[at-l] Katahdin, GPS and "spirited discussions"

[Jim and_or Ginny Owen]

> A machine think for me? Tools don't think, Jim. The man holding the tool has to do that.


Mmmmm - if one doesn't have the "tool" in ones hand, then one has to "think" in order to 

perform the function that the "tool" performs.  That's when one finds out if their "thinker" 

is still operational.  Think CDT or Utah Canyon country or the Bob Marshall Wilderness or 

the Canadian Rockies. Look up Gros Morne NP in Canada - some of their trails require that 

one demonstrate sufficient ability with map and compass (and carry them) whether one 

carries a GPS or not - before being allowed access to the trailheads. Haven't hiked those 

trails yet - gotta go back there. It's beautiful country even if the weather does sometimes 

suck.

Hmm - define "tool".  

 

Notice - I wouldn't tell you to leave it home.  I'll just tell you that if I carried one, I'd have 

to shoot myself for senility.  But that's "me".  

 

OTOH - there's at least one trail that I recommend hikers carry one if they're gonna hike it.  

 

BTW, I'm glad you carry maps.  They're sooo useful - and interesting.  

 

We'll be headed for the Ruck in about an hour.  

 

Walk softly,

Jim

 



http://www.spiriteaglehome.com/


 
> Date: Thu, 14 Jan 2010 08:52:20 +0000
> From: nightwalker.at at gmail.com
> To: spiriteagle99 at hotmail.com; at-l at backcountry.net
> Subject: RE: [at-l] Katahdin, GPS and "spirited discussions"
> 
> Good thing about knife-weilding rabbits is the lack of thumbs. And sometimes even feet.
> 
> I got started carrying the GPS while making maps for trail orgs. I carry a map and compass as well if I'm not dead-on familiar with the trail. The good thing about that is that if you compare your GPS track to the map's centerline tracks, you know pretty much exactly where you're at.
> 
> There's also the no-$h*t problem of having brain damage that causes me to sometimes LITERALLY forget where I'm at. It's scary as a sumbitch when it happens, too.
> 
> A machine think for me? Tools don't think, Jim. The man holding the tool has to do that.
> 
> Walk softly (and carry a pointed stick).
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Jim and_or Ginny Owen <spiriteagle99 at hotmail.com>
> Sent: Thursday, January 14, 2010 1:45 AM
> To: Frank Looper <nightwalker.at at gmail.com>; at-l <at-l at backcountry.net>
> Subject: RE: [at-l] Katahdin, GPS and "spirited discussions"
> 
> LOL !!!
>  
> We live far enough from the mountains that I can appreciate a good view, even if it's 
> on a computer screen. 
>  
> Re: GPS - I worked with those big expensive satellites for a long time.  Even worked 
> on GPS (the FIRST version that didn't work worth horse pucky).  But I don't let a computer 
> do my thinking for me.  
>  
> However, if GPS is your thing, go for it.  I've used one and it was a time waster for me.  My 
> brain works faster. And the batteries in my maps don't flatline.  
>  
> One of the CDT videos had a clip - the guy had been in a rain storm and his GPS died.  The 
> absolute panic that ensued was remarkable.  OK - I thought it was funny.  
> 
> BTW - Bunbun is back from his world tour - and sleeping right now.  When he wakes up next 
> week (or maybe next month), he may have some things to say.  
>  
> Have a good night, 
> Jim
> 
> http://www.spiriteaglehome.com/
> 
> 
>  
> > Date: Thu, 14 Jan 2010 03:11:01 +0000
> > From: nightwalker.at at gmail.com
> > To: spiriteagle99 at hotmail.com; at-l at backcountry.net
> > Subject: RE: [at-l] Katahdin, GPS and "spirited discussions"
> > 
> > From: Jim and_or Ginny Owen <spiriteagle99 at hotmail.com>
> > 
> > You must be jaded, Frank.  
> > ----------------------------------
> > Maybe just a little. Where I live, there are mountains on three sides, all the way to the horizon. I'll look at a ridgeline that's maybe 25 or so miles long, and my main thought is "I'll bet I could walk that thing with this GPS."
> > 
> > To say that you and I feel different about GPS receivers would be an understatement. Ideally, with USGS 7.5 quad, a compass, declination info and a pencil, I could get anywhere. I'd just rather use those big, expensive satellites up there.
> > 
> > In the Garmin (Etrex Vista Hcx), I've got loaded the 50k quads of the whole Eastern seaboard and the South, and road maps from Fla to Nova Scotia, as far West as the Mississippi.
> > 
> > Yup. I could drop it into a creek or something, but you could lose a map or break a compass. I'm not saying GPS is for everyone, I'm just saying that's how I roll. :-)
> > 
> > And it's funny. What a lot of folks call arguing, you and I call a spirited adversarial discussion. I'd love to discuss politics with you and Grey Owl over pints sometime. If that wouldn't be a hoot, I'm not sure what would be. Maybe T. Klide, too. He's a rare breed (a logical Republican).
> > 
> > I'm in a good mood and enjoying it. Y'all call it stirring if you want. Stand back or join in, just be civil.
> > 
> > :-)
> > FrankenPooperScooper
 		 	   		  
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