Re: [Philmont]: GPS

I have been told that calling 911 from atop most of the peaks in
Philmont will usually get you a 911 center in southern Colorado,
probably Trinidad or Walsenburg. That's not very helpful unless you
only need to be "talked through" a semi-emergency situation.

Assuming you can get a usuable cell signal from wherever you are
calling, the proper number to call is Philmont Base Camp. Either
memorize the number (505/376-2281), or better input it in the phone
directory, or write it down somewhere on the cell phone.

Remember, other than mountaintops and a few ridgelines, 90 percent of
Philmont has no usable cell signal. And the last time I checked, there
were no plans to enhance the view on top of Black Mountain or Cito Peak
by installing a cell tower there. This is why they teach you the
standard emergency procedures of sending a group of four to the nearest
staff camp for assistance - all staff camps now have radio
communications with Basecamp. If you can get a cell signal, great, go
ahead and call Basecamp. But never rely on a cell phone to get you
help. And whatever you do, never send your help group to the top of a
mountain looking for a cell signal, rather than sending them to a staff
camp. There's probably only a very few spots on any of the trails at
Philmont where you're more than 4 hours from a staff camp, and most
spots are within 2 hours.

- Dr. Bob

SIHIWI@aol.com wrote:
> In a message dated 2/6/2006 11:07:56 A.M. Central Standard Time,
> bill55@comcast.net writes:
>
> The ability to "Call 911" is cold comfort when such aid can be hours
> away.
>
> NEVER call 911 from Philmont. If you are so inclined to carry a cell
> phone, you MUST call only the number they give you at Advisors coffee.
> 911 can be captured by any number of cells, and will cause many more
> problems than solutions. Just thought I would "nip this in the bud."
> Not even sure the poster meant to give that impression. My 2 cents.
>
> YIP X 7
> 1993, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2003, 2005
> IWTGBTP (but probably won't be able) ;+(
> Steve Unger
> T-50, Fort Worth, Texas

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Received on Tue Feb 7 05:47:59 2006