Workshop: Hands-on Navigation

Overview: Navigation is a critical skill for all hikers and backpackers to have in their toolbox. A map and compass have long been a part of the Ten Essentials, but few people who carry them actually know how to use them.

This workshop will be a hands-on, in-the-field practice of what I call "get home" navigation, meaning how do you get back on track safely if you find yourself lost on a hike, and how to keep yourself from getting lost in the first place.

In addition to learning the skills and rules of thumb, we will learn the science and math behind why these tools work in the first place, and perhaps, more importantly, when they don't work.

This will be part lecture and part application, so there will also be some hiking involved. Please bring a chair or blanket, whatever you need to be comfortable, for the lecture portion just in case we can't secure enough picnic tables.

Topics include, but are not limited to:

- Navigation tools you should always carry
- Basic map and compass skills
- How to read a topographic map
- Science of Earth's magnetic field (or why a compass works in the first place)
- Terrain recognition (correlating the real world geography to the map)
- How to find direction with a compass
- How to find direction without a compass
- Estimating amount of daylight remaining
- Tracking your route
- Tracking distance traveled via pace count
- Estimating distance to an object
- Finding your location on a map
- Backstops and handrails
- Getting yourself unlost

This workshop is designed for folks who have never before used a map and compass, but will also be a valuable refresher for those with some general familiarity when it comes to navigation on the trail.

It will be an educational and social experience with fellow hikers.

Location: Irvine Regional Park in Orange, CA.

Starting point: Grassy area adjacent to Parking Lot P. Look for the SoCal Sciences Hikes banner, and the guy with long hair, beard, and cowboy hat.

Distance: ~2 miles

Duration: About 3 hours

Elevation gain: Not applicable

Terrain: Dirt, pavement, grass

Difficulty: Beginner

Age: 18 and older. Contact me to discuss exceptions.

Pets: No pets allowed

Recommended gear:
- Notebook and writing instruments
- Compass if you have one (I'll have some available to share)
- Camping chair or blanket to sit on
- Clothing suitable for the weather
- Water and snacks (if desired)

Cost: This event is free, but if you enjoy your time and learn something, tips/donations are graciously accepted in person or at buymeacoffee.com/codycolborn

No Show Policy: In order to accomodate as many people as possible, we keep track of no shows. After two no shows, you will be placed on the waitlist when signing up for a new event, and moved to the "going" list if space is available the night before the event.

Questions: If you have any questions, please message me through Meetup or text 424-244-0334.