Clarification/Follow-up by wvseagull on 09/04/03 3:53 pm:
Are you still looking for an answer to this? I can help if you need it.

Clarification/Follow-up by ethical_reason on 09/04/03 4:29 pm:
yes please

=)

Clarification/Follow-up by ethical_reason on 09/05/03 12:07 pm:
Thank you wv, I have been studying since and I have learned these things so far. The first rock in the sundial compass will be the anchor point though and the second rock will define east though. Right?


Anyhow, got any more good tips?

Clarification/Follow-up by wvseagull on 09/05/03 1:20 pm:
ER, the first rock is toward the east. Try this with a flashlight representing the sun, and move it from east to west, just as the sun appears to move, and you will see what happens.

What kind of navigating are you wanting to do?
Dan

Clarification/Follow-up by ethical_reason on 09/05/03 3:28 pm:
Thanks for the answer


I want to not get lost if I am in a desert or on a mountain side and it is totally overcast.

Clarification/Follow-up by wvseagull on 09/05/03 10:58 pm:
To navigate anytime, make certain that you have a compass with you, along with a map of the area. Determine your starting point, and the direction of march BEFORE setting out, and you will not get lost. OK?

Clarification/Follow-up by ethical_reason on 09/06/03 6:52 pm:
That's pretty straight forward

but I am thinking more without a compass or map

Clarification/Follow-up by wvseagull on 09/06/03 8:46 pm:
I am not sure where you want to go with this, but I suggest that you get a compass and learn how to use it, along with learning to read maps. These are essential to navigation. Not having them is similar to fishing without hooks, or sky diving without a parachute. Ya gotta have the tools, and know how to use them. Sometimes, wits are not enough.
Regards, Dan

Clarification/Follow-up by ethical_reason on 09/06/03 11:33 pm:
I do know how to use both.

I'm thinking more about learning to do it without those tools

Clarification/Follow-up by wvseagull on 09/07/03 5:11 pm:
To navigate without tools, you need to learn to key off of Polaris in the Northern Hemisphere, and the Southern Cross in the Southern Hemisphere. These will enable you to determine direction. However, to actually navigate requires that you know where you are and where you want to be going and what obstacles are in your intended path, and that requires a map or some other source of intelligence. The better you are with maps and a compass, the better off you will be if you do not have them. Years of practice will lead you to develop a good "sense of direction" that will enable you to find your way.
Regards, Dan

Clarification/Follow-up by ethical_reason on 09/07/03 5:42 pm:
Thanks