Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Trip Planning Forum :: Fisher maps
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RetiredDave |
Dave |
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4keys |
Freeleo1: We also started having a map for both the bow and stern paddler so we can argue about where we are better and not have to pass the map back and forth." That's what we do. As we use two different brands, the discussions can be interesting. This year we were on Disappointment, saw a small peninsula with a campsite on it, which caused a "discussion " about where we were. Later, when we were on land, we compared the two maps. Yup, they were different. One showed the campsite, the other didn't. |
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coryv |
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straighthairedcurly |
Have a great trip! |
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boonie |
The best way to stay found is to start that way, with the map oriented to the landscape and your direction of travel, and keep track of those landmarks - points, bays, campsites, portages. I've also done many trips without using the compass other than just a general direction. I keep the map and compass in a map case attached to a pack in front of me. If it's a larger lake sometimes I'll take a bearing on the map for reference and use the compass to transfer to the real world. Usually I do this before I leave on the trip. It's also useful to have a general idea of your speed of travel to know approximately how long it should take you to reach a portage, campsite, etc. If you are uncertain about any of the things mentioned in this thread, just ask - people will be glad to explain. I'm certainly no expert navigator and even less so when I did my first trip, but found it pretty simple - easier than wandering over the Sods back home. |
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unshavenman |
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papalambeau |
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tumblehome |
"Not for navigational use". That's their little disclaimer in case you get lost. Sort of silly actually. They make the maps for people to navigate with. Tom |
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RRHD |
Freeleo1: "We used Fisher maps this year, but I really wished I'd gone with the McKenzie map even though it would require 2 maps to cover the area. I found the larger scale on the McKenzie maps we used before to be easier to follow I too am bringing Fisher maps because they covered this particular trip better, but I prefer the McKenzie. The fisher maps have registration problems in their multi color printing, campsite and portage markings are often visibly displaced! As to your second point, great idea! Would save a lot of passing maps time and improve the quality of our arguing! LOL. |
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Cricket67 |
After each portage regroup out on the water (but not in anyone's way) and consult. I will have the least experienced people look at the map and the lake ahead of us and figure out where we need to go. Usually it will be follow the shore to that point, aim at the left side of that island, etc. Depending on the schedule for the day I'll even let them lead the group astray a bit and hope they catch their mistake. Sorry if I'm rambling on a bit. Other than that, pretty much what everyone else has said. |
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Freeleo1 |
We also started having a map for both the bow and stern paddler so we can argue about where we are better and not have to pass the map back and forth. |
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Jackfish |
One thing to think about (if you haven't already) is orienting the map to your direction of travel. That may mean that you're looking at the map in a way other than having 'North' at the top. Orienting (turning) your map to the direction of travel will help you see the landforms with your eyes as you see them on the map and it will make traveling make more sense. (Think of the navigation screen on a car.) |
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mgraber |
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TipsyPaddler |
What’s more important than the specific map brand is knowing how to read a map, recognizing what your eye balls see on the map and the actual terrain in front of you, and how to use a compass. |
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Jaywalker |
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coryv |
Thanks for any advice and I apologize if this topic keeps getting repeated. |