I think I referred to my “shortcomings” and subsequent bypassing our trail camp as due to “poor signage” and “less-than-stellar map reading skills.” Both of these statements still hold true, however Big Sis in all her Girl Scout persistence did uncover some additional information. This information might have been useful to have when we set out on our adventure.
It seems that we were indeed on a dirt trail (Skyline to the Sea Bypass Trail) that did not appear on the map I had purchased from REI. Yes, I actually purchased a map when our planned trek to camp was apparently only 2.2 miles. A lot of good it did me. *sigh*
Well, because we were on this bypass trail, and not the trail shown on the map we had in hand, nothing made much sense. In fact, had we continued on in the direction we were headed, we could very well have ended up back where we started.
Take a look at this picture of the map which is located on the sign as you enter the road to parking lot. Notice it is handwritten! That’s because I am the first to post such map on the INTERNET (even Big Basin’s own site) for unassuming folks like me whose poor navigational skills have her heading off in the wrong direction. *sigh*
Okay, so maybe I still could use a little guidance from theMan… just a little. Okay, maybe A LOT! I’m feeling a little more pathetic and a lot less happy-go-lucky right now. *BIG HUGE SIGH* In the meantime, perhaps it is time to read that little book navigational skills that I purchased in Kings Canyon.
Can I comment….your map reading skills are fine…just need to ponder why the map didn’t make sense (I was always the “but why??” person in the family which I am sure has driven more than my sister crazy). I believe those numbers on the posts were .1 markers to the nearest trailhead, since they were getting bigger on our journey out and small on our journey in the opposite direction. So, two less things to learn later. Now just matching the compass to the map….North or True North or Magnetic North???….always fun to learn a little more in the journey of life. You are lucky Julie you have Mr. Larry as a guide!!
Sis: I am lucky to have Larry (aka theMAN) as a guide but the whole point to this exercise, for me, was to not have to be so reliant on him. I want to be capable enough to go solo or lead the way and give him a break from always having to be the one to navigate the way. Perhaps this is more about independence and confidence in life than out on the trail than I lead on.