I just now finished reading this, and for anyone who hasn't yet, it's definitely a must-read.

I am a non-believer in GPS technology while out "in the nature," and I proved to a friend a few years ago that a man with a map and compass who knows what he's doing is more valuable than a guy with a GPS who hasn't a clue... to make a long story short, we navigated out of North Dakota's badlands at night, with no moon, using the stars to guide us out of the canyon - while this guy and his GPS lost his way numerous times. If you can't even read contours, a GPS will do you no good in the bush... besides, I think that technology distracts the mind from its true purpose - to go out there and be sharp. And at the end of the day, after using wits and simple magnets to navigate the wilds, the taste of victory is infinitely sweeter.

So to me, it's not so surprising that they were able to make it with what they had, but I do think they had their share of good luck. Without the ferry, the locals' directions, etc., they may not have made it in time. I have no doubt they would have made it, but certainly not before freeze-up.



Quote:

Worse yet, is to have that spirit of adventure, and have no place towards which to direct it. Ranger

Truer words have never been spoken. Our kids don't need a Nintendo, they need a place to explore with their own feet and hands. They need sunrises and sunsets, blisters, and moments of fear and accomplishment. They need to live life...