Skyline GPS data

[AlanK]

I assume that all talk of fights has been kidding around. I just wanted to emphasize that one need not scour the Internet for tracks containing thousands of points when only a relative few are needed. Also, like many others here, I like to encourage people to develop real navigation skills. That said, having lots of track points loaded into your GPS does no intrinsic harm.

[pdforeme]

All good stuff. And i'm amazed I ever bought one. I've hiked all over the desert hills barely w/ a map, and a month ago would have said roughly, "you need your own good sense plus map and compass., etc, etc.".
...Funny, I think i will seldom use the thing to "find my way". Only reason i highlight its use in finding your way, is my sample set of the dark places on c2c (clearly didn't need it after dawn) or the fog on slopes of Rainier.

but it does add another dimension (maybe bad) to the hiking thing. Now i'm looking at geocaching for my kids (to nudge them into hiking) and then revisiting your hike data (ok a bit nerdly).

I guess I'd frame it back as "good conditionas and well marked trails, you are ok w/ just old fashioned topo/compass". 1st time on the trail, or darkness/weather, or non/poor markings, ...shoot, use a good GPS. (favorite/boring training hike locally has badly conflicting trail signs,...and so while now i know that, for my wife or some first timer, this thing will be helpful.

<p>end of "attack"

[FIGHT ON]

GoPlayer, AlanK, You guys keep using my name and I am going to have to start charging you.

[AlanK]

GoPlayer, AlanK, You guys keep using my name and I am going to have to start charging you.

Dang! I was hoping we could get away with just sending a check to USC.

[Tim Le]

[GoPlayer]

I agree with all that's said here about having the traditional navigation skills and not relying on the GPS. Like others have said, the GPS can be a nice addition to the tool set.

With the proliferation of GPS units it's probably also a good idea to remind readers of the limitations. Not everyone who comes across these public forums uses them like the posters in this thread. There are many stories about people following their car navigation systems blindly and ending up in dangerous or at least awkward situations. Just the other day I read a post on a forum by a person who was very angry at a GPS manufacturer since he had just spend the night in the woods after his GPS had failed and he got lost.