[Philmont] Philmont GPS coordinates

----- Original Message ----
From: Pete Swiggum <peter.swiggum@sbcglobal.net>
To: Philmont List Member <Philmont@troop47.com>
Sent: Thursday, July 5, 2007 12:20:31 AM
Subject: [Philmont] Philmont GPS coordinates

Ron,
  I know this isn't the answer you were looking for, and perhaps you're just looking for coordinates for the fun of it, but I hope your crew is still planning to use maps and compass for your navigation.
   
  Yes, technology is grand, and it does, in some instances, make life easier. However, nothing can replace the skill in properly reading a map and using a compass, and I don't mean just at Philmont. Far too often, people become mindless to their technology when basic map reading and some common sense would give an overall perspective that is unable to be achieved by a GPS. I see it with people driving cars all the time.
   
  Just my two cents. I apologize if I assumed something that was incorrect.
   
  Pete Swiggum
  Green Bay, WI
   
  

Pete,

I'm with you, what are going to do if your GPS unit fails or, heaven forbid, another 9/11 occurs and the US government turns off the satellites or scrambles the signals to non US military equipment? Last time I checked, the T21 requirements had nothing about using a GPS as part of rank advancement, there is a reason National has not changed this.

There are many new conveniences that make high adventures easier than in the past but there sure is a certain joy in minimizing as many of them as possible. I prefer to hike where there is no cell phone coverage so that you really are "out in the wilderness" and you can't dial 911 for an emergency. Knowing that help may be 2 or 3 days hike away makes everyone more safety conscious. The only time I use a watch when on a trek is when cooking to make sure the bread or cake has cooked long enough before removing the pot lid and loosing a significant amount of heat.

Mike Wegenka
Onalaska, WI

       
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Received on Thu Jul 5 06:35:38 2007