[pct-l] ADZPCTKOP, Section A, cell phones

["Robert E. Riess" <CDRRIESS@prodigy.net>]

It's only 5 months away, and the plans are starting to come together.  I am
really happy to be a charter member of the group putting the KOP together.
In only 24 more years, we can all tell stories of the FIRST KOP, you know,
back in 1998.  Pretty soon, we'll have a tradition and a board of directors.
We need to start keeping a guest register, photo album, etc.  We need a
historian.

I will be bringing all the food, tables, chairs and stuff my RV can carry.
I'll have the big gas grill and a Coleman stove.  I'll try to round up a few
cafeteria tables and folding chairs from school.  If I can get a spot with
electricity, I'll have a sewing machine and computer.  Operating the RV
generator is prohibited, I think.

Last time I was out in Section A, I had my cell phone with me.  I previously
reported having a signal in several locations, but I didn't place any calls.
Now I find out, that there is heavy interference from the Mexican cell phone
system, and calls, if they can be made, are international calls at about 10
bucks a minute.  I did try making calls several times from the trail between
highway 94 and Hauser Creek, and was unable to complete any.  Although my
phone is pretty new, dual mode, and my provider is Airtouch, I got no
service at Morena Campground.  So, for planning purposes, I think we should
not rely on cell phones for logistical support of the KOP.

On the subj of cell phones, I agree with Sly that a loud and intrusive call
from the top of Whitney is inappropriate.  One might just walk away, but why
should one be made to feel the need to walk away?  I'm sure there are lots
of regular cell phone users who don't understand that they are placing many
other people in the position of being involuntary eavesdroppers.  I was
recently in the grocery store checkout line, a place from which I was
reluctant to walk away, when  a fellow initiated a call to try to patch
things up with a girlfriend who had apparently dumped him.   Looking around,
I saw several other people who were embarrassed by this behavior.  When I
told the man, as politely as I could, that he might want to keep such
conversations private, I was informed that I should mind my own business.
Case closed.

Lastly, if any are still with me, I will soon be posting my annual offer of
Trailhead logistics support in San Diego.  I was lucky and pleased to host
15 hikers in 9 groups last year.  I can arrange pick ups at the bus station
and airport, shopping runs, place to stay, and a ride to Campo.  So if you
are a hiker and want to sign up early, let me know your dates and needs and
I will try to make things happen.

Hike on !!  Bob Riess at the Trailhead in San Diego

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