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Author Insight
ancient use of GPS
GPS is a necessity when your camping in the Empty Quarter, the world's largest sand desert. You have to know how to get in and how to get out.The first time we camped out the one problem with GPS became apparent. As the sun was setting, our modern caravan of SUV's was careening across the desert to the GPS spot chosen for our night of camping. I was in the second of 4 SUVs, when we screeched to a halt. None of us could see the problem until we got out. Then it was apparent. We were on the top of a huge sand mountain, and the GPS was taking us further south. No way could we go down this mountain. So we camped and the next morning walking found a less steep way to get to the GPS spot. Modern technology, ummm.
Book Excerpt
The Bystander
Detouring followed the Arab proverb that three sides are the quickest way across a square. Take a ninety-degree departure to the right from the original route, then two more ninety-degree turns to the left, and you are back on the original route and around the obstacle.
Abdul remembered stories about Lawrence of Arabia, who used a compass. The Bedouin used stars to traverse the desert.
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