Steve wrote on Apr 5^th, 2012 at 11:16pm:

Puckster wrote on Mar 16th, 2012 at 3:07am: I'm just curious, but what is the attraction to this technology?  Same question goes for weather radios, GPS, etc...  To me, part of the thrill of wilderness travel is going to a place where I am cut off from the modern world.  A little risk to me adds a bit of excitement to the trip.  I'm as inconsistent and hypocritical as hell, cuz I like to have a map, and I enjoy all the creature comforts of modern canoe camping. I suppose solo canoeing is another matter, or is it? prouboy I'm doing a 3 week solo this spring and a SPOT GPS Messenger was a must for my wife.  It's worth it to give her peace of mind.  Also found another use for it.  My trip is part of a sabbatical (I'm a pastor).  I'll hit my "I'm OK" button at every lake and campsite, which will plot me on a map.  A member of the congregation has volunteered to put my developing route on a map and post every other day to the web, allowing everyone to see progress (and part of this is for the per mile pledge people are making to support the church's ministries).  I have no use, however, for gps or anything else.  But I do take my kindle.  Saves me from lugging a bunch of books.

Ahoy Steve......welcome aboard as Old Salt would say.

For a little bit extra you could subscribe to the tracking feature on your SPOT and your people could watch your progress as well as your campsites in real time. Sort of neat.

Going through a few things last night and remembered to check out my SPOT. After all it did stay submerged for about 10 to 12 minutes in Lake Superior last year (fortunately I was in a back bay, not to cold). I am here to report all is well. No corrosion and the unit turned on no problem. Don't be afraid to wear it on your person, even in wet conditions. It will be there when you need it. Just slap it right on your belt. Otherwise when the rapids or a bear takes your bag you might not have it........Just my not so humble opinion (God's workin on me......progress is there but it is slow.......might take a lifetime  ;D ).