BWCA So the wife things I'm a bit nuts . . . SPOT and GPS Boundary Waters Group Forum: Solo Tripping
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      So the wife things I'm a bit nuts . . . SPOT and GPS     

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03/13/2012 04:52AM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
I've been travelling int the Bdub for a while now and my wife has always been fine with it. But now that I am thinking of going solo, she is really giving me grief with the "what ifs" . . . like "what if you get lost?" or "what if you get hurt?" or "what if a Bigfoot eats you?"

Now the first two I can deal with I think with help from some of you. If I were to get a GPS (to help with issue 1) what would you recommend. Do they come with sofware that covers the BWCA? I'm going to use EP 16 if that helps. I have a Garmin nuvi that I use in the car and just love, but never have had the need, or want really, to have one on a canoe trip. But if it puts my wife's mind to rest I'll spend the money.

Secondly, I'm thinking about renting a SPOT so I can send her a message and let her know that I'm still alive, and let her track where I'm going. I better not just basecamp or she will think I'm just lazy!

She hasn't asked about the Bigfoot yet . . . but she might.

Any help with any of these would really be appreciated.
 
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Minnesotian
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03/13/2012 05:24AM  
Hank,
Glad to hear yer going on a solo. They are fun.

For a GPS, I only bring one as a backup. Nothing beats a compass and an accurate map. I use a Garmin eTrex from a couple years ago. There are maps you can buy that will show the BW and all the portage spots.

As far as SPOT goes, I have had mixed results with them. The first time I rented one, it worked great. I had it on tracking so I could see my path once I got home, and I also sent a "I'm O.k." message to my girlfriend every night.
The second time I rented one, I was in Colorado, and it was acting up. The last night I was on the trail it wouldn't send a message, so i was freaking out that even though I was fine, my girlfriend would think something was wrong and send out the cavalry to save me. When I got home she hadn't freaked out but was going to call the rangers in the morning if I hadn't checked in.
Because of that situation, I will probably still rent a SPOT for my upcoming two week solo hike, but I will follow the adage "No news is Good News" and not report in every night saying that "I'm Ok."
 
shsylvester
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03/13/2012 07:08AM  
Hank, I'm in the exact same position. I've guided in the BWCA and Canada, have done 60+ trips combined between canoeing, backpacking, cycling, winter, etc. But now that I'm doing a solo this spring my wife wanted me to take a SPOT Messenger. At first it seemed like a needless hassle, but it will be nice to be able to have the route mapped (which, as I understand it, happens when you hit the "I'm OK" button. You don't get the auto tracking, but I can just send the message on every lake and I prefer not to spend an additional $50 just to see whether I was tracking straight!). I start my trip May 21, so between now and then I'll do some testing of the unit.
 
03/13/2012 08:04AM  
Tell your wife you are using the car GPS (she will never know you didn't have one and hopefully isn't savvy enough to know you cant actually use it). Take the SPOT because it is cool to send her signals. AND HAVE FUN!!!!
 
03/13/2012 08:37AM  
Yeah, I know what you mean, Hank. Why didn't she ask what happens if both of you get lost or if both of you get hurt? :). If you didn't need a GPS when there were two of you, why do you need one now? I've never even used my compass in the BW; I think it would be harder to get lost there than the woods around home.

I tell her that when I go solo, it's true there's no one to talk me out of doing something stupid, but there's no one to talk me into it, either. But for some reason, my wife thinks I'm the stupid half of any pair :). What about you.

I do carry a PLB to put her mind (and mine) a little more at ease.

 
03/13/2012 08:41AM  
Thanks for all the feedback.

Yea I will get the spot. I found a place online where you can rent one for $69 for two weeks. I'd like to play around with it a bit at home before I go on my solo. The fee covers the activation and all that. I don't know if you are allowed to post websites here so I'm not going to, but it is the first hit if you google "spot rental".
I just have to remember to tell my wife not to freak out if she doesn't get a signal from me as the technology is a bit iffy.

shsylvester, are you going up to catch lakers? The water is surely cold in May. Where are you going?

I like the way you think bumabu!
 
03/13/2012 08:48AM  
boonie,

I'm sure she doubts my intelligence since I want to do something crazy like going out into the wilderness by myself. All her friends thinks so! and they wouldn't let their husbands do something like that. Let? hummmmm

I take a map and compass with me and know how to use them. I'm an Assistant Scoutmaster and teach kids how to do orienteering, but she thinks I can't find a portage I guess. I'm going up the Moose river in June . . . I'm sure I could probably find SOMEONE to ask directions if I get hopelessly lost on my way to Lac La Croix.

I'll check out some PLBs. I'm sure she would rather me get a sat. phone, but I'm not going down that rabbit hole.
 
03/13/2012 10:04AM  
My wife is used to it now, but she was pretty worried on my first solo and at the time there was no such thing as a Spot. I still don't carry one, but I also stick to more popular routes.

I do carry a GPS, but more for fun than navigation. I picked up an older Garmin eTrex off eBay and then downloaded all the necessary maps for free from GPS File Depot. It works great and it did help me find a portage that I paddled past 3 times. Join the private forum on this website called GPS for more info.

Jim
 
shsylvester
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03/13/2012 10:13AM  
quote Hank: "Thanks for all the feedback.


Yea I will get the spot. I found a place online where you can rent one for $69 for two weeks. I'd like to play around with it a bit at home before I go on my solo. The fee covers the activation and all that. I don't know if you are allowed to post websites here so I'm not going to, but it is the first hit if you google "spot rental".
I just have to remember to tell my wife not to freak out if she doesn't get a signal from me as the technology is a bit iffy.


shsylvester, are you going up to catch lakers? The water is surely cold in May. Where are you going?


I like the way you think bumabu!
"


I'm just barely a fisherman, Hank. I lucked in to Lakers once on a Quetico trip, but that's my one and only experience with them. I'll fish a bit, but only for the occasional dinner.
I'm heading up early because of timing. I'm a pastor in the Twin Cities and I have a sabbatical funded through the Lilly Endowment. My solo is in the BWCA May 21 through June 12, then a friend is meeting me on Sag and we'll do two weeks in the Quetico. After that it's back home and five weeks with my wife and boys to the southwest (Santa Fe and Grand Canyon), west (wine country and up the coast) and to Alaska for a few weeks. Then back home mid August for my wife to start back as school (she's a speech pathologist), but I have two more weeks to put a few windows int he house. It's going to be quite a summer.
 
03/13/2012 12:53PM  
I'm all for bringing a GPS and some type of electronic signalling device with on a solo trip. I bring maps and a compass too for I don't believe you can have too much navigation equipment. The problem I have with your setup is that darn SPOT device. I do not have one so I'm only speaking from what I've read from other sources and on these forums but they don't seem to be the most reliable units around. That and their customer service is said by some to be very marginal at best. Maybe rent a satellite phone instead so you can make direct contact with someone. At least for the first couple of solo's she will be less worried if she can speak with you directly...

 
03/13/2012 03:03PM  
I did my first solo canoe trip last summer and did not bring a SPOT but wish I had. Unlike most trips when I have no desire to communicate with the outside world, in this case I did want to let my loved one know I was fine. Different people are different, but if you're like me, you'll end up liking having it in addition to the comfort it brings your wife.

 
03/13/2012 03:16PM  
my wife actually hated following the SPOT...she didnt like knowing how far in i really was. it worried her more than not knowing would have.

she trusts me and knows i can handle things just fine. a plb does come along though...a device of last resort.

just maps/compass for navigation.
 
shsylvester
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03/13/2012 04:31PM  
quote kanoes: "my wife actually hated following the SPOT...she didnt like knowing how far in i really was. it worried her more than not knowing would have.


she trusts me and knows i can handle things just fine. a plb does come along though...a device of last resort.


just maps/compass for navigation."


Well, it's not a matter of my wife not trusting me. She knows I can handle myself, but she's also not ignorant enough to think there aren't things that can happen that I can't handle.
 
03/13/2012 04:38PM  
i was only stating my situation...not commenting on anyone elses.
 
shsylvester
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03/13/2012 05:47PM  
quote kanoes: "i was only stating my situation...not commenting on anyone elses."


And I'm stating that there are things even the most experienced of us can't handle. To think otherwise is hubris.
 
03/13/2012 05:56PM  
quote shsylvester: "
quote kanoes: "i was only stating my situation...not commenting on anyone elses."



And I'm stating that there are things even the most experienced of us can't handle. To think otherwise is hubris. "

other than a major medical (which none of us solos have control over)...i can handle anything. preparation and common sense are the tools i use. im not trying to be arrogant here, just factual.
 
03/13/2012 06:08PM  
Both in one package, Delorme In Reach and PN60

Personally I carry a PN40se and a PLB. The GPS to record the trip route (I navigate with compass and maps), PLB for emergency response (my wife doesn't want to know where I am, just that I will come home).

butthead
 
03/13/2012 06:17PM  
quote shsylvester: "
quote kanoes: "i was only stating my situation...not commenting on anyone elses."



And I'm stating that there are things even the most experienced of us can't handle. To think otherwise is hubris. "



Did you notice that kanoes caries a PLB?

butthead
 
03/14/2012 02:33AM  
quote butthead: "
quote shsylvester: "
quote kanoes: "i was only stating my situation...not commenting on anyone elses."




And I'm stating that there are things even the most experienced of us can't handle. To think otherwise is hubris. "




Did you notice that kanoes caries a PLB?


butthead"


How much are plb's? It stands for personal locator beacon right?
 
03/14/2012 03:11AM  
 
georgiaphisherman
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03/14/2012 05:24PM  
I was in a similar situation last year when I went on my first solo. After all of the guys who were suppose to go backed out, I decided instead of canceling the trip to go solo. My wife wasn't exactly excited about the idea, so I purchased a PLB to ease her mind. I didn't go with the SPOT, because I wanted one that sent a stronger signal (in the event that I actually needed it). My understanding is that the SPOT sends a emergency signal at 1/10th the strength of a dedicated PLB. Long story short, my wife is now 6 1/2 months pregnant, so I won't be using my PLB anytime soon. You are more than welcome to borrow it and save yourself the money. If interested just PM.
 
03/15/2012 02:09AM  
My wife had similar concerns. I rented a Spot for a couple solos. She really liked getting the daily 'I'm OK' and seeing where I was on the map. I bought one two years ago. It makes both of us feel a little more secure.

I bought a Garmin GPS at work (Gander Mountain) a year ago. It's an etrex venture hc and I got it really cheap. For what I paid for it it's ok, but now I would never again buy one that didn't have the sd card. If you get a hand held GPS you can do a little geoaching for practice before you go out into the wilds.

I'm an old map and compass guy so it wasn't a high priority item.
 
yellowcanoe
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03/16/2012 05:25AM  
SPOT is for family,
PLB for you
GPS for fun though handy if you are seeking a route where there are no maintained portages.

I carry all three. And sometimes a marine radio. It all depends on my situation. Which might not be your situation.
 
03/16/2012 04:03PM  
Hank...First off NICE MERLIN Cedar Strip canoe (envious)
I did my 1st solo 2010, second 2011.
I took a sat phone, but a spot would have worked.
I will get a PLB. I think a person should have one.
But, I called home every day at 6 pm for 5 minutes.
Cost a couple hundred bucks, but it put my wife at ease.
Everyone thinks solo trippers are fricking nuts...but solo trippers
She will get over it eventually.
SunCatcher
 
billconner
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03/17/2012 04:11AM  
Well, I've been an advocate in the past for keeping my wife assured but just now discussed this thread and issue with my wife over coffee and she decided that "the old way" of just having an exit date is better. I still like the option of being able to send an "I'm ok but can't travel" to allow a non crisis assist, and having the 911 option, but reevaluating the "I'm OK" use.
 
03/17/2012 04:41AM  
quote BillConner01: "Well, I've been an advocate in the past for keeping my wife assured but just now discussed this thread and issue with my wife over coffee and she decided that "the old way" of just having an exit date is better. I still like the option of being able to send an "I'm ok but can't travel" to allow a non crisis assist, and having the 911 option, but reevaluating the "I'm OK" use."


That would be a pretty cool benefit of this board if we got some volunteers to be like on standby for a possible "I'm ok but can't travel" signal for the BW. Like I'm both a First Responder and Wilderness first Responder and know what it's like to drop everything to respond. I'd be up for something like that. In fact, if you use your spot and have that option and I happen to not be out paddling already :) I'd drop everything to come and help ya. I'm pretty much two hours from the BW's western side.

When are ya goin in Hank?
 
shsylvester
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03/17/2012 04:58AM  
quote nctry: "
quote BillConner01: "Well, I've been an advocate in the past for keeping my wife assured but just now discussed this thread and issue with my wife over coffee and she decided that "the old way" of just having an exit date is better. I still like the option of being able to send an "I'm ok but can't travel" to allow a non crisis assist, and having the 911 option, but reevaluating the "I'm OK" use."



That would be a pretty cool benefit of this board if we got some volunteers to be like on standby for a possible "I'm ok but can't travel" signal for the BW. Like I'm both a First Responder and Wilderness first Responder and know what it's like to drop everything to respond. I'd be up for something like that. In fact, if you use your spot and have that option and I happen to not be out paddling already :) I'd drop everything to come and help ya. I'm pretty much two hours from the BW's western side.


When are ya goin in Hank?"
.

This is such a great use of social networking. Kudos to you for your willingness to do this. I'm heading in from the west on May 21 for a three week solo with a spot messenger. I'd be pleased to be able to contact you with a "not dying, but can't travel" message.
 
03/17/2012 07:06AM  
My wife actually brings it up... "are you goning on a solo this year?". "why only six days?". I like to think she doesn't worry because she knows I am careful. At times i wonder if it's that she knows how much insurance I carry and figures I can be replaced...

I take map, compass and gps. You can get maps for the BWCA but I never got any with a device they were always extra. There are some free ones on the Internet but Ive not been impressed. There are gpx files with campsite and portage info. Garmin has good topo maps for the area but they don't show campsites and only some portages.

I do plot routes but don't always quite follow them. I use the gps more just to be sure of where I am than anything else. It has set me straight on a couple occasions.
 
03/21/2012 04:10AM  
Thanks Everyone for you input!

I'm getting excited about he coming June trip. Now I have to seriously work on getting my gear weight down to something manageable. I just take too much stuff.

I have managed to got a low weight tent at about 4 lbs, a down 30 degree bag and a thermarest prolite pad. Now need to work on the fishing gear and all the miscellaneous stuff that I tend to lug along.
 
shsylvester
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03/21/2012 04:21AM  
quote Hank: "Thanks Everyone for you input!


I'm getting excited about he coming June trip. Now I have to seriously work on getting my gear weight down to something manageable. I just take too much stuff.


I have managed to got a low weight tent at about 4 lbs, a down 30 degree bag and a thermarest prolite pad. Now need to work on the fishing gear and all the miscellaneous stuff that I tend to lug along."


I hear you. I've trimmed things down pretty well, but I still always manage to take too much food. This summer I'm going to be very OC about the food I pack. And since I'm going early in the season and will be fishing (and not being a "real" fisherman -- i.e. I fish only on trail -- I don't bring much by way of tackle) i'm going to plan on eating fish two or three times a week (I'll be out for five) and will pack food accordingly.
 
markaroberts
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03/27/2012 06:14PM  
I have been modifying my "ditch kit" for some time now. I finally went with the idea that in a true emergency. . .as in I lost my boat. . .I want the important stuff on me.

I now use a Kokatat (never can spell that) PDF with the attacheable gear bag on back. In addition to surival gear I carry a marine radio, SPOT, GPS and compass. And if I ever push the "911" button, I also carry a flare gun, signal mirror and very small air horn. PDF also has a strobe attached to it.

Its not enough just getting them to your "general area". . .they have to find YOU.
 
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