Getting lost in nature
“Get lost” — a top-tier primary school insult. But actually getting lost? Not so much.
That said, some of our fondest moments have arisen from having lost our way outdoors. There’s something freeing in having lost track of the route you were supposed to follow — instead finding a new one, bonding with your walking bud (with a few panic modes thrown in) as you try and get back to civilisation.
And the same can be said for all aspects of our lives. Sometimes roadblocks appear and instead of seeing them as a new opportunity to take the scenic route, we see them as an obstacle in our way.
Living in the moment in all of these situations is the key. Embrace the change of route, take in the view and - above all - don’t panic.
Unarguably, though, actually losing your way outdoors is far from ideal.
Should you ever find yourself off the beaten path and struggling to find your way back to civilisation, here are some tips to get you back on the road to normality:
Prepare, prepare, prepare
Pack the essentials: food and water might be a concern while you’re awaiting rescue, but searches that go beyond one or two days are incredibly rare. Carry the right equipment and try to never hike alone - it’s always easier to sort things out with a pal or two in tow!
Stop moving
Sit down, take a break and drink some water. Can you remember the last time you were on the official trail? Make your way back to the point and pick out a significant terrain feature to pinpoint others to your location. If your phone still has battery, a quick scroll through your photos can help!
Be visible
If it’s dusk or dark, you may want to make a signal fire. Help searchers by making yourself visible - and audible.
Return to the open where you can be seen
Try and make yourself as visible as possible. Staying in a remote location or down by a stream will make you hard to find, and rushing water may mask the calls of rescuers.
