Where am I?
At times you will discover you are not where you thought you were, similar to when you are finding your way through a strange city. With a bit of instruction and a few tips, your family will learn to navigate the BWCAW with confidence.
- Keep the maps in a waterproof bag or case, on the floor of the canoe, or lashed to a pack in front of you. Someone in the group should know where you are at all times. Its a good idea to have a map in every canoe. If you find you are unsure of your location, simply back-track to your last known location.
- The red side of the compass needle always points to the north. North corresponds with “up” on the map. If you are familiar with orienteering methods, take time to teach these to your kids. However, even if you are not familiar with the official map-reading techniques, the campsites and portages make it fairly easy to navigate through the BWCAW.
- A portage is a well-used, widely traveled path, often with clear people-footprints. If the path is narrow or overgrown, it usually isn’t a portage. It may be a “false start” or a “moose path.” Don’t follow a trail that isn’t obvious.
- It helps to turn the map in the direction you are traveling.
- Be patient with each other. As you become familiar with the scale of the maps, keep in mind that every traveler fouls up once in awhile. Expect mistakes, they are part of learning and part of your adventure.
- Your outfitter will help you find a route that is within your navigational abilities and comfort levels. Outfitters can also give you compass orienteering training as your trips become more challenging.
- Do not head off without an established trail. People who walk where others have walked, or always keep the lake in view do not get lost in the BWCAW.
- In the evenings, take some time with your whole group to gather around the map and create a travel plan for the next day. Let all group members take part in navigating, and in correcting their own missteps. Kids and adults gain confidence as they travel with the maps, and as they are allowed to make mistakes in a relaxed and forgiving atmosphere.
- It’s safest to have many navigators in the group. At the very best, all adults should know where they are and how to get to the next portage.
- Help kids find landmarks, campsites, portages, and islands on the maps. Getting where you want to go can be an entertaining and educational part of the canoe traveling time.
