The first task was to work on orienteering. We were divided up into two groups of three. Each group had a US Geological Survey map with two x marks, for each group. We had to place a marker at each of those points, then retrieve the markers the other group placed. No use of GPS devices (why not?) just map and compass. So off I go, with Alan* a retiree who started this about two years ago and is not quite certified, and Bob, a young guy, tall and skinny, with long, long legs. Ho Hum, I thought, let's see if I can keep up. Well, it was a challenge! It was hot (last week in August), steep, and we went through the undergrowth, those places which normal people do not walk. Briars, logs on logs, poison ivy. But so interesting! Ask anybody who has ever been walking with me if I have a good sense of direction, and they will tell you I do not. But suddenly I was really starting to understand the map, the contours, what to expect. Bob hardly used the map at all after glancing at it to start with: he has an innate sense of direction, probably helped by an ability to look at a map and know he will be walking uphill for 5 mins, then there will be a gully on the left, followed by a stream a little further on, and an old stone house on the right. And he gets this by glancing at the map. I was grateful I was with Alan who clearly had to work very hard to plot the route.
After about an hour we got to our first x point, which Bob confirmed by using the banned GPS. And I believed I knew exactly where we were. Actually, it is easy if you are following two other people.
I know this is getting long and boring - well, it was quite long, but the boring part came a little later. So, we got back to base, and felt we had done quite well, better than the other group, of course! Then it was time for the dogs to have a little fun. The Search. I knew that I was going to be the "subject", and Bob told me to go and hide "near that old burnt out car we passed on our way back". OK, I thought, that's only about a 5 min walk, I can easily find it. After all, I've walked that way before, I have a map, and now I know how to use it. Ha funny ha. Off I went, with a two-way radio and borrowed camo net (and my water, which I had not taken earlier. One learns all sorts of things doing SAR, not least that one is supposed to be prepared, and nobody will tell you what to take). I walked down a path before turning left - but then I was in a field, and I was not supposed to be in a field. So I double backed and walked down another path, which kind-of looked right. Funny how things look different when going in the opposite direction. Gosh was I pleased when I found the car, about 15 minutes later. I found a comfortable spot between two trees and settled down to wait. Another thing I had forgotten to ask: how long would I be waiting for? Well, I could watch the birds. Listen to the scrabbling (please let it be a squirrel, not a rat). Wow, a pilleated woodpecker! Now what? How long has passed - about 1/2 hour. Change position. Woops, sitting on poison ivy. Hmmn, maybe I should have brought a book? Another hour. At least I could hear some exchange on the radio. One subject had been found. Well, at least the radio is working. 1 hour and a half. Hmmmn. Wait, do I hear a bell? Is that Zed thundering towards me? Yes, he jumps right on me, then heads back into the woods. Here he comes again! Yes Zed, good boy, go fetch! And again, this time with Alan. So we walk back to base, and everyone is there. We go round the group, each person saying how "their" training went that day. Well, said I, really interesting! I've never sat by myself in the woods for an hour and a half, before. I enjoyed it! And what is more, that was true. Maybe some of them think I won't be back, but then, they don't know me - yet.
* All names of people and dogs have been changed for their protection!
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