Re: [Philmont]: GPS

In 2005 I took my Garmin E-Trex Vista on Trek 21. I was purely for fun and information. I uploaded the list someone on this list provided of the Lat/Long of campsites. Before we put our packs on I would turn it on, acquire satellites and attach it to the top of my backpack. I did not want to hold in in my hand, because it was hard to use my trek poles and it would not have a clear view of the sky. I saved the tracks each day so I could download them to my mapping software, recorded the mileage in my journal, and did gotos to our destination for the day. After announcing how far it was (as the crow flies) I turned off that function due to high battery draw. I could get two days from each pair of batteries. You cannot use it to pick which way to go when you get to trail crossings, because they are not loaded in the GPS. Our navigator for the day was our guide and not the GPS.

Bob Gardere
Troop 895
Richardson TX
Trek 21 725-B '05
-------------- Original message --------------
From: "Pete Swiggum" <Peter.Swiggum@sbcglobal.net>

I'll be curious to read the posts from other veteran Philmont trekkers, but other than for the "fun factor", I see no reason for a GPS unit at Philmont.

The Philmont maps are fine, and using a compass is an important Scout skill. You aren't trailblazing in the wild - you're following established trails, most of which are marked with sign posts. The map and compass are your confirmation.

Not trying to throw a bucket of cold water on your purchase. If nothing else, it might help you keep track of milage or other such information. I just don't see the necessity of a GPS unit at Philmont.

Pete Swiggum
Green Bay, WI
Philmont 2005
ICWTGBTP!!

----- Original Message -----
From: srbscout@gmail.com
To: Multiple recipients of list philmont
Sent: Wednesday, April 05, 2006 7:05 AM
Subject: [Philmont]: GPS

I'll be coming to Philmont for the first time this summer as part of my Council contingent. I feel really lucky because my Council truly helps you to prepare. At one of our Adviser briefings, I was surprised that they were very progressive and recommended having at least 1 GPS on each crew; sort of the wave of the future.

As a direct result of my Council's terrific presentation on the GPS, I decided to make the plunge and purchase one. It took me a while to find, not only the model that best suits me, but also the right dealer. Most discount, online dealers, are very happy to sell you the unit a reasonable price, but their support afterwards is very lacking.

I have found a distributor who is really great. AdventureStation.com, out of Nevada. They spent a considerable amount of time on the phone with me answering all sorts of questions. They don't just sell the units; they know their stuff. Their prices also seemed to be among the lowest. They were very responsive to me as a Boy Scout.

I have no relationship or affiliation with this dealer.

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Received on Wed Apr 5 11:46:55 2006