| Steve Dougherty ~ Mar 10, 2005 |
| Forty-three students and five leaders participated in the fourth edition of the Chemeketan Route Finding School. The thirteen hour school was spread over three days and composed of three-parts: Using Maps, "Using Map & Compass" and "Using a GPS". Students attended classroom lectures, did practice exercises in the classroom to check for understanding and best of all, put their newly learned skills into practice in field sessions at nearby Riverfront Park. The school will be offered again in February 2006. Sign-ups for the next Route Finding School will begin January 1, 2006. Member participants were: B.Belshaw, J.Caldwell, R.Castle, J.Clark, M.Coleman, V. Crawford, E.Destival, H.Collins, D.Kaehler, M.Kaehler, J. Kinsey-Chadwick, E.Langsather, M.Niemeyer, R.Roner, V.Torgeson, D.Voegele, S.Wujcik, B.Wylie and P.Wylie. Guest participants were: Chuck Baker, Matt Bell, Bill Caldwell, Erich Camin, Samantha Charles, Cliff Clark, Dennis Dickenson, Linda Dickenson, Ruth Ann Fry, Ron Gilles, Joe Gumpinger, Chuck Keers, Wanda Knight, Marcia Macomber, Michael Preston, Matt Riggins, Dan Robeson, John Rutkai, Sally Rutkai, Chris Sattem, Allison Smith, Lisa Stiers, Brian Walker and Terry Walker. Leaders were: S.Dougherty, R.Good, J.Petrie, G.Petrie and G.Tedrow. |
| Allison Smith ~ Mar 13, 2005 |
| Overall, class was very helpful; 40 or so years ago, the Mazama Basic Climbing School included map and compass work, so that part of the course was a refresher -- badly needed, The UTM system is much newer, and has puzzled me until your class. I would have appreciated more work on GPS operation, but realize that, with so many different brands, etc, that would be nearly impossible. I'd recommend the class. |
| Ron Gilles ~ Mar 14, 2005 |
| I really enjoyed the class - thought it was well presented and of great value to one who had a basic or little understanding of the process. I felt it provided good information on map reading and compass/GPS applications. It may be more beneficial if the class size was a little smaller and participants were strongly encouraged to perform the exercises alone. This would ensure a confidence in understanding and applying the principals of orienteering - especially if assistance were more readily available to those who were having dificulty. |
| Chuck Baker ~ Dec 15, 2005 |
| I did a lot of hiking this past summer - I worked with the Department of Fish and Wildlife backpacking fingerling trout in to tiny lakes in the area of Marion Forks Fish Hatchery. Many of the lakes were not on an established trail, and because the small fish could only live in the containers a certain time it was imperative that I not waste time getting there. I found the principles and tactics (map reading, use of the compass and GPS, etc.) I learned at the Route Finding School to be invaluable. Thanks. |