Secrets of the City

Brands of GPS units don’t have advantages and disadvantages based on various parts of the country. The key is to make sure it has a current, updated map loaded in it. Not an issue for the most part if you buy one new.

My personal recommendation is Garmin for most GPS uses but I know TomTom is good too. I am not a big fan of Magellan but some people like their units.

I’ve used numerous Garmin units for hiking, nautical navigation, aviation, backpacking and road navigation but I haven’t ever owned a GPS unit that was primarily designed for road navigation — which is what you’re likely looking for. Sorry I’m not much more help than that.

We have the Tom Tom One, the cheap one, and it’s great in the Twin Cities.

Not to be snarky, but I suggest saving your money and buying a map and spending the weekend just getting lost in the Twin Cities. That’s what I did and it only took a week or so for me to familiarize myself with the main areas.

I’d wait to get one until you know where you’ll be living, if you don’t already. There are some places where you’ll be albe to get to virtually everything you need without even a map. At the very least, I’d recommend trying to get by without it for a month or two. You might find you just don’t need it.

The Garmin Nuvi is the best I’ve used to date.

GPS = Get Pedaling Silly

My not very old GPS is currently hobbled by the giant lack o’ 35W bridge. I know that part of the city so it’s not such a big deal, but you may want to check with those providers and see who has the newest maps. And bear in mind also, that in a year or so when the bridge is back up, you’ll need new maps again.

Go with the TomTom, but turn it off if you ever want to learn how the city works. It’s actually a pretty easy city, though.

GPS, LOL

Any normal person should be able to manage with a $10 map.

Do GPS units that tell you exactly where to go help you learn where things are?

I have always used maps, and they are a great learning tool. After looking at them for a while I have a mental picture of the city, so that helps a lot with general navigation.

I would imagine that GPS does not have this effect since it spoon-feeds you directions and you don’t have to think, orient yourself or picture where you are going. Of course I may be wrong since I don’t use these comical devices.

What trivial daily task will be automated next? A device that tells you when to pee/poop? One never knows with the awesome progress that technology is making nowadays.

Perhaps a company will employ my engineering degree to create such products which will surely influence society for the better.

FWIW: Real men use maps (or the extra iron in their nose as a compass)

Vlad,

You were wondering why I said I hoped it wouldn’t be you being interviewed on MPR on bike commuting? Read your comment again, and ask yourself: “How many people am I going to get to consider my position with this condescending, holier-than thou attitude?”

And may I ask what awesome employement occupies your time BX??

My appologies for upsetting the politically correct crowd. I suppose making fun of people with IPhones is out of the question as well…?

I re-read my comment and do not see a serious problem with it. I don’t think I am hollier than anyone.

I do believe in using your brain to navigate instead of GPS. FTW!

Congrats on the Master’s degree, GPS gadgetry and brain.

Does the Magellan 3100 also help you post awesome comments here?

Personally I love the TomTom but it really depends on what features you are looking for. While I do use maps and I am able to mentally picture an area, for some people(like my Mom) this does not come easy. I use mine primarily for getting from one estate sale to another in a hurry. When I am trying to beat out the dealers, time is of the essence and I really can not waste it planning my long route out on a map.

I found it quite sad that the poster vlad04 and a couple others found it vital to tell everyone that they are anti-GPS. If you know how to read you would have understood that the question was…
What is the best GPS?

not…

Do you approve of GPS devices?
I think it is important to remember that everyone goes through enough crap in their life and it would be nice to try and be positive. If you do not have anything productive and pertinent to comment..don’t comment:)

Please don’t respond to Bx when she is being deliberately abusive and trollish, vlad. Comments of those sort by her will be scrubbed the moment I see them.

Why isn’t Vlado considered a troll? He’s doing the same thing.

If vlad’s comments were as deliberately abusive as Bx’s, I would delete them as well.

It’s interesting that people should get so worked up about this. Maybe people should reevaluate their lives or get a hobby.

To the poster: My suggestion would be to not spend a lot of money on a GPS as, like Kevin said, you might eventually find you don’t need it. And welcome to the cities!

Remember that the person asked which GPS unit to buy, not if they should buy one or not.

A GPS can really help people learn how to navigate in a city, sometimes better than a map. I’ve lived in Minnesota my whole life, am very proficient with map navigation and I still use a GPS (or the show-my-location-on-a-map feature on my phone) periodically to get where I’m going.

Also, vlado4 should buy himself a map that shows him that not everyone’s brain works like his. Jason DeRusha and Ed Kohler are the only two registered commenters that gave any value to this thread.

I’ve always thought a GPS would be fun to have. When I was doing consulting and driving all over hell and back one would have been awesome. How did we get to response 20 without anyone mentioning Geo-caching? Its a fairly big thing I thought locally.

Some people also just have an affinity for getting lost and I’m guessing that a GPS would be a god send.

julip8: At least your eyes are now open to how nasty some can be in MN if you don’t live your life the way they think you are supposed to.

I’m trying to find a GPS right now as well but I want it for long cross-country drives in my huge non-flex-fuel SUV instead of around The Cities. I am leaning towards a Garmin Nuvi at the moment but the post about the missing 35W bridge missing in maps might be key for you. Perhaps you should look into the TomToms as they have a map share function that allows you to edit your map or download edits from others.

Good luck to you.

Ever since OnStar decided to stop working in my car (damn you digital change over). I’ve had my eye on a Garmin. I’ve done a bit of research and definitely getting a Garmin…mainly because I want the hands free dialing and whatnot. But also I’ve heard great things. Right now I navigate with my BlackBerry when needed but, yeah, Garmins look pretty sweet.

My neighbor, new to the city, spent some time trying to get around without one. She did okay, but has since bought one. She really likes it. I have sent her an email as to which one she bought.

Some people have no sense of direction.

And geocaching. I want to try it, but I don’t want to invest all that money first. Anyone know where I can borrow/rent a GPS for the day to try geocaching?

Maybe I’ll buy one just for when I go to Eden Prairie or St Paul, because those are the only 2 cities where I still get lost.

A friend of mine just bought a Garmin nuvi or I should say, upgraded his old nuvi to one of the newer versions and it’s pretty cool. I like all of the features: the ability to choose routes, set up fave addresses, find restaurants by type, find hospitals/cop shops/fire stations.

I’m sure other GPS models have the same offerings so I guess it depends on what you like and how much you want to spend.

I’m a paper map girl, but I love the technology. Using a GPS doesn’t just blindly send you down a path of no-brainer driving and it does ease the not knowing a city angst.

And from the paper map side of the world: Minneapolis street signs are color coded – brown is street, green is avenue, and blue “goes through or is a thoroughfare.

Good luck and Welcome to Minneapolis. It’s the perfect time to move here as there is nothing like summer in the Twin Cities!

It’s amazing how many of my friends who live in the suburbs still go, “wow, the streets in Minneapolis are in alphabetical order…cool!” Even the one’s who went to high school with me…in Minneapolis. Hee!

How portable are the Garmins? If I wanted to take it with me when I go out of town (where I’d be walking), I mean.

I’m so witcha, Alie. I’m ok in Eden Prairie, but St. Paul? Fuhgeddaboutit! Also, anything north of 694 makes me break out in a cold sweat – get lost every stinkin’ time!

Garmin makes different models. Another friend has the two-way radio GPS – I think it’s called the Rhino or something. She loves it as they live in the mountains and do a lot of hiking, biking, etc. We used them when I was out skiing this past winter.

Again, I think it’s what your budget is and what you really like. I’m not stumpin’ for Garmin, but my friends who have GPSs all have Garmin.

I have a low tech Magellan. (IE no maps.) There are two trains of thought with GPS units (for good or bad.) One is for car navigation, and one for hiking, etc. Thus, most of the car navigation ones have larger screens and are not really meant to be used out of the car. They usually have comprehensive maps, etc. The hiking ones are much smaller with fewer options. The idea behind these to track where you have gone, so you can get back. This is something to keep in mind when buying a GPS.

Also, anything north of 694 makes me break out in a cold sweat – get lost every stinkin’ time!

I really wouldn’t tell Alie that. She loves her some Maple Grove.

FYI

Some of the newer Sprint phones have GPS and a live directions. I can’t remember which software it has, but that’s another option.

Cat, I think that’s why people live in St Paul, they drove in one day and never found their way out.

kidding.

Remember that the person asked which GPS unit to buy, not if they should buy one or not.

Jason DeRusha and Ed Kohler are the only two registered commenters that gave any value to this thread.

A simple suggestion that they might try, or be able to get around without one is perfectly acceptable.

Unless, that is, they already said they ruled out paper maps.

A simple suggestion that they might try, or be able to get around without one is perfectly acceptable.

Especially, I might add, when other people have already chimed in on GPS systems.

Remember that the person asked which GPS unit to buy, not if they should buy one or not.

Jason DeRusha and Ed Kohler are the only two registered commenters that gave any value to this thread.

Do they get cookies?

It’s amazing how many of my friends who live in the suburbs still go, “wow, the streets in Minneapolis are in alphabetical order…cool!” Even the one’s who went to high school with me…in Minneapolis. Hee!

The one I still like is the chronological Presidential streets in NE.

That, and the fact that street numbers in Minneapolis actually correspond to the block you’re on. (i.e. 19xx Central Ave is actually going to be somewhere between 19th and 20th Ave)

Caption:
This is Judy before she was decapitated. She hadn’t quite perfected her map reading/driving with her knee/changing clothes abilities.

“And geocaching. I want to try it, but I don’t want to invest all that money first. Anyone know where I can borrow/rent a GPS for the day to try geocaching?“

Some people might frown upon this, but couldn’t you just buy a cheaper GPS unit, (I suggest a Garmin, mainly because geocaching.com allows you to directly load waypoints/caches into them with little hassle–easy easy) take a month or so to learn how to use it, and if you don’t like it, return it?

I say that because it may take more than a day or two to familiarize yourself with the unit, and how to best use it to find a cache. Then again, I don’t know if there’s a return policy on GPS units, what with the software involved.

While I will never touch a GPS in the city I have considered it for hiking.

If I get the vacation I want this summer, I intend to fly to Alaska and walk into the Bush a la Chris McCandless. Of course I intend to properly equipped.

It would be awesome to navigate by landscape and go wherever you want in true wilderness.

While using maps and a compass will be the way I go, I think I will buy a cheap GPS with coordinates only (no maps) which I can use in case I really get lost.

Unless of course I conveniently find a bus I can camp in for a prolonged period of time, lol.

Remember that the person asked which GPS unit to buy, not if they should buy one or not…Jason DeRusha and Ed Kohler are the only two registered commenters that gave any value to this thread.

While that is definitely a first for those two dolts, nothing in MNspeak custom and usage requires comments or commenters to have value. MNspeak is, quite literally, invalueless.

we have a TomTom (about a year old) and the features we use the most are the “change route” to avoid high traffic/construction areas (and before the 35w bridge detour was familiar) and the “find point of interest” feature, to find restaurants near where we travel. it also lets the user choose the shortest or fastest route, a walking route or a bicycle route. i confess i haven’t used other brands, but TomTom is easy to use.

Because I’m in the car daily for work, I know my way around extremely well and have no real need for a GPS. But the TomTom is fun, it was about $150, and it’s great when I’m traveling out of town. Plus, I love how my two-year-old gets excited when Mandy says, “You have reached your destination.” He screams out the same thing, which always impresses people that our son knows the word “Destination.”

Kc: I think there are GPS rental places for geocaching — I think.

Vlad: Funny that you would consider a GPS for Alaska after blasting others for using them in the city. Couldn’t you use topography maps? Wouldn’t that be a better learning tool rather than relying on a GPS to blindly point you in the right direction? Doesn’t a GPS take away from really experiencing the land/nature?

Just asking.

invalueless

I prefer invalueunable.

Vlad: Funny that you would consider a GPS for Alaska after blasting others for using them in the city. Couldn’t you use topography maps? Wouldn’t that be a better learning tool rather than relying on a GPS to blindly point you in the right direction? Doesn’t a GPS take away from really experiencing the land/nature?

Just asking.

I’m sure he’ll make up for that loss by sleeping on beds of pine needles, with only a blanket of twigs and leaves, and eating only salmon that he’s speared with a hand-made spear.

If vlad’s comments were as deliberately abusive as Bx’s, I would delete them as well.

Then I think you should delete most or all of Maz’ comments, and a few others around here as well. A troll is a troll is a troll.

GPS units don’t have bike trails and don’t fit well on handlebars. Also I have a built-in map of the city in my head (complete with bus routes in case the weather turns bad!).

But seriously, is there really that much advantage in having a GPS unit over, say, a smartphone with googlemaps? Do you really need directions that badly? You can’t look at a map beforehand to figure out where you’re going? Really? People get lost that easily?

also I mean gps navigation devices, not the other kind.

But seriously, is there really that much advantage in having a GPS unit over, say, a smartphone with googlemaps?

A one time purchase price, with no need to pay for service you don’t need or can’t use.

what do you mean don’t need or can’t use? I don’t mean buying a smartphone just to get around. but if one already had one, rather.

what do you mean don’t need or can’t use?

I have little use for a voice plan, and I’m not going to pay for one.

Since I’m already paying $60/mo for my home broadband internet, I’m not going to spend another $40-60 for a mobile data only plan.

Vlad: Funny that you would consider a GPS for Alaska after blasting others for using them in the city. Couldn’t you use topography maps? Wouldn’t that be a better learning tool rather than relying on a GPS to blindly point you in the right direction? Doesn’t a GPS take away from really experiencing the land/nature?

Did you read my post carefully?

I plan on using a map and a compass for the trip. I would take the GPS in case of an emergency. Let’s say I am wondering around for two days unable to find my way back. Well I’d rather use a GPS to go get out of there rather than create a scene and have people search for me.

So unless I am way lost and desperate I am not taking out the GPS. It definitely takes out of the experience to know exactly where you are and have no doubt that you may be a little lost.

I was lost a bunch in the BWCAW last year and it was a blast.

mnblrmkr

I have lost all chances of being on your top 10 favorite people list eh? heh

Say whatever you wish, there is a balance between necessity and convenience. It depends on who you are of course.

As a in-shape, not-stupid (i think), adventurous 20-something I see comforts such as driving, air-conditioners in the summer, heating in the winter, electric can openers, GPS, etc etc etc as a good sign of our society’s degeneracy. There may be people that need these (old grandmas, children) but when I look at the obesity rates and dumbed-down dialogue in the media I wonder whether all the modern comforts have allowed people to stop using their muscles.

Thus both muscles in the legs/arms, and head (brain) are not being flexed much.

Anyway, this is a long and probably unnecessary rant. I will go back to sitting on a cactus chair now.

Is it A-hole Day and nobody told me? Jesus, people are punchy today.

vlad, I don’t think a GPS will save you if you can’t get out with a map and compass. It wouldn’t have saved Alex Supertramp. He had a little river that turned into a big river. That stopped him from getting out.

Yeah, but he also had a crappy map (I think it was just a highway map). If he had a topographic map, it would’ve shown there was a crossing on the river just a few miles away.

People get lost that easily?

Yes. I grew up here and I get lost constantly. Some people (like me) have a really poor sense of direction. I asked for a GPS for my birthday and I cannot WAIT to get it.

Yup. read your post c-a-r-e-f-u-l-l-y. And the way you positioned your first comment against the use of GPS, I’m still surprised you would use one for Alaska – emergency/back-up/REAL lost – whatever.

It’s just funny to me that your purpose is different/better than someone elses.

I agree with a lot of what you say re: environmental concerns, it’s your caustic approach that bites, but that’s your gig and it’s what make the world go round.

I plan on just walking into the woods/swamps without following a particular trail.

Yeah, maps and compases are great. But if things get bad I can at least head towards the coordinates I originally started at.

Yeah, I read Into the Wild, it seemed he was super afraid of water and pussied out. I would’ve tried walking up-down the river or construct a raft of some sort….

Also, I believe the crossing thingy was locked, so he would’ve had a hard time with it.

Nevertheless, to me he is a hero because he died doing something he really wanted to, as opposed to rotting in mainstream society.

Chris McCandless was s spoiled self-involved brat who was too stubborn and naive to listen to people who knew more than he… until it was too late.

McCandless was trying to get the hell out of Alaska to return to the mainstream society he had once snubbed.

Hero? Wow. Good on ya’ if you hold someone like that in high regard.

I read the book as well and although I was moved by his story, he came across more as a lost soul.

GPS can be a great tool for people who’d rather use their brain for something other than navigation. While some people enjoy the task, others would rather think about their family, work, or the people they’re about to meet rather than navigation.

I delete abusive posts.

GPS is great and has saved me shedloads of time in preventing me from getting lost.

You can still learn a city layout, it just takes a little longer because GPS doesn’t encourage information retention. But it still seeps in.

I now realize that my pre-GPS life was a hollow sham. If you are crap at directions, lousy at reading a map while driving, or you just have no sense of personal geography, get one as soon as you can.

Yeah, I don’t think McCandless was a hero. Romantic and naive, as befits the young, but not heroic.

It doesn’t take heroism to starve to death because you failed to come up with any kind of a plan.

That’s like, I don’t know, not buying a GPS when you know you have a bad sense of direction. Or like that bear-whisperer guy who got himself and his girlfriend horribly eaten alive. Not strictly heroic, more kind of foolhardy and stupid.

Ok, maybe not hero, but definitely a cool guy.

I would not call him a brat because he did a lot of hard-core stuff. I wish I had the balls to hitch hike accross the country and hop on trains and stuff.

Sweet adventure.

Also, I think his death is perfectly fine. Die pushing your limits and exploring the world.

I thought Grizzly man was alright, but that dude was a jack-ass. He for sure did way more disservice to the bears. Accustom them to humans, etc…

Fucking leave animals alone, whether you are a wacko deranged hippie or nasty hunter.

Finally, a way to prove what a true man I am: Get lost and die!

Ok, maybe not hero, but definitely a cool guy.

Also, I think his death is perfectly fine. Die pushing your limits and exploring the world.

The kid was a spoiled little shit who got what was coming. Pushing his limits by going out into the woods without the slightest bit of know how. Yea that guy is one cool dude, I think he is up for the Darwin award.

GEOCACHING….
don’t need a gps to try it…just look at good maps and aerial photos. It would get you close enough for most geocaches.

btw…at least 10 geocachers post on here that I know of.

I would not call him a brat because he did a lot of hard-core stuff. I wish I had the balls to hitch hike accross the country and hop on trains and stuff.

I’d call him a brat. He had no regard for other people or their feelings. He, for no reason, never let his family know that he was fine. All he had to do was send a postcard without a return address.

Just because you do “hard-core stuff” doesn’t mean you are not a brat.

btw…at least 10 geocachers post on here that I know of.

Hey people, help a girl out. Someone bring me out and show me the ropes. I’m just a begining hiker (who is out of shape and trying to lose weight) and I think geocashing would be fun.

Someone ask me out on a (platonic) geocaching date.

I letterbox. It’s like geocaching without the GPS, and with pirate clues.

“don’t need a gps to try it…just look at good maps and aerial photos. It would get you close enough for most geocaches.”

Tis true. Even a good GPS receiver will only get you in the 20ft range. From there, it’s up to how well you’re able to search the potential hiding spots.

When I first moved here, I got Hennepin and Lyndale mixed up all the time. Would GPS have helped? Probably. Am I going to buy one? Probably never.

I suppose the difference in views comes from me being a young, idealistic, naive, adventurous, etc. dude who sees things more like Chris did, and you older folk who see them more like his parents.

I don’t see a big problem with abandoning your family. Its not like he left a single mom with 5 kids to care for…. He obviously had issues with his family and maybe hated them. Why should he give a shit about them if they fucked up his childhood.

Curious definition of a “Brat” though. I would not call a person who is practically a homeless bum a “spoiled Brat”.

Anyway, difference in perspectives due to different places in life.

you older folk who see them more like his parents.

Ummm, I’m only 31, that’s what, 6 years older than you? And I thought the same thing when I read the book, in 2000.

Did you read the book, Vlad? Or are your impressions based on the movie?

I didn’t see the movie but I did read the book. I don’t know if he came across as exactly heroic in that.

Vlad-Dude: His family was WEALTHY. McCandless grew up with all of the material trappings, private schools, cush life – everything you rage against.

I may be older, but I understand adventure, idealism, etc. I did the whole adventure gig for 2 1/2 years although not in the wilderness.

And Brat does apply. His rage was misplaced. He wasn’t this incredible outdoor adventurer. He was a lost kid who didn’t know how to deal with his emotional baggage. He snubbed people he met along the way who tried to help him – teach him what he would need in the wilderness – too arrogant to listen. It was all of this that killed him.

There are so many others who are great idealistic adventures who manage to stay alive.

McCandless:

FAIL.

I think that sums it up.

If you’re an African kid and you starve, you’re just another starving African kid. If you’re a wealthy American guy and you starve, you become a folk hero and they write books and songs about you and make it into a movie with a high-calibre cast.

It’s kinda weird when you think about it.

It’s kinda weird when you think about it.
Is it?

If you’re an African kid and you starve, you’re just another starving African kid. If you’re a wealthy American guy and you starve, you become a folk hero and they write books and songs about you and make it into a movie with a high-calibre cast.

Well, not exactly.

If you’re an African kid and you throw a temper tantrum and then run off and then starve, you’re an African brat who starved.

If you’re a wealthy American guy and you throw a temper tantrum and then run off and starve, then you’re an over-exposed brat who will become a folk hero to other brats who read about you in a book a sing songs about you and then make a movie about your bratty-ness.

And then you become blog entry #102.

I suppose the difference in views comes from me being a young, idealistic, naive, adventurous, etc. dude who sees things more like Chris did, and you older folk who see them more like his parents.

I you think that’s the reason, you’re overdue for some soul-searching.

wait, do men love GPS units because it finally allows them to ask for directions, but not have to ask another human being and admit weakness?

also I don’t understand the glorification of a spoiled mentally-ill guy getting lost in the woods and dieing.

I’d probably bring a GPS with me into the wilderness in Alaska. As someone who’s spent time in the AK wilderness, some of the biggest challenges are hypothermia almost any day of the year (very cold rain), or fog. Navigating when there it little visibility could be tough and if you’re freezing your ass off at the same time, you probably won’t be thinking quite as rationally as you normally would. Having a device with you that will point you back toward civilization from wherever you happen to be is just being smart.

However, if you want to be slightly more hardcore for some odd reason, there is a device that doesn’t do GPS but will sent out a distress call if you activate it.

also, I am a young adventurous man and I think the into the wild guy was a jackass retard. actually, that’s offensive to mentally retarded people.

Curious definition of a “Brat” though. I would not call a person who is practically a homeless bum a “spoiled Brat”.

He had mommy and daddy to come home to. If he thought it was cool to be a bum great. This kid is what is wrong with the younger generation, they actually think that older people care if they go into the woods and die, fuckem, bear meat. Someone should have used this kid as bear bait of fish food.

you mean “people with developmental disabilities”, right wayne?

I don’t know how old you are swandog, but McCandeless would have been 40 years old this year, probably not the “younger generation” you are thinking of.

Well that would put him firmly in the Gen-X demographic, hence a slacker.

I read the book.

Wow, I am surprised how one sided everyone here is. I am pretty sure Krakauer tried to shine a fair light on him and not portray him as a dude that went and starved.

I would not call him mentally ill either. Sure he had issues, but so what? Saying stuff like that makes it sound like if you deviate a little from the “normal” you are now labeled mentally ill. Fucking give me a break.

Ok, so if your parents are loaded, it appears that you are automatically a brat no matter what you do. Even if you go out seek adventure, life experiences, and explore your soul. You are always a spoiled brat because you are out of a rich family……

I like him and his story. He wanted to experience pure adventure. A sensation of finding your own way, and how to do things on your own.

According to your arguments guys, if you haven’t read Lonely Planet, and bought all the proper gear from REI, you are an idiot going into the wild.

This is the same issue as I have with GPS. The more orchestrated, safe, and planned your “adventure” is, the less interesting and exciting it is.

Fuck, so what if he died. I’d rather die in the woods exploring my soul and nature then life out some safe, politically correct, socially conformist life.

Was he selfish? Maybe. But is that a crime or something…

Lastly, if you are going to label him with whatever negative term, you may as well ascribe the same to Krakauer. In the book the author details an experience fairly analogous to that of McCandless where he was in extreme danger and barely survived.

Regardless, still very surprised at the one-sidedness here considering the book portrayed him fairly positively.

For the record, I am completely fine with a person going to the woods and committing suicide. Don’t have a problem with that behavior, don’t think it is abnormal.

Anyway….

So because I chose to go on a guided white water rafting tour I had less than a true adventure? I guess next time I’ll go sans helmet and life vest by myself if I truly want to experience something.

I wish I was as awesome and brave as you vlad. I guess I’m just lame because I’m so much older at 29.

I wish more people would go into the woods and commit suicide, but we don’t have to talk them up so much.

People who “tramp”, live on streets, lack homes, don’t get jobs, beg for money are mentally ill. Last time I checked.

you can go into the woods and explore your soul and nature without:

a) blowing off advice from others
b) keeping your family in the dark and causing them unnessary worry and pain
c) not packing properly
d) not following basic backpacking guidelines like telling people where you are going and when and where they should look for you if you don’t return

And, you can still have proper gear without shopping at REI, and be properly informed without reading Lonely Planet.

“For the record, I am completely fine with a person going to the woods and committing suicide. Don’t have a problem with that behavior, don’t think it is abnormal.”

Well, just in case we’re later accused of missing the warning signs — you feelin’ OK, Vlad?

I never said I was brave.

However the way I see it:

more risk = more adventure

just like with everything else, it is more exciting if you have more to lose.

Not too exciting if everything is safe and perfect.

I guess I would have had an easier time taking McCandless seriously if he had, you know, a blog or something.

Well, just in case we’re later accused of missing the warning signs — you feelin’ OK, Vlad?

I don’t really see a problem with people committing suicides. It is their choice and right. If people want to help them, that is great.

However, I do not want any help even if I was suicidal. It is my business.

People who “tramp”, live on streets, lack homes, don’t get jobs, beg for money are mentally ill. Last time I checked.

Of course, you are 100% correct:

According to Tinnie:

Mentally Ill
homeless, no job, live on street, beg for money

Mentally normal:
8-5 job, 2.5 kids, house in the burbs, friendly and smiles, has white picket fence, forms well to the social mold

Nice, I better change my ways before I am taken to an asylum.

Talk about a false dichotomy, vlad.

more risk = more adventure

Huh? I’d say jumping off a 10 story building is very risky, but it isn’t much of an aventure.

Also, it would be very risky to to invest every penny you have in an airline right now, but not much of an adventure.

And if you are so much about adventures and risk, why are you getting a graduate degree in engineering? Wouldn’t peace studies or classical studies be a lot more risky?

As someone who has actually had quite a lot of experience with the homeless, my experience is that an overwhelming number of chronically homeless adults either are mentally ill or addicted to drugs or alcohol, and frequently both. There just aren’t that many homeless people who are romantic rebels against the workaday world.

and the homeless that do rebel against the working world usually have wealthy family to fall back on.

Don’t be such a Drama Queen, Vlad. No one said anything about selfishness being a crime.

Good on ya’ for thinking that suicide is ok, but I would not call anyone who wants to commit suicide as grounded or mentally stable.

Again, there are people all over the world exploring and looking for adventure and finding their souls. They manage to stay alive.

Hey, I’m all about the contradiction, but it strikes me as interesting that you have so many “issues” with a GPS, but think it necessary for a back-up. Not quite the adventerous spirit that you so idolize.

will someone please explain what Geocaching is? I looked at Wikipedia but I still don’t understand. I take it, it’s a treasure hunt for adults using GPS?

So you find a trinket in the woods or something? Then what? I can’t imagine the trinket is very valuable because someone might steal it.

Will someone please enlighten me about this?

8-5 job, 2.5 kids, house in the burbs, friendly and smiles, has white picket fence, forms well to the social mold
I’d take that. When you get some experience under your belt, and you start to realize that you are not indestructableman, a nice quiet middle class life is a worthy destination. There is a reason why so many want the home and family– it is a really pleasant thing. The job, ain’t terrible, and let’s face it, it sure beats ditch digging.

Wow, I am surprised how one sided everyone here is.

Vlad, you’re as one-sided as Maz. C’mon now.

No, I am by no means as hard-core as McCandless. Not even close.

However, I can see where he is coming from and find him fairly easy to relate to on some levels.

Again, there are people all over the world exploring and looking for adventure and finding their souls. They manage to stay alive.

Yeah, and some have accidents and die. That is what happened to McCandless. Its not like he planned to die in the woods…

notfunny–

On the surface, that’s about all there is to it–use the GPS to find the cache, sign the logbook in said cache, and go on your way to the next one.

But, searching for caches can get you to travel to certain areas(parks, valleys, whatever) that you wouldn’t normally go, or don’t even know about in the first place. That’s why I like it.

sure, and people who don’t use condoms don’t plan to die of AIDS…

Good on ya’ for thinking that suicide is ok, but I would not call anyone who wants to commit suicide as grounded or mentally stable.

I think someone who is terminally ill and seeking to commit suicide could easily be grounded and mentally stable.

will someone please explain what Geocaching is? I looked at Wikipedia but I still don’t understand. I take it, it’s a treasure hunt for adults using GPS?

Pretty much, yeah. I did it once with some friends who are way into it. I liked the playfulness of it all, but it’s not something I’m going to obsess over.

joyride-that would be kind of fun. are you on a team or something & compete for what team finds the most?

I’d take that. When you get some experience under your belt, and you start to realize that you are not indestructableman, a nice quiet middle class life is a worthy destination. There is a reason why so many want the home and family– it is a really pleasant thing. The job, ain’t terrible, and let’s face it, it sure beats ditch digging.

Yeah all of those things are nice. But with a wife, kids, etc. one becomes tied down and the ability for risk and adventure fades away. So you basically fall into a trap of mediocracy. I am not saying I won’t end up that way, but no doubt with kids to tie you down, it is game over.

In that case, mnblrmkr – I agree.

Yeah, and some have accidents and die. That is what happened to McCandless. Its not like he planned to die in the woods…

Haven’t read the book, nor seen the movie. Heck, never even heard of the guy before today, but, from what people are saying, it sounds like the problem is not that he planned to die out there, it’s that he didn’t even plan at all.

So you basically fall into a trap of mediocracy. I am not saying I won’t end up that way, but no doubt with kids to tie you down, it is game over.

You are such an arrogant fool.

Let’s not deteriorate into name calling, shall we?

To put us all in a better mood, here’s a picture of Jason and Alexis if they had beautiful blond bangs.

You are such an arrogant fool.

Nice argument. You are older than me right?

Age = maturity?

So you basically fall into a trap of mediocracy. I am not saying I won’t end up that way, but no doubt with kids to tie you down, it is game over.

That is totally up to you. You have control over your life. The problem is you think that life has some meaning or outcome and it does not, it is what it is, no more no less.

This thread shows why these kinds of questions are more suited for TwinCities LiveJournal, where people tend to politely answer the more straightforward questions.

You’re all being immature, so just sign up for kickball and call it a day.

Or drink with me this afternoon.

or something.

We went hiking, camping and fishing almost every weekend as kids. My parents would hunt every fall. My dad would go winter camping by himself every year.

Life isn’t over when you have kids. For many, that’s when life starts.

Gee, I wonder if julip8 will ever be coming back. What a bunch of condescending jerks.

Yes. I grew up here and I get lost constantly. Some people (like me) have a really poor sense of direction. I asked for a GPS for my birthday and I cannot WAIT to get it.
»» Submitted by »»» josie at 11:56 AM on April 21

You mean you already know you’re going to get it? Where’s the fun in that? Don’t you have television to produce?

@Jderusha: Well, I think that the question was answered fairly early on. After that, there was no point in letting a thread go to waste. Plus, it’s clear that everyone has a case of the Mondays and needs to get their aggression out in a manner that won’t get them fired.

I drank too much this weekend, including last night. No drinking for me until at least tomorrow night.

You’re all being immature, so just sign up for kickball and call it a day.

or something.

I drink alone, with nobody else.

I drink alone, with nobody else.

You’re a liar and I have the pictures to prove it…

Jason, I actually briefly joined and quit that LJ community because I found it to be immature and abusive. Maybe it’s changed since then, I dunno, but it’s had some dark days.

You’re a liar and I have the pictures to prove it…

And the notes.

“So you basically fall into a trap of mediocracy.”

Or as I call it, happiness and personal fulfillment.

Mediocracy? Is that where the ‘truly extraordinary’ folks engage in risky behaviors and the meek are left to run the world? Vlad, you sound like you need a vacation, maybe a service vacation to put it all into perspective. Go build some houses in Bangladesh, or Haiti and then think about adventures.

Wife and kids are amazing. You have no idea how much they change your focus. Thinking of someone else, and not living in your head is a major maturing factor.

You’re right bixby… I just shudder to think of the original poster coming back and seeing that a question about GPS got 125+ comments… and turned into crazytown.

But, that’s kinda what we’re about here. So why hold back.

C’mon David… I’ll draw you dirty pictures if you bring your notebook.

kc!, Kurtis, and Lunch put it much more eloquently than I. My life has never been more fulfilling since meeting and marrying my husband. I find nothing mediocre about it. I’m sorry for you that you feel something that can be wonderful and rewarding is so below you vlad.

I dunno, with the divorce rate as it is, marriage and family is a pretty risky endevor.

Oh, and risk is all about pushing your own personal boundries. What’s adventure to vlad would seem foolhardy and not fun to others. My idea of risk was ordering the “plate du jour” in France.

My life, on the other hand, is meaningless and empty with out an empty beer glass in front of me.

And MNspeakers drinking with me.

Le sigh.

Some people just have different ideas about what constitutes an adventure than others. I have adventures by buying and eating weird candy, and then blogging about it. And, seeing how much of the candy comes from China, that might be the riskiest adventure of them all.

I am not necessarily saying that marriage and kids are totally horrible.

What I am saying is once you are responsible to children and wife. You can’t get lost in AK for 3 months…

Yeah there are rewards to family, but there are sacrifices too.

Anyway, I don’t know why, but I have always hated doing what everyone else does.

Raising kids and a family bla bla, seems so mainstream it is unappealing.

Oh did I mention I hate weddings too?

I have no problem with different ideas of adventure etc. But there are certainly better ways of articulating that rather than saying if you don’t choose to ride a bike, live green, and wander in the wilderness you are mediocre and boring. It is an insult to a big chunk of the commenters here.

Now I’m mad that even let it get to me.

Beer.

Well, when Julia comes back to see what her question spawned, she will either be really amused or very scared.

Everything is from China – bwaaahhahhahahaaaaa. We’ll soon rule the world and adventure will be trying to escape our control.

Whoa. sorry, don’t know where that came from.

Carry on.

Sorry I can’t come, bix. Another time. Maybe then I’ll show you my new scar after a few libations.

le gross!

So mainstream, I agree. Finally. Someone please kill this workday!

I just added the freeby stat tracking package to a shared blog I’ve just set up, and when I go to the site stats, it says:

Your log size of 500 has 12 entries. Increase your log size today!

Ha ha ha. I get a lot of emails promising the same thing.

You’re right bixby… I just shudder to think of the original poster coming back and seeing that a question about GPS got 125+ comments… and turned into crazytown.

But, that’s kinda what we’re about here. So why hold back.

Well, nobody attacked the original poster, so there’s that (vlad’s first comment was maybe borderline). Although some did suggest the OP might try getting by w/o a GPS first, I thought they were just that: suggestions.

You are such an arrogant fool.

I thought you “deleted abusive posts,” Max.

So you delete some and only moderate others, right?

Get your story straight. Please.

I, for one, welcome our new Chinese Cat overlords.

“I just shudder to think of the original poster coming back and seeing that a question about GPS got 125+ comments… and turned into crazytown.”

And if its’ their first day on any kind of Internet discussion board, they’ll be surprised.

I warn, and then I delete. You’ve been repeatedly warned, Bx.

Can a GPS find crazytown?

Vlad,

It turns out you are exactly right. Stick to your guns: The suburbs suck, GPS sucks, wife and kids drags you down. It’s like the opening scene of Easy Rider, where Peter Fonda takes off his watch and throws it in the dust, then takes off for some fucking adventure on his motorcycle.

That’s freedom, baby.

You’ll have plenty of time to come to your senses, I mean, find new priorities. For now, throw your GPS in the dirt and get wild in the woods. (But secretly, go back and get the GPS because you don’t actually want to die. Smart.)

And can you get there via a Crazytrain?

You are such an arrogant fool.

Max has a soft spot in his heart for Mr. T. He avoids deleting anything that sounds like a snippet of dialogue from Rocky III. You can also usually get away with calling someone “sucka”.

Can a GPS find crazytown?

Like the band? Check Dr. Drew’s Rehab Show.

miller, that’s a brilliantly hilarious observation.

Can you tell me, how would Max react to insulting like Mr. T with an Indian accent? For example, “I am velly much pitying thee fool!”

I think Max would find it acceptable, as long as the insult’s Mr. T foundation is apparent. So, you don’t want to stray too far from the established Mr. T style.

I’d join you for a drink today, I really want to. But alas, I need to go pick up my kids and go make dinner for my wife and sit and dine in our house in the suburbs. Such is life.

“I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived. I did not wish to live what was not life, living is so dear; nor did I wish to practice resignation, unless it was quite necessary.”

– Thoreau, “Walden”

vlad- I’ve hiked to glacial lakes in the Himalaya. I’ve slept in the woods under the stars countless times. And I’ve made frozen pizzas for my kids.

It’s all an adventure.

What nobody has managed to note thus far is that GPSs are REALLY COOL GADGETS. (This is probably a good part of why some men love then, wayno.)

I don’t have one, but my in-laws picked up a Tomtom when they were absurdly cheap back on Black Friday – my pop loves it, my mom hates it. I think there’s something to be extrapolated there, but that’s a thread derail by sexism for another time…

‘d join you for a drink today, I really want to. But alas, I need to go pick up my kids and go make dinner for my wife and sit and dine in our house in the suburbs. Such is life.

Responsibility is so played out!

Nate, is GV still considered a suburb?

Nate, is GV still considered a suburb?

No. No it’s not. Absolutely not. It’s simply Western Minneapolis.

I like to think that I’m not really in the suburbs, since I live significantly closer to downtown than when I lived in S. Mpls. But there’s that damn 763 area code issue!

When I moved to this house, I was crestfallen that I wasn’t going to be in the city. So I asked my friend where the geological center of the city is so I could measure the distance to my new house accurately. [note: this is almost a GPS-type thing!] He informed me that obviously the Mary Tyler Moore sculpture is clearly the center of the city. It’s 9 minutes from my front door.

Vlad is confusing the myth of McCandless with the reality. After his death, he seemed mythical. But during his lifetime he ended up in places like L.A.’s skid row which is a very real place to be.

It’s simply Western Minneapolis.
East Dakota would have also been correct.

I like to think that I’m not really in the suburbs, since I live significantly closer to downtown than when I lived in S. Mpls. But there’s that damn 763 area code issue!

Hah! I live in Ramsey County, yet get to have 612.

West Minneapolis. Let’s annex ‘em.

Andyst, I meant to tell you I bought Apex Hides The Hurt.

Nate Nate Nate. Admit mediocrity defeat. You live in the ‘burbs, with a spouse and kids in a house that you own and a 763 area code. You are no longer in the city – no matter how many times you click your heels.
Just Joshin’.

I don’t think GPS works where you live.

“East Dakota would have also been correct.”

I was going to make the same joke with East Plymouth and you ruint it.

Wait… Nate’s married???

I have a Magellan navigation system, and it’s great except for one big flaw: it doesn’t take into account the broken bridge! Get your shit together, Magellan. NO I CAN’T take the 35W bridge across the river so quit trying to tell me I can. Sheesh.

WOW!
I did not realize that this topic would have started such a debate. In response to the poster that mentioned I would be either really freaked our or really amused by the postings once I came back to read them, I am amused and a little surprised.
We are moving from New England and since I come home(minnesota) every year to visit family I have lived in New England for about half of my life. I will be transferring from one very small college campus to one very large college campus and that in it self is a little daunting. I have excellent navigational skills and of course I plan on using maps, the GPS purchase is to help me explore the city. I found it funny that some posters automatically assumed that I would be some drone always relying upon my GPS to show me the way all of the time or that because I wanted a GPS I obviously must not ride a bike or hike…Well that was my impression anyway.
Thank you to all the posters that addressed my question. I appreciate the time you took and your comments. I never thought of the bridge issue so that is now a factor, and I am paying attention now to the dates of the maps a little more closely.

Lastly, I think these two articles will be a good contribution to the debate that seems to have sparked between some of the posters. The articles are about a hunter from Maine, who got lost in the woods because of his GPS device. In the article he mentions that compasses and maps have failed him before and this time it just happened to be the GPS that failed…

http://www.sunjournal.com/story/242055-3/RiverValley/Wright_blames_GPS_
wardens_say_device_worked_properly/

http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=153359&ac=PHnws

If you have time…and interested in trying geocaching…there is an earthday event at Indian Mounds Park in St. Paul today.
Starts at noon…

basically people picking up trash as they are also looking for a few geocaches.
Also will be some food.
gloves and bags will be provided.
is noon to like 4pm today.

Wait, Julip8 where bouts (generally) in New England are you coming from?