[at-l] Re: [ AT-L ] : Maps

[orangebug74@xxxxxxxxx (Orange Bug)]

Come on Jack, tell us how you really feel about it!

Having a map doesn't protect someone from getting lost. I recall
a guy heading "south" in the Smokies thinking he would get to
the next shelter pretty quickly. He had taken a cat-hole break
and did the 180 error. Even after showing him the map, him
getting out his map, then playing with his high tech digital
compass - he informed me of my ignorance and how secure his spot
on Katahdin would be - as compared to a lowly section hiker.

Numerous folks mooch off of those who do carry maps and guides,
and appear to do pretty well. I agree that it is irresponsible
to have no clue about how to stay found, mapped or mapless.

But I think you might be taking this thread a bit more literally
and personally than necessary. Your opinion is well informed and
your example is admirable, but I'd be very surprised to find a
handful of hikers in thru-season and not find at least 3 maps
and/or guidebooks.

Bill...

--- Jack Tarlin <baltimorejack@hotmail.com> wrote:
> Telling first-timers they can easily do without maps is simply
> not, in my
> opinion, wise counsel, and the fact that much of the Trail is
> not strictly
> Wilderness misses the point---people still get lost, sick, and
> hurt out
> there, and it's always unexpected.  (Who, after all, plans to
> get lost?)
> Having a Trail map at such times is essential, and in certain
> circumstances,
> can be a life-saver.


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