[Dean]

It was time to put my message to bed and move on so I deleted it.

[MtnGoat]

I haven't noticed Wanderer "instructing" anyone on navigation in this thread, and I just reread the entire thread to make sure I didn't miss something. Again, all I've seen is a person asking questions that some seem to take personally no matter how benign the questions or responses. Wether or not this person is in CO makes no differnce to me, as long as they are civil, which Wanderer has been (in contrast to the seeming discomfort shown by some here over simple questions about navigation and tools), and as long as the content is solid, which IMO is has been. I welcome Wanderer wether this person is posting from Seattle, Wenatchee, Colorado, or Timbuktu. Regardless of the terrain any of us hike in, I'd like to think there's a common bond among those who explore the outdoors on foot, and I for one welcome Wanderer as one of those people who has been both civil and intelligent here regardless of disagreements over gear.

[Tom]

[SteveF]

Hey Allison, the sociopath comment didn't bother me. This is just a web site after all! It's hard to take it all that seriously. Now the mountains... that I take very seriously and try to get out as often as is possible. Probably see ya out there one of these days! In fact, it's funny how often I run into familiar faces. (careful, watch the nose)

[MtnGoat]

Last week at this time Allison was lugging a 4 day pack through Temple Canyon on her way to lake hopping and peak bagging in the 'chants, spends a lot of time on rock helping a guidebook author with new routes, and has published articles on gear repair and testing. She may like to post, but then so do I and both of us get out plenty! Not as much as some, more than many, but the effort and experience is all there.

[reststep]

I think this has been a very interesting thread. I am not that experienced at cross country travel but what little bit I have done I have found the altimeter to be useful. Now with the tools that have been discussed in this thread previously a person has a good chance to determine where they are on the map but what I have a problem with is estimating distance by eyesight. Is there any method for that that any of you use? In another words if I am on a ridge and see my destination is there a way of estimating the distance just by eyesight or this basically an experience thing?

[MtnGoat]

if you have a decent topo you can compare geographic feature near your location, then identify the features in the distance, and then just use the map scaling for a guesstimate.

[The Wanderer]

[MtnGoat]

Thanks for the interesting thread, too bad simple questions get such contentious responses. Come back and visit us again sometime soon. And don't register, it just encourages them....

[Allison]

Thanks for the kind words, Goat, be careful of you'll give me some, er, uh, credibility. This from a guy who was heard muttering under his breath behind me, "looks like she's got a friggin daypack on...."

[McPilchuck]

I know not the Wanderer or the Wanker, but I uderstand what the Wanderer had to say. Nothing wrong however using tech stuff, I do, but often times I personally would rather follow my nose wherever that leads but the map is always there. As far as wandering, it's part of the adventure for me. I wouldn't be so quick to judge this wanderer - to each his own.

[MCaver]

[Rich Baldwin]

How did the Great Altimeter Debate get so contentions? Is there a shortage of Alaskan Amber or something?

[RainierRidgeRunner]

I must confess, I don't even carry a compass. I don't even own one. Aha my next topic. I just drive to trails and try them out. I don't understand the trail numbering system at all. If I get in trouble, I just hope someone else is on the trail to save me.

[Backpacker Joe]

I like my Suunto DO EVERYthing watch! Look into that and you'll be surprised what you get. TB