Re: [Paddlewise] Introduction&GPSChoice?

From: Tom LeTourneau <tletourn_at_maine.rr.com>
Date: Sun, 29 Dec 2002 22:41:19 -0500
Marsanne,

Thanks for your note! I hope I gave you some worthwhile information. 
Speaking of GPS units...

Just a quick slice of humor for you. I recall my first two-day camping trip 
with my Vista... on the mid-coast of Maine, off Stonington. I was out with 
two friends on a camping trip, and we were paddling amidst some islands. I 
understood that to set the electronic compass on land I had to turn slowly 
twice while the unit oriented itself, before it gave accurate readings. So 
said the directions that came with the Vista. Well, I was in my cockpit, 
and I placed the unit down on my spray skirt, then extended my paddle and 
swept the boat (an 18 foot Necky) around twice, 720 degrees. Anyway, after 
SEVERAL attempts I became frustrated because my unit screen kept giving me 
messages that I was turning too slowly for the compass in the unit to 
orient itself.

Did I even once think that all I had to do was turn the unit slowly 360 
degrees (twice) in my hands? Nooo! Here I was, thirty yards from a 
shoreline upon which sat a wildlife photographer and a friend. My paddling 
buddies were within shouting (and viewing) distance. Their site was a crazy 
kayaker, insanely spinning his boat around in circles!

How many dumb blond and ethnic jokes have I chuckled over these past many 
years?

Tom

PS. I will post this reply to Paddlewise also, in case there are a few out 
there who will appreciate my embarrassing incident.


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Received on Sun Dec 29 2002 - 19:41:01 PST

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