Search and Rescue training

[justalurkr]

So, the next thing after CERT is Search and Rescue training by Cobb County, GA. Among the things we learned was how to use a compass like this and a topo map (I can't find a good link) to do things like backward azimuth (which is really funny when you say it out loud.) In land navigation, I learned three things:

1. North sure moves around a lot
2. I've decided that the more time I spend getting a heading, the more likely it is I should go the other way.
3. Maybe my buddy should do the land nav?

Or:
1. Put the compass on the ground or hold it with both hands. DO NOT shake it like a Polaroid to find north.
2. Point the big arrow at the thing. Twirl the dial...
3. ...NO NOT LIKE THAT.

Also, there are about 60 lurkr paces in a 100 meters on cement and 74 on grass.

Comments

[nialla]

Next on your list, you should try orienteering. I had to learn it at a previous job (it can be a team building thing), and still have the compass for it, but not the interest to find anywhere in the area to find a group.

It was kind of fun with my co-workers, but I'd feel weird with others.

[justalurkr.livejournal.com]

I'll take up orienteering when North picks a spot and sticks to it. ;)

[justalurkr.livejournal.com]

Actually, let's make that slightly less embarrassing: when I stop being so surprised where North is, I'll take up orienteering. :D

[nialla]

Is it bad that I can find north without a compass over 90% of the time?

That's why I'm generally designated navigator, but was an issue when I'd been on two flights that messed up my inner ear for a couple of days. So there we were in Scotland, trying to rely on the position of the sun for navigation until my inner compass started working again. Scotland. Sun. Ha! More like, "Where's the brightest part of the sky?"

[justalurkr.livejournal.com]

No, I'd say that's pretty good.

(snrk) Scotland.

[nialla]

I bought a "water resistant" coat with a hoodie to take over there. Instead of plastic, it was treated fabric, with multiple layers designed to keep you dry.

Yeah, Scotland just laughed and soaked me to the skin a day or two into the trip, and I swear that coat never completely dried while we were there. I think the rain got into the middle layers.