I totally agree with you about the utility of paper and pencil, although a ballpoint will write on skin, which I almost always have with me - can't recall any exceptions. But this being the digital age, press your camera into service. I am just realizing with a digital camera and a half way decent memory card, there is no realistic limit to the number of photos you can take, so you can take pictures of critical junctions, distinctive landmarks, the way the trail looks on the way back home - whatever suits your fancy. If you don't need them, just delete and wait for another day.

I've just got a little point and shoot, but it has capabilities superior to any camera I have ever used, which includes several types, from subminiatures to 35mm to 4x5 models. Digitals rock!

Just wait until my batteries run out some fine day - wonder what I will post then?

LOL @ Hikermor!

Good idea about the digital camera. Do you use a system to remember what way you're facing when you take the shot?

Blackberry or cel phone memory often lets you rename the pictures, and that could be a useful way to index them. I haven't seen a camera that does, but there's probably a way to keep track at the time of shooting that I haven't thought of. (a sign in the picture maybe, to act like a lable?)

I love the idea of having a library of pics, in trail order, that you can refer to on the fly! I recently had to lead a hike in an area I was unfamiliar with (the intended leader, who knows the place like the back of his hand, had an accident and couldn't make it at the last minute.) A photo reference would have given me more piece of mind.

I must admit that I have never used this technique, but it seems perfectly reasonable. I am still making the adjustment to digital photos, and just getting a glimmering of what a game changer they are.

I have a small notebook in the tupperware portion of my kit and the small red pencil that cam with The DR Kit. I may add a Carpenters pencil and maybe some folded up copy paper.

I've always advocated the use of a grease pencil (China Writer) sharpened by peelaway paper so you can write on a slick surface... not a fine point, but offers advantages...used them for years writing on lab glassware but kind of hard to find at Staples/Office Depot now that I'm retired

Im sure Arts/Crafts store will have those pencils Les.

thanks Frisket...not one of my usual shopping locations, but will check

If you have a Michaels Id check there first they have a large amount of art stuff.

Grease pencil. Wonder how flammable that is..... could we use it like magnesium?