[pct-l] Sierra hikers misuse portable GPS trackers

[Diane at Santa Barbara Hikes dot com]

Also from the article:
"Since purchasing his SPOT satellite messenger in June 2008, Steve  
Cosner never goes hiking or backpacking without it. Not only because  
he may need to summon help, but also to comfort his wife back home in  
Fresno when he's out rambling in the mountains."

People worry their heads off over taking a walk in a forest. They  
make "bomb-proof" gear as if sleeping on a bed of pine duff is the  
equivalent of going to war. People are so nature deficient they can't  
even put it into perspective anymore. It's sad.


On Oct 25, 2009, at 10:00 AM, pct-l-request at backcountry.net wrote:
>
> http://www.fresnobee.com/local/story/1677667.html
>
> Not much that you all don't already know but still an interesting  
> read.
>
>> From the article-
>
> But as more people take these devices into the backcountry, more  
> people are using them irresponsibly, say rangers at Sequoia and  
> Kings Canyon National Parks. Too often they decide to push a button  
> instead of using their heads.
>
> "We've had more illegitimate distress calls this summer than ever  
> before, thanks to these gizmos," said wilderness coordinator Gregg  
> Fauth.
> Among the examples from this summer:
> A Pacific Crest Trail hiker, frightened during a lightning storm,  
> transmitted two 911 calls on her personal satellite messenger. A  
> widespread search ensued, only for a sheriff to find her in Lone  
> Pine several days later. She neglected to tell anyone she had  
> gotten out.