On the Sea or Open Water
When traveling on open water, it helps to be aware of the subtle signs that
land may be near: stationary cumulus clouds in a clear sky (or in a cloudy
sky where the other clouds are moving); a greenish tint in the sky in the
tropics; lightercolored reflection on clouds in the Arctic; and increased
bird life (and sounds). Lightercolored water also indicates shallow water,
as does an increased amount of floating debris.
Jungles
The jungle is probably one of the toughest ecosystems in the world to
travel through (hence the popular phrase “It’s a jungle out there”). You
often don’t know exactly where you are or where you’re going, nor do you
always have the luxury of a trail or river to follow. Where possible, stick to
traveling near water, as you are more likely to come upon a village.
As part of your planning and prep, bring a good machete. Slashing
and cutting the growth in your way opens up a path and also keeps the
many creepy crawlies from biting you or hitching a ride on you.
You also need to be vigilant about looking up as well as down while
you walk. Snakes are found as often in trees as on the ground.
Walking across logs is very different in the jungle than in the tem
perate forest. In the forest, I would advise you to step over logs or around
them to avoid slipping and twisting an ankle. In the jungle, the opposite is
true: you’re better off stepping on a log rather than over it. Many poisonous
snakes like to hide just under the crux (small space or hole underneath) of
the log. Snakebites occur when travelers step over a log and place their feet
down on the other side, exposing their ankles to snakes.
Mountains
Streams will eventually lead you off a mountain, but this does not mean that
you won’t at some point find yourself at the top of a 100foot (30m) waterfall—
that’s the downside. As long as the water course is lined with trees, however, you
will likely find handholds and footholds to help you make your way down.
Avalanches are the main travel hazard you’ll face in the mountains,
although rockslides can also occur after heavy rainfalls. Avoid ridges and
mountaintops during lightning storms, and because of the risk of flash
flooding, stay away from lowlying areas after major storms.
(^248) | Survive!