BANGOR DAILY NEWS • May 7, 2021
I recently took an online lesson from the Maine Outdoor Learning Center. Did you know that contour lines — the lines on a topographical map that signify changes in elevation — point upstream, in the direction water is flowing from? I also learned that green areas on a U.S. Geological Survey topographical map feature vegetation that’s more than 6 feet tall, while white represents areas with vegetation that’s shorter — such as fields or exposed bedrock on mountains. It was a intimidating to learn that there’s a true north, a magnetic north and a grid north, and you have to do a little math to move between them while using a map and compass. I’ve got a goal in mind: to become a registered Maine guide for recreation, which includes camping, canoeing inland waters and, of course, hiking. ~ Aislinn Sarnacki