“I arrived at Sally’s home at 10:30AM to pick her up, as planned. Sally was A+Ox3. She was
ready for the session, evident by sporting attire for hiking trails in warm weather. Sally
packed a water bottle, granola bar, and sunscreen. We drove to Morgan-Monroe State
Forest to embark on our 3.7-mile hike, much needed to fulfill exercise goals. Sally’s
attitude was positive, as she smiled and appeared engaged for our task ahead. Sally and I
reviewed detailed maps, as Sally aspires to one day work for the Indiana Department of
Natural Resources (DNR), which requires provision of map reading. Sally stated, “I still do
not understand what these squiggly lines on the map are for”. After attempting to
verbally explain contour lines, my words were met with further confusion. So, Sally and I
sought to resolve our dilemma with a physical demonstration while on the hiking trails.
Upon our first large hill, Sally stuck the course of the trail, while I descended 10 meters
below to walk parallel to Sally, explaining that my hiking path represents a contour line
of lesser elevation on the map, while Sally’s path represented a contour line of greater
elevation. Sally joyfully stated, “Ah! So the contour lines tell us how high the land is.”
Mission accomplished. Sally and I completed our hike in 45 total minutes, replenishing our
thirst thereafter. We proceeded home at 12:00PM noon. Sally should continue working
towards her goals of exercising and gaining wilderness skills for potential employment. “
