[pct-l] Excessive Information Gathering on Hikers

[Mark Liechty]

Marta Clark wrote:

> IMO it is not at all an invasion of privacy for the
> last person to see a hiker who is heading out into
> severe weather to call S&R if the hiker doesn't show
> up further down the trail soon.  

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Interesting conversation.  Sure hope is stays civil and productive.

I like the idea that someone will come looking for me.  I don't like the 
idea that I need to report back to everyone on the planet if my plans 
change and I end up doing something different than what the person I was 
chatting with at the last campsite heard.

It is an interesting challenge.  I tend to tell a certain number of 
people where I am going and when to expect to hear back from me.   I 
want those people to act if I do not check-in.   I do not think i want 
random people checking in for me and assuming I am lost or damaged if i 
did not call them back.

Taking the responsibility to be the one who calls for help can be a huge 
help.  one I would often times appreciate.  Then again it can also be a 
major problem if a "helper" calls SAR and then gets stuck with a bill or 
damage to the rescue team who may well be headed off on a wild goose chase.

Thanks again for the good and civil conversation.

Mark (not yet logged enough miles to get a trail name)