Re: [Paddlewise] GPS-Not

From: alex <al.m_at_3web.net>
Date: Fri, 13 Feb 2004 15:06:13 -0800
> But, missing the view is the main reason my GPS is on deck but unconsulted
> most of the time.  I watched a guy in the Broken Group steam back to camp,
> counting down the metres to his camp, eyes glued to his screen, and
wondered
> why he came out to that beautiful place.  He could get the countdown
> experience in his driveway, if he wanted.

He came there to play with electroincs (may be without realizing that :-).
I, for one, use GPS for first paddling along unknown route - to store
waypoints or locate campsites uploaded to GPS in advance. Otherwise it is
mostly a backup, or a toy to watch my speed.  I wouldn't tell, btw, what
consumes more time - plotting and calculating using dead reckoning under
unsteady speed/wind conditions, or periodical glancing at GPS screen and
laminated map (screen map sucks), whenever I feel that should change the
course.  Coming back to familiar place in darkness or fog is also easier
with GPS - eventually faster.

I recall now a story about kayaker blown off to the sea at Hawaii.  It took
2 or 3 days to find him after he placed his distress call.  Would take much
less if he knew his exact location.
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Received on Fri Feb 13 2004 - 15:08:30 PST

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