Did you know that a GPS unit can be considered a safety device? It is useful for just about anyone who likes to wander around in the outdoors. I will concentrate on sledders and quadders. In the mountains it is very easy to get turned around and lose your bearings. Pretty soon all the mountaintops and treelines begin to look the same.
“I think over by that rock outcropping is where I came into this area,” you say to yourself. But really you are not sure. It’s getting late and weather is moving in. Fog, rain or snow is starting to blow into your face and worried lines cross your brow.
“I sure hope this is the right way,” you think. “I want to get out of here before nightfall.”
Out comes your GPS. Check the last waypoint you entered and you’ll say, “Oh yeah, over there by the rocks is where I came in. And look—I am right on the trail I made getting here.”
A GPS can save a lot of grief and possibly someone’s life. Every outdoorsperson knows the value of having a good compass and map and knowing how to use them. A GPS makes your wanderings a lot easier. You can input waypoints to show where you want to be and to get to your destination easily without getting lost or without taking that wrong turn and going miles out of your way.
As the crow flies
The GPS unit points to the waypoint in a straight line and doesn’t take into consideration that lake or steep cliff that is in the way—this is where your map comes in. If you have a map downloaded into your GPS, or a paper topographical map, you will see the contour lines getting very close together, representing a very steep incline. You will also see any lake or creek that may block your way. Don’t worry—as you go around the obstacle, your GPS will continue to point directly to the waypoint you have chosen as your destination and tell you the distance you still have to go.
Ensure your family’s safety
You can also use your GPS for a safe family outing. Sledding along the many cutlines or maintained snowmobile trails that trace over our western provinces is becoming a full-blown winter pastime for us hardy Canadians. If you take your wife and children for a day trip along a marked trail or just out along the cutlines, be sure to mark each intersection you pass with a waypoint. As you wander around, you will always be able to find where you came in and be able to get out quickly and safely. If you are following a snowmobile trail map, you will be able to see where the warming huts are. Imagine you have been out for hours and the kids are getting cold and hungry. Check your map and check the GPS: you will be able to see the warming hut is just up the trail and around a corner.
A great new trend
Most snowmobile clubs are starting to put GPS co-ordinates on their maps to show staging areas, important intersections and the location of warming huts. I can’t thank the clubs enough for doing this. When you invite someone to your area to go sledding or quadding, make sure to give them the GPS co-ordinates of the important places. They will have a safe and enjoyable outing and they will thank you and come back again. If you are able to talk to almost any club member, they will be able to tell you the co-ordinates you need to know. I have done this many times and it has paid off with a very enjoyable trip.
Using your GPS to track your movements will not only ensure a safer trip but it will give you peace of mind when enjoying the great outdoors.
GPS use is simple and enjoyable—and it can also save your life. I recommend using a GPS unit with your map and compass.
Get to know your unit
- Read and re-read your instruction book and practise using all the functions.
- Go around the backyard or go to your local park and input waypoints.
- Check distances between waypoints and where you are; check the built-in compass direction as you walk.
- Try turning off the GPS and restarting it after you walk a while. See where that last waypoint is and how far away it is. Check this against your map to see what may be along your route.
- Almost all GPS systems are simply recording devices and are not sending devices. They will show where you have been, etc., but will not send a signal so someone can locate you in the event of an emergency.
- Carry your instruction book and an extra set of batteries.
- To save on batteries, I went to the hardware store and purchased a 12-volt plug-in receptacle. After some searching around, I found a hot 12-volt wire on my sled. I mounted the receptacle under the hood, wired it in and connected a ground. I simply plug my GPS in, and when I start the sled it automatically switches from battery power to this power source.
- Check with your GPS dealer to make sure this is safe for your unit.
