[Paddlewise] Yellow Etrex GPSr and Maps

I have a basic Garmin yellow Etrex that I use for paddling trips and
geocaching.  I have a serial connection to the computer and use a software
package called ExpertGPS ($60 includes internet accessed maps).  I can trace
proposed routes on a topomap on the computer and download waypoints and
tracks to the Etrex (basic Etrex doesn't have onscreen maps).  I can print
out a map or aerial photo of the proposed trip to carry in my map case and
refer to the waypoints on the etrex to locate my position on the map.  The
software also computes the compass bearings for each turn, the distance
between each turn and the total miles.  I can have a close approximation (if
not exact) of the total river miles from launch to the take out or halfway
point without actually paddling the trip first.  I can also go out and
paddle a new route and come back and upload the tracks to the computer and
overlay the gps info onto a topomap or photo to see where we went.  I love
it, it has certainly provided me with lots of information with little hassle
or expense.
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