#174608 - 06/09/09 08:03 PM
Re: My Only Survival Issue
[Re: comms]
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Veteran
Registered: 09/17/07
Posts: 1219
Loc: here
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I am shuddering at the number of assumptions you are making. When you are hurt every place is a long ways off. Please reconsider the PLB rental/purchase options.
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"Its not a matter of being ready as it is being prepared" -- B. E. J. Taylor
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#174611 - 06/09/09 10:19 PM
Re: My Only Survival Issue
[Re: comms]
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Enthusiast
Registered: 01/06/08
Posts: 319
Loc: Canada
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I still like the SPOT, I can check in regularly and send myself my camp locations for later reference on Google Satellite Imagery.
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Bruce Zawalsky Chief Instructor Boreal Wilderness Institute boreal.net
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#174618 - 06/10/09 02:02 AM
Re: My Only Survival Issue
[Re: elgecko]
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Crazy Canuck
Carpal Tunnel
Registered: 02/03/07
Posts: 3238
Loc: Alberta, Canada
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Allow me to offer a dissenting voice.
Almost all of trips I've ever done, the majority of them solo, were before cell phone coverage and PLBs and sat phones were available to the average mortal. Yet, by the grace of God, I am still here.
There is something essential in cutting the apron strings to 'mommy,' the nervous and fearful technological communities we live in. I think more than ever we need the tonic of true wilderness. We are more deeply alive there; you can't buy this at the mall, or the pharmacy. It is, reliably, a peak experience, a succession of personal Everests. But you have to earn it, to immerse in the solitude of wild country.
Yes, there are risks; but these are counterbalanced by preparation and judgement and experience.
So I'm putting my money on Canoedogs, with every confidence he will report in later with an internal radiance and poise that is palpable.
P.S., Can I come along? Pretty please?
Edited by dougwalkabout (06/10/09 02:03 AM)
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#174634 - 06/10/09 11:03 AM
Re: My Only Survival Issue
[Re: aloha]
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Addict
Registered: 04/04/07
Posts: 612
Loc: SE PA
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Would love to go and do that too!
When I was younger, I probably wouldn't take a PLB either... As dougwalkabout said, there is just something nice about being completely cut off.
But, now that I have a young son, would I really want to risk it? Easy enough to rent a PLB for extra safety. No sense in taking uneccessary risks...
_________________________
"I reject your reality and substitute my own..." - Adam Savage / Mythbusters
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#174636 - 06/10/09 11:13 AM
Re: My Only Survival Issue
[Re: Mike_H]
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Old Hand
Registered: 12/10/07
Posts: 844
Loc: NYC
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Canoedogs clearly has done this before, based on his comments above and other posts of his I recall reading. Obviously, his chances of doing what he described are both pretty darn good and a lot better than mine. Still, I'd take a PLB.
A lot of things can go wrong; a twisted or broken ankle, simply getting ill, or otherwise somehow getting immobilized. The PLB is insurance. We don't think most things for which we are insured will ever happen, but we are insured all the same.
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#174637 - 06/10/09 11:16 AM
Re: My Only Survival Issue
[Re: dougwalkabout]
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Addict
Registered: 03/15/01
Posts: 518
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There is something essential in cutting the apron strings to 'mommy,' Dougwalkabout, here's my problem: I agree in principle with your position to cut the "apron strings". For many years my wilderness adventures were just as you describe. Now due to age and medical contitions I have these choices: 1) take a bit less ambitious but still adventure vacations, but plan for emergency contact and assistance if necessary (as long as I can do so without endangering anyone). or... 2) give up the joy of such adventures and stay at home. I elect to go. To take any modern technology I can afford to connect with emergency service providers, rescue insurance, etc.
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#174640 - 06/10/09 11:47 AM
Re: My Only Survival Issue
[Re: dougwalkabout]
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"Be Prepared"
Pooh-Bah
Registered: 06/26/04
Posts: 2210
Loc: NE Wisconsin
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No offense - everyone is entitled to their opinion, but I just don't buy your notion that one has to get away from the evils of technology & society and venture out into the wilderness naked and alone.
Technologies exist to easily increase comfort and dramatically reduce risk without damaging the experience.
Modern composite-skinned canoes allow us to travel on waterways and carry canoes with relative ease.
Magnetic compasses provide direction and assist with navigation.
Modern maps provide an amazing amount of information the area.
Polyester & Nylon flies & tents provide shelter from rain & biting insects.
Synthetic insulation provides light weight sleeping bags that help keep us warm at night.
Filters provide water that is safe to drink.
A GPS can guide the weak and confused back to safety.
If something far short of the worst happens a PLB will bring help.
I choose not to face nature naked and at her mercy. Rather, I come EQUIPPED TO SURVIVE.
Sorry, had to do the commercial there, but isn't that the entire point of this web site??? Isn't that kind of like sitting in Wrigley Field watching the Cubs (win or lose) and saying "I hate baseball"???? If you hate baseball, why even be there??
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