[pct-l] Cell Phones

[barbasper@xxxxxxxxxxx (Barb Asper)]

[ Converted text/html to text/plain ]

Agreed that we would like to get away from cell phones. I think I am moving
toward leaving it at home. First, I'd be roaming and paying $50/month. I guess
using a pay phone would save money. We use prepaid phone cards from Costo and
they're great! Thanks for all the input! Incidentally, as I mentioned, we ran
into people on the AT carrying cells, but never once heard one ring. They were
frowned upon by most as too civilized! But, if a person needs one or feels
more comfortable, I have nothing against it.

Thanks,

Granny
"If you can't feed a hundred people, then just feed one" -- Mother Theresa
>From: "dude"
>To: pct-l@backcountry.net
>Subject: Re: [pct-l] Cell Phones
>Date: Sat, 22 Mar 2003 14:39:16 -0500 (EST)
>
>--
>cell phones are one of the things that I look forward to getting away
>from when I hike. :-) out of coutesy to others, if you take one on
>the trail, please dont leave it on. It would really ruin the wonder
>of the back-country to hear a cell phone ringing. It would make the
>back country seem more like my office. i dont carry one, but i dont
>hike alone either.
>
>peace.
>dude
>
>
> > --
> > [ Picked text/plain from multipart/alternative ]
> > Cell phones are a toss-up; is the luxury worth the weight? I hike
> > alone and so carried one last summer from Tuolomne Meadows to
> > Castella and was not impressed. Reception was usually poor to
> > non-existent, except near major population areas (Tahoe) or way up
> > high where you have a straight shot to a distant repeater. The
> > desert sections of southern CA might be a different story as there
> > is nothing to block reception; the only question is how far away
> > is the repeater?
> >
> > At least in Central CA. AT&T supposedly has the most reliable
> > coverage of all the carriers. That will change in other areas.
> > I've seen 3 different cell services side-by-side atop Dick's Pass
> > west of Tahoe and only one could make a call. Surprisingly, there
> > was no service in or near Castella along I-5. The locals said it
> > is a known "dead area" and that AT&T is supposedly putting up a
> > tower there soon.
> >
> > Use re-chargeable lithium ion batteries; they last much longer.
> > Only turn your phone on when you need it. Don't leave your phone
> > on so others can reach you - use your provider's answering service
> > and check it periodically when you get up high. Put extra
> > batteries and/or your charger unit in your bouncer box.
> >
> > If you really feel you need reliable on-demand communication
> > capability, carry a satellite phone. They're heavy (16 oz) and
> > expensive ($1500 + monthly fees) but they work virtually anyplace.
> > I'm leaving mine home next time; a GPS is more useful and weighs
> > less. I can wait for a pay phone or a passing hiker in an
> > emergency.
> >
> > Wandering Bob
> >
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: Barb Asper
> > Sent: Saturday, March 22, 2003 6:32 AM
> > To: michaelgosnell@hotmail.com; pct-l@backcountry.net
> > Subject: Re: [pct-l] Snake Bite Kit
> >
> > [ Converted text/html to text/plain ]
> >
> > Sorry, Michael -- I forgot to 'REPLY ALL' on that last message.
> > Anyway, to repeat, How do you all feel about cell phones on the
> > PCT. We didn't carry one on the AT, but saw a lot of them, and
> > even borrowed one to make a call from a rocky mountain top late in
> > our hike. So, what is the concensus? How about reception? Thanks,
> >
> > Granny
> > _______________________________________________
> > PCT-L mailing list
> > PCT-L@mailman.backcountry.net
> > http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l
>
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