30% off Missouri Trailblazing or My Riding Journal

Today's a great day to buy our books!  

30% off!  If bought from Lulu.com

Use the coupon code: FEBRUARYCART305USD

Hurry though, offer is only good through Feb. 19, 2012

Click on the store link above, or either book's picture in the right column below.

Choosing a GPS Unit for Trail Riding - by Lalita Creighton

Please let me start by saying a GPS receiver (GPSr) is not a replacement for a paper map and compass.  Electronic devices can and do fail.  They can also be dropped and broken (or lost), and batteries can run low.  If you’re riding a trail system you know very well, this is not as critical as when you’re heading into the back country for a week.

There is a dizzying array of GPSrs available every need.  Unfortunately, there are always tradeoffs.  I personally use a Garmin GPSMap 60CSx model, but there are several other ones out there that look promising – Delorme’s PN-40 for example, and their customer service appears to be very good. My taste in GPSrs runs to the expensive side because I like all the bells and whistles.  Garmin has some good eTrex models that aren’t nearly as expensive, and the 60CSx has come down in price with the introduction of Garmin’s newer models, the Oregon and the Colorado .  Garmin
also has a model with a 2-way radio built-in, the Rino.

Garmin’s customer service is also usually very highly rated.  I cannot recommend Magellan and their utter lack of customer service – they were also just sold.  Your mileage may vary, of course.

There are several things I consider essential for a trail riding GPSr, but there may be items I list that are not necessary for your needs.  Below I list them and my rationale for having them so you can make your own decision.  The more options and features you choose, the more money you will invest.

High sensitivity chipset – If you ride in heavy tree cover or in narrow valleys or canyons, the high-sensitivity chipset is a MUST.  If you only ride the open plains, you can get by without one.  Here in the southern half of MO, I would never be without it.

Computer connection – Although the GPSr will work without you having a computer connection, you need a computer connection to send more detailed maps to your GPSr and to send and receive tracklogs and waypoints from the GPSr.  The basemap that comes with most units is VERY simplistic – such as interstates only and limited or no terrain data.

Basic mapping or interface software – Every major GPSr manufacturer also sells or provides basic mapping or interface software.  Garmin’s bare bones software is Trip and Waypoint Manager, which has no maps but allows you to send trail log data from the GPSr to the computer and back.  If you buy any other maps, you won’t need Trip and Waypoint Manager.

Color map display with topographical map – Every major GPSr manufacturer also markets more detailed mapsets than the basemap.  Since most people take a GPSr along to help them find their way, or for the fun of mapping trails, a color display with a topo map is very handy and fun, too.  My topo software is only 1:100k scale, which is sufficient for my needs.  I’d love to have 1:24k maps, but they are not widely available for MO.  (There are many 3rd party map makers, at least for Garmin, and there are some 1:24k maps available for some states in the US , but there is limited coverage for MO.  I do have them installed on my GPSr, but custom maps is a very large, complex subject and well beyond the scope of this article.  Installing custom maps may void your warranty as well.  My unit is out of warranty so I have no concern there.)

SD Card (micro or otherwise) – Many receivers will let you store additional maps and/or trail data on an SD card in the unit.  Mine uses a micro SD card, and I can send maps to and log all of my trail data (breadcrumb trail) on the card.  The only drawback is my GPSr cannot read the track data from the card, although it does read the map data.

Form factor – The unit must fit well in my hand and be easy for me to operate one-handed since my other hand is holding the reins.  A visit to Bass Pro Shop, Cabela’s, REI, etc. should help you choose which units feel comfortable for you to use.  Safety caveat here – make sure your horse is well enough trained that you can safely take your attention from him/her to play with the GPSr.  Often I’ve just given my horse his head and really not paid any attention to him while trying to figure something out on the screen.  If you have any doubt, ask someone else to carry the unit, or plan to stop and even dismount if necessary to use the GPSr.  

Carabiner, belt clip, or small pack – It is best to keep the GPSr on your person in case you are separated from your horse.  After all, it won’t help him or her very much!  I have the carabiner clip for mine and usually clip the unit to my belt loop.  Sometimes I ride with a waist pack and keep the unit in one of the side pouches.  Also find out which orientation works best for your GPSr to get the best satellite signal, and plan on carrying it in that orientation.  For my GPSr, that is straight up and down with the antennae pointed up.  

Waterproof – “Waterproof” has different meanings to different people, so there are standards to quantify the meaning.  My GPSr is waterproof to IPX7, which states it will withstand accidental submersion in one meter (approximately one yard) of water for up to 30 minutes.  If the water is deeper, or the unit is submerged longer, it may be damaged.  The IPX7 rating gives me a chance to retrieve it if I drop it in a creek, and keeps it protected if it starts raining.  I have had my unit out in a downpour with no issues.  

There are also some options, accessories, and additional software that I consider nice to have, but not essential.

Electronic compass – Any GPSr can tell you what direction you are going when moving, but when standing still they can only tell where you are.  They can’t tell which way you are facing.  An electronic compass can help you figure out which way you are going, but they aren’t perfect.  If the compass is not a triaxial, it will have to be held level to get a good reading – for my GPSr, this is different than it’s optimum orientation for satellite reception.  Electronic compasses need frequent recalibration, such as after every battery change, but fortunately the process to do so is simple.  I’m in the habit of recalibrating mine every day.  (Again I stress this is not a replacement for a regular compass.)

Rechargeable batteries and charger – Although my GPSr is not terrible at battery use, I prefer to use rechargeables in my GPS.  Like anything, there are good rechargeables and not-so-good rechargeables, so do your homework.  I prefer an overnight charger than a quick-charger.  Quick chargers allow the batteries to heat up a lot more, shortening their life.

Car adaptor or charger – Unfortunately, Garmin’s car adaptor is not a charger, but it does allow the GPSr to be used without draining the batteries.  Although my street data is limited, I have successfully used the GPSr to help me navigate somewhere – especially to some of those horse trailer parking areas that are way off the beaten path!

Carrying case and/or screen protector – I bought a neoprene carrying case for my GPSr to help protect it.  It has a clear window that allows me to read the screen and press the buttons.  It also makes the unit a little more buoyant, so if I drop it in a creek crossing I stand a better chance of being able to get to it before it sinks all the way to the bottom.  
Some units float, but that could make your unit go downstream quickly.  Believe it or not, changing the battery type can also make a unit enough lighter that it improves how well it floats.  You can also buy just a screen protector from 3rd party manufacturers, such as Invisible Shield.

National Geographic TOPO! Software – Since I carry paper maps with me, I like having a source for 1:24k paper maps that I can customize with text, symbols, and trail colors.  Here is an example of a map I created for Sam A. Baker State Park .  I used the tracklog and waypoint data from a ride there to create the map.  Anything marked estimated I drew in by hand, based upon other map sources I had available.  Ozark Trail data was provided by the Ozark Trail Association on the NG mapXchange.  The biggest drawback is the cost - $100 for 1 to 3 states, depending on what states.  There are online stores that have it cheaper than suggested retail.  

www.missouritrailblazing.com/files/sambaker_ng.JPG

Igage or National Geographic waterproof paper – I print my trail maps on waterproof paper (Igage).  Although significantly more expensive than regular paper, it withstands being folded and getting wet.  I wait to print maps on this paper until I’m sure I have all the trail data I want for that park or trail system.  Make sure to check the paper you buy to make sure it will work with the type of printer you have (laser or desk jet).

Here are some options and accessories that I’ve never used, but others may find useful.

Street maps – Although my topo maps has some road data, there are no road names.  Eventually I would like to add some good street maps to my unit.  My GPSr is capable of calculating routes between points (if I had the maps) and can provide turn by turn directions, although it cannot “speak”.  Make sure the GPSr you choose has these features if they are important to you.

Marine maps – If you do any boating, you will want to add marine charts to your mapset.  Also, some GPSrs have additional features and options for marine users, such as floating.  Since I don’t do any boating, I am not familiar enough with them to really cover that here.

Satellite or aerial imagery – The Delorme PN-40 (and PN-20) can display satellite imagery.  I’ve never used one of them, so I can’t really talk about this feature much.

Electronic altimeter – My unit has one but I don’t really use it for anything.  I’ve heard of some people using it to warn of approaching storms, since it works off changing air pressure and storms come in on low fronts.

Raster imagery – The Magellan Triton can download raster maps from National Geographic TOPO! for display.  Raster maps are pixel-based, and get very blocky when you zoom in too close.  Vector maps, like on my Garmin, do not get blocky when you zoom in.  There is some 3rd party software that also allow you to send raster images to Garmin GPSrs, but I’ve never tried it.  Between the relatively small screen of the GPSr, and the zooming issues, I question the value of using raster images.  The main reason people like using the raster data is they can use scanned USGS 1:24k topo maps on their GPSr.  For me, the real solution is 1:24k vector data.  That’s why, even though I have the TOPO! software, I don’t have a Triton.  (Well, that, and reported issues with the unit.  In fairness, a lot of the issues seem to be worked out but I’m still leery.)

If you really want to start getting into the details of different units, and read a lot about real-world experience with various GPSr’s, then I highly recommend the GPS and Technology Forum on Groundspeak.com (part of Geocaching.com).  You can also find a lot of information about making custom maps, particularly for Garmin, rechargeable battery brands and recharging units, and various retailers.  You may need to register on either Geocaching.com or Groundspeak.com in order to read the forums, but it is well worth it and I’ve never been spammed from them.  My username is n2stitch if you want to look me up on there.

http://forums.groundspeak.com/GC/index.php?showforum=11

I do have several custom maps loaded on my GPSr, including maps I’ve made myself and maps I’ve downloaded from free sources that others have made.  It’s not the easiest thing to learn, but once you do it a few times it starts getting easier.  I hope to start downloading and compiling data for some 24k maps for MO to complement the ones I’ve found.  Truthfully, it’s the ability to make and load these maps that’s keeping me from checking out the PN-40.

Hopefully this article has provided you with enough information for you to get out there and evaluate the available GPSrs for your needs.  If you have more specific questions you’d like for me to try to answer, I’d be happy to do so.  Email me at n2stitch at gmail dot com and put “GPS for Trail Riding” in the subject line so I don’t mistake you for a spammer.

Happy Trails and GPSing!

Help River Springs Chapter of Back Country Horsemen as They Work On The Ozark Trail

River Springs Chapter’s monthly ride/work day for February will be on SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2012 in conjunction with the Ozark Trail Association at the Victory Section of the Ozark Trail.

LOCATION:  Victory Horse Trail section of the Ozark Trail (OT).  We will be working on the the horse loop which has sustained heavy damage due to tornados and wind.  Expect to be clearing brush, affixing trail signs and other trail maintenance. 

TIME: Meet at the Victory School House trail head at 9:00 a.m.  Candace and Paula will be meeting up with the OT folks at 8:30 and will head back to the Victory Trail head around 9 or so. We will have a brief meeting before heading out to work on the trail. 

DIRECTIONS:  From Poplar Bluff, travel north on Highway 67.  Take Highway 60 west about 2 miles to County Road 410 (just past CR 409.  Look for the Bluff Overhead Door sign on your right).  Turn right on CR 410.  Follow the gravel road 0.9 mile to a fork in the road.  Take the right fork.  The trail head/staging area is on your right. 

From points west of Poplar Bluff, travel east on Highway 60 14 miles past Ellsinore to County Road 410 (look for Bluff Overhead Door sign on your left.  If you pass Scott Post Company on your right, you missed the turn).  Turn left across highway onto CR 410.  Follow the gravel road 0.9 mile to a fork in the road.  Take the right fork.  The trail head/staging area is on your right.

  

OTHER INFORMATION:  Bring a sack lunch to eat on trail, water, gloves, small hammers for trailhead signs, hand pruners, loppers, hand saws, etc.  If you are a US Forest Service certified sawyer, please bring a chainsaw.  There are no amenities at the trail head other than parking.

POTLUCK:  We plan on having a potluck back at the Victory trail head after working, around 3 p.m.  Please bring a dish to share, lawn chairs, etc.   There will also be a BBQ at the Wrangler trail head sponsored by the Ozark Trail Association. 

If you have questions, please call Candace @ 573/593-4435 or Paula @ 573/351-8019.

Visit their facebook page:  BackCountry Horsemen-River Springs Chapter

35 Gallon Slant Load Water Tank Review

The "Watering Hole" Water Tank

Manufactured by American Quality Plastics

By Lalita Creighton

                                                                            

If you follow the Missouri Trailblazing Facebook page, then you know I recently bought a new slant load horse trailer with a dressing room.  Now that I finally have some extra space in my dressing room, I decided it was time to save the 5 gallon water containers for camping trips where I'd need extra water and invest in a larger water tank designed to fit into the slant corner of my dressing room.

I chose the 35 gallon water tank, called the "Watering Hole"  on Valley Vet's website, for a few reasons.  I didn't feel the 18 or 25 gallon tanks would hold as much water as I wanted for two horse (and two humans, in a pinch).  I also felt the price was reasonable, and it came with a free 10' hose to either drain the tank, or run out the dressing room door to a bucket.  (Valley Vet now offers the 39 gallon tank by High Country Plastics for a cheaper price with the hose included)  I also was able to find a replacement filler cap that has a breather vent built into it, so when I want to fill a bucket, I don't have to take the cap off the tank - reducing the risk of losing it.  Of course, to fill the tank I still have to remove it.

The tank came with two fittings to install on the front of the tank, two straps to secure the tank for fitting installation.  The lower fitting near the bottom of the tank accepts a standard hose thread and can be used to completely drain the tank.  The upper fitting was about two feet higher than the first and is a quarter turn ball valve for filling buckets.  The instructions said to use Teflon tape or pipe compound on the threads of the upper fitting.

After installing the fittings, I did a leak-test before installing the tank in my trailer.  I filled the tank higher than the level of the second fitting.  I then ran some water out of eat fitting, and closed them back up.  I left it for a few days with no leaks, so drained it and proceeded.

I'll note here the mounting instructions were not the clearest I've ever read.  As an engineer, I didn't have any trouble but if you're not the most mechanically inclined person in the world, you might need a little extra assistance.

Installation required drilling two 1/8" diameter holes in an upright support in the corner of the dressing room in which the tank was being installed.  I had to contact the trailer manufacturer and find out how wide the supports were in that corner because the dressing room is fully lined and then carpeted.  The uprights are made of 6061 T6 aluminum, and isn't as easy to drill as you might think.

Once the holes were drilled, the straps are screwed into the wall using the screw/washer pre-assembled onto the strap.  The problem I ran into was that due to the placement of the screws on the straps, the double buckle for tightening the straps ended up right at the edge of the front face of the tank, so the straps really couldn't be tightened.  I had to remove the straps from the wall, move the screws and washers over, and then reattach the straps.  Once I did that, the straps tightened up just fine.  The tank seemed very secure, so I went ahead and filled the tank about half-way.  I can't see the need to haul a full tank for a day trip, but it's nice to have water available for watering the horses, rinsing my hands, even getting a drink for me in a pinch since the tank is made from FDA approved plastic.

I've now hauled with the tank installed several times, and it has not shifted at all and the straps are as tight as the first day they were installed.

Overall, I am pleased with the tank although I would be likely to buy the 39 gallon tank for slightly less money if I were buying now (just to save the money).

As mentioned above, I purchased my tank from Valley Vet, www.valleyvet.com, with the hose for around $95.00.  (Aug 2010)

I purchased the replacement filler cap with the built-in breather vent from Horse Trailer Accessory Store, www.horsetraileraccessorystore.com, for $6 (Aug 2010), which also stocks the tank itself.

No affiliation with either Valley Vet or Horse Trailer Accessory Store, but both shipped my order promptly with no errors or problems.

Wordless Wednesday - Snow Riding

Riding in the snow, Feb. 13, 2012