> The Six layers of history LB in WV, in note 2 states "all bearings
> magnet unless other wise noted" What other kinds of bearings would there be?

True bearings and grid bearings.

Magnetic bearings are the easiest, and (at least for my boxes) basically
mean dial the stated bearing into the compass and go (yes I realise these
can change over time, but what are you going to do about it?). If the
clue is using a true or grid bearing then you will have to determine the
local correction and do the math (there is a web site that will do this
for you).

As for all letterboxers being on the same wavelength, there are some clues
I know that use true bearings, but most use magnetic. There is no one
wavelength though, each clue writer is free to do what they want (I have
one clue that uses both magnetic and another type of bearing, for example).
Hopefully the clue writer will tell you the sort of bearing they are using,
if not, I have never had any problem assuming magnetic. (I also note that
letterboxers are not on the same wavelength as to what a pace is; hopefully
they will tell you in their clue or give a pace calibration leg).

Also, bear in mind that declination is usually 15 degrees or less, so
it usually in practice doesn't matter much for the sorts of clues that
are out there currently (although there are a handful of exceptions).
Generally you are looking for a given feature in the given direction, and
if not, you are looking at doing grid and search anyway.

--
randy "the mapsurfer"
http://www.letterboxing.org

Jay Chamberlain wrote:
>
> A question for those who enjoy hiding their boxes using a compass.
> Does any one take into consideration the deviation of magnetic north
> for their given area, or does everyone just set the compass for true
> north and then go for it?? The Six layers of history LB in WV, in
> note 2 states "all bearings magnet unless other wise noted" What other
> kinds of bearings would there be? I have done a bit of orienteering
> and Boy Scout hiking with compass, so I am just trying to see if
> letterboxers are on the same wave length and so I don't assume.
>
> Jay
> Fredericksburg, VA
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------


Jay, I have often wondered about this myself. Most times I find it
doesn't really matter that much (find the tree, rock, etc at xx degrees,
and there is one of those within 20 degrees of that point. The only
time that it was a little difficult for the Tribal Nation letterbox but
the other clues helped.

Take Care,
Rick