If you're into gizmos for total sensory re- ûplacement, fine. Just don't let the pushers ûget to you. And be advised that technology ûcan serve pretty well as a safety net, while ûyou practice with your eyes and ears. That ûcan be fun, too.

Here's a letter and response we were going to run in Mailport this month, but we'll run it in this space instead:

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As I sit at the dock, reading the February 1 article on navigation software, I am compelled to comment on the last paragraph. You echo the software makers’ cautions about paper charts, and not relying on their software. You also recommend simple plotting tools and retention of learned navigation skills.…