I am just a few days out from a trip and went to make sure my ancient SPOT locator was currently renewed.  I noticed a new offering with the SPOTX which allows for a flex plan of sorts with additional options for messages.

Anyone know anything good or bad about this system? 

The yearly membership of my current one has always annoyed me because I only use it a couple of weeks per year.

Thanks,

MossBack

Have a great and safe trip MB  [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

MB, are you going solo?  I remember you talking about the Man Chain.  What's your route like?

ST, thanks for the well wishes.

Tom T,  your memory is correct about the Man Chain, but that was my solo last September.  The upcoming is a regular every other year group of four.  We have some walking wounded this year , so we are base camping a bit North of Silver Falls.  Hopefully we can at least make some day trips so we will feel like we have been somewhere.

If my memory serves me, you were in the process of buying a new Swift Shearwater?  Do you have it yet?

Regards,

MossBack

Here is the link to the SpotX, I forgot to include it with the original message.

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MossBack

Wouldn't it be cheaper just to rent a SAT-PHONE,
and split the cost among your paddling partner/group?

Call one significant other and let them call everyone else.

ST,

When we are a group of 4, I tend toward some redundant emergency gear if the weight/space penalty is not too high.  When we all crossed the 60 age line with some new ailments, we started using a SPOT locator.  Family can see where we are, and  it has the $10,000 button that gives coordinates if there is real trouble.  We have also started renting a sat phone as well, splitting the two devices up between the two canoes so each has some kind of communication.

We have also determined kitchen passes are easier to come by if there is an occasional call home so we can be made aware of any current drama.   The down side is we have to hear about the current drama we are trying to briefly escape from.

Yes,  I know it is overkill, but we still get to make the trips.

MossBack

Quote:

The down side is we have to hear about the current drama we are trying to briefly escape from.

You married guy's crack me up!  ;) ;D ;D

ST,  Count your blessings.  Most of the rest of us can only live vicariously through the adventures of others who are more fortunate. That is why everyone loved your trip report, the only drama was created willingly by yourself, not something inflicted on you by others against your will.   I am very envious of your long solos without the kitchen pass that many of us have to pay installments on all year long.

Mossback

MB,

I hope the blessing's of being married outweigh the negatives?
Most of my friends are married, the majority on their 2nd ones, a few on their 3rd.  :o ;D

One thing I notice being the single guy is that when their wives want to go on a girls outing, they just go and tell them NOT to call/text them unless it's a REAL emergency because they want to get AWAY from the drama for awhile.

When the guys want to get away, the REAL drama starts. It's almost impossible to plan a trip because the wives have a "problem" with almost every scenario.

I just laugh and make THIS sound.   (You need to Login or Register

My buddies are amused, the wives NOT so much.  ;) ;D ;D