I'm passing along some quick techniques for improving your navigation:

First run smart, then swift!

(The opposite rule is "Run fast, run stupid")

Vary your speed -- "Traffic Light" Orienteering

"GREEN LIGHT":
section of featureless trail = RUN AS FAST AS YOU CAN!

"YELLOW LIGHT":
collecting feature (ex: trail junction) = SLOW DOWN & LOCATE ON MAP

"RED LIGHT":
near control = SLOW & CAREFUL

Sneak into and out of the control circle

"C.A.R." = Control/Attack point/Route

Plan each leg backwards! Start your plan with the control you want to find.

CONTROL: What is the feature you are looking for?

ATTACK POINT: Find a large easy-to-find feature near the control

ROUTE: What is the fastest route to the Attack point?

Punch & Run!

BEFORE you run up to punch the control,
you should already know roughly in which direction is the next control
so you can leave the control as soon as you punch.
By hanging out by the control, you unfairly help others to find it.

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