Location

Location is the second principle of survival.

The reason for this will become clearer as this blog develops and not just the evidence for its position in the four principles of survival but also the range of actions within this principle are posted.


Introduction to Astro-Navigation

Astro Navigation what is it?

Don't be 'phased' by the complex title, 'Astro Navigation' is just finding your way with the aid of the stars - something that humans have been doing for millions of years.

First Steps in Astro Navigation - Finding the North Star

The 'Plough' or as its sometimes known the 'Big Dipper' is a seven star constellation in the shape of a plough or to some people a big dipper - hence the names its given. The two stars forming the outer lip of this dipper are the "pointer stars" because they point to the North Star.


Mentally draw a line from the outer bottom star to the outer top star of the Plough's bucket. Extend this line about five times the distance between the pointer stars. You will find the North Star along this line.

Cassiopeia has five stars that form a shape like a "W" on its side. The North Star is straight out from Cassiopeia's center star.

The Plough and Cassiopeia are always directly opposite each. other and appear - like all other stars - to rotate anticlockwise around Polaris - the 'Pole Star', with Polaris in the centre. Therefore to 'us' the North Star is the only star in the northern hemisphere which remains constantly in place.

After locating the North Star, locate the direction to the North Pole or 'True North' by drawing an imaginary line directly to the earth. Having esta

The best places to see this - to establish what you're looking at - are places where there is little or no 'light pollution'. Light pollution generally, is caused by the lights on the ground illuminating the night sky and therefore making the stars harder to see. At Lac du Coeur (Lake of the Heart) we don't suffer from light polution as we work with nature in our use of lighting, placing directed lighting just where safety dictates it. This combined with the air clarity made famous by the painter Monet makes Lac du Coeur an excellent place to  learn and practice this survival skill.

There is much more to come on this subject and much more, I would welcome your feedback.