Walking by Sight

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.”
– 2 Corinthians 5:7

This post is indeed about following the right path, but I ask that you to instead walk by sight in the back country. Follow the path that is properly blazed as not to stray from your just reward. (The summit or er, trailhead from which you began).

A well marked trail (with colored blazes) keeps you on the right track. When finding your way, keep your chin up. Blazes are usually painted at eye level, and are perhaps between 100-200 feet apart on well marked paths.

A single blaze indicates the trail while a double indicates a change in direction with the higher pointing the way.

In forested areas, trees are the logical place to find blazes but once above treeline, marked rocks or more likely cairns are the way to continue towards your goal.

Well worn paths, or trails in designated wilderness areas may have little or no blazing, but the unmistakable path formed by legions of hikers before you should give some guidance on how to proceed.

I always carry a map of the area I’m hiking in and maintain an awareness of where I am on the trail. I carry a compass as a backup and a GPS enabled phone app to confirm my location if necessary, but rarely need these on well marked trails in New England.

If I lose the trail, I double back to the last known position that was correct. It’s possible to simply miss a blaze and be now off course. Better to correct this mistake before it becomes a bigger issue.

I’ve never been lost in the back country, but have been off course a few times. It’s important to stop and not panic. Reorient yourself and make a correction, or return the way you came. Never blunder on, hoping for the best, or make a rash decision and guess.

Your phone can be your rescue tool if you’ve entered local ranger or Search and Rescue information (usually located at signage at the trailhead) and many modern packs have built in rescue whistles on the sternum strap that can alert searchers. Use of the whistle will preserve your voice and carries a distance.

Hopefully these tips will help you in your travels. Hike on, and keep the faith in your compass, by putting “red in the shed” and eyes on the blazes.