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Re: Changes Backpacking Habits

Posted: Thu May 30, 2013 11:18 am
by RoguePhotonic
Perhaps all around it's the tinkerbell effect which for those of you that don't know that means something that is only real because we believe it is.

I still choose not to carry one for myself. Only when I am lying hopeless some where unable to move facing death will my real opinion for myself be revealed.

Re: Changes Backpacking Habits

Posted: Thu May 30, 2013 11:30 am
by markskor
RoguePhotonic wrote: I still choose not to carry one for myself. Only when I am lying hopeless some where unable to move facing death will my real opinion for myself be revealed.
A little dire there Rogue, but realistically, I share much the same sentiment.

IMHO, these type devices mostly benefit those close... back home.

Re: Changes Backpacking Habits

Posted: Thu May 30, 2013 1:30 pm
by maverick
Markskor wrote:
IMHO, these type devices mostly benefit those close... back home.
Yes, that is the main benefit, but what about the SAR members that would be
coming out to look for you?

Rogue,

Since you mentioned not having any family you care about or they caring about you
your attitude is somewhat understandable, maybe when/if you get married your
views may change, and when/if you have a child they will change.

Re: Changes Backpacking Habits

Posted: Thu May 30, 2013 1:52 pm
by RoguePhotonic
Well yeah not having a family is the issue. Anyone else that does I completely understand their views.

Re: Changes Backpacking Habits

Posted: Sat Jun 01, 2013 8:03 am
by markskor
maverick wrote:
Markskor wrote:
IMHO, these type devices mostly benefit those close... back home.
Yes, that is the main benefit, but what about the SAR members that would be
coming out to look for you?
Being as I seldom keep to pre-made trail plans - my chosen routes, usually being flexible depending...
(BTW, impressed with Rogue's 3-month plan...wonder what parts will be undoubtedly shelved as conditions unfold),
Just to be clear - I do not expect or do I want any SAR folk out looking for me unless personally requested. [-o<
Other than a head lamp, No electronic devices carried, No cell phone, (do not even trust Steripens as unreliably electric)...
No SAR anticipated, so no safety net - same old habits.

Re: Changes Backpacking Habits

Posted: Sat Jun 01, 2013 8:25 am
by AlmostThere
markskor wrote: Just to be clear - I do not expect or do I want any SAR folk out looking for me unless personally requested. [-o<
You can say it all you like, but it won't change their operational procedures... there is to date no way to waive a search. Just like you can't tell an ambulance not to roll to your house or police not to respond to a gunshot.

Re: Changes Backpacking Habits

Posted: Sat Jun 01, 2013 9:14 am
by markskor
Being as currently, there is no way for anyone to know for certain if or when anybody solo comes out of the wilderness, even when keeping to exact plans...especially if there is nobody at home to call in to report someone as being late.
If plans possibly change when out on the trail... If someone came into Yosemite by bus, (cheaper than driving) thus no trailhead car.
Where and when would SAR then start looking?
And why?

Re: Changes Backpacking Habits

Posted: Sat Jun 01, 2013 9:33 am
by AlmostThere
Because that's the mandate.

I know no one gets it, but such is life of the civil servant.

If a car is sitting abandoned in a Yosemite lot, they search. That was the base of the first mutual aid I went on. Someone will know where you went and eventually someone calls. Sometime down the road, someone will find your clothes. That was how we ended up picking bones out of brush one summer afternoon...

Re: Changes Backpacking Habits

Posted: Sat Jun 01, 2013 9:59 am
by Wandering Daisy
Because I want to avoid unnecessary searches on my behalf, I add a day or two to my permit and purposely tell those at home to expect me later than I really anticipate coming home. They know from experience that I stay out until my food is gone and often "squeeze" an extra day into a backpack trip. In fact, I do not think they would notify anyone unless I were 3 days late. I do plan in detail, leave it in writing, and include all my optional "add-ons" that I would take.

Unless someone calls you in as a missing person, the FS does not check trailheads (cars parked) and match permits unless they see a car parked there an inordinate amount of time. Which is why when I leave my car for an extended time, I always put a note in the window. When I did the SHR I left my car at North Lake for 25 days. There is not official "check out" for wilderness permits. If you think the FS will call in a rescue if you are a day late, you are mistaken.

Re: Changes Backpacking Habits

Posted: Sat Jun 01, 2013 10:12 am
by AlmostThere
I'm not talking about the FS.... they don't care much, obviously. They don't monitor trailheads much, don't patrol trails checking permits the way the parks do, and don't generally bother until someone calls them.

I hope you're not thinking that I am making assumptions. Just observations. There are many ways that searches start, and it depends upon the jurisdiction you're in. National Parks work differently.

Someone will notice you are gone, remember you mentioned the trip, and call. Unless you are a complete hobo without a soul to call a friend. The calls sometime have almost no details or information. In one instance the person was supposed to go to a coastal town, by car, the car was found at a powerhouse a week later by a worker, the plates were run, and a search initiated. The person was found... not a happy ending, but found. Puzzle pieces get put together.