- Joined
- Mar 18, 2006
- Messages
- 520
All but one of the few nights I've unexpectedly spent away from camp, I waited too late in the day to make preparations. Each time I did I was hunting alone so no one in camp would be thinking about a search.
By the time I decided to stay, it was dark, or getting dark, and much colder. Stumbling around with a pocket light takes much too long to find a suitable spot, gather wood, and look around to see what's going on nearby. It's much easier to dress an animal after dark than it is to make a comfy camp after dark. Only the last time did I put first things first and make a little camp and fire before the other chore and it was much easier.
It causes me to believe a little forethought is in order if I was to get "turned around" and consider staying put for the night. Making camp early would give me time to consider a plan for the next day, remember what had happened to put me there, and convince myself everything is somewhat under control. Maybe even give me a chance to strike out a short distance and look for something familiar before lighting the fire? I'll try to remember to do this if it happens. I'll have to resist the temptation to get myself "found again" while there is still enough light to see.
Anyone else get caught out late, then wait too long before deciding to stay put for the night? One advantage is that there are very few places where one cannot see a distant light, after dark, to use as a guide when dawn comes. Long ago with a friend, we hiked until dark to get into a remote spot for hunting. We were awakened before dawn by a 2WD station wagon that nearly ran us over in our sleeping bags
. Just a random thought while sitting here nice and cozy...
Regards and have a Happy New Year, ss.
By the time I decided to stay, it was dark, or getting dark, and much colder. Stumbling around with a pocket light takes much too long to find a suitable spot, gather wood, and look around to see what's going on nearby. It's much easier to dress an animal after dark than it is to make a comfy camp after dark. Only the last time did I put first things first and make a little camp and fire before the other chore and it was much easier.
It causes me to believe a little forethought is in order if I was to get "turned around" and consider staying put for the night. Making camp early would give me time to consider a plan for the next day, remember what had happened to put me there, and convince myself everything is somewhat under control. Maybe even give me a chance to strike out a short distance and look for something familiar before lighting the fire? I'll try to remember to do this if it happens. I'll have to resist the temptation to get myself "found again" while there is still enough light to see.
Anyone else get caught out late, then wait too long before deciding to stay put for the night? One advantage is that there are very few places where one cannot see a distant light, after dark, to use as a guide when dawn comes. Long ago with a friend, we hiked until dark to get into a remote spot for hunting. We were awakened before dawn by a 2WD station wagon that nearly ran us over in our sleeping bags
. Just a random thought while sitting here nice and cozy...Regards and have a Happy New Year, ss.