The Editor,
Re. "Better signs needed for Eagle Mt. hikers" (Letters, The Tri-City News, April 18).
I am writing in response to Derek Wilson's letter about better trail markings being needed on Eagle Mountain for hikers. Coquitlam Search and Rescue would definitely support this and has on several occasions gone out and marked trails where it is clear hikers are getting lost.
One thing about which Mr. Wilson was mistaken, however, is how useful a GPS device is. Over the last five years, GPS units have improved immensely to the point where it is unusual for them not to work under a heavy canopy. For example, the Garmin 60CSx, one of the best wilderness GPS units, is a standard issue for our team members and we would recommend a GPS for the avid hiker, in combination with a map.
Marking trails and knowing where you are with a map or GPS would definitely cut down the number of tasks we have and reduce the risk to hikers.
Dwight Yochim, Search Manager, Coquitlam Search and Rescue
