[pct-l] SuperSecrets - Maps

[kdpo at gottawalk.com (Ken Powers)]

Last year we requested county maps from AAA for our ADT hike. After not 
hearing from them for a couple of months we asked again about the maps. That 
was when AAA told us that the maps we asked for were not available. We got 
zero maps from AAA for the states between (and including) Delaware to 
Colorado. Starting at Denver we already had maps for the trail and didn't 
even ask for county maps. We did get and use city maps for the metro areas 
we passed thru. Having a street map of Kansas City saved us several hours 
when our trail was 8 feet under water one morning.

I do agree that carrying AAA maps is a good plan. We always feel comfortable 
knowing what roads are available if we have to bail in a section. If you 
carry highlighted maps be sure that the ink is not water-based. The 
water-based ink runs really easily if it gets wet.

Ken
www.GottaWalk.com

----- Original Message ----- 
From: <Hiker97@aol.com>
To: <pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net>
Cc: <s7495f@lvmpd.com>; <laura629@hotmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, November 06, 2005 4:58 PM
Subject: [pct-l] SuperSecrets - Maps


> This is an update of a previous SuperSecret.
>
> Most of the time you carry the guide book maps of the trail you are 
> hiking.
> But I find that a good overview map is very useful too.  It gives you 
> roads
> and towns in the vicinity.  Plus it shows you the whole section.  I  think 
> the
> AAA county maps are excellent for this purpose.  Here is what I  find is a
> good procedure to create these overview maps.
> 1.  Get the county map for the area you are hiking.  If you need  two maps
> because the trail crosses into another county, be sure to tape the maps
> together first.
> 2.  Mark the trail on the map with a highlighter.  The AAA maps  have the 
> PCT
> on them.
> 3.  Take the map to Kinko or to a color copier and reproduce at about 
> 133%.
> This makes the map easier to read.
> 4.  At home trim the map down to what you think appropriate.
> 5.  Take a template and draw circles around the guide book mileage
> waypoints. You can mark the mileage near the circles too.  Of course, you 
> can mark
> water, stores, etc.
> 6.  Just fold it up and put it with your guide book section you are 
> taking
> on the hike.
>
> It is very nice to have a map to give you a quick overview of where  you 
> are
> and where you are going. The guide book maps are so detailed that  is hard 
> to
> step back and see the big picture.  Now that problem is  solved......in 
> color
> too!
>
> Disclaimer: I am not responsible if you are arrested for copyright
> infringement by copying the AAA maps.  But I will feel sorry for you.
>
> Your hiking buddy, Switchback
> Trail Orienteer & Camp Map Maker
>
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