[pct-l] Search and rescue

[Eric Lee]

Mike wrote:
>
My wife, a worrier, has asked me who should she call if I disappear on the
Socal PCT, or if I hit SOS on my Spot beacon. Is there a central search and
rescue number or agency for the Socal portion of the trail? Thanks!
>

You should work out a reasonable protocol with your wife so that you both
understand what constitutes a "call Search and Rescue" emergency.
Long-distance hiking is a little unpredictable by its nature so you're not
always going to hit towns precisely on the day your wife might expect, and
you'll often be out of cell phone range.  A SPOT device is nice but it can
also cause needless worry if you lose it or break it and can't check in on
it, or maybe you just get wrapped up in the hike and forget to check in.  It
can be both embarrassing and expensive if a SAR helicopter plucks you out of
the wilderness when you were just minding your own business.  Agree on a
protocol (e.g. no calls until 2 full days days overdue, or whatever) and
write it down so she'll have it to refer to.

Eric