TXKLAW

Several years ago, my brother and I were hiking the Talimena Trail between Talihena, Oklahoma and Mena, Arkansas. We entered the trail at dark and figured we could ignore the signs warning about fallen timber across the trail because of a recent ice storm. Upon awakening the following morning, we found ourselves in fog so thick we couldn't see past 25-30 feet. We packed up and started on the trail. There was fallen timber which we could not go over and had to go around. Attempting to find the trail in the thick fog was difficult at best and sometimes near impossible. We would find the trail only to go 10-20 yards and have to go around more fallen timber. My brother had purchased a the latest innovation in aviation. A handheld Garmin 195 GPS receiver. With it and topo maps we could get a good indication of where we were. We eventually had to abandon the trail and hike up to the road as it was just taking too long to attempt to hike. It was as if we were bushwhacking or just going cross-country without a trail through thick brush and timber until we hit the blacktop. Since we were amatuer radio op's as well we were able to radio our ride home to tell them of the conditions and our location as well. GPS saved the day because we could not see any landmarks for traditional compass triangulation/orientation. Now, I have a Garmin Vista HCx with a topo card. I carry plenty of spare power and it is ON with track logging enabled. If I am moving, I can retrace my steps, I KNOW where I am. I can't tell you what a security blanket that has become. My brother now has a Garmin 65. The slightly larger screen is nice but feature-wise the only addition between that and the Vista HCx is the addition of the tide tables. (Battery life may be a little different too.) Both of us went through the Garmin E-trex Legend first. The longer battery life, common battery format (two "AA" size batteries) and long battery life make these units ideal for packing. The high sensitivity receiver is a big bonus as I have lost signal in heavy canopies and/or valley areas. In short, I welcome the posting of GPS trails/routes/tracks and look forward to having a fourm where they can be exchanged for "free." Notes with the tracks could bring a whole new dimension to "guide books." Digital photography with GPS lat/long info would be nice too. I have also had other instances where a GPS unit has proved its worth. I rarely go anywhere without one now! See you on the trail!

For comfort and ease of set up I really like the hennesyhammocks.com hammock/tent with an appropriate temperature rated sleeping bag. Wonderful nights rest without having to remove all the rocks and sticks. Downfall... you need two trees or other support system. Generally not a problem in forested areas, but could be an issue in desert terrain.

Bought a Vista HCx to upgrade my old blue earlier this month. My brother has a Venture HCx and it was able to hold a signal when my Ol' Blue wouldn't even where the canopy opened up. So I did the upgrade to something with a elect. compass and barometric altimeter. I couldn't be happier!!! Love the color screen, longer battery life and familiar button positioning. HCx has performed well and as expected. It was the registering of the Vista HCx that I learned about the geocaching and decided to take a look. So glad I did! My brother bought a 60Cx, but I haven't had the opportunity to compare. 60Cx is a little heavier and larger if your backpacking (which is what we have been doing). Vista HCx claims a better battery life too. I'm certainly happy with my Vista HCx! I only wish that Garmin would let me keep my map unlocks for the new unit!