Keeping A Sense Of Direction

March 24, 2009 
Filed under Outdoors Activities.

There are many navigating systems and GPS systems on the market today that will help you to be able to find out where you are at in the outdoors, which are real handy to have with you in case you ever do get lost while hiking.There are some great navigating systems on the market that are small enough that they are perfect for backpacking and hiking. Many of these navigating systems combine an electronic compass and an altimeter with a GPS. The compass in these systems is one of the first on a GPS to work while standing still. The obligatory GPS feature set is all there with the twelve channel reception, storage of up to five hundred way points, and up to ten saved tracks to retrace path in both directions. These smaller systems require two AA batteries to power them for up to sixteen hours and many are waterproof for up to thirty minutes in three feet of water.
 
They have a built-in barometer that shows twelve-hour pressure trends. Many of these small systems weight less than six ounces, which is great for backpacking. You will find that the D-ring screws on the case covering the battery compartment is much more easier to replace than on the larger navigating system, because it only requires a quarter to turn the lock into position. The back light comes on when it makes sense and the contrast adjustment is very helpful. The menu system is easier to navigate than on the larger navigating systems, because it gives more information and context that is displayed as you move through the menus on these smaller navigating systems.
 

The buttons on these smaller systems are logically placed and allow a one-handed operation. These smaller systems will also allow you to set all of the options and calibrate the compass and altimeter without ever having to reference the owner’s manual. Unfortunately, with the smaller systems the directional response is slower in reflecting the correct direction than with the larger, bulky systems. However, many of the smaller navigating system will keep a type of breadcrumb trail of your path on their map page. So as you go to the map page you are able to see how far you have gone by simply replacing your steps, but the directional indicator on the pointer page is often pointing directly back to the *Home* way point. Fortunately, once you are within thirty feet or less of your way point, then you generally will not need the system anymore to find your way. Another common navigation task that these smaller systems are great for is when you line up the compass with a landmark then select the option for sight-n-go, this will automatically lock the bearing into the compass. Then all you have to do is to follow that bearing and the pointer on the compass to the landmark. Many of these smaller systems will have a much better visual mapping system that have a graphical map page, which shows your track and way points that will allow you to zoom in and out to adjust your view of the area. This is extremely handy for seeing all the zigs and zags of your path.  [DFR::329966-10552296-cj|align_left_1][DFR::10020612-10386385-cj|align_left_1][DFR::SSGPSM-10494103-cj|align_left_1][DFR::197371-10552296-cj|align_left_1]

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Inexpensive Fun For The Family

March 24, 2009 
Filed under Outdoors Activities.

ray gringos polaroid Inexpensive Fun For The Family

Summer is the perfect time to get the entire family outside for some fun, but getting together doesn’t have to be expensive. There are plenty of activities everyone can enjoy that won’t break the bank. Just a few are flying a stunt kite after a picnic in a local park, getting everyone together on bikes and going for a ride or hiking along a local trail. These activities will get your family away from the television, video games and computer, off the couch and out in the sunshine.Flying A Stunt Kite After A Picnic In The Park.

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A picnic lunch followed by flying a stunt kite in the park is a great way to spend an afternoon. Lunch can be as simple as cold sandwiches, chips and sodas or as elaborate as prepared salads and sparkling juice in plastic wine glasses. Afterwards, get out the stunt kite and fly the afternoon away. Prices for stunt kites start around $10 and go up from there so it’s easy to find one in nearly every price range, or even to buy one for each person in your family. Stunt kites are great for nearly everyone because they’re sturdier and can withstand crashes better than regular kites. Families can have stunt kite competitions to see whose kite can stay in the air the longest and who can do the best tricks like loops and dives

ray mountain polaroid Inexpensive Fun For The Family.

All you need for this fun family afternoon is a kite, some good food, good company and a little wind. Going On A Family Bike Ride Another great family activity is a bike ride. Grab your bikes and helmets and find a local bike trail. Many areas of the country have extensive bike trails, with smooth surfaces to ensure a safe ride. If you have young children that are too little for a bike, they can ride a big wheel, tricycle or even sit down in a bike trailer attached to an adult’s bike. Make sure everyone has plenty of water and double check to see how long the trail is before setting out for the day.

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ray top polaroid Inexpensive Fun For The FamilyYou’ll definitely want to make sure young children can complete the trail. Hiking A Local Trail At A National Or State Park Many state and national parks are full of hiking trails and the park’s admission is usually minimal, making a family hike a great low-cost outdoor activity. You don’t actually need hiking boots, just grab some comfortable tennis shoes and get hiking! Make sure to stay on the trail, but it’s a good idea to have a cell phone or GPS unit with you in case you accidentally lose your way. These are just a few of the many outdoor activities families can take advantage of when the weather turns nice. No matter what you choose to do, the important thing is that you’re reconnecting as a family and enjoying each other’s company.

 

 

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