3/14/23

Map and Compass Sessions led by Tony Alimenti -February & March 2023

 

As a result of various PATC and other member comments, requests, and interest, the Charlottesville chapter of the PATC conducted a number of beginner/introductory Map and Compass usage sessions.

As the idea/request was to start at a beginner level training.  It was decided to hold a progressive learning type experience.  Starting with some indoor sessions to expose and develop familiarity with maps and compasses.  We would then proceed to a “controlled” outdoor setting so as to further practice and utilize the skills presented in the indoor session.  The intention of the last phase was to culminate the experience with an “on the trail” experience using the concepts learned in the classroom and initial outdoor session.

We began the Indoor sessions using a local library meeting room to introduce everyone to map and compass characteristics, reading and usage basics.  Due to the popularity and expressed interest we needed to hold 3 sessions.  Some of the reason for holding 3 sessions beyond the huge interest, were meeting room size limitations, and instructor to “student” ratios so as to ensure a valuable experience.   (a note of thanks to JMRL for meeting room availability and usage).  Holding multiple sessions enabled us to get as many folks insight to and more one on one, hands on experience in order to ensure a good explanation of the basic skills before outdoor practice. We ended up having 28 people sign and show up for these indoor sessions.

The first phase of the outdoor sessions was held at Albemarle County’s Mint Springs Valley Park.  Two sessions were held to accommodate attendee availability.  In this session we practiced the basic map and compass skills covered in the indoor session.  Despite cold and windy weather, 12 people were able to make these first phase outdoor sessions.

For the second outdoor phase session we were going to take the skills learned and execute them on an out and back AT hike, starting from Reids Gap to Bee Mountain.

Our initial attempt to run this session was prevented due to weather conditions.  Mother Nature tried to challenge us again on the second March 12th attempt.  The predicted snow forced VDOT to close the Blue Ridge parkway.  However, Reids Gap drive was open and we had access to our previously designated parking spot. The weather forecast reduced our group to three who ventured out into the wintery wonderland.  Cheri, Susanna and Mathew braved the cold and minimal visibility to exercise and practice what was previously presented.  Our first activity prior to commencing the hike, we took Long/Lat readings of where we parked, as well as got bearings (direction of travel and back bearings) to/from Piney and Bee mountain.  We noted our location with respect to roads and mountains we could see. Once we had our info recorded, we hiked to Maupin Field shelter then on to Bee Mountain.  Along the way we noted and ID’d map legend info with respect to trail/road/mountain/legend symbols.  We reviewed switch backs, ridge lines and other features ID’ng them on the map as we traveled.  Where we couldn’t see distant land features, we estimated location and direction using the map, compass, parked car data we collected at the start as well as reading the land and comparing the land characteristics to the map contour lines and land feature layout.  Once on Bee Mtn we took our back bearings and checked them against our initial map/compass bearings (accounting for declination etc.).  We had a quick snack and rest, but headed back as the temperature didn’t allow for extended lounging.  Once we got back to the cars, we said our goodbyes commenting on how the day turned out to be an enjoyable and picturesque hike (less than an inch of snow), all the while obtaining and exercising some map and compass skills.  All in all, the session feedback was that these were useful, enjoyable and appreciated. There has been some additional requests for all 3 phases of the sessions, and the Charlottesville PATC will happily look to accommodating those requests.





submitted by Tony Alimenti- leader of the Map and Compass Sessions