Thread: Lost in the bush

40 or so years ago the open pollytech had a correspondence course on bush craft. I would have been 30 odd and it was the first qualification I ever achieved - and although I went on later in life to masters degree stuff I never enjoyed studying so much. In particular, I really enjoyed the map reading and compass part of it.

When I was about 50 I crossed all of the main NI ranges. In the Kaimanawa's from Boyds to the Desert road (the Mangamingi to the Rangatikei river leg) was solid fog. It was great being able to follow the map with my compass and feel confident all of the way across.
It was also great to confidently hunt the Ruahine bush when I was meat hunting without worrying about getting home, and new places that I explored for that extra deer.

I have been confused by my GPS at times, but never by my compass. Everyone should get proficient with a compass. At the very least they ensure that you are heading in the right general direction.