Monte, I got your email but never saw the board post. SPOT seems
intriguing but I haven't field-tested it myself for efficacy. I read
one review that said something like..."you better have an emergency
on top of a mountain and in clear view of the sky or otherwise it's
not reliable." Anyway, I'm not sure what to think myself, but I like
the concept. It's similar to ACR's locator but different. We talked
EPIRBs awhile ago, but I think it's fine to remind listas/newbies
there are devices like this out there.
Personally, a detailed ride, flight or paddle plan have always worked
for me. But there are times where 100% an EPIRB-type device is
mandatory. It gives me the confidence to focus on the mission or
simply enjoying things knowing plans are in place if $hit hits the
fan. My written plans take several hours to initially develop and
include names and telephone numbers of local SAR, authorities, etc.
The last thing your buddy (and designated back-up!) need is wasting
time trying to find-out who and what numbers to dial! I even go as
far as listing everything I'm carrying so SAR can assess my
survivability and self-rescue capabilities. Plan objectives and any
other variances, etc. are critical to identifying timely your
location. Of course, SPOT could really help here.
The bottom-line is accidents happen. A severe injury is one thing;
not knowing where the hell you are or where to start looking is
another. After Aaron Ralston lost his arm and nearly his life, I
realized his anguish...and the simplicity and brilliance of a good
plan. Technology isn't always the answer but then again sometimes
it's the best. To those that think technology is a waste, well,
capsize in the Berring Sea and spend some time adrift in 35F water,
and I can assure you a $1,000 submersion-activated EPIRB is the best
money ever spent! Then again, I can think of a sat phone being the
best option in some cases. The point is your planning should dictate
your best options, equipment, etc. After this your survival training
is all you got.
--- In
DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, Horton Oliphant
wrote:
>
> I believe that email goes directly to the list without being
reviewed.
> Some times emails fall through the cracks and either don't make it
to
> the list or don't make it back out to some listers. If your not
selling
> something, your not being a vendor. People recommend things all the
time.
> Alan Henderson A13 Iowa less that 100 miles this year. Bah
humbug!
> Monte Cunningham wrote:
> > To whoever reads through these responses before they get posted:
> > Was my post yesterday, (9-9-08 at 10:18pm) which did not get
posted, on
> > using the SPOT for safety when going into dangerous situations
> > considered to be a "Vendor post?". It has been 24 hours since I
> > responded on the death of a fellow rider in the desert. As I said
in the
> > note I am not selling anything, just pointing out a tool that
will make
> > riding safer.
> > Monte
>