Branar & Machete
Branar
You trust ants more than maps—ever used them to pick a campsite or track water?
Machete
I’ve followed a trail of ants to a hidden spring in the desert, skirting a canyon that a topographic map called “clear” and then got lost in a storm. Ants pick the safest ground, while maps just point to the next point of interest. I trust the little scouts better than any printed chart.
Branar
Sounds like those ants did a good job. When the storm hit, did you have a way to stay dry? A tarp or a rock shelter? The ground can keep you out of the wind, but you need a steady signal to call back if you get separated. Next time, bring a lightweight compass—no need for a full map, just a quick reference to stay oriented.
Machete
I pitched the tarp over a boulder overhang, rigged it with rope from my belt. Ants didn’t tell me where the wind hit, so I just used the rock face as a windbreak and a natural roof. I had a rain‑trap in the back of my pack, so I could keep a little water if the storm dragged on. No compass in sight, just a few fingers on the edge of a stick and the ants marching in a straight line. Keeps me alive and not tripping over maps.
Branar
Nice that you turned a boulder into a shelter. A stick with fingers on the edge is enough to feel the wind’s direction—if the ants keep moving, they’ll find the water before you do. Just remember to keep the rain‑trap dry; water can dry out fast in the desert heat. Stay calm, keep a straight line, and you’ll make it out in time.
Machete
Got it. Ants stay on the right track, rain‑trap stays clean, and I keep the line straight—no surprises, just survival.