I like the quote attributed to Daniel Boone. When asked if he’d ever been lost, he replied: “No, but I was once bewildered for 3 weeks”.

While GPS has obviously revolutionized all sorts of recreational and business travel, I hold fast to the mantra:

“There is no complete substitute for a good map, a compass, and the ability to use them”.

Since you can plan your return trip in advance, you can acquire the relevant USGS topographic map in hardcopy or digital form, from innumerable outlets/vendors. Even keeping the recently updated DeLorme Atlas and Gazetteer in the car should help, as the topographic contours on the most recent edition are far easier to read than the old one, and where most trails follow predictable paths related to the topography.

A good map and your trusty Silva or other compass and your need for topopsy is a thing of the past.

Safe travels!

Foy