Explanation of columns for hiking logs

Column nameExplanation
Recording numberA sequential number identifying the data recorded
MileageThe cumulative mileage given by a pedometer. It is usually accurate to about 10% versus "truth" and from comparing "up" miles with "down" miles. A detailed comparison of my pedometer against the very accurate Bright Angel Trail mileages shows overall excellent agreement.
Pedometer history:
  • Got new pedometer 12/95, set at 1.5' per step.
  • 7/23/96: changed setting to 1.75' per step. It is interesting that this pedometer reads roughly the same as another pedometer I have that is set to 2.6' per step! My step size is surely actually closer to the 2.6', but I use whatever works to give accurate results.
Time arrivedThe time that I arrived at the place that is being recorded.
Time leftIf present, the time that I left that place that is being recorded. If absent, I left at the same time as I arrived.
AltitudeThe altitude given by my altimeter. It is usually within 100-200' of the true altitude. I never reset my altimeter, so it is not guaranteed to be more accurate at the beginning of a hike. (I haven't found it necessary to reset it, since it is generally within the quoted 100-200'.) Differential measurements are of course independent of my lack of resetting, so if you desire, you can recalibrate it if you can determine the true altitude for some stop.
CommentsCryptic pieces of information that are sometimes added for a given stop, some of which I no longer know what they mean! Here are some I do know:
  • The notation =2 for a given stop means that this is the same stop as the previous #2 stop, for example.
  • Items with names and mileages in quotation marks are usually signs at that stop giving someone's idea of the mileages to different places. Sometimes I put Sign in front of the quoted text.
  • 3 liters means I've consumed 3 liters of water up to that point.
  • 76° gives a temperature reading I made at or near that point.
  • Left means I took the trail going left at that point.


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Copyright © 1996-1999 by Tom Chester.
Permission is freely granted to reproduce any or all of this page as long as credit is given to me at this source:
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Comments and feedback: Tom Chester
Last update: 14 October 1999