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Re: Phones and other gadgets
LIke calculators, people rely on technology to the extent that they cannot
function without it. People with money think that they can buy a gadget
such as GPS and replace the knowledge they do not have. GPS would be great
for someone who is well versed in navigaitonal skills. Without a map, it is
useless to know that you are at 44 deg 15' 23" north by 70 deg 44' 55" west
if there is no map to compare it to.
Even with a map, some basic skills are necessary. A few months ago, my
daughter and I ran into a couple coming north on the AT in NJ while we were
headed south. One could tell from the brand new gear that this was a first
for them. (Judging from the extraneous stuff tied to their packs their
outfitter had fun with their mastercard). He was complaining that the map
he had ( NYNJTC Hikers Regional Map) was wrong because the side trail to
the shelter did not exist and the lake, seen from a particular overlook was
too far to the left to be the one depicted on the map. When I got to the
overlook, I took out my map (the same one) and using my compass, oriented it.
The lake was right where is should have been but the trail had gone through
a change of direction too small to be shown on the map. 3/10 of a mile later
the side trail to the shelter was plainly marked right where is should have
been. Fortunately, this couple was on a well used section of the AT and had
2"x6" white blazes to follow. Woe would they be if they were one a poorly
marked side trail.
I carry my cellular phone on the trail when weight is not a critical matter.
It remains turned off. the problem is again when people think that technology
can replace common sense and knowledge.
Go ahead and carry a GPS and a Cellular Phone but also carry map and compass
and the knowledge as to how (and when) to use this stuff
Happy trails
Rich
(lubitz@alpha.fdu.edu)
References:
- phones
- From: bob <deer@epix.net>