Even experienced campers sometimes may get lost.To avoid getting lost stay on Marked trails.Take a notebook and pencil with you for notes.Use a compass so you know what direction you are going.To find your way with a compass,you must know which way you want to go.Before you leave your camp,find a large landmark nearby to mark your campsite(露营地)head in the opposite direction from the landmark,if your compass shows you are going west,which direction will you travel to return to you campsite? East.
If you do get lost,don't panic.This is the worst thing you can do.People who panic have been known to walk in big circles.They don't realize this,of course.They exhaust themselves and never get back on course.
If it is late,and others know you are out hiking,stay where you are.Someone will come looking for you soon.
If it is early,and you want to try to find your way back,leave trail marks to show you where you have been.Tie a handkerchief to a branch.Put a pile of stone on the trail you have taken.If you have pen and notebook in your pack,write a note and put it on a tree.Write down the time,date,the fact that you are lost and the direction you are now hiking.
If you are lost at night,build two campfires close together.Two columns of smoke side by side are a signal for help.Rangers and campers will recognize and respond to the fires.They will locate your smoke signals and come to find you