Play2survive’s Weblog

Entries from January 2009

Books about Natural Navigation – no map, compass, or gps – not even a signpost

January 31, 2009 · 3 Comments

Moon at dusk can guide navigation when you are lost

Moon at dusk can guide navigation when you are lost

I am passionate about the lost art and science of what is termed “Natural Navigation“, or ‘emergency navigation’ – the skill or reading nature’s clues to find your way without map, compass, gps or signposts.

To start you off, here are my favourite books on the subject, which you can all find online. My favourite is Harold Gatty’s Finding Your Way – a classic.

You will understand why I call my business Five Senses, and why walking barefoot has great advantages to learning to read the landscape. Based as I am in the north of Scotland, I believe in teaching people to read and understand their local environment, so not all techniques are applicable in your area (sand dunes are not so common here, nor trees but what there is has been well sculpted by the prevailing winds!)

Have a look at the books:-

Gatty, HaroldFinding your way without map or compass

Aveni, AnthonyPeople and the sky

Burch, DavidEmergency Navigation

Wilson, NeilSAS Tracking and navigation handbook

Grylls, BearBorn survivor / Man v Wild – survival techniques  …

Thomas, StephenLast Navigator

Cunliffe, TomCelestial Navigation

It is all about using your senses, being aware and observing – skills that need to be taught and developed – technology has made us lazy. Just like my other passion, making fire. For courses and private info, you can email me.

Aventi

Aventi

Finding Your Way

Gatty

Categories: bushcraft · five senses activities · my books · survival skills
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Scotland Photos – Unusual Views

January 24, 2009 · 2 Comments

I decided to put up a few more of my pictures of Scotland – and as there are already too many of the ‘usual places’ I have tried to find ones that are both honest yet unusual. So, if you have not visited Scotland before or just want to get off the beaten track and find some place new, away from the crowds, these are for you:

Boats beside Tay with Rainbow

Boats beside Tay with Rainbow

Sheep in Field

Sheep in Field

General Wade's Bridge in Sma Glen, Highland Scotland

General Wade's Bridge in Sma Glen, Highland Scotland

Beware Sheep in the Road!

Beware Sheep in the Road!

Autumn beside the A9 between Edinburgh and Inverness

Autumn beside the A9 between Edinburgh and Inverness

Island of Hoy in Orkney viewed from Mainland

Island of Hoy in Orkney viewed from Mainland

Traditional stone house - shelter beside the ocean, Orkney Islands

Traditional stone house - shelter beside the ocean, Orkney Islands

ancient skills - making fire by friction - learning crafts and nature

ancient skills - making fire by friction - learning crafts and nature

Click here for more pictures of Scotland or my website.

Bon voyage!

Categories: scotland tourism · travel
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