One afternoon i set out from camp to go for a short walk in the bush. At some point i had put down my camera and had set off without it.I tried retracing my steps but to no avail. I set out again next morning and managed to retrace MOST of my old route. However, there was a spot that, although familiar, didn't "quite" make sense. Couldn't find the camera so i had an idea. To go BACK at the same time as my first trip. This put the afternoon sun in the same place. MUCH easier. EVERYTHING looked as i remembered including a tree covered in orange fungi that had "glowed" in the afternoon sun. Of course being in shade in the morning meant it just looked grey and was all but unseen. I followed my old trail with ease and,,,,,found my camera. You are quite right about looking around you and looking at nature. The COLOUR of things at different times also helps
Dude, my 4 year old daughter keeps asking to see the “Prince go camping again”. Playing this video and she says “there’s the prince”. I think it’s that awesome accent my man.
Made me laugh, my Dad taught me 'Never eat shredded wheat' as a nipper, he was a Para like Grandad, who fought at Arnhem Sept 44. I meet a girl Christmas who lives on a boat like me and helped her with a few things, a couple of weeks later a old girl who everyone looks up to on the moorings and asks her for advice stopped for a chat and started talking at me like I was a kid, when I put her right on a few facts, she looked at Clare bemused and said, who is this guy, she stared at me for a while and said, he's sort of a Ray Mearsie sort of fella, the old girl smiled at me as if to say, ain't gonna try and pull the wool over your eye's again. Top Channel Nick, love it. God Bless.
Another favourite! My first ever orienteering instructor was in the 5th grade and he taught us Never Eat Sea Weed. Stuck in my head ever since. My 7 year old is excited to try these out!
Very informative and easily understood, i was taught by my nan as a child in North Wales plus foraging through the seasons when I used to stay there. I had forgotten some aspects of navigation over the years, but seeing your video has brought it back to me, so now I can show my grandson. Thank you
Discovered your channel the other day whilst searching for poisonous plants. I'm 40 and a outdoors person but my actually knowledge of the things around me are limited , stinging nettles sting , dock leaf helps is about all I knew . I have a 4½year old son I would love to go camping with him in the future so thought I'd start learning a bit more . Great video's thank you .
Fascinating video. Will definitely be trying this out on my next hike. Can't belive all my years of hiking I've never noticed this stuff! Keep it coming please.
Haven't tried it since 1989, year I left the Army. Knew about the tree moss (clean & dirty sides). Learnt how to navigate at night via star and constellation position. Great video. Love your channel
I really appreciate your cancel on RU-vid. It explain your learning so strate and om point. The explanation from buchkraft/military go so well . And it's a good reminder for may time in the military,and what i do Whit buchkraft/hunting now . To Agen tack you so much for your efforts you give us all . Ty from Sweden .
Nice work Nick. As an instructor who has taught this stuff in Aust for years, it's good to see info on natural methods. When I was a soldier we always learnt reading signs, map to ground etc. One thing I would add; Teach folks to turn around and observe the way they have come at critical points. Then it is recognizable on the return journey. Cheers, good vid
Amazing video my friend! Super useful and very educating. Thank you for sharing this knowledge with us! Just throwing in and idea, to make a video where you went on a day hike and got lost, it's dark and you can't go back to your car and need to survive the night with whatever you've on you/in your backpack with the emergency gear you've and all. Make shelter, fire, find food etc... can be awesome!
That's one of the best explanations I've ever listened to on this subject, informative and clear instructions from start to finish. Thanks for the video.
Thanks so much. Things you brought up I learned from scouts but few more things about really looking at surroundings and watching sun movement. I did not realize to look at which tree branches are growing. In one of your other videos you carry a black book to write notes. Great tips.
Really like this video. The stuff you talked about is not really new to me but you did it in a way that made think about it again. The things I do intuitively I will now try to do more consious and other things I know and talk about a lot, I didn't think about using to navigate. Thanks a lot and greetings from Austria
YOUR VIDEOS, IN GENERAL, ARE VERY HELPFUL, SIMPLE, TARGETED, STRAIGHT FORWARD AND KNOWLEDGABLE. KEEP GOING. THE WORD HELIOTROPE IS A GREEK WORD ΗΛΙΟΤΡΟΠΙΟ. HELIO IS THE SUN AND TROPE IS THE WAY. THE WAY THAT SUN MOVES. THANKS FOR THE KNOWLEDGE.
Very informative and brought so many memories back, when my father (also a soldier) taught me so much about nature and the moss on the trees, our compass walks through the forests and his pride, when in the age of 8 I navigated us to the exact place, often interesting things like old stone formations, hill graves, ruines, caves... I enjoy your videos for many reasons. Thank you.
@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 Absolutely. I loved my father, this grumpy old man, so much. We two went on adventures all the time and he just let me be and supported my need of liberty. When I watch your videos, I always enjoy such lovely memories and of course the informations you provide. Thank you. again.
DAMN!! I was just out on a hiking trail and noticed all the trees had fallen in the same direction but I didn’t make the connection to the points on a compass. DAMN!!
This is a bit weird. I’ve just started taking antidepressants. I know that it’s not the ideal way of dealing with mental illness, but I see it as finally trying to get on top of it. The weird thing is that I have just discovered this channel, pretty much at the perfect time. This guy is an actual hero, a wealth of advice and knowledge, and seems like an all round wholesome guy. Also, I checked out the website, doing some awesome stuff for veterans and emergency workers. The production quality is top notch as well. How he only has 25k subscribers baffles me. Thank you for this content, and keep it up. I’ve gotta go clean my teeth now, I have a weird taste in my mouth…
I found antidepressants to be life saving, because they provided the mental stability that allowed me to begin healing myself. They're not a fix on their own, but I think of them as being like training wheels on a bike, keeping you upright long enough for you to work out the rest on your own. I don't take them any more, but they were a critical step for me. I wish you all the best on your journey, and would urge you to look into 'ecotherapy' to see if you think you'd find that useful as well.
@@banksarenotyourfriends I took a quick look. That seems right up my alley. Thank you for your encouragement and your story. Knowing there’s an end to this journey helps a lot.
@@fistsmcnasty no worries :) There may well be an ecotherapy group local to you, my GP didn't know what I was talking about when I spoke to him about it, but I know a few people that have been referred to ecotherapy groups by their GP, so it's probably worth asking yours if they know of anything that's on offer for you. All the best.
One of the land navigation/ orienteering points I remember from long ago was a tendency for right-hand dominant folks to pass objects on their left-side and southpaws' tendency is the converse. The tendency can cause an unintentional drift off course. Once aware of the tendency, it can be corrected.
Great video, one of the best videos I have seen on natural navigation indicators. Always better to look all around you so that you can see nature. Not just head down and walk on a path. I love a good wander.
Thanks Nick. Excellent piece. I love the way you bypass the US style macho/survivalist stuff and teach real skills for a very real world. Also I very much appreciate the way you incorporate tne psychological into the living world.experience. Wonderful. Thanks. Peter.
Hiking along the coast, it's often necessary to know what the tides are doing. One way I do this is to examine any ships moored out at sea. The bow of a moored ship will always be pointing into the flow of the tide. So the stern points in the direction the tide is travelling.
This took me back to the Cub Scouts aged 7. I didn’t appreciate it back then - when am I ever going to need this I thought. Fast forward to the LRRRPS school, blindfold off in the middle of a forest at 2300hrs and ‘crack on’ I wished I’d listened more closely! Map and compass basics, orientating the map to the ground, resections, intersections, pacing on a bearing at night/in bad weather, orienteering tricks/hacks may seem boring but may help some folks out there who end up in trouble. A small series of lessons in bite sized chunks I think may be a hit. Enjoyed this very much Nick, we’ve all been a tad confused now and then.
Great video. Its always useful to see how lime gauged brickwork chimneys on older buildings tend to lean towards the sun. The warm side loses moisture first and shrinks and water evaporates from the joints. The shaded side holds moisture longer and expands which creates a curve. The prevailing wind may also influence the curve but much less so. But, I suppose that's why you included the image of the chimneys.
Terrific video, once again. I like the fact that you treat different subjects, navigation being one of them. Certainly because getting lost sneaks up to you 😀.
@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 I´m in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Lived in England 3 years as a teenager, went to a Boarding School near Sheffield in the 70´s. Great memories! Travelled a couple of times for a month or so for equestrian matters. I´m still in touch with some friends, we have a group in WhatsApp. Very much like your generous illustrative videos! Keep posting!
Great instructional video. Here's a useful but obscure navigational tip from the Yup'ik people of Siberia. if you are lost in fog, and you have a knife or other shiny reflective flat surface on you, wet it so there are drops of water on it. Hold it in front of you, upright at eye level. Now turn around 360 degrees. As you turn, the droplets will sparkle at the point where the sun is directly behind you.
When a video starts with 'Whuo erp binned it!' I know it's going to be useful... 14.05 Geez look at that lovely long straight beam, shelter gold :-D End comment, situational awareness as always is a massive beneficial asset.
Yeaaaaah!!!!!!!!!!!!! Damn!!!!! Excellent stuff you mentioned about urban aerias!!! I decided to sub after that tip. And it actually logic but one doesnt think about it always
Great explanations, I've used "indicators" for years to supplement other forms of navigation but never seen anybody try to explain or teach them. Please make more of the same.
Probably the best vid yet, informative yet fun. I like the reference to the cross over from survival skills to normal life challenges 'I know I can get through this'. Perhaps more vids on facing fears? controlling breathing, positive affirmations etc . The reasons why we don't do stuff, 'What if this happens! it will be a disaster!' No it'll be a bit shit but if I do these things Ill make it. Keep it up, it's important stuff these days.
yes I liked that about it too, great video and good comment :) I love that about those crossovers and how you can learn about one from the other, and those internal skills as well as the external ones. I reckon its like 'mindfulness': learning how to keep paying attention when you are out navigating, both from positive and negative distractions from your mind - you get a quick 'learning experience' when your mind wanders and suddenly realise you now have to spend a bunch of time getting re-orientated and those internal things you mention Stuart are as vital at those times as the technical skills arn't they, and like you say that translates directly in to other areas of life
Loved this! I was taught this 40+ years ago but had completely forgotten about it, graduated to map and compass which I am probably rusty (at best) with through to tech. Thanks Nick, the old brain just woke up 😀
Some of us live in desert-like areas. How about some tips for surviving the heat, afternoon siestas, bringing all of your water, or whatever else your travels have taught you? Great Videos! Thanks. I am not saying that you have to travel to the desert to make a video, you could just do it indoors at the table like a conversation.
Came across your channel yesterday. After watching several videos i just had to sub. Very good and educational. Dont sub to very many unless i feel the person actually knows what they are talking about. Which is very few. Viewing from Oklahoma in the US! Thanks.
Brilliant video and topic dude! Il never see the landscape in the same way. Those bits of knowledge almost ads a 4th dimension to the world around you. Fascinating and empowering stuff 👍
storms of 87' loving the content, might be worth mentioning that some of these methods by themselves can be misleading (moss, wind) and your best bet is to always carry a compass and a map of the area (even if its a rough hand drawn sketch with the main details).
Good vid mate..i am ex Mob too.....another tip is that if you see a Scouse Bird in High Heels Crop Top and tight shorts that doesnt mean its winter in the UK and you could very easily lose which direction you are facing by keeping a close eye on her.... I am a Manc and i once got lost Christmas shopping in Liverpool and didny fnd my way home until late Febuary
Superb instruction again Nick, I especially liked the examples of Heliotropism, I had never thought of why there would be more branches on one side vs the other, really good ahhh moment for me Very keen to see more of this nav stuff, it really is my Kryptonite 🙄
The hurricane was 15th/16th October 1987. Remember it well. My Father had a heart attack at 01:00 on the 16th. The ambulance collected him but couldn't get to the hospital as the roads were blocked. Finally arrived 07:30. Thankfully the Paramedics saved his life. What a night!.
I remember It well. Slept through it during the night ,then woke up and my mum insisted on taking me to school . So me and about 20 other kids everyone else was at home 😃. Glad your grandad made recovery 🙏
This was a very informative video Nick. I am a member of a local search and rescue team and we are always training on navigation. More tools in the toolbox for sure. I also spend a great deal of time in the woods on my own, and am looking forward to becoming more observant to nature's clues... :)
HOPE YOU & FAMILY ARE WELL THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND YOUR VIDEO HAS HELPED ME IN MORE EDUCATION WHICH IS ALWAYS A GOOD THING GREAT VIDEO NICK HAVE A BLESSED DAY...😁🙏
Great video on natural navigation Nick. Do you ever bother with an old school compass? It would be great if you did a video on these kind of wooded/agricultural areas in the UK in a SHTF scenario for example: I need to go live in the woods/escape & evade to the east coast and leave the UK ... What food is readily available any time of the year ? What would you recommend carrying? Catapult? Knife, smokeless fire method, stealth shelter, travelling at night? Fishing kit? Optimal clothing & kit basically. Moving at a safe pace to avoid accidents? so on and so on... I remember watching a documentary on the Paras and they ate worms (Fried of course). Maybe my request is a little extreme, but I think it would make for an interesting video non the less. Cheers. James.
Top tip. Raise a pigeon from an egg, when it can fly, take it with you when you go out. When you get lost, fasten a length of paracord to it's leg, tie one end to your belt and let your feathered friend take you home! Natural navigation right there! ;) Apart from my tip, some excellent things to try next time I'm out. Thank you
If you fell out of a plane and landed in the middle of no where, then you would of been a Para LOL, Really enjoy these vids and who better to teach than an ex Marine, (or Para) seems like so much information you explain it very well. 👍🇬🇧👍
Great tips and thanks for sharing. Navigation tips are always valuable and well worth learning, too easy to walk with focus only on the task and ignore everything around you which has external influences also. I think if you are able to share naviagation content delivered in your usual style it could help many people (using a map and compass should be on the national curriculum in my opinion). Thanks again.
before the pandemic collapsed the gym I went to, my best training partner in Muay Thai was a Royal Marine, also an old school mate is a Royal Marine, always so humble, polite, pleasent, and a reassuring confidence about them. Nothing but love for our Marines, the world's finest. Top class mate. I'm wondering if you are going to do any courses once these restrictions dissipate? I was looking into doing John "lofty" Wiseman's courses before but I believe he has retired now. Would be a great experience with someone such as yourself at the helm..
Nice show and tell there Nick very educational stuff there 🌞🧭. Can you do a video when your lost weather to stay put or keep searching for a way out 👍👌✌️🇺🇸
