They sure are powerful thoughts. I can certainly relate to that as I'm sure anyone that's been lost in the woods (or desert) can also relate, whether it 100 yards or 100 miles from the house/camp/car/etc. Those thoughts are more powerful when you're with someone young and/or inexperienced whom you know looks up to you and will rely on you in an emergency.

Sure you made some mistakes but you also did a lot right and survived quite comfortably. You had water with you and extra clothes and apparently your map skills were good enough to get you to the car. Ironic that you were practicing those skill not long before you were forced to put them to use. Looks like your practice paid off. Sounds like you maintained a calm appearance also, inspite of your worry. Worry is one thing, panic is another. Seeing as how your young companion was never worried, I venture to guess that you didn't appear worried to him, which means you must have remained pretty calm. Maybe more than you give yourself credit for.

For what it's worth there have been mistakes in every single survival story I have ever heard. I don't think anyone ever gets it 100% "right" if there is even such a thing. I know I have been getting lost in the woods since I was a kid and I have never done it "right" and on many occassions I have done it a lot more "wrong" than what you described.

It was a great story and we'll all learn from hearing it. Thanks a lot for sharing it!

IMHO, I say pat yourself on the back for getting yourself and your companion out of a potentially bad situation, being prepared, remembering what you've learned, putting practiced skills to good use and not spreading worry to your companion.

... and don't stop practicing or thinking like a survivor. It obviously pays off. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />