HIKING THE NORTHVILLE /PLACID TRAIL
Tracking off the Grid
Joanne Hull| July 11, 2014
I admit, I’m not the avid hiker in the family however, some people very close to me are avid hikers and they’re planning to hike the Northville /Placid Trail. From Trail-head in Benson NY, to the final segment in the high peaks wilderness just outside of Lake Placid NY, they will be hiking approximately 133 miles. The last 50 miles of this trip are some of the most rugged, desolate (yet beautiful) areas in the Adirondack Park.
Translation…THEY WERE GOING OFF THE CONVENTIONAL GRID.
NO cell phone service and NO easy way to summon emergency help.
That said, and because these folks are very dear to me and probably because of the work that I do for a living in Emergency Management, I realized that I would not rest an easy night without knowing that they would be able to summon help in case of an accident or any other catastrophic event.
ENTER THE SPOT GEN 3—Satellite GPS Messenger
This hike will obviously take them beyond cell phone service. I wanted to know that they were okay during this two week adventure. It appears, from my research, that Spot Gen3 was just what I was looking for. A lifesaving line of communication. The “just in case factor” should they ever need emergency help. It works by pressing a button. SPOT sends your exact GPS location to an emergency response coordination center at the press of a button and, it can also send pre-set messages to stay in contact with your friends and family along the way to let them know all is well.
Translation….GPS TRACKING OFF THE GRID
NOT A BAD IDEA, RIGHT?
I’m sure that there are many other devices to choose from. Check them all out if you’re interested. However, here is the link below to the SPOT home page. I just purchased one last night. I hope I never have to use it.
It may be a little pricey however, if it works like it says it does, I think it may just be worth the cost the first time you ever have to press the SOS. That said, I hope I never have to find out!!