DanN

>I didn't realize that the GPS could calculate altitude. I >thought that the altitude reading was a product of the GPS >lon/lat reading and the mapping software. So (again, as I >understood it), if you were standing at a location that was >at an altitude of 100ft and climbed a 100ft tree, the GPS >would still say that you were at 100ft. Maybe I'll try to >find a tall building and test that. No, they actually do use triangulation to compute altitude. You have to be able to receive good signals from (I think) at least three satellites to get a 3D position. But it's not terribly accurate -- even less so than the 2D position which is to within 30-60 feet. Still, kind of neat to turn on your GPS in an airplane and see it reading 36K feet for altitude.

>First I would also echo the idea that a gps is no >replacement for good naviagtion skills and a compass and >chart. : : : >Bob L Depends where you are. If you're threading your way through a salt marsh at low tide and can't see any landmarks, a GPS is mighty handy. A mapping GPS is pretty nice, although I don't know if color is necessary. My old(ish) Garmin 12Map works fine, although its computer connectivity leaves something to be desired (no USB, and no Garmin works well with a Mac anyway.)

Can you suggest a good place to launch a kayak from on Sunday? I'm guessing that the Greasy Pole launch site will be pretty much inaccessible due to crowds. Are any of the events on Saturday worth watching from a kayak? Or are they too far out?

Yep, a southerly wind can make it uncomfortable for a novice paddler. You're pretty much OK if you stay near the moorings, but once you get out towards Salem harbor or past Lynch Park, it is exposed and can get choppy. There can be a lot of boat traffic, but usually in the evening (on a non-race weekday night) it's pretty quiet.

Jeff, Thanks for posting the pictures. And for leading the trip...

I have a Sony P-150 and the Marine Pack accessory. Waterproof down to 100 feet or so, and the camera itself is quite small and pocketable. So that's another alternative to consider.