One of the worst "boo boos" I've ever done is when I was out X-Country skiing. I didn't have a map (mistake #1), but I had seen a map and knew that a road cut across my path. So, I thought I'd ski a compass bearing. I'd hit the road, turn left to the main road, and follow the main road back to camp.
Except that they don't plow that road in winter. I skied right over the road without knowing it. I kept looking at my watch thinking "why the heck haven't I reached that road yet?" Finally, it was getting dark and the people I was with were starting to get scared. Using a compass bearing, we turned toward the main road. We did get to the road, and we even got picked up by someone who kindly gave us a lift back to camp.
People sometimes don't realize how different even familiar terrain can be when covered with snow. It is real easy to do what you did, and ski right across a road without realizing it. However, you recognized you had a problem while you were still in a position to do something about it. Before it was totally dark, and everyone in the group was exhausted. And you had a compass and knew how to use it.
Good on you!
-Be careful of assumptions about terrain. If it ain't adding up, then you might just want to abort a loop trip and return the way you came. Retracing your steps isn't "admitting defeat;" it's a smart survival technique.
HJ
Yes!
Virtually every time I have become lost, it was because I didn't listen (until late in the game) to that little voice that says
"something's just not right here!" And when I do tune into that little voice, it has almost always saves me a lot of grief. And how often a short back track, even uphill when you are tired, is way better than pushing on, hoping things will somehow sort themselves out!
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