Cell phone effectiveness (was Re: [at-l] Trip report (Long but unusual en...

[DTimm65344@aol.com (DTimm65344@aol.com)]

I've heard lots of folks say that their cell phones only work sporadically or 
if they stand on one foot with an arm up in the air and they are chanting.  I 
have a significant other and a munchkin that like to hear from me when I hike 
so I carry a cell phone with me for quick calls home and emergencies 
(although I've had the same thought that it may only be useful when I truly 
need it as a hurled object at the bears).  It's off except when I make quick 
calls in to home base or, as in October, when I need to find a ride during an 
aborted hike.  It has worked everywhere I've tried it except in remote areas 
of WV (like the Allegheny Trail near Durbin).  I've used it on the AT at 
Springer, Hog Pen Gap, Standing Indian, Beech Gap, Mount Rogers, Gathland, 
Pine Knob, Lehigh Gap, etc.  I've also had it surprizingly work in remote 
areas of the George Washington NF on the VA/WV border (blew my mind).  Maybe 
it depends on your phone and the service you're on?  Don't know.  Just a 
thought.

Black&blue