Thumbdial: Finding a Way Through the Fog When Directions Seem Impossible

Thumbdial Shadow

Every year we hear about it on the news. Brave and adventurous men and women who decide to take a hike in the mountains or woods and inexplicably get lost. Some are found safe and others, sadly, are not.

The wilderness is a big place, and even the best of outdoorsmen will tell you a compass is vital. Hikers without one end up disoriented and cannot find their way back to a walking path or travel too far and lose the sun – or get caught in a fog – and cannot find their way back to their camp.

If the sun is up, you can always remember that the sun rises in the east and sets in the west. If you know your camp was in a westerly direction, you have a good idea in what direction to walk.

However, if you are caught in a mist or dense fog? You are in deep trouble. Or maybe not!

After the break, go over to the next page. Read up on the “thumbdial.” When a compass or sundial is not available, a “thumbdial” could help you get home!

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61 Comments

  1. Ron Goodrich said:

    On a cloudy day look up and close your eyes you will be Albee to tell where the sun is.

  2. Jeff Wilson said:

    The shadow of the knife opposite of that would be north. I didn’t read the article I’m guessing how far off am I

  3. Dana Carver said:

    Anyone that would go into the wilderness without a compass would not have the sense to carry a knife.

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