[pct-l] Navigation myths and truths

[Peter Necarsulmer]

Excellent advice, as always from the highly reliable Doug Tow (“Chipmunk”).   Take it to heart, please. 

escargot

Peter B. Necarsulmer
Bend OR
+ 1-202-403-4211 U.S. mobile
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necarsulmer at mac.com








> On Apr 12, 2016, at 10:41 AM, Douglas Tow <douglastow at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Navigation myths:
> 
> 1.  Every trailhead or trail split will be clearly marked as to where the
> PCT goes.
> 2.  Mapreading and compass skills are not necessary.
> 3.  If you get off trail (bathroom break, seeking water, finding camp), you
> will easily be able to find it again, or see other hikers moving down the
> trail.
> 4.  If there are no trails branching off the PCT, you can't get off it
> (think snow, bald rock, meadows before vegetation growth, destroyed cairns,
> tree fall, darkness, water crossings, roads, even parking lots).
> 5.  Trail blazes are everywhere.
> 6.  Murphy's Law doesn't apply to navigation.
> 
> Navigation truths:
> 
> 1.  You won't like your new trail name if you get lost and require
> emergency rescue.
> 2.  If you can can't explain your paper map to someone else, you've got
> some work to do.
> 3.  Review your hiking day on the map, and look for expected peaks, lakes,
> streams, switchbacks, etc.  Don't see them? Hmmm...
> 4.  Across snow and ice, the beaten path might not be the trail, merely
> other clueless people following footsteps.
> 5.  A good compass, like a seat belt, is worth having and using even if you
> never need it.
> 
> Can we go get?
> 
> Chipmunk
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