[pct-l] Spot Satellite Messenger

[jeff.singewald at comcast.net]

Tortoise,

I would have to agree with you, but given the recent number of responses that were in favor of all the so-called helpful graffitti, it would seem that we are probably in the minority.  I really struggle with some of the responses that suggest that the so-called helpful graffitti is really that, but several folks have suggested that they would rather rely on this so-called helpful graffitti than experience the wilderness and utilize their skills with maps/compasses and common sense to get them thru.

Last month I was up on the PCT north of Sierra City and found three of the sign posts that provide direction east into the Lakes Basin area (Mud Lake, Long Lake and Round Lake) to be tagged with this so-called helpful graffitti.  Why anyone would consider a need to tag these to note  N <--- PCT ---> S is beyond me and really does lessen the experience for me.  I would have to agree with the person that recently posted that the secondary tagging of the so-called helpful graffitti really isn't much worse from an ethical standpoint than the initial tagging.

It is funny that many of these sign markings have not changed significantly over a number of years, but only recently have folks seen the need to be so "helpful" to the fellow hikers.  I wonder what Mad Monty and Strider and these guys did back in 77 without all the so-called helpful tagging?

-------------- Original message -------------- 
From: Tortoise <Tortoise73 at charter.net> 

> This idea upsets me. Maybe I'm just old and hate change; then again this 
> is a change I don't like. 
> 
> With this device, one looses some sense of the wilderness experience -- 
> that of being on one's own and dependent on one's own skills. Instead 
> any time something goes wrong, one can press a button and be rescued. A 
> trip in the wilds becomes more like walking in an urban park. And even 
> if one doesn't carry such a device, just knowing that the people you 
> meet can call for your rescue still lessens the wilderness experience. 
> 
> Cell phones have a somewhat similar effect depending if one is within 
> range of a tower. 
> 
> what do the rest of you think? 
> 
> Tortoise 
> 
> <> He who finishes last, wins! <> 
> 
> I switched to Mac OSX rather than fight Windows 
> Using Mozilla Thunderbird http://www.mozilla.org/products/thunderbird/ 
> 
> 
> 
> Postholer wrote: 
> > Yeah, it's kinda cool for keeping track of those out and about. 
> > 
> > The messenger part seems to be very weak, though. It doesn't appear that you 
> > can 'type' messages and send them. You just hit an 'OK' button and some sort 
> > of canned message is sent along with your position. Then folks visit spot's 
> > website to see where you are. 
> > 
> > Describing it as a 'Messenger' is very misleading. Note: the device has no 
> > display screen or any kind of touch pad. 
> > 
> > Another downside, is to alert '911' you just push a button. How many false 
> > alarms will first responders have to deal with? 
> > 
> > This is just a fancy PLB. If used properly though, it's very nice. 
> > 
> > 
> > It's not a Cell phone 
> > it's not a satellite phone 
> > it's not a PLB 
> > 
> > It's a GPS enabled, satellite message service, could be just the ticket 
> > *http://tinyurl.com/33xsos 
> > 
> > http://www.findmespot.com/ 
> > <<<< 
> > ------------------------------------ 
> > Trails : http://Postholer.Com 
> > Journals : http://Postholer.Com/journal 
> > 
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