``mountain Laurels'' Is A Regular Series Of Letters From Readers Conveying 
Thanks To Individuals Or Groups For Their Support, Help Or Kindness.~ 
Role Model Retires 
Recently Don Minkoff Retired As Director Of The Kingston Recreation Center. I 
Have Known Don Largely Through Raising Three Kids Who Used The Kingston Rec 
Center.

Agency Gets $15,000 Grant

By GEORGE SMITH; Times Leader Outdoors Editor
 Friday, September 20, 1996 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Page: 





Autumn is the time of year when countless hunters head afield in search of
game. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 From thick grouse cover to more open timber where massive whitetails roam,
hunters often find themselves in unknown surroundings. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Not that scouting new territory is a bad thing. Every enthusiastic hunter
enjoys searching for game on that unfamiliar high ridge or in that hidden
hollow. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 But confusion can come easily in the woods. In the passion of the hunt,
it's possible to get lost. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 It happens. It can be troublesome at the very least. And the worst case
scenario is disaster. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 That's why all hunters and everyone else who ventures into the outdoors
should become familiar with scientific land navigation systems. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 That's why "Staying Found, The Complete Map and Compass Handbook" (The
Mountaineers, $10.95) should be required reading for virtually anyone who
ventures off the beaten path. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 June Fleming's 158-page book is based on her 20 years' experience as a
writer and outdoors person. Fleming is so highly touted for her navigation and
outdoors skills that she currently leads backpacking and winter camping trips
in the Pacific Northwest through the Portland, Ore. park bureau. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 That 20 years' of experience with land navigation is neatly packaged in
this easy-to-understand instructional book. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 The purpose of this handy, 8x5 text is to explain how to take practical
advantage of the map and compass. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 The map in this case is the topographic map, which paints a revealing
portrait of the landscape by divulging elevation changes with contour lines. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 And the compass is of the hand-held, fit-in-your-pocket variety. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Together, these two tools combine to become an off-road traveler's most
valued possession. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Fleming's book is essentially a step-by-step guide that explains how to use
a map and compass individually, as separate tools, and in concert. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 She begins with a thorough discussion of topographic maps, which are the
only maps of real significance when scouting new territory. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Fleming explains that the U.S. Geological Survey "topos" use brown contour
lines to provide a detailed picture of the shape of the land. On topos, hills,
hollows, high mountains and pancake-flat plains reveal themselves. Color also
plays a role, as color keys on the maps indicate water sources, roads, trails,
power lines and the type of vegetation (or lack of it) that's likely to be
found. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 "Staying Found" provides an excellent study in deciphering these
topographic maps, and Fleming provides practical, graduated challenges that
force the reader to learn the ins and outs of map reading. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 What naturally follows is a consideration of the compass. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Fleming wisely suggests that the old, round "pocket watch" compass of
yesteryear be forsaken for the more modern, relatively inexpensive base-plate
style of compass that originated in Sweden in the 1930s. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 There is a consideration of the parts of the compass and their function and
detailed instruction on how to take a bearing, how to follow a bearing using
natural landmarks and how to get back to the original location. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Finally, Fleming puts it all together and explains how to put topographic
map and base-line compass skills together for straight-as-an-arrow route
finding. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 In this section of "Staying Found" Fleming also considers the sometimes
confusing concepts of true north, magnetic north and angle of declination in a
simple, straightforward manner. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 "Staying Found" can provide all the basic skills needed for land
navigation. The book is easy and fun to read and the instruction is
substantial and easy to follow. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Study "Staying Found" and you will likely never have to utter that
frightening woodland lament, "I am lost!" &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 CUTLINE: &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 `Staying Found, The Complete Map and Compass Handbook' (The Mountaineers,
$10.95) is ideal for anyone who ventures off the beaten path. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

`compass Handbook' Should Keep You On Target Like To Stray From The Beaten Path? Don't Enter The Woods Without This Guide