or GPS device to stay on course.
If you realize you are walking in circles, stop and take a moment to reorient yourself. Look for familiar landmarks or use a compass to get back on track. It may also be helpful to take a break and rest before continuing on your journey.
Aside from getting lost, walking in circles can also lead to injuries, especially if you are in a rugged or unfamiliar terrain. It is important to pay attention to your surroundings and be cautious while walking to avoid any potential dangers.