Land Navigation at the Delaware Water Gap

This year this event returns to the fall, when the leaves are off of the trees so it's a bit easier to navigate. 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 *

We'll "primitive" camp along the Appalachian Trail. There are established sites with fire rings but no facilities. We can just carry light daypacks when we hike.

The camping sites are only about a 10 minute walk from where we'll be parked. However, unless you want to keep going back and forth, please use a bear canister or bear bag. It should be big enough to hold everything that has a smell that might attract curious critters: food, toothpaste, etc.

* Planned Itinerary *

Saturday 9:00 am: Arrive at Rick's Rocks parking area, hike in, set up camp
Saturday day: Go over land navigation basics, practice near the Catfish fire tower
Saturday evening: Return to camp, eat dinner, relax
Sunday morning: Pack up, walk 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 to carry the following:

• Personal first-aid kit
• Headlamp with spare batteries
• Whistle
• Water purifier (filter, chlorine tablets, etc.)
• Some way to stay warm overnight

Even if it's unseasonably warm, I recommend long pants and sleeves, since we'll be off-trail and might encounter thorns or ticks. 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.

For drivers: We'll park at the Rick's Rocks parking area. The Meetup link on this page is NOT correct. The correct location appears if you search "Rick's Rocks" in Google Maps. The coordinates are 41.05331, -74.96144. You will need to register your car with the park office. Go to https://www.nps.gov/dewa/planyourvisit/index.htm, under "Visitor FAQs" click "Can I park my car overnight?" and follow the link to register. Remember to indicate that you're through-hiking the Appalachian Trail.

* 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.