[pct-l] Navigation myths and truths

[RMarquis]

These myths and truths are so very true.  And if you have friends and/or family back home who would like to watch your progress as you journey north, or south, I have an Inreach Explorer emergency locator for sale that enables just that.  It is a satellite communicator and GPS tracking device that has the capacity to send & receive text messages to those loved ones back home, and heaven forbid, SOS messages to emergency persons.  It tracks your route and GPS waypoints, even when you’re out of range of cell phone towers and wireless networks.  These work on a monitoring system that asks for a monthly remittance with differing programs to chose from.  
The prices I’m seeing on the internet for the Inreach Explorer go from $340 (used) to as high as $380 (new).  Mine is obviously used but includes a good luck charm with it as I never had to call for emergency help while carrying it last summer.  ; )  I’m asking $240 for it and will ship it free to anywhere in the United States.
Let me know if you’re interested.
All for now, gotta to ride,
Rhonda
hrsnarnd


Message: 1
Date: Tue, 12 Apr 2016 10:41:56 -0700
From: Douglas Tow <douglastow at gmail.com>
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Subject: [pct-l] Navigation myths and truths
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<CAOOqOOvZeirTQnRE4=9+2_3UGRgAvn4Yu=v26P_k8nkX=DSztQ at mail.gmail.com>
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Navigation myths:

1.  Every trailhead or trail split will be clearly marked as to where the
PCT goes.
2.  Map reading 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'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