Ridiculous Hypothetical... NOT

[nhCyclist]

Actually, it is a hypothetical -- but a specific decision point.

Situation
Winter
3pm
Lost in wilderness
in a small North/South gentle valley with about 400 ft. elevation change from peak to trough*

Would you locate near the bottom of the valley (more protected from wind), or near the top of the west facing slope (to maximize direct sunlight for as long as possible)?

My vote is for extra sunlight.


Assume all other things equal between peak and trough, except for wind, sunlight and maybe temperature. Wood is plentiful in both.

[snakeman]

I would probably get on the south side ( if your in north hemishere) of the slope and build a shelter behind a rock or log so it blocks the wind. The valley would have more food and water though probably.

[Sourdough]

Lost in wilderness in a small North/South gentle valley with about 400 ft. elevation change from peak to trough


Just how "LOST" can you get in a "SMALL" valley.... A......"SMALL GENTLE VALLEY".:rolleyes:

[nhCyclist]

Lost in wilderness in a small North/South gentle valley with about 400 ft. elevation change from peak to trough


Just how "LOST" can you get in a "SMALL" valley.... A......"SMALL GENTLE VALLEY".:rolleyes:


So, by this logic, what kind of terrain CAN you get lost in?

[nell67]

Wouldn't the valley be "funneling" the wind?? dropping the temperature,or at least making you feel colder:confused:

[Sarge47]

So, by this logic, what kind of terrain CAN you get lost in?
Back when I was a drinker I got lost in my closet for several days;:eek: lucky I sobered up & found my way out!:rolleyes:

[crashdive123]

Back when I was a drinker I got lost in my closet for several days;:eek: lucky I sobered up & found my way out!:rolleyes:

Soooooooo.....what you're saying is that you've come out of the closet?:eek:

[RunsWithDeer]

Heck, I get lost every time I go to a shopping mall.

[crashdive123]

Actually, it is a hypothetical -- but a specific decision point.

Situation
Winter
3pm
Lost in wilderness
in a small North/South gentle valley with about 400 ft. elevation change from peak to trough*

Would you locate near the bottom of the valley (more protected from wind), or near the top of the west facing slope (to maximize direct sunlight for as long as possible)?

My vote is for extra sunlight.


Assume all other things equal between peak and trough, except for wind, sunlight and maybe temperature. Wood is plentiful in both.

Rather than the drama of being lost, why not take the same parameters that you have described, and figure out where you would put your shelter (tent, tarp, bivy, stars) for the night and why?

[nell67]

Soooooooo.....what you're saying is that you've come out of the closet?:eek:
AHHHHHHH,I can't beLIEve you just said that!:eek::eek:

[Sourdough]

So, by this logic, what kind of terrain CAN you get lost in?

After 39 years as a Professional Guide In Alaska. If I got there, I am not lost. Only zero/zero visibility in blowing snow, or dense fog, would cause a orientation problem. In that case remove backpack set out camp.....No problem. Visibility improves, break camp, move on. Easy if your home is the wilderness, if not.....get your boots into the field. And bag the what if games.:)

[crashdive123]

AHHHHHHH,I can't beLIEve you just said that!:eek::eek:

Sorry, couldn't resist.

[nhCyclist]

Easy if your home is the wilderness, if not.....get your boots into the field. And bag the what if games.:)


I was faced with this situation yesterday, I opted for going up to higher elevation on the western facing side to build fire and structure. The winds kept shifting directions, and I was regretting my choice. But the extra minutes of direct sunlight were definitely helpful I think.

Not so much a what if.

[Sourdough]

I was faced with this situation yesterday, I opted for going up to higher elevation on the western facing side to build fire and structure. The winds kept shifting directions, and I was regretting my choice. But the extra minutes of direct sunlight were definitely helpful I think.

Not so much a what if.

Well, you lived. You learned, You had a very minor inconvience. Put on your Big Boy pants and move on. :)

[nell67]

Sorry, couldn't resist.

It was hilarious,saves me from telling MY story of the closet and being drunk:o

[Stairman]

Heck, I get lost every time I go to a shopping mall.

The last time I was truly lost was the Daytona flea market.