VII. Navigation and Travel
A. Demonstrate the use of wilderness road signs for basic direction finding both night and day
a. Shadow stick
In the morning drive a long stick straight into the ground. Where the shadow of this stick ends, drive in a short stick. Tie a loop at the end of a cord and slip it over the shadow stick. Stretch the cord tight and tie another loop around the short stick. Then use the short stick, still in the loop, to scratch a circle around the shadow stick. The shadow will grow shorter up to noon. …
b. Star compass
c. Section marker
d. Landmarks
e. Sight stick
f. Watch compass
g. Nature signs
B. Explain the basics of night travel
C. Identify various trail signs and/or markers used to indicate a trail by laying and following a trail
D. Demonstrate ability to estimate basic measurements, scale and distance
E. Use a topographic map to plot a route and identify location, water sources, hazards and escape exits: follow your planned route- point orienteering and basic map and compass use
F. Identify all markings on a topographic map: use both the UTM and Township and Range grids to pinpoint specific locations
G. Use a compass to set and follow a route, triangulate and travel
H. Explain the characteristic differences of local life-zones from the lower Sonoran to the Hudsonian (see ecology and ecosystems: evidence includes plants, trees, shrubs, birds, weather and wildlife
Hudsonian Life Zone. A spruce-alpine fir community is found in this life-zone. Common species include Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmanni), blue spruce (P. glauca), Alpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa) and bristlecone pine (Pinus aristata). Trees decline in height from roughly 80 feet to dwarfed, gnarled individuals deformed by the wind near timberline (the Krummholz). The Hudsonian zone varies from 8,000-9,000 ft. to 11,500 feet and receives 30 to 35 inches of precipitation a year. (see circle of life)
I. Construct a primitive vehicle for various types of travel
a. Snowshoes
b. Coracle
c. Kayak
d. Sled
e. Raft
f. Bull boat
g. Tule boat
h. Bark canoe (birch)
i. Dug out boat or canoe
j. Goggles
k. Donut pack
l. Micro pack
m. Jet pack
n. Blanket pack
J. Construct a pack for survival expedition
K. Demonstrate skill in traveling hazardous terrain
a. River crossing
b. High desert
c. Canyon travel: flash floods
d. Mountain / snow: avalanche
e. Lost-proofing
f. Tides
g. Night travel
h. Forest travel
i. Lightning
j. Bog/ marshes
L. Pace and progress in group travel/ group signs