[pct-l] Using a GPS

[linsey]

Elevator wrote:
>
In 2006 hiking northbound through the Sierra in early June, we encountered miles and miles of snow covered trail.  We really weren't concerned if we were spot on the trail.  When the trail is covered in snow, it really doesn't matter if you are spot on.  The map and compass provided you are familiar and comfortable with use provide what is needed.
>
Eric replied:

On the other hand, in the North Cascades you're quite often buried in trees and can't see any geographical features more than 100 yards away.  There's nothing to shoot bearings on and nothing to walk toward.  Not to mention that it's foggy and/or rainy half the time anyway...  

Dear Eric, 

You are spot on, from everything I've read, comparing snow travel in Washington to California is like comparing apples to oranges.  

In his "Pacific Crest Trail Hiker's Handbook", Ray Jardine wrote of the need to stay on the trail in the North Cascades, unlike the High Sierra, because the technical nature of the terrain often offers no other alternatives.  He goes on to detail numerous different ways to identify the trail including looking for the cut ends of brush that trail crews leave etc. 

Sincerely, Lollygag