"The books can teach you problem solving techniques and practical tips. But the real meat is trying those techniques in the field. "

Very true.

If you lived near a large region of wilderness I would suggest that you try the exercise below. But don't do it - if it will compromise your safety in any way. This exercise is best done on land where there is scrub brush - with bushes higher than you head. So you can't easily see where you came from, or where you are going.

* Pick a starting point on the edge of a road or fence.
* Walk about half a mile on a specified compass bearing.
* Make a turn of 120 degrees to the right
(e.g. if you first bearing was 60 degrees, next one is 180 degrees).
* Walk exactly the same distance again
* Make another turn of 120 degrees to the right
* Walk exactly the same distance again

If you do this right - you will walk an exact equilateral triangle, and come back precisely to your original starting point.

But practically, this little exercise will show you that a lot of things can go wrong when doing an (apparently) simple exercise.

Good luck!
Pete2