Got called out for being a map snob on the Lost Coast Trail

A few years back, I was planning a 3-day hike on the Lost Coast in California and was showing off my stack of paper maps. Another hiker at the trailhead just said, 'You know, your phone's GPS is more accurate for real-time tide charts than that 2012 map.' I felt pretty dumb. Now I still bring a paper map as a backup, but I always download the latest USGS data and tide tables to my phone before any coastal hike. Anyone else have a piece of gear or habit they stubbornly held onto until someone gave them a reality check?

3 comments

3 Comments

taylorellis2d ago

Honestly, that 2012 map was probably fine for the trail itself. The real issue is just the tide charts being out of date. Good on you for updating those now though.

barbarah191d ago

Out-of-date tide charts are honestly such a sneaky and dangerous problem, you're so right about that.

the_linda1d ago

Watched a friend almost get swept away ignoring @taylorellis's exact point about old tide charts.