Land navigation is back for 2024! If you've ever shoved a map and compass into your pack with only a vague idea of how to use them, or you just want to brush up on your skills, then this event is for you. Each day, I'll go over some basic principles, and then we'll practice on various routes through the park. We'll start off in a big group and later split up into pairs. (No one should ever be alone.) We'll also operate within some boundaries (roads, trails, streams, etc.). Feel free to bring your phone or GPS device as a backup, but the point is to practice navigating without electronics. You should be comfortable hiking at least 5 miles per day, but you don't need to know anything about this topic to participate.
* Overnight *
I've reserved a tentsite at the AMC Mohican Center that can hold 8 people / 5 tents. The first seven people to sign up (after me) will get those spots and should pay me $10.40 via Venmo at @marc-pollak-2 (note the "-2" on the end) or via PayPal at @MarcPollak. (We are splitting the campground cost equally eight ways.) Let me know if you can't pay immediately; otherwise you may lose your campground spot. If you have to cancel later, then I can refund you if someone else takes your spot.
You're certainly welcome to participate if you'd rather not stay at the campground or if all of those spots are taken, but you'll have to find your own lodging nearby. (There are primitive camping spots along the Appalachian Trail that are normally free at this time of year; message me for more info about that.)
* Planned Itinerary *
Saturday 9:00 am: Meet at AMC Mohican Center
Saturday day: Go over land nav basics, practice in the vicinity of Catfish Pond
Saturday evening: Return to AMC, set up tents, eat dinner, relax
Sunday morning: Pack up, drive to the other side of Route 602
Sunday day: Cover any remaining topics & more practice near the Donkey Hollow Trail
Throughout the weekend we'll adhere to LNT principles (https://lnt.org/why/7-principles/).
* Gear *
Everyone will need the following items:
- The NY/NJ Trail Conference map for the Delaware Water Gap (You only need map #121. You could also use the National Geographic map, but it will be much easier if we're all using the same one.)
- Baseplate compass (It doesn't have to be fancy, but it must have a baseplate.)
- Pencil (Make sure that it writes on your map.)
- Some way to tell time
Since we'll be mostly off-trail and in separate groups at times, please don't forget the following:
- Personal first-aid kit
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Whistle
- Water purifier (filter, chlorine tablets, etc.)
We may encounter some thick vegetation (including thorns) and ticks. I therefore strongly recommend long pants and sleeves. Hand & eye protection could also be helpful. (Gardening gloves and cheap sunglasses work great.)
* Getting there *
Please use the comments section to arrange rides. I'm not aware of any public transportation option. When you get to the Mohican Center, look for the "Place Beyond" campsite.
* Disclaimer *
By participating in this event, you assume all risks to your safety and well-being; agree to take full responsibility for your actions; and release the group, its organizers, and its event organizers from any liability related to this event.
