Re: [Paddlewise] Maps versus Charts

On Mon, May 12, 2008 at 11:16 PM, Doug Lloyd <douglloyd_at_shaw.ca> wrote:

> As USUAL, you are way ahead of us. Didn't you have the first Mariner
> Coaster like kayak design too?
>
> Thanks for the link. With our busy lives these days, annotated maps are
> here to stay. Sex is a spectator sport now on the internet now. That
> chart-like, guide-book resources are so readily available to modern kayakers
> taking away some of the mystery is only in keeping with post modern
> adventure.


Let me put in a word or two in defense of guidebooks. I'll admit that the
spirit of adventure is somewhat diminished by using them. But we all don't
live on Vancouver Island (and I'll bet you're grateful for that) with the
incredible access to paddling waters you have. Seattle isn't bad... but
Victoria is in a class by itself for access to islands, calm bays,
current-ridden passages, and even reasonable weather to do it all in. So
those of us who live in, say, the desert (ahem!) don't have the time to
spend in search of that hidden gem. We can't just throw the boat on the car
and 30 minutes later be in exciting salt water with no crowds.

I just got home from a 2300 mile drive with the last 1200 miles along the
coastline of California and you'd better believe that I had two - count 'em:
two - guidebooks for California on the seat right next to me. And if I
hadn't had them then I would have missed some good kayaking.

Those of us who live far away from exotic places don't begrudge your access
- much. But those guidebooks bring people who use guides, rent equipment and
otherwise add to the economy. You might have to work harder to find those
exotic places but your proximity to them is what makes it more possible for
you than, say, me.
And it's likely that someone will put those in a guidebook eventually, too,.
Then you'll have to go further afield. Just be grateful that you don't have
to drive five hours to paddle the Gulf Islands. I just wish it was easier -
politically - to paddle from, say, Friday Harbor to S. Pender.

If anyone wants a picture of me with my most used laminated chart, just
> email me for a jpeg.
>

If you have some of those charts in digital format, maybe Robert would
consider putting them on his web site. I must admit that I was impressed
with those he had done.


Craig Jungers
Moses Lake, WA
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