In a message dated 4/26/00 6:06:20 PM Central Daylight Time, mkircus_at_tenet.edu (Marilyn) writes: << It is also important to look back if you plan to retrace your route on a day paddle. >> It never ceases to amaze me how points, cuts, islands, and streams will rearrnage themselves after you go past. I think it may be related to the way single socks disappear from dryers. Seriously, turning around and looking back at signifiant landmarks can be tremendously helpful. Sometimes I almost do feel as if something has moved when I turn around to get a mental picture for the return trip. I have paddled past points that looked completely different in color, vegetation, and contour on opposite sides. When you encounter these on the way back it is real easy to lose confidence in your map reading. You remember the point from what you saw and now your are not seeing the same thing even though it should be the same point according to the map. I think it is especially important when dealing with a shoreline that is being changed by the tide. What you see on the chart, may be hard to reconcile with what you see from the boat. Groups of small islands often look like one island from one direction. You should be able to recognize this from the map, but if you are having any doubts about your position, this kind of thing can really get you second guessing yourself. Those extra looks back can really help you on the return trip. Mark J. Arnold MJAkayaker_at_aol.com *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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