Tools......I like em and have a fairly substantial collection. I see the PCD as a tool. When I first came to this site I spent a few hours going over some campsites and if nothing else it stoked my anticipation level. I respectfully acknowledge the people who spent time putting it together and contributing.
But like Jim J I don't think so much about campsites unless I'm running late and daylight is fading. Then pretty much anything will do and I'm generally glad to see some flat ground.
On the other hand if I were base camping and taking my family and knew next to nothing about what to expect I can see the PCD as having quite a bit of value.
Posted by: Jim J Solo Posted on: Feb 9th, 2015 at 10:19pm
I've posted a new site or two. But once you post a site and return for another visit and see it's changed, you learn the value of discretion. Maybe it's good to have some campsites rated on easy to reach lake for the newbies to get started. Personally I don't need a 5 star site so much anymore.
Posted by: solotripper Posted on: Feb 9th, 2015 at 10:08pm
What kills me is that some people use the PCD to stroke their fragile egos; i.e. "Look where I've been". There are a few people (joe_schmeaux) who appear to travel around an area for the sole purpose of surveying campsites, snapping photos and then posting a complete review of an entire area. The only reason someone would feel a need to do that is not for sharing info but for self promotion.
Posted by: solotripper Posted on: Feb 9th, 2015 at 1:24pm
I'm waiting for some tech type to do a "Drone" survey of the lakes and portages and post them real time on-line.
I'm blaming you ST if I have Google drone chasing me around on my next trip.
The Google Drone would be bad enough, but imagine the AMAZON drone. In the BWCA you'd have guys getting beers and pizzas delivered or maybe more fishing tackle.
IF my dire predictions ever come true, rejoice in the knowledge you have a "defense" for Drones at least in the BWCA. IF they're no laws governing the use of them, then it's FLYER beware. OS from the size of those skeeters you get in MN, this would work for them too.
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Posted by: Yellowbird Posted on: Feb 9th, 2015 at 3:25am
The PCD served a meaning purpose for me at its inception. 1.) I was not aware that so many (Fisher map) unmarked campsites existed. I felt alot more comfortable traveling in the Quetico later in the day because of this. 2.) It gave an outlet to share information (give something back), answer an inquiry, etc. (same as does the portage database).
My inquisitiveness mostly satisfied after x number of trips, I don't feel a need to know whats out there anymore. Its good enough to take what comes. In the last few years, I have not used it and am not even curious of what the new site offers.
-YB
Posted by: Old Salt Posted on: Feb 9th, 2015 at 12:51am
I think the location of the info is the key here. Many of us discovered the PCD here on the QJ after getting a "feel" for our collective groups thoughts on the Q/BWCA. Same on new site. You have to put in some time, read a little and maybe if a "newbie" get some perspective on the tripping experience.
In the BWJ, you flip open a page and there are those great pics/maps/ the ratings, everything laid out with little or no effort on your part. I'm waiting for some tech type to do a "Drone" survey of the lakes and portages and post them real time on-line.