jlwalk@... writes:
> > Very wise advise, but let me tell you how a GPS helped where a map was
> > useless:
> >
~~~~~~
Hey Jeff,
> A map wouldn't have been useless if properly used.
Agreed, but the GPS track back allowed me to beat the impending darkness and
Bubba. I don't think anyone with a map and compass could have gotten to
ground zero quicker. I was on the gas, one eye on the GPS and the other on
the trail. Map skills are life-savers and I hope to continue to improve
mine. I am not a risk taker - well not a big risk taker.
> While it is fun to aimlessly explore, you should still always plan your
> route ahead of time, and set up boundaries, check points, and landmarks.
> Checkpoints mean just that, you stop and check your map........
Some of my greatest memories are about "getting lost". Not lost-lost, just
not being were you want to be at that particular time. Like dropping down a
ridge and going several miles and finding out the road is no longer passable.
I know exactly where I am (lost), but due to low fuel, deteriorating
weather, setting sun, dropping temperature, etc. it puts you "on edge" and
brings out the "I can do this - keep calm, make good choices, etc. - defeat
the enemy." Don't get me wrong, I am not a reckless guy. I just don't want
to be "stuck like flanged wheels on the rail road track".
> I have navigated on nearly every continent on earth, except Antarctica, and
> a map and compass has never let me down, while a GPS has failed on me
> before. And yes, several times I have had to backtrack to search for lost
> equipment that one of my soldiers left behind....
Yes and like I pointed out, if the GPS had not been able to "see the
satellites" during my ride - I would have had big gaps in the "track" and
proly not found my jacket.
> I have software that can calculate differential equations, finite element
> analysis, matrices up to 50 x 50. But if I didn't learn how to do
calculus,
> linear algebra and differential equations on my own with pencil and paper
> first the software would be pretty useless, right?
Yea, that's what I tell my kids. Gotta learn those math facts. As for
myself, I was never real good at Math but managed to finish school (Mech.
Engr). Haven't had to solve a Diff E. in 20 years - yip-ee!
Jeff, I have enjoyed you "survival" tips and hope to meet you one of these
days. Not on the "Lost End" of a search party, but as a student that can
learn from you vast experience..
Ride safe, Knot (Ernie Phillips, Chattanooga, TN)