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Map, compass skills important in outdoors

by Brian Baxter
| May 2, 2014 1:54 PM

“The Sun Shines on a Different Dog’s Butt Everyday.” So far this spring has been lacking in appearances by the yellow orb, but it’s coming. Despite this weather so far, on a rain and snow mixed Saturday 25 mountaineers gathered together. The Glacier Mountaineers sponsored a program entitled “Improving Your Skills with Map and Compass.” The classroom session covered most every aspect of planning a safe hiking route, navigating utilizing a topographical map and compass, and calculating distances and direction. A field exercise followed to practice using a compass. It was a great day and all learned quite a bit while having some fun too!

Global Positioning Systems (GPS) are a great tool, but they need a power source, get lost easily, and do not always function accurately depending on several factors. The traditional skills of map and compass are a more self-reliant set of skills and can keep you safe, and bring you home in one piece.

If you would like to acquire or improve these skills, a similar program called “Reading Maps, Compass, Tracks and Sign” will be offered free of charge on June 28 in Libby. This program will be based on using the professional’s choice, the Silva Ranger Compass, and the sponsor, MWA recommends students come prepared with this compass, a calculator, pencils, field clothing, hiking boots, lunch and water.  A few Silva Ranger’s will be available for use.  Space is limited, so please preregister at: www.wildmontana.org or email arobinson@wildmontana.org

Memorial Day in late May is the unofficial beginning of summer, and the time when folks plan hiking trips into the wilderness over beer and barbecues.  The official Memorial Day has a more serious and deeper meaning.

If you are old enough to read and understand this column, you probably have lost someone dear to you. Death is probably the saddest fact of life, and everyone deals with it differently, in a personal way.

Some of us, like children loosing hold of a helium balloon, want to jump up or climb a tree to grasp and hold on. We watch helplessly as the recipient of our affection vaults towards the heavens and disappears. Reluctantly, we must accept that maybe, just maybe God has other plans. When a loved one is injured in any way, we advocate for them with fearless tenacity. Despite the many dedicated angels in the health care profession, oftentimes the system is set up with more emphasis on the “almighty dollar” than on the patients well being.

This Memorial Day, let’s take some time to remember those who have died for our freedom. Maybe we can keep some good thoughts going for those who have been wounded or disabled also.

We must take care of these people, and to do otherwise is unacceptable. As a kind and generous community, perhaps we can figure out how to help Micah Clark and Camp Patriot find a ranch to help wounded vets experience the healing power of nature through outdoor educational programs.

Then we’ll go and have a beer and a burger.