[pct-l] avorcet watch

["Michael T. Lacasse" <mtnsmike@Nantucket.net>]

I have been using an Avorcet watch for years. I consider it a tool & not a toy even in good years. The 
altimiter aids in navigation. In 95 many of us thru-hikers got caught in a storm that dropped 6" of fresh snow 
on Fuller Ridge & left us in a white out. Map & compass alone were not sufficient for accurate navigation. The 
hiker that was traveling with me that day was so impressed with it he ordered one at the next town. 
	Another funtion it serves is to aid in weather forcasting. By watching the barometric trends you can 
somewhat judge what the weather will do. While in the Three Sisters we got socked in by another storm. Having 
predicted it we were layed over at a lovely campsite by a Lake, not wanting to rush through & miss such pretty 
country. The next day we awoke & were still socked in. When my partner asked me what I wanted to do. Looking at 
the barometric trend I noticed the rising trend & we quickly packed up. Not long after hitting the trail the 
sun came out & we treated to some magnificent views.
	Like anything else though. It doesn't do any good unless you know how to use it. I like my Avorcet, but 
it has a few disadvantages. It's not backlit, so you need your flashlight handy if you want to read it at 
night. My other pet peeve is that although it has the date, it doesn't tell you what day of the week it is. 
Something that can get muddled after weeks & months on the trail. I recieved some strange looks when I asked 
some other hikers what day it was. I was glad I did though since I would have arrived in town when the Post 
Office was closed. 

Mountain Mike.
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