Brenie P: Good lesson learned: always carry a back-up. I wouldn't go to the 'dacks without it. Also, there are a number of spots in the 'dacks that have SOOOO much iron ore, if your standing over such a spot, the needle will not stop spinning. It also helps to know how to make a compass out of a watch. Not digital though[:@]. Fortunately, I've never had a compass failure, then again, i I treat it like my first born.

Also important to orient your map to magnetic north, because 99 44/100% of maps are set up true north. Being off on your travels by 10-14 degrees can lead to alot of stress!