Column: Take a walk, but think it through

Published 9:03 am Wednesday, October 18, 2017

MOULTRIE — I’ve watched survival-type shows for years. Couple that with my own experiences of James Fenimore Cooper-type adventures as a youngster, and I think I can avoid many pitfalls in nature.

Now I don’t consider myself a survival expert by a long shot. But in this venue, I’m not the village idiot either.

Routinely we read news stories of people who went for a hike and got lost. Some of these stories don’t end very well.

The Weather Channel features a segment on Sunday evenings where some  lost-in-the-wild cases are revisited by a survival expert. He explains how the victims might have fared better.

I’ve got a few pointers of my own.

First, let someone know in detail where you are going and when you expect to be back. A cell phone may not have coverage in a particular area, so check that out before you depart.

Also, leave markers along your path that will immediately be recognized as manmade if someone is looking for you. Also, you can use the markers to find your way out. I call it the “bread crumbs factor.”

Always carry fire making devices and something that will reflect the sun’s rays for signaling. Remember that “threes” are the universal distress signal. Three gunshots (if you happen to be a hunter or just a gun enthusiast who might be packing) are among the signals. Three pillars of rock, three bonfires, etc., offer a crucial message.

Now being prepared is much easier than having to use just what nature provides. Just don’t go walking out into the wilderness in your street clothes without even a pocket knife.

Water and warm clothing are essential. You can’t carry too much water. I would also have a sack full of Beenie Weenies, sardines or vienna sausage — a veritable smorgasbord of cholesterol.

And even though I know how to build a friction fire with sticks and have done it many times, a cigarette lighter is the best option.

Now it’s easy to say “don’t panic.” But one should really make an effort to stay calm. A clear head is crucial to survival.

Dehydration and hypothermia are the two deadliest threats one must consider in these situations, assuming, of course, you don’t wander upon an irritated grizzly.

I’ve read that you should make a lot of noise as you traipse along. Bears don’t like to be surprised … I’m told. And you should not run from one … they say. Instead, strut and look fierce … they also say. Let me clarify at this point, I don’t know who “they” are.

I have a more fool proof plan for not being eaten by a bear. I don’t go where they are. It works every time. And that thing about not running, well I would want a bear to be really tired if he was going to eat me. So I got nothing when it comes to bear protection. I can teach you how to rub sticks together and build a fire. I can show you how to build shelter. But when it comes to grizzlies, you’re own your own. And if we’re together, I hope I can run faster than you.

Now unless someone was suffering from mental distress, it would be difficult to be lost for three or four days in most of Southwest Georgia. You can walk a half day or less in almost any direction and happen upon a road or a sign for someone running for office.

Now I don’t visit the Sonora Desert nor  do I live in the Appalachians, so my non-expert advice is factored by a lack of real-life experiences in those areas. But my notions seem to parallel what that guy on the Weather Channel says. Footnote: He doesn’t cover bears in his instructions.

(Email: dwain.walden@gaflnews.com)