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If we’re keeping track of all kinds of information, then there needs to be a place to collect and share it. Daily Journal entries will contain an abundance of physical, mental, geographic, weather and anecdotal information.
GPS
GPS will collect route information for the Appalachian Trail along with other key waypoints along the way. With any luck, I’ll have a Garmin MapSource version for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy website.
Mapping
MapTech has an awesome Appalachian Trail website package. At first glance it appears to be perfect. There’s even a 3D function which allows you to generate a 3D elevation of the selected trail section. Using the hand tool, grab it and rotate it in any direction. The only problem with MapTech’s product is that it won’t communicate with my Garmin GPS unit. It seems the developers at MapTech have yet to figure out how to make their map software communicate with the GPS unit through a USB port. It only works through a serial port. Next, I purchased the Garmin MapSource set of maps. These are inferior to the MapTech maps, and to add insult to injury they won’t import waypoints from sources other than MapSource files. Ultimately what this means is that I can’t get the Appalachian Trail and shelters onto the MapSource Maps, and I can’t get the MapTech Appalachian Trail maps onto the GPS. I’m still trying to figure a way around this problem.
Heart Rate Monitor
I will also be using a heart rate monitor while hiking, tracking my heart rate in parallel with altitude and location on the trail. I’m not sure why, honestly. I suppose it’s just a curiosity of mine, a fascination. Following the trip, it might be interesting to analyze the relationship between speed, distance, elevation and heart rate.
