birding-aus

GPS for birders

To: <>, birding-aus <>
Subject: GPS for birders
From: Denise Goodfellow <>
Date: Tue, 28 Nov 2006 15:44:28 +0930
Hi Alan
Glad to meet someone else who does without a GPS.  As a biological
consultant in the 1980s  I worked in the remote bush, sometimes dropped in
by helicopter.  

On the first trip I left navigation to my senior partner.  After walking for
several hours he turned to me and asked if I had any idea of the way back to
camp.  Luckily we found our way back without too much trouble.

After that I was always careful to note creeks and rivers, ridges, types of
vegetation and soils, and the position of sun or stars (these weren't so
helpful in the wet season!). I often stop, turn around and look back, and I
note my footprints. I was taught some tracking skills by an Aboriginal
friend when I was a child.

Once, a client wanted to explore a deserted island in the Arus.  This man,
in his mid-70s, was an ex-FBI agent.  However, the jungle became
impenetrable after an hour or so, and I backtracked.  He was surprised when
I led him straight back to a little well we'd noted on our way in.

However, I get hopelessly lost in shopping centres and big cities!

Denise Lawungkurr Goodfellow
Songlark Street
BAKEWELL NT 0832
Ph. 61 08 89 328306

 http://www.denisegoodfellow.com
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On 27/11/06 6:04 PM, ""
<> wrote:

> Chris wrote, "Sometimes this inaccuracy can be a real problem. It is
> actually quite easy to start down the wrong ridgeline, for example."
> 
> This is why those of us who can neither afford GPS nor use them in the
> environment in which they operate away from the tracks head down creek lines
> and up ridge lines. This way you are much less likely to become
> geographically embarressed. If you do not immediately get the jist of this
> draw yourself a little map with creeks and ridges on it and go for a
> theroetical wander. If you try the inverse you will see your chance of
> getting lost increase greatly at every unclear junction.
> 
> Regards,
> Alan 
> 
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