Re: GPS receivers are wonderful, but ...

Bill - you can tell you're on top because as you look around, everything is below you!

I've yet to allow the digital age to intrude on my backcountry time or space. I rely on fairly good skills with a map and compass and the absolute understanding that my personal built in sense of direction got drunk one night and never recovered.

Were I to head towards one pole or the other or be inclined to paddle across the ocean I'd probably accept the use of a GPS. It's been years since I used a sextant, but I'd keep one handy as a backup to the GPS.