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10 Getting lost and then camping/fishing in Quetico (Read 7018 times)
solotripper
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Re: Getting lost and then camping/fishing in Quetico
Reply #10 - Sep 16th, 2010 at 7:51pm
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Quote:
They can fail, can they not?


I'd rely on a compass as long as you have the skills to use it before I'd rely solely on any battery powered gizmo.

Reliable as they maybe, a old school compass and working knowledge of it's workings would be a smart choice, GPS or not.

Murphy's Law says that sooner or later your electronic gizmo will crash and burn. Outside of losing your compass, ( I have a back-up), a compass as primary or back-up is the smart way too go Wink
  
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Preacher
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Re: Getting lost and then camping/fishing in Quetico
Reply #11 - Sep 16th, 2010 at 8:30pm
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Anything can fail.  The failure rate of my GPS is a whole lot lower than the failure rate of me.

On my way home I did miss the turn out of Batchewan Bay N toward Batchewan Lake.  The perils of trolling and enjoying a nice tailwind.  Checked my compass and sure enough I was heading SW instead of of N.

Key thing to remember when using a compass.  Belt buckles and other metal objects to be kept clear.  I wear my knife around my neck sometimes, I'm always due N no matter which way I turn!
  
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Kenny B
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Re: Getting lost and then camping/fishing in Quetico
Reply #12 - Sep 16th, 2010 at 11:25pm
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I hope I didn't start this going thread in the way of endorsing a GPS for navigating, especially as a the only way.  I would of course use one in conjunction with a compass and map.  Actually, if I can go next summer to Quetico, maybe somewhere deep into, I'd like to go with experienced people who have their own maps and compasses, but I'd be there silently navigating along with them.  I'm sure there a more than a few people here that can get back thru 5-6 lakes without even need of a map and know exactly where they are and where the portages are etc.   My ideal would be to follow along with a map and compass, but use a GPS to pinpoint my location on the map while at rest stops, camp sites, or along the way.   Call it rookie training.  I would like one of the those ball compasses that can be affixed to the yoke, then keep a map right at my feet in a waterproof  map case... then another compass around my neck.   Those little ones you can buy for $10 but have a nice flat plastic area that you place on a map.  Are we feeling lost yet?

The nice thing about a GPS (providing it works, providing you have batteries, and don't dip it into water), you can get always pinpoint your location on a map, if you map has the GPS coordinates.  Most all of the new ones do.
  
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mastertangler
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Re: Getting lost and then camping/fishing in Queti
Reply #13 - Sep 17th, 2010 at 12:55am
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Ahoy Kenny
Let me make a few suggestions that I have learned from others that seem to work rather well for me. The idea of taking an elastic cord and stretching it flat and somewhat tight across a thwart in front of you via 2 holes which are drilled at either end came from well known and respected author and woodsman Cliff Jacobs. The idea is to be able to slide your map (in its waterproof map case of course) underneath this "shock cord". The benefits are strong.

First, you don't have to look down or stop paddling to read your map. Just a quick glance to ascertain your position.

Secondly, even in strong winds your map stays put. Just by sliding it in or out you can change the angle by which you view it.

On only my second canoe trip (my first was a four day fiasco in BWCA) I did 13 days and well over 100 miles solo in the Quetico by basically following the shoreline and watching my map inch by inch. It's really quite easy when you employ this method. Here comes a point, there is the cove and next should be a little creek.....yup. Go this route initially (that is following the shoreline) and you will gain confidence. You will also see more wildlife and find good spots to fish. Besides I like looking in the water and seeing rocks, logs, fish etc. I also like the feeling of the land slipping past me. Blah, blah I could go on and on.

I am not keen about having a map at my feet. A poor idea IMO.

The other ideas that I perceive are winners came from this website. I like KF's method of mounting his fishfinder and Martens method of mounting his GPS. Again both employ the thwart in front of them as a platform of sorts. You barely have to move your eyes to get info and of course there is no need to stop paddling. Practical and efficient!  
  
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