Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board 911 emergency beacon fails to save Sierra hiker

Well said and my sentiments exactly. (although, I do enjoy the voyeurism of watching those who own spot devices)

I carry these extra things because I enjoy having the extra documentation of my trips.

-Camera for photos.
-GPS / SPOT for tracking.
-Heart Rate Monitor to see how my body reacted to the situation.
-Phone (on occasion) to call loved ones. (It IS cool to say hi to friends and family from the boonies once in a while.)

I don't need these things, I WANT these things.

That's the point I was trying to make, but I used too many words. I guess I need to wait for you and then say "DITTO" .......................................DUG

I think what folks are trying to get at is there is an over reliance on technology and a devaluation of skills and wisdom. Richard's has got a large skill set to go along with electronic helpers whereas Joe Newbie has a cell phone and little skills and thinks the "Can you hear me now" network makes up for his rather large deficiency in skills and wisdom

I've always laughed at the signage at the Main Trail Trailhead. More weight equals a safer trip, don't count on being rescued on a trail that see upwards to 250 people/day and, by the way, bring a mobile phone, which doesn't work in most places on the trail. BTW, does on a call to 911 on the MMWT still end up at CHP in Barstow?

Richard, I had a similar experience Saturday. Note points 10, 11, and 12 on the map. I was on the Vernal Falls main trail during the time those were sent. 10 and 11 aren't off by much, but 12 is way off.