Coffee and Compases: Basic Navigation with Map and Compass
Class Overview:
Ready to conquer the great outdoors with confidence? Join our beginner-friendly navigation class and learn how to read and interpret topographic maps and use a compass to stay oriented in the forest. This hands-on course is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers who want to enhance their navigational skills.
In this interactive class, you'll gain practical experience with a variety of navigation techniques. Plus, enjoy free coffee and light snacks provided by Nero Coffee Hikes.
Whether you're hiking, camping, or exploring remote trails, this class is an essential step for anyone looking to improve their forest navigation skills and stay found in the wild.
Sign up now to boost your outdoor skills and ensure you’re always on the right path!
What You'll Learn:
Deciphering topographic map information
Understanding contour lines and terrain features
Measuring distances accurately using map scales
Getting familiar with compass parts and functions
Orienting your map using a compass
Taking and following bearings for precise navigation
Itinerary:
9:00 AM: Meet at Island Ford Adventures at 9:00 AM for coffee and light snacks as we begin our class. You will get hands-on experience with the basics of navigation in theis three hour course.
**Optional: Join our Advanced Navigation class directly following this class - booked seperately - More info here .
Join Us!
Be. Empowered. Outdoors.
Our mission is to give each guest a chance to just “Be”, the skills to be “Empowered”, and all the magic happens “Outdoors”. We designed this backpacking course so you can easily connect with a group of like-minded women as you challenge yourself, grow your outdoor skills, and experience the beauty of the wilderness.
After this course, you will return home refreshed and empowered with the confidence to plan your own backpacking adventures.
Meet Your Instructors:
Jayne Fought
Jayne is the owner and founder of Island Ford Adventures. A born adventurer, has 30 years of diverse experiences in the outdoors. She loves sharing her combined passions for nature and education with the people she instructs and guides.
Growing up on an Indiana dairy farm and backpacking in the Grand Tetons of Wyoming in the late 1980s solidified a love to roam in the outdoors. Jayne has since backpacked all over the United States including the entire Appalachian Trail. She feels incredibly lucky to call Pisgah National Forest her "backyard". She is also an avid paddler, with thousands of miles of experience, from the swamps of the Everglades, to the remote wild rivers of the Northwest Territories and the Yukon, including the entire 220 miles of the French Broad River. Jayne is a member of the Transylvania County Rescue Squad.
Jayne combines her love of the outdoors with a passion for education, sense of humor, and flexibility to bring her clients a unique and unforgettable experience.
Jayne’s certifications include: WMA Wilderness First Responder, North Carolina Environmental Educator, Trainer for the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, American Canoe Association Level III River Canoe Instructor, and Land Search Field Team Member. Jayne also has ACA level IV training in Swiftwater Rescue.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology/Anthropology from Goshen College, and a master’s degree in Secondary Education from Indiana University.
Katlyn Mobley
Katlyn is the newest member of the Island Ford Adventures team. She is also the founder of Nero Coffee Hikes, a unique outdoor guiding company focused on creating moments for guests to slow down and enjoy great coffee and conversation outdoors. She has guided group day hikes to the area's many waterfalls since 2019 and has 400+ five star reviews and counting. Island Ford Adventures is excited to partner with her for our classes and upcoming backpacking trips.
In addition to hiking the many trails around WNC, she has completed a thru hike of the Appalachian Trail, trekked volcanoes in Guatemala, hiked long-distance trails in Patagonia, and loves keeping an outdoor adventure on the calendar, so ask her what she has planned next. :)
When asked about why she loves guiding, Katlyn says,
“I know what backpacking has done for my own self-confidence, and I want more people to try taking on an overnight or multi-night trip. But I also understand how intimidating it can be to try, so that’s why my goal is to help you have a great first backpacking trip and learn the skills and gain the confidence you need so that when we finish our trip together you are ready to start planning your next trip.”
☕ 🥾 ⛰️💜✨
Gear We Provide
All materials you need for class are provided.
“Knowledgeable, professional and with reasonable prices. I highly recommend Island Ford Adventures!”
If you have any questions or would like to request a different trip date, please contact us.
