Lost in a Jungle

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The word ‘jungle‘ is usually used to describe a tangled or overgrown mass of vegetation over a large area of land. A jungle usually has a tropical or humid climate and many plants on the ground between trees and larger plants. In life one can always get lost in a jungle; but hey you can always get back and here are some tips;

Keep calm once you get lost. Your greatest enemy is Panic. Once you run wildly around, even for a little while you will lose your sense of direction completely. Try to figure out how you got to your present location.

Trust your map and compass (in case you have them) and do not walk aimlessly. Use the compass to give you a sense of direction. Think of which way you came, and if that was Northeast, then recall if you took a turn and what direction the turn was. If you are calm, you can remember many great things. If you are on a trail do not leave it.

Start retracing your steps. Leave markers where ever you go, so you can return to where you are. Also, someone mighty try to find you, they will look for markers. So make as many as you can, on every turn that you make, and try to mark the direction you are taking. You got off the trail, maybe ten minutes ago, so if you track back more than that time, you know you are on the wrong track.

In a time when you are not able to retrace your steps, the best thing to do is just stay put, in one place and let the searchers find you. Create a marking so it can be seen by air. Sing loudly or shout help, when you hear others trying to find you. In case you have a whistle, blow it or use a blade of grass. Stay in the open so they can find you easily. Avoid hiding in a cave or under brushes.

Remember that as a last resort, follow a drainage or stream downhill or downstream. This can be hard going but will often lead to a trail or road and you will eventually come to civilization.