[pct-l] To SPOT or not to SPOT [AND] Money along the

[Ed Jarrett]

I agree. There are times when SPOT messages do not go through.  Our understanding is that a missed message or two (or more) does not mean there is a problem.  I could be under heavy cover, batteries could be dead, or SPOT or my phone could be broke.  Only if a message is received, whether it is an OK or a Help, should any assumption be made as to my status.
SPOT takes none of the wilderness away for me.  It provides me no value (other than making it easier to get approval to be in the wild), unless I break a leg.  Carrying my own food and shelter reduce the wild in wilderness much more than SPOT does. :)

Ed Jarretthttp://aclayjar.blogspot.com/

Date: Sat, 13 Oct 2012 15:01:47 -0600
Subject: Re: [pct-l] To SPOT or not to SPOT [AND] Money along the
From: devon.taig at gmail.com
To: edjarrett at msn.com
CC: pct-l at backcountry.net

I would, however, make sure that spouses and significant others understand that a SPOT can break, get lost, or run out of batteries.  When your loved ones don't hear from you via your SPOT transmission, will they still rest easy?  
I am a firm believer that everyone should hike their own hike, but I also think we should all give serious thought to how technologies like a SPOT transmitter affect our individual experiences in the wilderness. As you said Ed, we should give just thought to how our decisions affect others too, but every hiker should ask themselves whether a SPOT takes at least some of the WILD out of wilderness.  

River

On Sat, Oct 13, 2012 at 2:35 PM, Ed Jarrett <edjarrett at msn.com> wrote:



> With just a map phone and a SPOT it’s too easy to think, “No problem. If I

> get lost, confused, or scared I’ll just punch the panic button then start

> scanning the horizon for the helicopter that’s coming to pick me up.”

>

> Steel-Eye

On the other hand, being able to push the button every night can greatly improve the peace of mind for a spouse not traveling with you, making it easier to get away for an extended period.  It would be selfish for me to not take them along just to lose a few ounces.




Ed Jarretthttp://aclayjar.blogspot.com/





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