well, we did a trip like that...as intermediate, i can't say it was advanced level of difficulty, but it was interestingly a learning experience.xof wrote:phase 2 is what we call "lead and sweep trips" usually organized for advanced that wants to become marshals, as they are leading and finding the track... which you need experience.
i think for LEAD & SWEEP trips can be done from intermediate level upwards (this is my humble opinion, no obligations to the club ), the supervising marshal can give straight instructions about what DOs and DONTs depending on the level of members, like our trip...Waqmaster said no "side cresting", and we all as good boys and girl obeyed , and without any problems
by participating in these trips, we will find that what we are discussing here is something that becomes, after a while, "common sense"
in the LEAD & SWEEP, you would put the point you want to go to, and then choose the track according to the terrain. you can drive in a straight line or a zig zag line according to how interesting you want your track to be, but not as your navigator would tell you
I think this is what Xof meant by marshals don't use tracks or way points, we all see trip leaders use their navigators, but it is mostly to find: BBQ spots, exit points through fences or meeting points with other groups, it is not to see the track...
tracks usually change very easily in the desert, not talking about big dunes, but small dunes and crests, especially with strong winds that we see those days, and soft sand change with the level of humidity and the time of day...so you can't count on a saved track, or the one created by your navigator.