Pacific Northwest Backroad Adventures

Well I finally broke down and purchased a hand held GPS unit. Over the years, I’ve done pretty well for myself using a map and compass. I can usually figure out where I’m at and what direction I’m heading. The ability to use a map and compass is an important skill to have before you use your GPS for outdoor adventures (this does not apply if you only use your GPS to locate the nearest fast food restaurant).

The need (want) arose last year while on one of my multiday vehicle dependant adventures when I was faced with an intersection of several main logging roads that went several different directions. All I had was a forest service map of the area since I would have to carry a large assortment of topo maps to cover the amount of area I can cover in a trip. After figuring out the correct route (called backtracking) we were on our way again. A GPS would have probably helped in this sitauation (I have to justify the purchase somehow - right?). However, probably the most important justification for the purchase of a GPS is to be able to provide actual coordinates in case of an emergency.

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As much of the US is baking in record high temperatures, us coastal dwellers in Western Washington have only had to endure a few days of 90 degree plus temperatures this year. That’s fine with me. Give me mid-seventies in the summer and I’m happy.

When I was preparing for a recent to trip to the WEROCK competition in Goldendale (located in Eastern Washington - the hot side of the state), the forecast was for 100-degree plus temperatures. I knew my standard of dress (t-shirt and jeans or shorts) would not be the most comfortable and practical clothing to wear for two days of photographing a rock crawl event (even though that was what most people wore). I wanted clothing that would accomplish several things.

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