Alright, let me tell you about this little project I got myself into recently. I kept hearing whispers about a place folks sometimes call the ‘Jaxson Lynn Woodland’. Not sure if that’s its real name, probably not, but it stuck in my head. Sounded peaceful, you know? So, I decided I needed to get out there myself, do a bit of exploring and maybe try something practical.
Getting Started
My plan wasn’t grand. I just wanted to disconnect and maybe practice some basic land navigation with just a map and compass. Been relying on the phone too much lately, felt like I was losing the old skills. So, I dug out my dusty compass, grabbed a topographical map of the general area I thought this ‘Jaxson Lynn Woodland’ might be, packed some water and snacks, and headed out early one Saturday.
Finding the starting point was easy enough, just an old logging trail turnoff. The air felt good, real fresh. First thing I did was just stand there, get my bearings. Looked at the map, looked at the terrain, tried to match things up. It’s funny how different things look on paper versus right in front of you.
The Actual Doing Part
So, I set off. My goal was simple: follow a specific bearing for about a mile, find a particular stream marked on the map, then follow it downstream back towards another trail. Sounds easy, right?
- Step one: Took my bearing. Compass needle was shaking a bit, maybe it was me. Double-checked it.
- Step two: Started walking. Tried to keep a steady pace and count my steps, roughly estimating the distance.
- Step three: Paid attention to landmarks. Big rocks, weird-looking trees, dips in the ground. Anything to help confirm I was vaguely on track.
It wasn’t smooth sailing. The undergrowth was thicker than I expected in some parts. Had to detour around a big patch of thorny bushes. At one point, I checked my compass and realized I’d drifted off course quite a bit. Had to stop, reorient, and correct my path. It’s humbling, really. Makes you realize how easy it is to get turned around when you’re not constantly checking.
I kept thinking about the name, Jaxson Lynn Woodland. Wondered if someone named Jaxson or Lynn had lived out here, or maybe got lost here once. Just random thoughts floating through my head while I pushed through branches.
Finding the Stream and Heading Back
After what felt like longer than it should have, I heard it – running water. Pushed through some ferns and there it was, the stream! Matched its location with the map. Felt a small win right there. Success!
Following the stream back was easier in theory, but still involved some scrambling over rocks and muddy banks. Took my time, enjoyed the quiet sounds of the woods. Didn’t see another soul the whole time. Just me, the trees, and the critters I couldn’t see but knew were watching.
Eventually, the stream led me right back to the trail I was aiming for, just like the map said it would. Checked my watch, I’d been out for about three hours. Not bad.
Wrapping Up
So yeah, that was my little adventure in the so-called Jaxson Lynn Woodland. Didn’t meet Jaxson or Lynn. Didn’t discover anything groundbreaking. But I did what I set out to do. Used the map and compass, found my way, didn’t get properly lost. It felt good to use those skills again, to rely on myself instead of just tech. It’s a good reminder to practice the basics now and then. That patch of woods served its purpose just fine.
