[pct-l] Compass use help needed for the N. Cascades

[m.karon at comcast.net (Marshall Karon)]

Actually, if you don't encounter snow (which you probably won't if it stays 
warm), you really won't need the compass to navigate. Sure, you would like 
to be able to orient the map when you feel lost (you probably will feel that 
way several times - even though you aren't). But, even then, carefully 
reading (and rereading) the guide book normally will do the trick. Trails 
have a habit of going every direction as they wind up, over, and around 
mountains, gulleys, etc. If you can't see a landmark, the compass by itself 
won't do much good.

But, that said, try the web for some basics. Then, get  a topo map of an 
area near you and give it a try.

Try this link (or just search for Map and Compass). Happy reading!
http://www.princeton.edu/~oa/manual/mapcompass.shtml

Marshall Karon
Portland, OR

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Geoffrey Selling" <geoffreys@gfsnet.org>
To: <pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net>
Sent: Sunday, May 08, 2005 4:57 PM
Subject: [pct-l] Compass use help needed for the N. Cascades


> Friends,
> I'll be attempting my first long distance hike on the PCT in late 
> June......from Snoqualamie Pass north to the end.  Several posts have 
> mentioned needing a compass for that portion of the trail.  I
> have a compass but other than figuring out which way is North, South, East 
> and West, I don't really know how to use a cmpass and a map to find my 
> way, especially if I get lost.  How does one learn
> this skill?  Is there an article on the subject or a chapter in a book  or 
> some "tricks of the trade" I should know about?  Can any of you veterans 
> help out?
>
>
> Thanks,
> Geoffrey (Philadelphia)
>
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