[pct-l] Flares - emergency - SPOT

[leestcoast at gmail.com]

I'm with Mendo Rider - if you're worried about being able to signal for help, take a Spot or other PLB. The survivalist mindset is not needed or appropriate for the PCT. Leave the flares, bear spray, and guns at home. The PCT is mainly about staying hydrated, keeping your calorie intake up, and stringing the miles together day after day, amidst great scenery, in notable absence from the 9 - 5 world.
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-----Original Message-----
From: Edward Anderson <mendoridered at yahoo.com>
Sender: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net
Date: Sat, 12 Feb 2011 15:41:17 
To: <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Subject: [pct-l] Flares - emergency - SPOT

The 2003 fire that The Incredible Bulk mentioned was a MEGA disaster.  And 
started by a flare!  If you think you might need to signal for help in a real 
emergency bring along a SPOT. Better yet, avoid creating one kind of emergency 
by being extremely careful with all fire.  Do not take calculated risks with 
fire.  To me this includes all open flames - especially those that can't be 
quickly turned off or extinguished.  This would include most alcohol stoves, 
wood fires, and of course, flares. Smokers - please be careful in our National 
Forests.  Over the years lots of fires have been started by careless smokers.

It is because of the Station Fire that most of PCT Section D remains 
closed. Section D is beautiful. I got to ride it in 2008. When I approached the 
Fobes Saddle area on Section B in 2008 they had just closed the trail due to the 
Apache Fire.. A careless PCT hiker had started that fire. Recognize that when 
the wind starts to blow - sometimes unexpectedly in Southern California - 
lightweight stoves can suddenly be blown over, spilling and scattering the 
liquid fuel and igniting the adjacent dry brush. The flames will spread rapidly 
and become, suddenly, out of control.

MendoRider/Ed Anderson


      
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