Lost along the way – The Trek

To eliminate any excessive stress from the beginning, I found my way out and survived. Now the story.

Getting ready to get lost

To give an idea of ​​my sense of direction, it’s likely that when I finally finish my NOBO for Kathadin, I’ll also be able to take credit for half a SOBO (with some EABO and WEBO thrown in for good measure). In March 2024, my hiking partner and I finished a day of hiking in Georgia and found a nice tent site about 20 yards from the trail. After eating dinner and packing our food bags, we walked about 100 meters parallel to the trail and found a tree where we could hang our bags. After several attempts, we both successfully hung the bags (I guess I was proud of the work at the time, since I took this photo!).

We then returned to our respective tents and went to bed for the night.

The getting lost part

I got up early, around five in the morning. Since sunrise was going to happen around 7, it was still pretty dark and I knew I had some time to kill, so I decided to go out and retrieve our bear bags. I left the store and continued heading in the (hopeful) direction of the hanging bear tree. After a five minute walk through the trees, I looked up and to my surprise, there were our bags! I released the ropes from the tree and lowered the bags without any problems. Then I rolled up the cords and picked up the bags. I turned around in what I thought was the opposite direction of the way I walked towards the tree and started walking back. After 10 minutes of walking, I noticed that I was walking for a long time and still couldn’t see the tents in the distance. I felt a cold sweat break out on my forehead as I realized I had no idea where I was or where the stores were.

The being found part

Thinking I would take a look at the FarOut app to see where I was located, I stuck my hands in my pockets and realized I forgot my phone in my tent. I proceeded to turn around and walk back in the direction I thought I came from, but found nothing…that’s just more darkness and trees.

After about 15 more minutes of walking, I had the sensation of turning 90 degrees and walking some more. After a minute, I looked to my left and then looked to my right and noticed that there were no trees in any direction. I had stumbled upon the Appalachian Trail! I knew I was safe at that moment because if I walked far enough in any direction, I would end up in Georgia or Maine.

Knowing that the tent site should be visible from the trail, I began walking in one direction of the trail for about five minutes and then in another direction for ten, repeating this walk more and more. At this point it was getting light, so I started to be able to see better and started whistling. I heard my hiking partner in the distance yelling at me. I headed in their direction trying to appear as composed as possible, trying to project the «There’s nothing to see here, folks» kind of look. Of course I didn’t get my way. I wasn’t sure if she was happier to see me or her teddy bag!

Learning

• As you leave your store, stop and make sure you have what you need to survive. I continued without thinking. In my situation, my phone was essential and I left it.
• Communicate your intentions before you leave. No one knew where I was or what my plans were.
• Know your limitations and adapt to them.
• Don’t get too confident. I didn’t think about getting lost less than a hundred meters from my tent. Be on guard at all times.
• Familiarize yourself with your surroundings. Throughout the day, make a mental map that includes landmarks, such as distinctive trees or rocks. Practice walking this trail in daylight. Avoid relying solely on moonlight, as trails and shadows can make the path deceptive.
• Use reflective tape on your tent to help locate it.
• Stop and stay calm. Panic leads to poor decisions that can lead you to go even further off course. Take a deep breath and evaluate your situation.
• Staying in place increases your chances of being found if someone is looking for you.

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