[pct-l] GPS

[Mary Kwart]

Another note about GPS use--if you have a GPS with a 500 waypoint
limit, you can convert waypoints to POI's (points of interest), which
can be unlimited. I use a Garmin Etrex Vista and convert Halfmile's
waypoints to POI's before the trip and download them. I got the how to
on this  list serv a while back--
"Go to the Garmin web site and down load their program on "Converting
waypoints to points of interest".  You can store unlimited number of
"Points of Interest" on your GPS.  With this file, convert Halfmile's
Waypoints (down-load his file) to Points of interest and up-load it to
your GPS.

I carry a GPS for the insurance. I didn't use it on the PCT much--once
to find a turnoff in the trees to a camp where the sign was down on
the ground and I blew by it, realizing my error after going downhill
for awhile. Other times I used it to figure out where I was during
interminable switchback plagued ascents and descents and to see where
I was in relation to the next water source, which could be an obscure
spring.

My GPS used 2 AA batteries and I never ran out of juice in between
charging the batteries on zero days with a charger I shipped in my
bounce box. I just use the GPS to check on my location now and then
and like Steel Eye, I mark the location of each camp for fun to put on
a map later. Each camp was a good memory and I enjoyed seeing the
procession of camps on the map.

I never have run out of juice--even using the GPS an average of about
9 times a day on less well marked trails. (The AZT)

--Fireweed