Hi again Coastie,

You did notice the wink.....didn't ya? I didn't take your previous post(s) in any kind of a negative way. It did cause some interesting thoughts to occur for me, though. I remember being in situations where due to circumstances either I, (or sometimes we....as in squad, etc.), would have to sit down, throw out a poncho, pull out the topos, and "start from scratch...sorta" ....because "someone" hadn't been "paying attention". Or in an instance or two....someone (ie. the man with the maps, compass, etc.) didn't know what they were doing. And early in my life, military career, that someone was occasionally me.

I also remember seeing my first "GPS" unit. It was mounted in the back of a CUC-V, (a pickup or Surburban adapted for military use....when the U.S. Army was phasing out the Jeep and hadn't yet fielded the Hummer). The "GPS" unit was vehicle mounted...must have weighed between 50 to 100 pounds....was "classified" so getting a really good look wasn't certain for "just anyone".....and we (my unit) were (was) using it to determine positions for setting up an ECS (electronic control center) for a PATRIOT missle battery. I was part of an Infantry element assigned to 10th ADA in the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) which eventually were to become part of the first PATRIOT missle battalion sent to the FRG. Because I was the RSOP NCOIC I assisted in "turning the angles" and "laying in the guns". (Yes...they're missles...but venacular changes slowly ...if at all....in the military.) But I really digress.....what I remember most of my very first exposure with that "unit" was in order for us to accuractely determine that first "point"....there was a fixed appendage on the vehicle that you placed "over the exact spot" on the ground that you were using as a "marker". Those units were receiving the military signal....not the "mixed" civilian signal which if I recall was "intentionally off by as much as 100 meters". GPS technology was considered that sensitive at that time.

We have indeed come a long way. Because I am currently "rusty" on my GPS skills.....many personal things in our lives conspired to limit my "outdoors" time the last several years. And because technology grows by leaps and bounds....frequently "upgrading" several times annually, I am now in the middle of a good read on GPS. And have a couple more books planned for the next several months.....because I am once again looking for a good unit that will best serve my anticipated upcoming needs. (For use in Alaska when we get back.) With the exception of using my nephews "new GPS" for estasblishing some waypoints I haven't used one for the last three years. And the last Garmin I had was at that time a $99. entry level that has since "gone" to a brother-in-law. So before my next purchase....I'm learning features new and (refamiliarizing) with "old" 2 or 3 years ago features.....and trying to determine how many features I really could put to use. And of course trying to sort out capatability/expandability features I think that I can really utilize. (What can be frustrating is that by the time you've finished reading any book that has been brought to hard publication, (ie. is in paper form of some kind), the newest GPS technology has already evolved. Particularly in mapping, computer compatability related issues. H**l, even Honda is selling several ATV machines with GPS built in......batteries may not be as big an issue in future consideration. But now what is.....is the question...I have. Are the units on the newest Honda ATV's compatable with a current handheld....and the info electronically transferable? And are these "in turn" compatable with other vehicle mounted and PC intercapable/transferable. (How is it transferred?) This has thrown another consideration into my already "belabored" learning process. (I am either getting "old and slow"....or technology is growing exponentially faster?!? And the scary part is.....I'm "slow enough" to not know which it is![X(])

Oh crap!!!!! I just realized as I sit here and type this (gosh, geewiz, an ephiphany)! I'm much more likely to get lost in this "technology".....than I am in the woods with just a map and a compass! Good grief! My head hurts....... I need another cup of coffee! I've got it finally figured out.....most of us are "lost" before we ever step foot into the woods.......and got to get out "there" to find ourselves again! (Did I already say....my head hurts!)

I need a break......and that cup of coffee! See ya in a "kick back".

P.S. Oh....and by the way....did I forget to mention that I'm also looking at and considering Marine suitable machines...in case I end up with a Zodiak...in and around Alaskan coastal waters and Prince William Sound? Ooooohhhhhh....my aching head[:'(]!