Ridiculous to here ...wherever that is.

I remember the early days in the mountains ...getting lost was regular. Actually, I once read that if you knew which mountain you were on then you were only "temporarily unsure of your whereabouts" but if you didn't know which mountain you were on then you were indeed "lost".

Gradually by using maps (mainly 1:50k and 1:25k OSGB) things began to work. Time/distance, bearings, symbols all became second nature and you soon learned to be able to read how steep a slope was by the contour density. The difference between magnetic and grid north was adjusted without reference to edge of the map and you knew whether to add or subtract depending on what you were converting to. By going out in different seasons, weather and times of day you further homed your skills. From complex ridges in Torridon and Skye to the rounded masses of the Cairngorms you got comfortable with how the landscape worked and how you fitted in amongst it.

During Mountain Leader training and in the later assessment course, nav reached a new level of micro adjustment. Pacing per 100m was adjusted to allow for the terrain and size of pack. What defined a feature was previously main summits, was now replaced with specific contours and stream re-entrants.

So ...you can imagine the shock of finding yourself standing on the side of a mountain wondering where the hell you are and at what point you took the wrong turn !

Nice bit, you access all the experience and skills previously learnt and re-orientate to find out where you are.

You read the map ..identify features that are familiar, relate what you can see for real and what the map shows. Sometimes you retrace steps back to a point where you know where you are. One of my favourite techniques is to use "slope aspect" (Google it if you don't know ...then go out and try it for real). Once you get your position back ...continue on the planned journey.

Making mistakes is often the place where were learn - the only way to avoid it is to never leave the relative safety of your bed. Ending up temporarily unsure of your whereabouts doesn't mean you aren't a good navigator ...you simply made a mistake. Sometimes, once off the hill, it is good to reflect and see if you can identify where the error was made ...sometimes, you will never know.You cannot dwell on it either way.

Is this post about mountains ...happily leave you to answer that for yourself but personally speaking, I am busy planning my next adventure just now.