MT -

Just as Dorothy told Toto that they "weren't in Kansas anymore," going through parts of WCP ain't like being in Quetico anymore, either.  Your smart move was to carry that SPOT Messenger.  My three-person Irvine Lake bushwhack party might well have been approaching a SPOT Messenger moment during OUR 2010 WCP adventure (someday Stu & the BWJ will get around to actually publishing the story of our mishap!).  Alas, we'll never know as: a) serendipity kicked in before we truly screwed ourselves over, and b) we didn't bring a SPOT Messenger along in the first place.

Your story is important: there but for the grace of God, go I.

At a very basic level - that of NEEDING help when it ain't around - your having the good sense to carry that tool saved a bad situation from becoming a horrible one.  As for me, I can't count on "luck" to bail me out every time I bite off more than I can chew... especially as I become an old fart while my appetite for northern adventure only seems to grow.  Your story may seal the deal (especially if my wife reads it!) for my Xmas Wish List.  It will likely include a SPOT Messenger this year.

Thanks for sharing your experience & good luck with the rehab.

Jimbo   8-)