Mike -- does the GPS feed to Google Earth work when you are not connected to the Internet? If so, I can imagine hiking with an iPad, with the map updated in real time! That would be amazing.
2012 Fun Finder X-139 "Boondock Style" (axle-flipped and extra insulation)
2013 Toyota Tacoma Off-Road (semi-beefy tires and components) Our trips -- pix and text About our trailer
profdant139 wrote: Mike -- does the GPS feed to Google Earth work when you are not connected to the Internet? If so, I can imagine hiking with an iPad, with the map updated in real time! That would be amazing.
It should. The only reason GE wants a full-time internet connection is so that it can download the sat images at will. You can get around this by ensuring all the imagery is in the local cache prior to departing. Do this by scrolling through the area while connected online. That will download the required imagery to the cache. When you're offline and start GE, it will complain it can't log into the servers and to check your connections. Just acknowledge the errors, but don't allow it to check for problems (the first dialog box).
When I'm running the Backroads Mapbook files, at full strength I have no need for the sat images. So if they're not fully downloaded for where I am, oh well. The Mapbook files fully overlay the area anyway, and with my little plotter program creating the KML file of my position, track history, and next waypoint, I have the perfect navigation setup.
like this.....if a sign says "active logging"..stay off it.
Gary Haupt
I don't. I just look for the sign that tells me what radio frequency to be on (if I have it in the radio), or to put into the scanner to listen to. Then I keep cognizant of my milemarker location so when I hear the trucks calling out I know when to be off the road.
So long as you remember that "might has right", IOTW, the logging truck (loaded or empty) has the right of way, you let HIM pass. Funy thing, though, if you make blatant moves to get out of his way, the driver just might pull out for YOU! I've had that happen many times.
So yes, you can share the road with logging trucks. I do it all the time.
Another tip for backroads travel up here is to check out road for logging/haul trucks. If they are actively logging its best to avoid road. They use radios to call off mileposts as they are coming and going from main hiway. I carry 2 way radio in truck, but if the loggers are busy it can be a little scary/dangerous on narrow roads.
The 'off-highway' logging trucks that I've seen on the islands (Vancouver, QCI) fall in the category of 'awesome'. In this case, on the road to Bamfield, I had time to pull off to the side of the road, and take a photo as it passed by.
paulj wrote: The 'off-highway' logging trucks that I've seen on the islands (Vancouver, QCI) fall in the category of 'awesome'. In this case, on the road to Bamfield, I had time to pull off to the side of the road, and take a photo as it passed by.
garyhaupt wrote: Mike...I too have a radio and I too use the roads. But..surely you are inviting an inexperienced 'logging road user' to just go just ahead? That is where trouble lays, my friend. Just like maybe going out onto the waters of the west side if a person hasn't acquired the needed skill-set, right?
Gary Haupt
Gary,
Gotta start somewhere. Though, I wouldn't recommend going out alone your first few trips. Take someone along who is experienced and knows the roads. That's how I learned.
Having said that, the wife and I did a trip to the North Island back in 2002 (it's in the archive on my website). We didn't know where we were going, had a mapbook, and a basic GPS, but I had 2 radios in the truck. We were on active logging roads for about 90% of the trip. Our third night camping was at Atluck Lake. We were up at the butt-crack of dawn due to logging trucks driving down the lake and using their Jakes in the corners. And we had a blast, got lots of pics too.
Really, it's common sense. And keeping in mind that "Might Has Right". Or, as someone else put it somewhere, "He who has the most lugnuts wins".
And, as for the west coast waters, the skill-set is important, yes, but so is knowing your vessel, and how it reacts to different weather and seas. But, even the most prepared people get into trouble out here. Usually due to unforeseen situations, like unexpected weather or mechanical failures (and not due to lack of maintenance either!).
Mike...I too have a radio and I too use the roads. But..surely you are inviting an inexperienced 'logging road user' to just go just ahead? That is where trouble lays, my friend. Just like maybe going out onto the waters of the west side if a person hasn't acquired the needed skill-set, right?
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