[pct-l] Tethers to the other world...from the other world

[ambery-80243 at mypacks.net]

It's always a good idea to make a plan between the two of you before he heads out.  I know when my mate or I day hike alone, we have agreed that if we don't get back that day, we will give the other person at least until ten o'clock the next morning to walk out, instead of panicking right away that same day. 
If you are the one out in the backcountry, don't be afraid to enlist other hikers for help in contacting someone.  I was running behind schedule to call home once, and a dayhiker I ran into agreed to call home for me when they got off the trail,and at least let my husband know where he saw me and that I was fine. 
Even though there may not be cell service where you are, a phone can often be pinged for a location as long as it's on.  If one of us should get lost or injured, we also have an agreed upon time for when we would leave our phone on and for how long (just to make sure the battery doesn't run out.) 


-----Original Message-----
>From: bluetrail at aol.com
>Sent: Oct 16, 2012 5:38 AM
>To: pct-l at backcountry.net
>Subject: Re: [pct-l] Tethers to the other world...from the other world
>
>
>As the one who'll be at home (still working), this brings to mind my question.  When is it time to call for a rescue team?
>
>I've done trail support for Jon, my signifcant other, for about 17 years (AT x 4, PCT, LT, FT x 2, etc.).  On recent long hikes he's been carrying his cell phone.  It is only for what he deems an emergency.  Unless there's an emergency, he doesn't turn it on.   I know that even if there is an emergency, he may not have cell service.  He hikes solo.
>
>He calls me from trail towns.  This allows me to know where he is, how he is, and when to pack & ship the next box.
>
>The last time he did the PCT ('97), he was once three days late getting to town.  One day late--I don't worry.  Two days late--I think about it a little.  Three days late--now I'm getting very nervous.
>
>  So, if you're the one at home, when do you start calling the authorities?
>
>Joan in Florida, a long way from the PCT
>
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