New compass and Trip Map

I have been reading and re-reading the chapter in the Backpackers handbook on Map and compass work. This is another area of the trip that I find myself surprisingly interested in. After getting a good handle on orientering basics, I started to focus on working with the map and compass to take bearings. To do this you need an orienteering compass and I have a (so I thought) a very good one from when I was in the Air Cadets as a kid...yes I was and Air Cadet...I am a geek remember. (see profile)

Anyway, I go down to the basement to find my compass only to find the kids have broken it in half! After giving them the usual speech, I go to eBay and find a new compass and pick up this one from a guy in Japan. For a long time I avoided all eBay sellers from the far east for fear of being screwed, but if they have a high feedback score then the risk is no different then a North American seller. There are some great deals to be had, even after you factor in the shipping...this compass for example cost me $2.00.

Inspired by all of my recent map and compass work , I decided to redo the map of our trip. As you can see, it is now complete with a legend, clearer map and colour coded for the days of travel.

On a personal note, Gerry and Marie had there consultation with the neurologist and walked away feeling much better about her situation. As a bystander to all that has been happening to them over the past week, it is incredible to see the difference in both of them now the that the fear of the unknown has been removed. This is not to say that there are not problems, but they now seem more manageable and they both are happier as a result.

Just a great day...what a difference a week can make...