Eight of us signed up for a day of navigation training, to learn some navigation basics pitched at those with no previous knowledge.
Sara forwarded the group links to two videos and a written exercise so they could complete some theory ahead of the trip.
Our day began with learning some theory and going over the homework exercise, while grabbing coffee and breakfast in Petone.
A deep dive into how to read topo maps
We learnt about:
- Topo map features (on both paper and digital formats) – such as how to identify a spur, ridgeline, gully, saddle, slip etc.
- how to take coordinates and find different locations on the map.
- how to use a compass (Note to Europeans: in New Zealand, the difference between True and Magnetic North actually matters!!)
- the basics of taking a bearing
We started the practical activities at the Catchpool car park in Remutaka Forest Park and then hit the Orongorongo Track, using the Catchpool Stream as a ‘handrail’. We focused on identifying features of the land, cross-checking them with our location on the map. We also practised capturing bearings of features of the land and transferring them onto our maps, as well as setting bearings from the map and following them.
To experience contour-line crossing in real life, we climbed up Browns Track and turned onto Cattle Ridge Track. We then had a go at navigating off-track – following a bearing down a spur-line. Everyone had a turn at taking the lead. This involved some bush-bashing and being aware of the ‘shape’ of the terrain as we descended.
The group then backtracked up to Cattle Ridge Track, followed the ridgeline southwards and headed back down to the Orongorongo Track via Butcher Track. From here it was a 15 min walk back to the carpark. The whole day involved completing a loop of about 10 km, with 650 m elevation gain.
A big thanks to Sara for this amazing introduction to navigation and for teaching us some skills to help ensure we will be able to find our way out of the bush should our phone batteries die! We look forward to seeing the group back together for the intermediate course in October!