Note: Please bring one of the types of compass that are mounted on a clear rectangular baseplate if possible. There will be a couple of loaner compasses and people can double up if we have a shortage, so don’t let the lack of a compass dissuade you from participating. If you decide to buy a compass, a liquid-filled compass is worth the additional price.

Brief Hike Details

This will be a relatively short hike during which we will describe and practice map and compass navigation in the woods.

We will meet at Polley and John’s dogbarn to discuss compass and map theory and practice. The address is 2373 West Danby Road, West Danby, about 9.6 miles south on 34/96 from Wegmans. Big sign by the driveway on the left side of the road. After turning into the driveway, drive past the house and other buildings, dogbarn is the last building; it will be evident.

We will caravan from there to the parking area at the corner of Bald Hill Road and Comfort Road, where which we will then put what we’ve learned into practice. Maps will be provided.

Dress in layers for the weather, bring water and sturdy hiking boots. There will be off-trail navigation.  Wear blaze orange.  It’s bow and arrow hunting season.

If you have difficulty navigating to the trailhead, email the hike leader at the address above.

Check this space the day of the hike for any changes or a cancellation.

Detailed Hike Description

CTC board members, Allen Quirk and Polley McClure will lead a hike that will focus on navigating through the woods using a map and compass. Subjects that will be explained will include:

• Pacing
• Awareness of terrain features
• Orienting your map
• Magnetic declination
• Determining a compass bearing from your map
• Following the bearing to an objective

Maps will be provided.

Dress in layers for the weather, bring water and sturdy hiking boots. There will be off-trail navigation.  Wear blaze orange.  It’s bow and arrow hunting season.

If you have difficulty navigating to the trailhead, email the hike leader at the address above.

Check this space the day of the hike for any changes or a cancellation.