Today we live in a world where GPS systems, digital maps, and other navigation apps are available on our smart phones.【B1】___of us just walk straight into the woods without a phone. But phones【B2】on batteries, and batteries can die faster than we realize.【B3】you get lost without a phone or a compass, and you【B4】can’t find north, a few tricks to help you navigate【B5】___to civilization, one of which is to follow the land.

When you find yourself well【B6】___a trail, but not in a completely【B7】area, you have to answer two questions: Which【B8】is downhill, in this particular area? And where is the nearest water source? Humans overwhelmingly live in valleys, and on supplies of fresh water.【B9】, if you head downhill, and follow any H₂O you find, you should【B10】___see signs of people.

If you’ve explored the area before, keep an eye out for familiar sights—you may be【B11】______how quickly identifying a distinctive rock or tree can restore your bearings.

Another【B12】___: Climb high and look for signs of human habitation.【B13】, even in dense forest, you should be able to【B14】gaps in the tree line due to roads, train tracks, and other paths people carve【B15】the woods. Head toward these【B16】to find a way out. At night scan the horizon for【B17】___light sources, such as fires and streetlights, then walk toward the glow of light pollution.

【B18】___, assuming you’re lost in an area humans tend to frequent, look for the【B19】we leave on the landscape. Trail blazes, tire tracks, and other features can【B20】___you to civilization.

【B12】