How to navigate through the woods using a topo map and compass

Why go off the trail? Most people who hike or backpack through the woods seldom leave the security of the trail.  Yet off the trail there are often scenic sights waiting to be appreciated by a curious individual.  If you have this desire to explore but do not know a contour interval from a magnetic bearing, then this class is for you.  The dual purpose of this weekend is to increase each person’s proficiency in the use of a topo map and compass and to introduce them to off trail exploring.

Where will the class be held? The weekend will be in Homochitto National Forest which is northwest of McComb, Mississippi.  This hilly forested wilderness near Clear Springs Recreational Area has elevations what vary 150 feet from the tops of ridges down to modest sized streams.  The forest is largely open and composed of pines, beeches, oaks and other hardwoods.  Because of these features, this national forest is an ideal location for a weekend of traversing through the woods.

What is the plan for the weekend? Most everyone drives up Friday night to set  up a base camp.  In the morning after breakfast, the class will be divided into teams according to skill and knowledge level.  After instructions, each team will set out to find specific destinations in the woods that are marked on a topo map.  Students will spend the day seeking each objective and then return to camp.  That evening a hearty meal will be served around the campfire.

On Sunday, again teams or individuals will continue practicing their outdoor navigational skills.  Proficiency in map reading skills increases dramatically on the second day along with the explorer’s confidence.

Who will teach the class? The senior instructor will be Byron Almquist - who has taught wilderness skills for the past 25 years.  He will  be assisted by friends who are proficient with map and compass.

How much does the class cost? The fee is $95 per person for the two days of instruction and three meals—two breakfasts and one dinner if reservations are made prior to Mon Jan 26th.   For individuals, who have previously taken the class, the fee will be $60.  After the 26th, the fee is $115 and $75 for previous students.  Tents and sleeping bags are available for rent at $15 each.  Each student is asked to furnish transportation, compass, day pack, canteen and two lunches.

How do I sign up? If you would like to learn these trail skills, then make a reservation by sending an email to Byron Almquist or call him at 504 834-5257 and make a reservation. The fee is payable at the time of reservation.

How do I pay for the class? To pay, send a check to 1049 Hesper Ave in Metairie, LA 70005-1551 made out to “Canoe and Trail Adventures."


MAP AND COMPASS WEEKEND - questions and answers

Where does the map and compass class take place? Our classroom will be the hardwood forested hilly terrain of Homochitto National Forest. This public land is located in southwestern Mississippi between McComb and Natchez. The forest is open for the most part without a lot of brush or briars. This means that an outdoor navigator can walk usually through the forest without much interference. The forest is scenic with its modest streams, variety of trees and an assortment of various sized hills. 

What camping gear is available for rental? Generous sized two person tents for $15 for the weekend and sleeping bags, air/foam pad and liner combination for $15 for the weekend.

The meals provided are two breakfasts and the Saturday night dinner.

For the off trail class, a copy of a composite topo map is provided.

What does the student furnish? For meals, your coffee mug and the two lunches and your own liquid refreshments. Clothes appropriate for the forecasted weather, rain suit (nylon top and bottom), sturdy footwear, compass, pencil, watch, whistle, clipboard, daypack/bookbag, and lunch and drink in a canteen. At night, warmer clothes for dinnertime and around the campfire and for camping, your own pillow and flashlight.

What is the probable weather?  According to www.weather.com for Natchez, MS in February, the average hi is 63 and the average low is 42.   

For the latest weather, refer to www.weather.com and then type in Natchez, MS - the station nearest to where we will be. The site has radar, daily and even hourly forecasts that can be of immense value.

What do we do during the two days? On Saturday morning, each person is asked about their experience, knowledge and skill level in off trail navigation. We then group people with comparable skill.  Some instruction is furnished at that time although more instruction is provided later on a "learn as you go" basis. A topo map is furnished to everyone. Everyone should have his or her own compass, whistle, pencil/pen and clipboard. Objectives are noted on the topo map with the last objective being the base camp itself. Objectives can be intersection of forest roads, abandoned oil wells, distinctive bends on streams, stream bluffs, remote cemeteries, etc.

Students are in groups with an instructor to the first few objectives. However students who would like can go in teams of two or three or go by oneself. Emphasis is on learning how to interpret the topo map. The groups pause frequently to learn how to relate what is on the top map and what the actual terrain looks like. The goal is to be able to choose the easiest route to the objective by using the terrain. The route may be along a ridgeline or along a stream.

The alternative is to take a direct line compass course over hill and dale to the objective. This route would be shorter but often much harder then following streams and ridges. The compass is an aid in determining direction while the topo map is essential to navigating around the woods.

What kind of compass should I get? The most appropriate models are those that come with a transparent housing and a turnable dial filled with liquid. Most quality compasses are made in Scandinavia - Silva, Brunto, etc. Such a compass will cost $15 to $20. You will want to hang your compass around your neck during class so add a string or ribbon to it long enough to reach to a chest pocket.

What else do I need to navigate? A clipboard makes it easier to draw and makes notes on the topo map.  You will also need a dark lead pencil or pen - and a loud whistle just in case.

What are the driving directions to the base camp? From New Orleans, take I 10 to Laplace and then north on I 55 to McComb, MS and then proceed another five miles to an exit for Summit ( MS 98 west to Bude/Meadville/Natchez). (Be sure to take 98 west and not 98 east which comes up a quarter of mile before west.) Continue on 98 west for 30 miles to Bude. Once in Bude at a T intersection, turn left (west) and proceed out of town. After about a mile, US 98 will join US 84 via an overpass and descending left turn. (Look for signs that say Natchez.) Continue on this interstate like combined highway for approximately 7 miles. Eventually on the right will be a sign "Clear Springs Recreational Area".

Turn left (south) onto a blacktop road. (There will be an oil well at the southwest corner of this intersection, which may or may not be pumping.) Proceed approximately three and half miles on this curvy blacktop until a sign "Richardson Creek overflow camping or words to that effect" sign is seen. The best way to tell you are at the right place is the fact that just past the turn a set of metal guard rails begin.  (If you miss this turn, you will come within a mile to the entrance to the Clear Springs campgrounds.)

Turn right (west) onto a gravel road, which runs about a mile along a ridge. On both sides of this ridge are numbered US Forest Service Camping sites. My favorite site is the very first one on the left, which is numbered, I believe, in the low 30s. It has the longest driveway of all the sites descending down to a tent camping area. We will make this our base camp for the weekend.

Do cell phones work? Sometimes cell phones work. My number is 504 606-2207. If need be give me a call but it may or may not get through.

 How do I pay for the weekend class? Please send a check made out to "Canoe and Trail Adventures" to 1049 Hesper Avenue in Metairie, LA  70005-1551. 

What is the cost of the instruction, three outdoor meals, campsite fees and camping equipment? The fee for the instruction and the three meals is $95 until Monday Jan 26th. If you are repeating the weekend, then the fee is $60. After the 26th, the fee is $115 for first timers and $75 for repeaters.

What about bad weather? If the forecast is for really unpleasant weather, I would decide Friday morning what to do and then notify everyone. Sometimes we go ahead even when the weather is not optimum. If that happens anyone has the option of deciding not to come. I will refund your fee despite the fact that the event went on. If the weekend is cancelled, I will refund your money or if asked apply credit to some other Canoe and Trail Adventure outing or class.